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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1/12/21  10:17 am
Commenter: C Peterson

Transgender Policy for Schools
 

As a concerned Grandparent of students in the Prince William County school system as well as a citizen of Virginia, I have reviewed the VDOE draft of the policy to fairly accommodate transgender students in public schools.

While I support the desire to make sure no student is the victim of discrimination, bullying or unfair treatment, I do not support what boils down to "special treatment" for transgender students at the expense of others.  

In the interest of fairness, safety and to reduce emotional trauma of all involved I would request that the policy be amended to provide an adequate number of single use bathroom, shower and locker facilities for use by those desiring privacy.  In my opinion this is the healthiest and kindest way to manage students with gender identity issues and to reduce negative discrimination of said students.

Thank you

C Peterson

CommentID: 89653