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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1/16/21  10:50 am
Commenter: James Throckmorton

Oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
 

Specific opposition:

It should not fall onto the government, ergo the department of education to institute LGBTQ material into the curriculum. The Commonwealth of Virginia is a Cross Cultural Commonwealth and not all cultures are receptive to boiler plate type approaches. Resources should be made available and the option to partake in LGBTQ inclusive curricula is more appropriate given our sociocultural make up in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The draft policy should strengthen the anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies. Strong and deterring policies and actions will ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students, especially those struggling with transgender challenges in today’s society.

CommentID: 90348