America First Legal has opened an investigation into Fairfax County Public Schools after guidance for teaching the 9/11 attacks advised teachers not to associate the attacks with Islam or Muslims, or “centre the extremists”. The group is seeking information about who wrote and approved the guidance, and whether outside organisations helped develop it, arguing that the district should provide greater transparency.

The six-page guide, published on 27 August and edited on 31 August, warned that lessons could stigmatise Muslim and Middle Eastern pupils. It encouraged teachers to prepare for anti-Muslim rhetoric, create safe spaces and challenge bias, while the district said terrorists’ actions should not define an entire faith or community. Superintendent Michelle Reid condemned the attacks and said FCPS was reviewing its materials following community feedback, but the district did not identify the guide’s authors or approvers.