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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1/7/21  3:05 pm
Commenter: Ashley Sandoval

STRONGLY SUPPORT RIGHTS FOR ALL!!
 

As a teacher in the state of Virginia, I strongly support these policies to be put in place. Unfortunately, the need for policies to PROTECT children are needed in the school system. All children that attend public school should be protected against discrimination of any kind. Additionally, it is the job of the public school system to put policies in place to maintain safety for any persons who enter the school building. Plus, it is the job of the teachers to provide a safe learning environment for their students while educating them through the avenues of life especially those subjects surrounding social justice and rights for ALL citizens. Lastly, I want to note that the family life education curriculum which falls under the Health Education federal laws allows families to opt-out of instruction based on their personal beliefs which is already in place to identify the wants/needs of different family dynamics which provides a pathway for those who do not agree with the instructional materials. By doing so, this provides both sides of the argument to be recognized in a safe and fair manner. Therefore, putting the policies in place will help aid the success of the public schools by providing a free and appropriate education to all students under the federal law.

CommentID: 88734