Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

FCPS won’t implement Youngkin’s model policies on trans students

When the draft model policies were revealed last September, students across the county walked out of class and held rallies, like this one at West Potomac High School. [Adam Ebbin]

Fairfax County Public Schools will not implement the “model policies” on the treatment of transgender students promulgated by the administration of Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Superintendent Michelle Reid announced Aug. 15.

The final version of the model policies issued by the Virginia Department of Education in July calls for school districts to set their own policies requiring students to use bathrooms that match their biological sex.

Under the model policies, school staff would refer to students using only the pronouns appropriate to the sex appearing in the student’s official record: he and him for male students and she and her for female students. Different pronouns could be used only if requested in writing by a parent.

After conducting a detailed legal review, FCPS determined that “our policies are consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws as required by the new model policies,” Reid wrote in a message to FCPS students, staff, families, and the community.

As a result, FCPS will continue to address students by their chosen names and pronouns and provide students with access to facilities consistent with their gender identity.

Reid also says FCPS will continue to respect students’ privacy “regarding gender-expansive or transgender status, legal name, or sex assigned at birth.” All of those existing policies conform to federal law and FPCS regulations.

“FCPS remains committed to fostering a safe, supportive, welcoming, and inclusive school environment for all students and staff, including our transgender and gender-expansive students and staff,” Reid stated. 

“We believe that supporting our students and working with parents and caregivers are not mutually exclusive,” Reid said. “We already do both and will continue to do so. We know that students can only learn effectively when they feel safe and supported.” 

“All students have a right to privacy in FCPS facilities or while participating in FCPS-sponsored events,” she continued. “Any student who has a need or desire for increased privacy, regardless of the underlying reason, shall be provided with reasonable, non-stigmatizing accommodations.”

9 responses to “FCPS won’t implement Youngkin’s model policies on trans students

  1. I think it’s perfectly acceptable for a biological boy who identifies as a girl to use the girls locker room. Look at Europe, they are way more advanced in this area. We Americans are far too stuffy when it comes to our bodies. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

  2. Hmmmm. How about if I don’t follow FxCo requirements to pay real estate or property taxes? Is that okay? Or is it just the Republican governor that we don’t have to pay attention to?

    1. Non Sequitur! Straw man argument with no proof. Fairfax County records show that the Governor’s property taxes are paid in full with no backdated delinquencies.

  3. FCPS has lost their minds. Their current policy, which mirrors Loudon County’s, is how we get sexual assaults taking place in middle school bathrooms. It has already happened in Loudoun County. It’s only a matter of time before it happens here.

  4. Fairfax County doesn’t have a choice in the matter. The rules are that the school boards have to adopt policies emulating the model policies. I hope the govenor takes appropriate action to punish Fairfax County Public Schools and pulls their funding.

    1. Are you a closet Trans? Why does this bother you so much? Are you “worried” about your own children or simply want your beliefs to be followed by others?

  5. Notice how it’s always men that go into girl’s bathrooms and not the other way around?
    Few few girls deciding they are boys and then going into the boys room. Curious.

    1. An adult of either gender in a child’s bathroom IS a potential problem, but sexual abuse of women against boys (and men) is largely under-reported and not taken seriously, so no, you don’t hear about it often.

      But back to children:

      Transgendered youth are much more likely to be the *subjects* of bullying and assault than the perpetrators.

      You don’t have to be a genius to know that anyone who might be considered non-conformist is less likely to be assaulted in the girls’ room than the boys’.

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