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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2/1/21  12:31 pm
Commenter: Sara Blanco

Full Support
 

I am extremely impressed with the depth of understanding, care, and evidence-based approaches outlined in this policy.

This is so important for transgender students, but I was also struck by how so many of these policies create a more accepting, expressive, positive experience for cisgender students, as well. For example, when dress codes outline gender neutral basic standards of professional/appropriate attire, girls aren't made to feel overly sexualized.

All in all, I am excited for Virginia to be pursuing inclusive, thoughtful policies like this. Very proud to be a lifelong Virginian and K-12 graduate of Arlington Public Schools.

CommentID: 92684