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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1/5/21  11:28 am
Commenter: FCPS School Counselor

100% Support - this policy will save many lives
 

As a high school counselor, I have worked with many transgender students in my career. Some have very supportive and empowering families, others feel unsafe in their homes and with their parents. While we can't make everyone be a good parent, school should be a safe place for ALL students. None can be successful and perform as expected if they don't have a trusted adult on their side or feel protected. It breaks my heart to work with children who fear every word they say at home and every email they send, monitored by parents, will be used against them. This policy will make our trans kid feel seen and affirmed, as cis kids are on a daily basis.

To anyone who feels this policy violates your beliefs or rights, please know it doesn't affect YOU. Not everyone in this state practices Christianity, and they should not be held to your personal standards. The first amendment makes an excellent read--you should check it out.

Please also educate yourself on the difference between gender and sexuality. 

CommentID: 88258