Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Comments

Department of Education

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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2/1/21 12:33 pm

Commenter: John Fleming

Support

I support the guidance for the VDOE to create models to better support trans and non-binary students. It is paramount that we find ways to be more inclusive towards those who have historically been excluded. I personally have many friends who are trans and/or non-binary, and, growing up as a student in a Virginia public school, I saw how there was an utter lack of help for students questioning their gender identity - especially those who did not have an accepting family at home. Schools can provide an important foundation of support for these students.

CommentID: 92687