Virginia
Virginia transgender student policies comment period ends this week
NORFOLK, Va. — The general public remark interval on the Youngkin administration’s proposed modifications to the insurance policies for transgender scholar ends subsequent week. To this point, the web site has gotten greater than 62,400 feedback because it launched on the finish of September.
Beneath the brand new insurance policies, dad and mom must request that faculties consult with their youngsters as totally different names or pronouns than their organic intercourse. The insurance policies would roll again initiatives put in place throughout former Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration. College students would even have to make use of toilet amenities matching their organic intercourse.
Final month, college students held at faculties across the state, together with some in Hampton Roads.
Throughout a Board of Schooling assembly Thursday, dozens of individuals spoke in favor and towards the proposal.
“This coverage asks professionals and educators to disclaim an already susceptible group their fundamental dignity. We’re speaking about fundamental dignity,” one speaker mentioned.
“My rights as a mother or father do not cease the place your emotions start,” one other mother or father mentioned.
In an interview with WTOP Radio in Washington, Gov. Youngkin mentioned he expects faculties to comply with the coverage as soon as it is finalized. “It is the legislation,” he mentioned.
“The 2022 mannequin coverage delivers on the governor’s dedication to preserving parental rights and upholding the dignity and respect of all public faculty college students. Key selections relaxation, at the beginning, with a baby’s dad and mom,” a spokesperson for Gov. Youngkin mentioned in a press release to Information 3.
A report from Virginia Mercury in September mentioned solely 10 p.c of college boards adopted the insurance policies put ahead by the Northam administration.
As soon as the general public remark interval ends on Wednesday, Oct. 26, the Dept. of Schooling can assessment the feedback earlier than finalizing the rules.