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  9:32 am
Commenter: CNM

Mostly Support DOE guidance for trans students
 

While I have some concerns about schools mediating the relationship between parents and trans students, overall, I support this guidance. I understand not all parents will support their trans children, and I don't have any constructive suggestions on that topic, but it puts schools in a difficult place.

As the parent of a trans child, I am as concerned about how teachers and administrators treat students as I am how they are treated by other students and I think this policy does a good job of covering that.

I think students who are uncomfortable with trans students sharing facilities should be provided an option for their comfort. Trans students don't "make people uncomfortable." People react to trans students based on their own fears and prejudices.

 

 

CommentID: 94946