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  11:04 pm
Commenter: Anonymous

Oppose
 

We can agree that we oppose bullying and want proper, dignified treatment for all. However, complicating the rules and regulations, including specified language, hinders more than helps.

I strongly oppose the language in this document in the section that talks about schools/teachers using preferred pronouns. I feel it is very broad and opens the door to false accusations. 

I strongly oppose the part that discusses how one might need to negotiate the use of preferred language among students and their parents. That opens the door to creating an air of distrust among all parties involved, and does nothing to build Family-School relationships.

I oppose other parts of this document as well, but unfortunately do not have the space to discuss.

Bottom line:I going to be difficult for educators to do their jobs or students to learn if  everyone is constantly worried about accidently offending someone. 

 

CommentID: 96975