Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Comments

Department of Education

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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1/14/21 5:48 pm

Commenter: Pamela Ayres

Opposed to draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students

I oppose this measure because it will train children, by regulation, to disrespect their parents. It will force social perception through group pressure. It will compromise free will. It will set a policy that establishes government as the responsible party in children's lives. (Will a teacher be there for them if they attempt to harm themselves or others in days past school years?) It will disrespect the transgender child by putting him/her in an uncomfortable situation when forced to go into a locker room with those who identify with their biological sex. It will contradict biological text books. It will contradict and attempt to re-envision American history. It will force a type of religion on all students since they must be "under the law".

Pamela Ayres

Newport News, VA

CommentID: 90057