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.
Previous Comment     Next Comment     Back to List of Comments
2/3/21  10:03 pm
Commenter: Rev. Emma Chattin, MCC of Northern VA, TGEA

Very Strongly Support - Protect Trans Kids
 

"Don't read the comments". 
That is what we say and what we hear when it comes to forums about Trans folk, because the level of anger and the lack of civility are so disheartening.  Some of the things said in this very forum are downright hurtful and ugly.  Just imagine what our children hear.  Just imagine what the most vulnerable among us must go through and listen to in order to live their lives authentically.  I know.  I have worked with Trans kids and their parents for almost 15 years. 

Trans kids are already in schools.  They have always been in schools.  Their existence is not up for debate or discussion.  They can’t be shouted away or voted away, and Virginia schools have already been working with Trans kids without incident as best as they are able.  These model policies provide uniform guidance, and are the best way for us to move forward together as a civil society with room for all. 

CommentID: 96774