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  4:30 pm
Commenter: B.D. Swank

Vehemently OPPOSE ALL
 

As a father  of a public school child and husband of a public school teacher of 20 years, I strongly opposed any and all adoption of said gender policies. They are absolutely abhorrent to our civilized society, not to mention in direct violation of our constitutional rights regarding religious beliefs. If adopted, and I fervently pray that our leaders do what is right and not what they think or feel is popular in today’s culture and dismiss these proposals, I will immediately withdraw my daughter from the system and my wife will most likely resign. These actions are crossing the line of what is not only scientifically and biologically established but in direct conflict with what my and millions of Virginians’ religious affiliations teach and abide by. 

Citing specific parts of these guidelines is futile because it is absolutely preposterous that any of them should be considered. There is no compromise without violating the 1st Ammendment of the U.S. Constitution of those of us who vehemently oppose these ridiculous measures. I implore you to do what is right and not force Virginians like my family to make the decision between leaving the teaching profession and withdrawing from public school or answer for complying on judgement day. THAT is the direction the VDOE is heading. Do what is right. Do what is noble. Do what is CONSTITUTIONAL and reject and/or dismiss implementation of these policies.   

CommentID: 88652