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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1/9/21  1:48 pm
Commenter: Richard Dunbar

No to Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
 

I oppose the “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.” I do not condone discrimination against transgender students, but I oppose any accommodation for these students that violates the right of privacy of all other students and discriminates against all students by forcing them to follow arbitrary rules that cannot be reasonably enforced. These rules force most students to give up their right of privacy, especially where the use of bathrooms, gym locker rooms and showers are concerned. Biological differences between male and female persons are scientifically undeniable. Boys who think they are transgender or female cannot be allowed to use girls facilities and conversely, girls who think they are transgender or male cannot be allowed to use boys facilities. Adolescents are impressionable and sensitive about their identity. Forcing them to accept transgender behavior and putting them in embarrassing situations that violate their privacy will cause confusion and psychological trauma. Teachers and school administrators should not be trying to enforce arbitrary rules that distract from their primary responsibilities to educate. Parents are responsible for raising their children to deal with societal situations. School personnel must not usurp the parents’ responsibilities. Students and parents risk being harassed, humiliated and punished because they uphold the universal truths of natural law recognized by the overwhelming majority of people in the world which recognize the fundamental differences between boys and girls, men and women. Biological differences are not arbitrary, they are a scientific fact. Anyone who thinks they are of a sex different from the one evidenced by their DNA and physical attributes need compassionate medical and emotional help to deal with their situation, not arbitrary rules forcing others to accept their situation.

CommentID: 89257