Virginia’s esteemed Republican Governor, Glenn Youngkin, has firmly ensured that school districts adhere to the state’s new transgender policy framework. This move comes after several communities expressed reluctance to adopt the new guidelines, which prioritize parental rights and student safety.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recently unveiled these new policies, emphasizing parental involvement in decisions concerning their children. Among the changes, students must now use bathrooms that align with their biological sex. Additionally, teachers are prohibited from addressing students by pronouns that differ from their biological sex unless parents give explicit permission.
Despite the clarity of these policies, some school districts, including Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), have indicated their intention to maintain their existing policies. These older policies were more lenient, allowing students to use facilities and pronouns based on gender identity.
Governor Youngkin, however, remains resolute. In a recent Fox News interview, he emphasized that the law grants the governor the authority to establish model policies, and school districts must align with them. He championed the rights of parents, stating, “Parents are in charge of their children’s lives. The kids don’t belong to the state. They belong to parents and families.” He further highlighted that this is a moment for parents, not politics. He urged school districts to respect the law and parental authority.
The new guidelines are clear: students should participate in school activities and use facilities based on their biological sex. However, accommodations are available as required by federal law. Parents also have the “opt-out” option, allowing their children access to sex-separated facilities in specific circumstances.
Furthermore, the guidelines stress that minors should be addressed by the names and pronouns on their official records unless parents approve otherwise. Schools are also discouraged from hiding information about a student’s gender identity from their parents.
Contrastingly, the previous policies allowed students to use names and pronouns reflecting their gender identity without verification. They also permitted students to access facilities based on their gender identity and left decisions about informing parents to the schools’ discretion.
After introducing the new guidelines, FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid asserted that their current policies align with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. She emphasized that FCPS would continue to respect the privacy of “gender expansive and transgender students.”
However, critics argue that FCPS’s stance prioritizes appeasing certain groups over ensuring the safety of all students. Michele Exner, a senior advisor at Parents Defending Education, expressed concerns about the potential risks posed by the FCPS’s position, particularly for female students.
Similarly, PWCS has maintained that its policies align with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Their current guidelines allow students to use names and pronouns reflecting their gender identity without legal documentation. Not adhering to a student’s preferred pronouns can result in disciplinary actions against teachers or sanctions for students.
Governor Youngkin’s commitment to upholding parents’ rights and ensuring all students’ safety is commendable. As the debate continues, it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being and rights of every student in Virginia’s educational system.