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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1/8/21  3:47 pm
Commenter: Louis Volchansky

Transgender policies
 

I oppose the proposed regulations.  Schools should focus on education and leave the raising of children to the family/parent/parents. The Virginia Department of Education should not be subsuming the role of parents to provide family values and define the rights of students. The State of Virginia should not be spending tax dollars to provide gender-based supplies (e.g., menstrual supplies, ref Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students, pg 17) at no cost. While it may provide statistical fodder in the Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students report (pg 9), how will any change in policy change the percentage of students with depression or difficulty sleeping? The Virginia Department of Education's proposed policies, while perhaps initially well-intentioned, have grave impact on our next generation as they continue to mature.  Do not disregard the role of parents. 

CommentID: 89056