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  1:11 pm
Commenter: Kristin Untiedt-Barnett, Smyth County Schools

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To Whom It May Concern: I am a secondary educator in Southwest Virginia who also serves as the faculty adviser for the Marion Senior High School GSA club. I have seen, first-hand, the impacts of harassment and discrimination on students. LGBTQ+ students are at a much higher risk of self-harm and suicide as a result. Our schools should be safe places where students are able to thrive and reach their full potential, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.  The Virginia Department of Education has a duty to set the standard for our schools and to provide teachers and students with the support they need to make their schools safe for all students. 

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