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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1/6/21 2:39 pm

Commenter: Andy Gordon

Reject over reaching policy

?The Virginia Department of Education has no right to infringe on ?anyone's rights of free speech?, parent responsibility and student privacy?. ?This a stepping stone to more policies to manipulate, control? and punish people for disagreeing.

If transgenders are uncomfortable using the other or non-sexed bathrooms; then one can understand that many straight children would be uncomfortable being forced to disrobe among transgenders in traditionally sexed bathrooms and gym locker rooms. Being safe is an expectation for everyone without exception.

Fundamentally changing the English language or any language will create confusion, fear and chaos.

Parents are responsible for their children and must always be informed and make the decisions that are best for their family, not the government or anyone else.

CommentID: 88640