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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1/6/21  11:18 am
Commenter: VERY concerned citizen and Teacher

OPPOSE these policies!
 

I highly oppose the model policies.  The model policies read like ones drafted with little consideration other than a biased, one-sided narrative. Since these policies are not evidenced based and ignore studies and accounts (and now legal action) of those who suffered harm and who regret transition, they do not serve students who identify as transgender. The impact on the individuals who identify as the gender to which they were born and those who detransition is completely disregarded. Teachers who validly object face professional discipline. Objecting students face discipline. This is ABSURD that nand teachers who object face disciplinary action!  So Freedom of Speech only for some? Most concerning  is authority given to schools to interfere with and undermine parental prerogative. No one concerned for the welfare of children should champion these "model" policies.  

“School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12)

Parents have the legal right, via the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974),

Public School staff and faculty DO NOT have the legal authority to withhold information and/or knowingly HIDE information from parents.  DO NOT approve the recommended standard, p12 as written as it is in violation of parental rights.  legal lawsuits may follow against schools for withholding info .
 
There are SO many problems with these policies that I could continue on.  Do the RIGHT THING and OPPOSE.
CommentID: 88596