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  4:14 pm
Commenter: Randall Kresge

Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
 

I am "for" equal treatment and non-discrimination pretty much across the board.  At the same time, I am opposed to chaos in the classroom and in schools that may be caused by students "playing games" with gender identity.

I have heard numerous stories from well-meaning teachers being subjected to disciplinary discussions after failing to use the proper names and pronouns when calling on students in the classroom who have decided to switch identities back and forth.

I agree that guidelines are needed.  Make sure the final product is in the best interest of both the students AND the teachers who are trying to keep order in a classroom.  Gender confusion for adolescents is a concern in relatively small percentage, but keep in mind it is a concern for the adults we hold accountable to teach our adolescents. 

Also concerning is that information can be withheld from parents.  Parents must accept responsibility for their childrens' learning and their actions while in school.  To keep them in the dark is problematic.  

CommentID: 88747