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  11:42 am
Commenter: James Hekel

I have read it and I am fine with it.
 

Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools

All Virginia school boards

I have reviewed the 20-page guidance document.  It includes helpful definitions and applicable laws.  It explains what is at stake by using specific statistics.  It encourages school boards to continue important efforts to improve safety, privacy, and access to education of children.  The guidelines could be a helpful starting point for schools boards beginning to think about this issue and how best to comply with existing law.  

I encourage everyone here to participate in local elections and to engage in conversations with local school board members.  This document is meant to be a model, or merely suggestion.  It is not the actual policy that will go into effect in their local schools.  Your school board must comply with the law, but it does not have to adopt this document as written.  They can, of course, provide greater protection than the law requires, but not less.

CommentID: 88267