Virginia school board appointee ousted after she said socialism was ‘very destructive’ 

A Virginia Board of Education nominee, who championed ‘traditional American values,’ was removed a week after declaring socialism is ‘as bad as communism’ in a spat with another member. 

Suparna Dutta, of Fairfax, was one week away from being confirmed to her seat on the Virginia Board of Education after she was appointed by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, 56, when she disputed a claim made by her fellow board member last week. 

Board member Anne Holton – who is married to Democratic Senator Tim Kaine – said she was ‘uncomfortable’ calling the ‘Declaration of Independence and Constitution as remarkable documents without also acknowledging that they contain fundamental flaws.’ 

Holton went on to say that the documents ‘enshrine slavery’ and ‘limited the protections that they provided for white, propertied men.’ She declared that communism is not ‘compatible with democracy,’ despite many countries declaring themselves to have socialist democratic governments. 

However, Dutta remarked that she believed ‘socialism is just as bad as communism,’ as it dominates many parts of the world.’

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Suparna Dutta, of Fairfax, was one week away from being confirmed to her seat on the Virginia Board of Education after she was appointed by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, 56, when she disputed a claim made by her fellow board member last week 

‘Socialism is like the nanny state, which predominates in so many parts of the world,’ she said at the meeting. ‘It co-ops the important decisions belonging to families and individuals. 

‘I come from a country [India] which used to be more socialistic now than it is now, but it creates dearth dependency and depression.’ 

Dutta told Fox News afterward that she ‘believes that socialism is very destructive’ and she thinks ‘giving people their freedoms in every way makes for better citizenry.’ 

‘Somebody had to jump in and challenge that viewpoint,’ she told Fox. ‘America is great. America’s founding documents are great. And I do believe that socialism is very destructive, coming from a country which was founded as a socialist country. 

Dutta (far left) defended the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution after Anne Holton (far right) said she was 'uncomfortable' calling the documents remarkable without also acknowledging that they contain fundamental flaws'

Dutta (far left) defended the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution after Anne Holton (far right) said she was ‘uncomfortable’ calling the documents remarkable without also acknowledging that they contain fundamental flaws’ 

Dutta believes 'socialism is very destructive' and that 'America won't be great if it isn't allowed to keep its independent streak'

Dutta believes ‘socialism is very destructive’ and that ‘America won’t be great if it isn’t allowed to keep its independent streak’

‘Being allowed to decide things for ourselves rather than the government, you know, America won’t be great if it isn’t allowed to keep its independent streak.’ 

Her nomination was removed by Senator Ghazala Hashmi in a last-minute amendment, accusing Dutta of expressing the belief that ‘racism was not a factor in American history.’ 

In addition, the Virginia Grassroots Coalition labeled Dutta a ‘far-right extremist’ and claimed she was ‘not qualified’ for the role due to previous remarks she had made about branding slavery and racism as ‘questionable concepts,’ according to the campaign. 

Dutta has denied the allegations. 

Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed her to the seat and said he was 'appalled' they withdrew her nomination. 'Democrats are repeating loudly their clear beliefs: parents don¿t matter...Virginians deserve so much better,' he said in a statement

Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed her to the seat and said he was ‘appalled’ they withdrew her nomination. ‘Democrats are repeating loudly their clear beliefs: parents don’t matter…Virginians deserve so much better,’ he said in a statement

Governor Youngkin, who was ‘appalled’ by the decision, defended his nominee, saying in a statement that they booted her on claims a ‘public school parent isn’t qualified to serve on the Board of Education.

‘She is a mother and advocate for parents’ rights, she is an immigrant and an advocate for Asian American rights, she is an engineer and advocate for STEM in education.

‘She is not only qualified, she epitomizes parental involvement in our schools and we need her voice on our Board of Education,’ he continued. ‘Democrats are repeating loudly their clear beliefs: parents don’t matter…Virginians deserve so much better.’ 

Dutta said she was ‘very disappointed to not be confirmed.’ 

‘I thought people celebrated the diversity, whether its diversity of thought, diversity of viewpoint, or diversity of the many characteristics,’ she told Fox News. ‘I am shocked. I thought such tactics were reserved for – not for America, [but] for other countries.’