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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1/10/21  1:47 pm
Commenter: Mona P.

Strongly Oppose HB145, SB161 + Model Policies 4 Treatment of Transgender Student in Public Schools
 

My comments are provided with sincerity and all due respect for all parties involved. The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools guidance document clearly lacked input from the faith community. This is a construction apart from God. Although changes were made at the Federal level years prior, it wasn't until Virginia's General Assembly majority changed last year that HB145 and SB161 was able to pass - and now look what we are facing. Why wasn't the faith community adequately heard and considered? They aren't listed in Acknowledgements or the Appendix. Why are there higher standards for reducing bias and harassment in the enforcement of any code of student conduct with respect to transgenders? All students should benefit from the same level of care and protection from bias and harassment. Parents have a right to know if their child is changing their gender status. This sets a dangerous example for the child for future life decisions. It will put undue mental and emotional stress as they will have to eventually disclose changes that have been made to their bodies. With regard to the last paragraph on page 14; this is another example of rewriting history. Please, involve the faith community and parents; and re-do this document. Parents need to know.

CommentID: 89366