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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2/3/21 12:00 am

Commenter: Heather Mandish

Vehemently oppose new guidelines

I strongly oppose confusing and indoctrinating young children by codifying, enabling and promoting this false notion that gender is something that can change or be changed. But I find most insidious the clear intent to usurp parental rights by hiding what may be happening with a student at school from their parents. Parents are entitled to be the first to know about anything affecting their child's health and wellbeing. Any attempt by the school to play the role of guardian and come between a child and their parent is very troubling and only a sign of what will come.

CommentID: 94668