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  10:49 pm
Commenter: Anonymous

Support All Students
 

There is no evidence that allowing transgender students choose which bathroom to use is in any way damaging or unsafe for any student. There is, however, plenty of evidence to show that transgender students are very much susceptible to harm when they are NOT allowed to choose. At my children’s elementary school, there are two bathrooms marked as being available for ANYONE to use. These are the most convenient restrooms for students with disabilities, students with IBS, adults visiting the building, and yes, transgender students. Basically, anyone not comfortable using one of the large public restrooms in the building. These restrooms accommodate one person at a time. This shouldn’t even be an issue. With the bullying and suicide rates of students in the LGBTQ, and particularly the transgender community, being seven times that of their peers, it would seem maximizing support and safety for ALL students would be a no-brainer.

CommentID: 96933