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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1/5/21  10:21 am
Commenter: Sarah

I fully support this Guidance Document
 

I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.  My son has identified as bisexual.  He also has several gay and bisexual friends.  We have taught him to love everyone, he is fully supported at home, and he fully supports all of his friends.  We believe human rights means everyone should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their gender identity. Sadly, my son has seen the struggles his friends have gone through with name-calling and he even experienced blatant disrespect from a school counselor in elementary school. We must stand together to ensure everyone has the same safe education opportunities.  I support this draft guidance because I want my son and all of his friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone. 

CommentID: 88209