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  9:45 pm
Commenter: Anonymous

This should not affect all students!
 

As a person who has many educators in my family, I feel there are other ways around this drastic change that would still support everyone's rights. If there is a transgender population of students, specific accommodations can be made for them, without affecting all students. For example, arrangements could be made for them to use certain bathrooms that are comfortable for them to use. They should not be allowed to enter a restroom with people of the opposite gender due to the embarrassment and discomfort that it could cause all parties. There are times where sensitive material, such as Family Life Education, is taught to elementary aged children where they have to be separated by gender to help them feel more comfortable when learning about their bodies, as well as, the opposite gender's. We must think about ALL children and not just focus on the transgender population. This is going to cause many families, many I have already heard from, to pull their children out of our public schools which will take money away from our education system and that is unfair to all. I strongly oppose this. This will cause more problems in our schools and students than it will help. You must think about ALL students and not ONLY a certain group. That way of thinking is completely unfair! 

CommentID: 96696