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  3:11 pm
Commenter: D Fry

Supporting Trans Students Keeps Students Safe
 

It is imperative, for the life and safety of our trans and non-binary youth to support them and keep them safe. It's no secret that being trans is difficult, and many trans folks deal with mental health complications and unsupportive or abusive families. Trans folks are at a higher risk for suicide and homelessness than many other groups. 

Here are some facts about trans suicide rates: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/suicidality-transgender-adults/

Schools have the unique opportunity to accept trans and nonbinary students for who they are, and to model positive behavior for these students' peers so that as adults, trans folks may have more opportunities to lead a healthy, supported adult lives in Virginia.

If the government's job is to protect our society, it's important to consider the most vulnerable of us, which includes trans and nonbinary youth. In this way, the government can also help ensure that trans folks can live and thrive as adults. 

CommentID: 95657