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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1/16/21  8:25 pm
Commenter: Rebecca Durfee

Strong Support
 

I am very impressed with the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students. As both a parent of children who will attend school in Virginia, and as a friend and family member of several in the transgender community, I think this policy would benefit both cisgendered and transgender students alike. Transgender students are at much higher risk for bullying, suicide, and other emotional traumas, and this policy could very literally save lives. I look forward to bringing my children into a school district that values the gender identities and emotional health of its students. 

CommentID: 90442