Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Comments

Department of Education

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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1/11/21 11:58 am

Commenter: Wayne Mead

Memo Date 12/18 from Dr. Lane

I am a little confused by the memo sent out. If school divisions have a policy on bullying and harassment why do we need a separate policy on "The treatment of Transgender Students" The policies of bullying and harassment cover every student within a school setting. . Also, VDOE is isolating non-transgender students with this new policy.. Non-transgender/LGBTQ could be bullied and harassed by transgender or any LGBTQ group. Where is the policy to protect this group. Please explain what a sex-based dress code is(this term is not used in any school handbook to my knowledge). What is the difference between a school activity and a sport ? What stops transgender students from participating in VHSL sports. By the VDOE's definition once a student declares to be a certain gender they have all the rights and privileges of that gender.

If a boy claims to be a girl and dresses as a girl during the day and this girl wants to try out for basketball do they try out as a girl or as a boy or can they play for either team.

VDOE is opening a door that they will have to defend on many points. VDOE is setting up school divisions for potential lawsuits. VDOE is designed by nature to first educate children. Why does VDOE spend time on things that are universally covered under two words: bullying and harassment.

CommentID: 89446