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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2/3/21  5:17 pm
Commenter: Kathleen L.

STRONGLY OPPOSE
 

I strongly oppose The Virginia Department of Education Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools (Model Policies). The Model Policies not only contradict science and reason, as well as the teachings of many religious faiths, the Policies fail to consider the role of parents as the primary educators of their children. The Policies flagrantly contradict the Virginia Department of Education and the Board of Education's stated beliefs "that families and schools working in collaboration can create meaningful relationships that lead to significant gains in student achievement and success. We strongly encourage local school officials to develop plans and policies to enhance family engagement in their children's school, lives, and in the education community..."

The Model Policies also contradict the Fairfax County Public School system's  "BELIEFS" which state: "The Dynamic and supportive partnerships among students, parents, educators, and the community are critical to meet student needs and provide enriching experiences" and "Families play a fundamental role in their children's education."

Please uphold the critical and most basic relationship between parents and their children and reject the Model Policies.

CommentID: 95947