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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1/9/21  10:38 pm
Commenter: Cindy Fitz

An excellent interpretation of the two bills
 

I'm not sure why there are so many individuals in opposition to these model policies.  I guess they did not read where the bills state that policies MUST exist.  It seems that the opposing individuals are not necessarily opposed to the wording of the policies, which I think is the feedback being requested, but rather to the idea of LGBTQ+ individuals and their rights.  However, that ship has sailed!  All individuals have the right to attend school in a safe environment free from harassment and bullying.  That is all these policies do....make sure that students are free to be themselves without fear.   These policies ensure that students who are LBGTQ+ no longer face a hostile environment on a daily basis in their schools.  Public schools are inclusive places and should support everyone.  If you do not agree with this, then send your child to a private school.  

CommentID: 89332