Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has pardoned Scott Smith, a father who was convicted of disorderly conduct after protesting against the sexual assault of his daughter and the school's attempt to cover it up. Youngkin described the incident as a miscarriage of justice and emphasized the importance of parents having the final say in their children's education. Smith's daughter was sexually assaulted by a biological male in a school restroom, and Youngkin praised Smith for standing up for his child. The governor also criticized the school superintendent for covering up the incident and is taking action against schools that fail to inform parents about their child's gender confusion.

In addition to the pardon, Youngkin addressed rumors about a potential presidential run. While he did not make any commitments, he did not rule out the possibility of joining the Republican presidential primary. However, his focus remains on addressing issues related to education and parental rights in Virginia.

The arrest and conviction of Smith sparked a national conversation about school choice and parental rights. Conservative media used the sexual assault case to promote anti-transgender talking points. Governor Youngkin campaigned on these issues, promising to prioritize parents' concerns. Smith expressed relief at the pardon, stating that what happened to him should never have occurred and that receiving a fair trial is difficult in today's America.

The pardon of Scott Smith reflects Governor Youngkin's commitment to parental empowerment and his promise to prioritize the concerns of parents in Virginia. It also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding parental involvement in education and the rights of parents to advocate for their children's safety and well-being. The case sheds light on the influence of conservative media in shaping public discourse and political campaigns.