RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed 11 executive actions on his Inauguration Day, including ones banning critical race theory in public education, appointing an entirely new parole board, ending mandates on masks in schools and COVID-19 vaccines for state employees.

But questions remain on whether the new governor has the authority to implement such changes with executive orders, specifically the ban on critical race theory. The new governor’s orders could also face legal challenges that prevent Youngkin from moving forward.

A release from Youngkin’s office lays out the first 11 executive actions he signed after being sworn into office on Saturday. Among them are orders that fulfill promises the Republican political newcomer made while on the campaign trail.

The first one signed by Youngkin would end “the use of divisive concepts, including Critical Race Theory, and to raise academic standards” in public education. Critical race theory, an academic framework based on the idea that racism is systemic and is perpetuated in society, was one of the main issues during the heated election cycle.

Despite concerns from parents and Youngkin’s order to block it, the Virginia Department of Education said repeatedly that critical race theory is not part of the commonwealth’s K-12 curriculum.

Youngkin also signed an order that rescinds the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for state workers put in place by former Gov. Ralph Northam. The new governor also reversed a rule...

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