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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1/4/21  9:50 pm
Commenter: Kathy Shaibani

Misguided "guidance"
 

The document reflects a view of sexuality and the family that is inconsistent with science and with the values of many Virginians. Most children are happy with their gender; how is it beneficial to impressionable young minds to encourage the idea of gender fluidity at school? Children do not belong to the state, or to the school system; why is it considered helpful to kids to reduce the role of a child's parents? Surely the idea that no one in school should be bullied over gender confusion or gender identity can be taught without pushing more controversial ideas.

Most children are comfortable in their bodies. I shudder to think of the troubles society will reap in the future if the "guidance" in this document is visited on young Virginians. Further, the proposed guidance puts a tremendous burden on school officials and teachers and will create all kinds of difficulties in implementation. I wish Virginia would focus on education, not indoctrination.  

CommentID: 88007