Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Education
 
Board
State Board of Education
 
Guidance Document Change: The guidance document "Model Policies Concerning Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content" was developed in conjunction with stakeholders in order to comply with SB656 (2022).
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8/3/22  5:11 pm
Commenter: Proud Ally mom

Strongly opposed
 

It is the job of public schools to prepare our children for success as adults in the wider world. For this to happen, schools must teach that the LGTBQ+ community exists and people of color are still living through the repercussions of their history in this country. This can and is being done in age appropriate ways. Parents who object to their children learning these things already have the right to ask for alternative materials for their children. They have never been left out. Parents have always been encouraged to participate in their childrens education through parent teacher meetings, PTA, school events, etc. This bill has a completely unnecessary. It will make it easier for books to be banned based on parent objections which is wrong. If a parent does not approve of a book they can ask for an alternative but they CANNOT take away the rights of other parents who wish for their children to read these books. 
This bill will directly harm LGBTQ+ children who need to see themselves represented in age appropriate literature. It is imperative to their mental and emotional health as LGBTQ youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide when not provided with welcoming and inclusive spaces. This bill is designed to harm children. 

CommentID: 124881