I support this proposed VDOE policy which will help to protect and reduce discrimination against all students who do not identify as cisgendered. As a PhD in Counseling Education I know that discrimination against non-cisgendered students is widespread and its effects extremely harmful and long lasting. Our students deserve to be treated with respect and decency by all educators and classmates. This legislation will be one needed step in that direction. I also request that if students and their guardians request that student name and gender be updated on school records (even if different than their birth certificate) that request be honored by school districts.