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  7:38 pm
Commenter: Kelly P

Strongly DISagree!
 

I cannot state strongly enough how much with this document I disagree.

First, many kids are not even currently attending school in person. They are FAILING because of remote learning. Therefore, pronouns are not the most pressing issue in their education.

I have lgbtq family members, friends and colleagues and heartily support them. I spoke with several before logging on here to inquire as to their opinions/stance on these matters.

They agree with me that this document is appropriate at this time when students are failing. The document incorrectly, and, detrimentally, places more emphasis on pronouns than education.

The document is confusing, convoluted and demands punishment for 'honest mistakes'.

Too much is being attempted at once, no less, by force, which is never a successful approach. You can't 'legislate' thought, perception, acceptance. Especially, when it comes across as FORCE.

I have a feeling no matter what anyone types, you'll ram this through because you feel entitled to engage in social engineering. I am sure it will not have the result you intend, but that action will have consequences.

CommentID: 96258