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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1/6/21  9:10 am
Commenter: Kathleen

Do not support taking away parental guidance
 

I strongly oppose this policy for several reasons.  One: it prevents parents from being parents to guide and advice and support and encourage their children if they are kept unaware of their in-school behavior and decisions.  Keeping parents uninformed of what and when sexual or gender material is taught and conversations are had only creates further discomfort for children to discuss personal desires with their parents.  Second: it prevents students from being allowed to voice discomfort if they are opposed to sharing dressing rooms, bathrooms, etc.  In an era where we are trying to give children voices over their bodies, these policies take away their voice and teach children that their comfort is less important than others.  I agree we need to prevent suicide, but taking away the voice of children and parents to be speak up for themselves is not the way.  Please I urge you do not continue with these policies.  

CommentID: 88551