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  11:36 pm
Commenter: Laura K

Strongly Support - Love, Dignity, and Support
 

This is the 21st century- and its far past time for us to treat others with the love, respect, and support we all need to thrive. Transgender rights are human rights. Treating them as such is the first step on a long road to deeper understanding, tolerance, and common humanity. 

For the plethora of Christians opposed to such measures, I implore us all to find guidance in the call to love thy neighbor as thyself. Not understanding a sexual or gender identity is no cause for fear, but rather an opportunity to open our hearts in love, and allow those to speak and be heard who have for so long be silenced. Let us all humbly accept that we can’t know what it’s like to be transgender unless we are transgender - and let’s listen to those who know what they need to thrive and do our very best to provide.

This is not a question of policy or legislation, but one of love. 

CommentID: 94632