L. Jameel Shaheer

Non-Partisan | Virginia

Candidate Profile

Leans Liberal

BIOGRAPHY

Name

L. Jameel Shaheer


Party

Non-Partisan


Election Year

2024


Election

General


Race

Chesapeake City Public Schools School Board, At-Large Seat


Incumbent

No


Links

L. Jameel Shaheer websitesL. Jameel Shaheer phones L. Jameel Shaheer emailFacebookFacebookXInstagramLinkedIn

EDUCATION

dillard university, new orleans, BA, 1995

delgado comm college, new orleans, AA, 2012

Liberty university, Lynchburg, Mpa, 2025

WORK & MILITARY

us air force, e3, 2

AFFILIATIONS

phi beta sigma, dir of BBB, dillard alumni assoc - nola

dir of membership, griffin lodge #264

Naacp, Economic development chair

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

(Candidate did not provide)

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

Louisiana State Representative, 2019

Race

Previous Races

ENDORSEMENTS

LIBERAL (2)

Vote Vets

Chesapeake Democratic Committee

REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (3)

Chesapeake Democratic Committee

VoteVets

Elizabeth River Retired Educators

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS


LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (4)

ActBlue (2024)

Local, County, and District Democratic Organizations (2024)

John Bel Edwards (2019)

Outfront Media (2019)

RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)

SELECTED FINANCIAL SOURCE DOCUMENTS

Campaign Finance Report (from Virginia State Board of Elections) - Reporting Period: 04/01/2024 to 06/06/2024

Selected contributions/expenditures:

Campaign Finance Report (from Virginia State Board of Elections) - Reporting Period: 07/01/2024 to 08/31/2024

Please note: This information was received by iVoterGuide after panel evaluations occurred and is for educational purposes only.

Campaign Finance Report (from Virginia State Board of Elections) - Reporting Period: 09/01/2024 to 09/30/2024

Please note: This information was received by iVoterGuide after panel evaluations occurred and is for educational purposes only.

OTHER INFORMATION

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.

Agree

I firmly believe that human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death. Every human being, from the moment of conception, possesses inherent dignity and the right to life. This fundamental right should be safeguarded through all phases of existence, ensuring that every individual is treated with the respect and protection they deserve.

What role should the school serve in helping a student with an unwanted or crisis pregnancy?

Schools should play a supportive and resourceful role in helping a student with an unwanted or crisis pregnancy. Here are several key areas where schools can provide assistance: Emotional and Psychological Support Counseling Services: Peer Support Groups: Educational Support Flexible Scheduling: Tutoring and Academic Assistance: Health and Medical Services Access to Healthcare: School Nurse: Legal and Informational Resources Legal guidance: resource coordination Social and Financial Support Social Services: Community Partnership Creating a Supportive Environment Non-Discrimination Policies Awareness and Training By providing comprehensive support, schools can help ensure that these students have the resources and support they need.


ECONOMY

Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.

Agree

Together, free enterprise and private property rights create an environment where individuals and businesses can thrive, innovate, and contribute to a vibrant and productive economic system. This combination is foundational to the success of market economies, fostering growth, innovation, and prosperity.

What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?

I support government funding of public education from Pre-K through college. Benefits Equal Opportunity: Govt funding promotes equal opportunity, ensuring that education is accessible to all. Investing in education at all levels contributes to long-term economic health by creating a more skilled, innovative, and adaptable workforce. Educated individuals are more likely to engage in civic activities, volunteer, and contribute positively to their communities.


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Teachers should be required to instruct students on mandated curriculum even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

Disagree

Freedom of Conscience: Teachers, like all individuals, have the right to their own moral and religious beliefs. Requiring them to teach content that directly conflicts with those beliefs can be seen as a violation of their personal freedoms. Moral Integrity: Forcing teachers to teach content they find morally objectionable can create significant personal and professional conflict, potentially affecting their well-being and effectiveness as educators.


EDUCATION

Abortion and gender-affirming providers, including Planned Parenthood, should be a resource for instruction or services in the school.

Neutral

The inclusion of abortion and gender-affirming providers, such as Planned Parenthood, as resources for instruction or services in schools is a topic that elicits diverse opinions. The decision to involve abortion and gender-affirming providers in schools should consider the diverse perspectives of the community, the importance of comprehensive health education, and the need to respect parental rights and beliefs.

Consistent discipline creates a safe and orderly environment, which is essential for student learning.

Agree

Consistent discipline is crucial for creating a safe and orderly environment, which is essential for student learning. Consistent discipline is a key factor in creating a conducive learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By maintaining clear and fair rules, schools can ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive setting.

Do you believe print and digital material available or presented to students should be easily accessible for public review, including those without children enrolled in school?

Yes

Ensuring that print and digital materials used in schools are accessible for public review, can enhance transparency and community trust. Such accessibility allows for greater community involvement in the educational process and helps ensure that the content aligns with shared values and educational standards. However, it’s important to balance this with the need to protect student privacy and ensure that materials are used in context, providing a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum

Educators should give students a thorough education in America's founding documents and cultivate American patriotism.

Agree

Educators should teach students about America's founding documents—to deepen their understanding of the nation's principles and governance. This education fosters critical thinking, civic engagement, and informed patriotism, encouraging students to appreciate their heritage while also recognizing the need for progress. By emphasizing these shared values, schools help build a unified national identity, preparing students to be active, responsible citizens who contribute to the strength and future

I support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Strongly Agree

I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.

Strongly Disagree

Eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities could lead to significant disparities in educational quality and access across the country. The federal oversight provided by the Department ensures a consistent standard of education, helps protect the rights of all students, and provides critical funding to underserved areas. Without this national coordination, states with fewer resources may struggle to provide the same level of education.

Please list in order the following priorities in relation to the role of a K-12 public school (omitting any that do not apply): American History, Art & Music, Civics, Critical Race Theory, Foreign Language, Gender Identity, Information Technology, Language Arts, Mathematics, Personal Finances, Physical Fitness, Political Activism, Science, Sexuality, Social Emotional Learning, Vocational Learning

ordered list of priorities, focusing on foundational academic subjects, essential life skills, and holistic development: Mathematics Language Arts Science Civics American History Information Technology Personal Finances Social Emotional Learning Physical Fitness Vocational Learning Foreign Language Art & Music The following topics are more specialized and typically handled with specific approaches: Gender Identity Sexuality Critical Race Theory Political Activism

The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child instead of the bureaucracy, through a program which allows parents the freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.

Neutral

In theory, the idea of funding education by allowing dollars to follow the child offers a promising way to empower parents with the freedom to choose the best educational path for their children, whether it's public, private, or homeschool. This approach could encourage competition among schools, potentially driving improvements in quality and innovation. in reality, this system can be flawed, as it may exacerbate inequities by diverting resources from already underfunded public schools

Which should students have: equity of outcomes or equality of opportunities?

Students should have equality of opportunities. This means that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have access to the same high-quality education, resources, and support systems needed to succeed. Equality of opportunities allows all students to compete on a level playing field, giving them the chance to reach their full potential based on their efforts and abilities. While equity of outcomes aims to ensure everyone achieves the same results.

Which type of written parental consent should be obtained before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE)? (A) Opt-In. (B) Opt-Out. (C) None.

(A) Opt-In. This approach ensures that parents are actively informed about the content of the course


VALUES

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

As a Muslim who follows Al-Islam, my spiritual beliefs are centered on the oneness of God (Allah), who is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. I believe in the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of my faith: the declaration of faith (Shahada), daily prayers (Salah), fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm), giving to charity (Zakat), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) if able. My values are guided by the teachings of the Quran and the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing compassion, justice, humility, and the importance of community. I strive to live a life of integrity, moral conduct, and service to others, seeking to please Allah and contribute positively to society.

Who is responsible for teaching sexual education to children, and what is the appropriate age when it should be taught?

Sexual education for children is typically the responsibility of both parents and schools. Parents play a crucial role in providing foundational knowledge and values within the context of the family’s beliefs and cultural norms. Schools, on the other hand, often provide formal sexual education as part of the curriculum, ensuring that all students receive accurate and comprehensive information. The appropriate age for introducing sexual education varies based on developmental stages and educational standards. Generally: Early Childhood (Ages 3-6): Basic concepts about body parts, personal boundaries, and respect for oneself and others. Elementary School (Ages 7-10): Introduction to human development, the differences between boys and girls, and the basics of puberty. Middle School (Ages 11-13): More detailed information about puberty, reproduction, relationships, and the basics of sexual health and safety. High School (Ages 14-18): Comprehensive education on sexual health, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), consent, and healthy relationships. The aim is to provide age-appropriate, accurate information that helps students make informed decisions and promotes their overall well-being.

If you support the teaching of Sex Ed, please answer the following question: Sexual education should include these topics (list all that apply and add your own, if needed) -- abortion methods and side effects; abstinence; consent; contraceptive methods; human anatomy/the reproductive system; physical and emotional health outcomes; sex acts and pleasures of sex; sexual orientation and gender identity; stages of pregnancy and fetal development

If supporting the teaching of sexual education, the curriculum should include the following topics to ensure comprehensive understanding and promote informed decision-making: Abstinence: Teaching about abstinence as a valid and important choice for sexual health. Consent: Emphasizing the importance of mutual consent in all sexual activities. Contraceptive Methods: Providing information on various contraceptive options and their effectiveness. Human Anatomy/The Reproductive System: Educating about human reproductive anatomy and physiology. Physical and Emotional Health Outcomes: Discussing the potential physical and emotional impacts of sexual activity and relationships. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: Providing information about different sexual orientations and gender identities to promote understanding and respect. Stages of Pregnancy and Fetal Development: Teaching about the stages of pregnancy and the development of the fetus. Additional topics to consider: Sexual Health and Hygiene: Addressing the importance of sexual health practices and hygiene. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Providing information on prevention, symptoms, and treatment of STIs. Healthy Relationships: Discussing characteristics of healthy vs. unhealthy relationships and communication skills. These topics help provide a well-rounded education that supports students in making informed and responsible choices regarding their sexual health and relationships.

Children have a right to reach maturity without chemical or surgical castration, which would damage their healthy bodies through surgeries and may cause a life-long dependence on cross-sex hormones.

Agree

Children have the right to be protected from sexual grooming (including drag shows and explicit materials) in schools and libraries.

Neutral

Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman essential to the formation and sustaining of a civil and prosperous society.

Neutral

Parents have the fundamental right to raise their child in accordance with their beliefs and values, including the right to make decisions about the child's education and healthcare.

Neutral

Parents should have full and timely access to any and all records, including school and medical records, associated with their minor children.

Disagree


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree


EQUALITY

Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.

Agree


ABOUT YOU

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.

no

Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.

no

I voted in these primaries and general elections:

2014 General Election 2016 General Election 2018 General Election 2020 General Election 2022 General Election

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?

Lean Liberal


2ND AMENDMENT

Faculty who are licensed to carry and have had ongoing training should be allowed to carry guns at school in order to respond to an active shooter situation.

Strongly Disagree

Not their job, there should be no firearms in schools


OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES

In the event of a pandemic, school districts can mandate whatever health precautions they deem necessary (including masks and vaccines) to protect students and staff.

Neutral

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I agree to receive text messages at the phone number provided.