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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1/5/21  10:27 pm
Commenter: David

No support from this parent of 4
 

While I understand the intent to cater to and protect the transgender population, I do not agree with the sweeping changes that would put the vast majority of other students at risk and in potentially compromising situations. One person’s “freedom” to choose endangers others who are stripped of that freedom by the nature of these rules/changes. There is no protection or provision for children to have the ability to go to the bathroom, change clothes , or have a safe/private space without the uncertainty/risk of someone with questionable motives present and abusing the freedom/choices being offered. Also as a parent, we need to be aware of our kids choices and actions, a school cannot take that responsibility away by saying they are “protecting” the students. As these rules stand now, I could not in good faith send my children to school in Virginia and would have to look elsewhere.

CommentID: 88512