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  8:38 pm
Commenter: Jacob

Support
 

As it is now, transgender students face a myriad of issues in school, such as harassment by students and inadequately developed resource programs. As a student myself, I have seen the struggles my friends encounter daily. Since many staff may not now how to properly treat or interact with a transgender student, I believe that model policy is absolutely necessary in helping improve the treatment of these children in schools. Trans students, and every student in general, deserve an education that is enjoyable and free of harassment. It is difficult to develop a love of learning if your place of learning is not a welcoming environment for you.

CommentID: 96421