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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1/6/21  9:29 am
Commenter: Very Concerned Parent

Opposed: Unnecessary and unintended consequences
 

While I fully support providing a safe and secure environment for all children to learn, these policies will not achieve that goal. The state should trust parents, teachers, and communities to provide a safe and secure environment.  As a born and raised Virginian, Virginia public schools have done so successfully for years. These policies are unnecessary and will result in confusing and complex rules and prevent parents and educators of caring for children.  These rules, while intended to protect a few, will have unintended consequences and be harmful to Virginia students and educators. These policies are an overreach and will result in a violation of teachers and students religious rights. 

CommentID: 88556