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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2/3/21  9:53 pm
Commenter: Olivia

Strongly Support: A Cisgender Opinion
 

As a cisgender member of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe it would be immoral not to support this change. Too often, I see transphobia even from within our community, let alone from the rest of the world. The comment section for this policy is a good example. Steps are needed to ensure protection, support, and respect for the transgender community, and for the education of their peers. I believe this policy to be a good start.

As for those worried about bathrooms, I attended a college with gender-neutral bathrooms. Not once have I heard about any incidents.

I fully support this step towards safety for all, whether they be part of a minority or the majority.

CommentID: 96731