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  11:03 am
Commenter: Rebecca Kendall

Support policy
 

As a parent of a non-binary student, and a mental health practitioner that helps to run a suicide prevention initiative in VA, I applaud the DOE's proposed policy.  As we have seen in our local district, I believe that the policy roll out will need to be accompanied with staff training, clear promotion and visability among the student population, and on-going enforcement at the local level.  The DOE plays and essential role in supportin this ongoing policy implementation and enforcement guidance to help assure that ALL Virginia students are safe and the school climate is welcoming for ALL.  

CommentID: 90350