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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1/14/21  4:53 pm
Commenter: Bridgette Bowman

Vote "NO"
 

Transgender Policies in the VA School System:

I am not in agreement with this suggestion to be implemented into our schools.  This would be very confusing and awkward for many younger students who would not understand this process or concept as it may contradict what is being taught at home.  I understand the urgency for all children, students, to feel accepted, but that is not at the cost of forcing such protocols upon us.  Acceptance and respect should be the goal.  Altering restrooms, and any other gender specific arenas, to accept all genders will be the doorway to other more serious issues and situations.  We have already made accommodations to address this issue.  We do not need, nor should we, blurr the lines.  We were created man and woman and should identify as such in respect to situations that might insight backlash.  We are entitled to feel as we wish, but not to use those feelings to cause disruption and to go against Godly principles and teachings.  I want all children to feel safe and accepted for whomever they want to be, but this is not a good move.  I do not endorse.

CommentID: 90048