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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1/5/21 7:27 am

Commenter: Helen Magneson

Transgender issues I am a retired teacher, having taught

I am a retired teacher having taught grades 5-14. Young people change their direction during those many years...hating themselves, feeling insecure, on emotional rollercoasters. To restrict them to an opinion one day when they will change a days, weeks or months later is ridiculous. They need to get to know themselves, make new connections and new friends, and not be indoctrinated. Teachers and counselors need to be good listeners, giving them good advice, but not restricting them to single opinions. They are learning what it means to be male or female. That takes some a long time. Many into their twenties.

CommentID: 88109