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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2/3/21 7:20 pm

Commenter: PW

Strong support of legislation that protects children and saves lives

I am disheartened by the number of comments who are opposed to providing Virginia students with the ability to

know that there are professional adults who will protect them from harassment and violence
focus on learning and healthy socialization throughout their formative years, rather than survival
experience mentorship and guidance as their full selves
spend almost 50% of their waking hours with adults and communities who know their names and use them correctly (It is wild that this is being contested!)

These are not even best practices for schools—they are the bare minimum. By supporting this legislation, you are supporting protective factors that enhance learning, strengthen the ties between schools and families, and help prevent the rampant suicidality that affects transgender youth disproportionately.

CommentID: 96199