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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1/12/21  11:59 am
Commenter: Anonymous

Strongly Oppose
 

Please do not adopt this policy as it stands. I believe all students deserve to be respected at school, but this crosses the line. Respect does not have to equate agreement. For families who don't believe gender is a choice, this is disrespectful and a complete attack on our values. Welcoming a child into school is one thing, forcing every student and family to agree with their choices despite their discomfort, is different. This is a slippery slope that will take us to who knows where. I respect my friend who smokes, or marries someone new every two years, that doesn't mean I would teach my children to make those choices. Please, add some nuance to this policy that respects the entire community. 

CommentID: 89680