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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2/3/21 3:54 pm

Commenter: Adam Assenza

Strong Support - this could save children's lives

Protecting children should be an obvious thing when it comes to school administration. LGBTQ+ kids have been bullied at higher rates than cis-het children for decades. I appreciate the thorough research and careful consideration put into development of these guiding policies, and truly believe that by making schools a more supportive environment for these children, that there will be very real impacts to reduce anxiety, depression, and suicide among children. A child should feel safe at home and at school, and policies like these are fundamental in creating that environment for LGBTQ+ youth.

CommentID: 95749