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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1/10/21  2:30 pm
Commenter: Parent

Oppose
 

As a parent in Virginia, I am opposed to this policy change regarding transgender students.  I agree that no student should be subjected to harassment due to their sexuality or gender.  However, issues with harassment can and should be dealt with without making the drastic changes proposed in this policy. 

The phrase "sex assigned at birth" is not scientific.  Each baby is born with biological sex; it is not "assigned" by anyone.  This new policy will only create confusion.

Not everyone is in agreement with these ideas about gender.  There is no option for staff or students who disagree to opt out of these policies; they can be charged with harassment for not complying.

Let's focus on creating safe, positive schools for all.  Please do not pass this change.  Thank you.

CommentID: 89369