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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2/3/21  10:45 pm
Commenter: Anonymous

strongly oppose
 

I strongly oppose this policy for a myriad of reasons.  I will note several. 

All students should be treated with respect.  However, this policy goes well beyond preventing transgender students from being bullied to forcing teachers, students, and parents to accommodate behaviors and world views that conflict with their own strongly held convictions and religious beliefs.  I also firmly believe this policy will open the door to an increase of sexual harassment and exploitation, especially of girls.

The education of children is primarily the responsibility of the parents.  Failure to communicate with parents, especially about issues such as gender identity undermines the responsibility and rights of the parents to teach their children academically, socially, morally, and spiritually and breaks down trust within family relationships.

Most importantly, transgenderism runs counter to God's created order as described in His Word, the Bible, and therefore should not be encouraged.

CommentID: 96927