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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1/4/21  2:20 am
Commenter: Robert Rigby, Jr., "FCPS Pride"

Support the Model Policy Wholeheartedly
 

I support the model policy wholeheartedly. A principal once said to me "Children can not learn in our school if they do not feel welcome." This model policy is the first step in creating schools in Virginia that are inclusive and welcoming for transgender and non-binary students of all ages. It provides students with the self-agency they need to direct their coming-out and/or transition at school with the support of the adults in their lives. It will guide my district in developing their own policy. From a school employee's point of view, a policy similar to this will provide guidance and direction to follow in supporting trans and non-binary students in my school. It does a good job of looking out for the interests of students, families and school staff. Many thanks to the Virginia Department of Education and all who worked developing this model policy.

CommentID: 87914