These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, families, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs.
“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...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing. This is unacceptable and is a private family issue, not a public education decision.
“School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Abuse at home is unacceptable for all children but the education system should not determine abuse/neglect on student “gender identity” alone. VDOE’s proposed definition of gender identity maintains that it is fluid, as would be an educator’s view of an unsupportive versus abusive home situation.