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  8:39 pm
Commenter: Ann Murdoch

I Support the Virginia Department of Education Model Policies.
 

I support the Virginia Department of Education model policies. 

As a transgender Virginian, I know first hand how important it is for students to live safely in their authentic gender. Data from the National Center for Transgender Equality and other researchers show that the ability of transgender people to live in thier authentic gender is a powerful protection against suicide. But those same researchers have amply documented the heartbreaking effects of violence and discrimination directed against transgender people, especially in schools. 

All children have the right to an education in a safe environment. These policies are an important element in fufilling that right.

CommentID: 96425