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  4:27 pm
Commenter: Nicholas Gothard

Support
 

I've grown up as a LGBT member of the Virginia community and felt first-hand the effects that a system that doesn't include everyone has. I support the guidance to protect some of our most vulnerable populations. It is the morally just and compassionate thing to do. If we don't stand up for our students in their time of need, if we don't validate their decisions to live authentically, then we have failed them.

I remember when I came out as gay to my high school. I wish there was guidance in place to help me. The least I can do is help my LGBT peers in advocating in support of this guidance. 

CommentID: 95840