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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1/18/21  2:35 pm
Commenter: Rachel McEwen

STRONGLY APPOSE
 

I do not approve of the proposed guidelines to eradicate all distinctions between male and female and to indoctrinate our school children.  

I strongly disagree with the recommended standard (p. 12) which states, "School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status...  There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student's request to affirm their gender identity...".  I believe it is the parent's job and perrogative , NOT the school's, to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school.

I also strongly appose the the idea that "Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student's gender identity shall be available to all students."(Draft Policy, p.18) I believe that my teenage daughters have a right to change in all female locker rooms and bathrooms and should not be forced into a position where they would see male anatomy while changing for sports, PE, etc. I believe this violates their basic rights.

I disagree with many other points in the proposed policy change as well.  I feel like my rights as a parent will be taken away. PLEASE DO NOT PASS THE PROPOSED POLICIES.

Thank you, Rachel McEwen

CommentID: 90620