Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Education
 
Board
State Board of Education
 
Guidance Document Change: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students; protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.
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2/2/21  11:47 pm
Commenter: Scott Steinruck

I OPPOSE these and any policies that withhold information from parents about their own children.
 

All parents have the right to raise their children according to their own personal convictions and beliefs to the extent that they do not infringe on another's right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.  Public schools should focus on educating ALL students equally in the areas of academics, career skills, and positive conduct/behavior.  Public schools should NOT create policies that indoctrinate students with social, political or religious agendas.  No policy should violate a student's individual rights to privacy and safety.  Allowing boys to use a girl's bathroom or locker room violates a girl's right to privacy and may make them feel unsafe at school.  I would support individual/private bathrooms and changing rooms for all students.  Additionally, parents should always be informed of issues regarding their children as they are the legal guardians and primary caregivers.  No policy should allow for the withholding of information pertaining to the health, safety, or well being of a child from their parent/guardian.

CommentID: 94648