LGBTQ advocates blast Youngkin’s policy to roll back protections for trans students
LGBTQ advocates are up in arms over Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s policy to roll back the rights of transgender and nonbinary students.
They say the policy, which Youngkin touts as pro-parent, denigrates these students, will disrupt families, and will lead to more mental health problems among this population.
Students outed without consent
The “model policies,” issued Sept. 16, calls for teachers to address students by the name they were assigned at birth and use the pronoun that conforms to that identity.
If parents agree their child can use a different name or pronoun, they must submit a written request “that such other name or other pronouns be used because of the student’s persistent and sincere belief that the student’s gender differs from his or her sex.”
School personnel, however, would not have to follow that request if they feel it would violate their beliefs or their “constitutionally protected rights.”
The model policies prohibit educators from concealing information about a trans student’s gender from their parents, which puts them in the awkward position of outing students who might not be ready to have that discussion.
The policy also calls for students to use restrooms and locker rooms that conform to the sex they were assigned at birth. Also, for any program, event, or extracurricular activities, including sports, “that are separated by sex, the appropriate participation of students shall be determined by sex.”
School districts would be allowed to “provide reasonable modifications to this policy only to the extent required by federal law.”
School districts across the state would be required to adopt the model policies following a 30-day comment period and approval of a final version by the superintendent of public instruction. Democratic lawmakers are expected to challenge the legality of the policies.
A political issue
“We will not stand silent as Youngkin tramples the rights of LGBTQIA+ students and their families,” said school board member Karl Frisch (Providence), a candidate for the General Assembly. “He’s putting the lives of young Virginians in jeopardy to score political points and he should be ashamed.”
The anti-trans policy is in line with legislation enacted across the country by Republican-dominated bodies to ban books on LGBTQ themes, ban trans athletes from school sports, and end protections for these students.
The latest Fairfax Youth Survey, issued last fall, says 2.5 to 5 percent of secondary students identify as trans, and 16 to 25 percent are lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
A national survey by the Trevor Project in 2021 found 42 percent of LGBTQ youths ages 13-21 and more than 50 percent of trans youths seriously considered suicide during the previous year. Only one in three LBGTQ youths felt their home was LGBTQ-affirming.
Related story: Youngkin attacks public schools
Youngkin’s model policies are anti-family, asserts teacher Robert Rigby Jr., co-chair of FCPS Pride.
“The ‘outing’ puts school staff into the middle of conversations between trans students and their parents,” Rigby said. “It slyly fosters conversion therapy on children, and it will tear families apart.”
“Youngkin is trying to create public schools where LGBTQIA+ people are denigrated and unwelcome,” Rigby said. “When the most vulnerable are marginalized, no one will feel safe.”
He fears the policy will “make public schools a safe space for bullies.”
“The purpose appears to be a political dismantling of public education by demonizing people who are different,” Rigby said. “Why would any company or business want to come to Virginia anymore?”
FCPS Pride is hosting a rally to protest the model policies on Oct. 6, 6 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School before the Fairfax County school board meeting. The event will also celebrate the school board’s proclamation of October as LGBTQIA+ History Month.
A climate of fear
Another FCPS Pride board member, music teacher Ær Queen, who is queer and nonbinary, said, “Students who might not have a welcoming atmosphere at home will probably feel less safe at school where they might have felt welcome before.”
If students wear clothes that don’t conform to the gender in their official records, a teacher or counselor can out them to their parents, Queen said. “That should be a private family conversation.”
When Queen went to Fairfax High School – they graduated in 2009 – it was a welcoming place. But each school has its own climate and culture. Students at other schools might not feel that comfortable.
Youngkin’s model policies supersedes policies established by the former governor, Ralph Northam, that expanded the rights of trans students.
“Taking away the rights students previously could be extremely detrimental,” Queen said. “Trans students who are depressed or in mental crisis would be discouraged from saying anything for fear they might be judged, harmed, or be outed. They would be less likely to reach out for help.”
“The words ‘transgender’ or ‘nonbinary’ aren’t obscene; they are not dirty words,” Queen said. “When talking about this policy, it’s important to name those groups. Not saying those words adds to the stigma that being trans or nonbinary is bad.”
In an email to the community, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid said FCPS is reviewing the model policies. She assured families that “FCPS remains committed to an inclusive learning environment for each and every student and staff member and that our schools will continue to be safe and respectful learning spaces.”
I read the entire proposed policy:
https://doe.virginia.gov/support/gender-diversity/2022-model-policies-on-the-privacy-dignity-and-respect-for-all-students-town-hall.pdf
and like what I read.
If a teenage boy says he has decided he wants to be a girl and start wearing girls clothes and be called ‘her’ etc. then it is on that student and his family to let everyone know their wishes. My 9th grade son at Annandale HS just had to fill out a survey where he was required to declare his pronouns and in this voter’s opinion he should not have to. If you are a LGBTQ person and want people to know it that’s great, just let us know how you want to be addressed. But do not force everyone to participate in your explorations of gender or sexuality. And you certainly should not be colluding with the school to formulate your gender identity program, parents must be involved.
Oh, heavens–filling out a form is not “forc(ing) everyone to participate in your explorations.” Your 9th grader can handle it–he’s probably less of a snowflake than you are.
Amen Andrew. I’m amazed at how people perceive the mildest of inconveniences (and in this case it’s not even they’re inconvenience) as persecution.
Also, anyone that says “parents must be involved” in personal decisions like this is either at best totally naïve and at worst a bigot. If the parents are supportive of their child, they’re already involved. If the child is hiding it from their parents, I bet the house it’s because they’re afraid they’ll be sent to conversion therapy (aka child abuse) camp or similar.
Right… parents concerned about their children are child abusers.
The world is upside down.
Can’t wait to move away from here and to the mountains.
Way to oversimplify what he said Paul, that’s the spirit!
happy to contribute to your moving fund…
Is that really wha you got out of that comment? Reading comprehension much?
“…a teenage boy says he has decided he wants to be a girl”
This shows a fundamental lack of understanding. Trans people don’t “decide” to be that way any more that you decided to be whatever gender you identify as.
Yes, parents have a legal responsibility for their children that are minors. Shocking as it may seem. This includes more than procreation. If a parent is legally and fiscally responsible, then their involvement is paramount for interaction between schools, parents and the student. Hopefully, a parent is involved enough in there child’s life, instead of relying on the schools to do the parent’s part. Reading the draft guidelines seems to be reasonable on parental involvement. Fully agree with policy on bathrooms and sports. If a child wants to be identified as different via he/she – I have no concerns or interest so long as the child’s parents agree. I’ve had to explain this to my 12 year old because FCPS practice is effectively confusing children in how it is explained (more of an agenda than needed).
Youngkin’s policy will promote suicides by the children who are struggling with their gender identity. Maybe they are not sure of who they are and don’t want to have a discussion with their parents until they have figured it out. Who are these children hurting? This is a political action by Youngkin to hurt people who don’t agree with his religious beliefs. First amendment anyone.
Do they commit suicide because they’re not accepted, or because they’re mentally ill?
I oppose 2022 Virginia Department of Education Model Policies released yesterday on the grounds that the stated policy on transgender students is unduly restrictive on VA students.
Allowing teachers to refer to students in any way they want under the guise of free speech is inequitable if it only pertains to birth assigned gender–by the same reasoning a teacher will be able to refer to a ‘tomboy’ as just that, or, if they choose ‘butch’ or a ‘dyke.’ All free speech to be sure but with no place in our schools. Do students now have the right to refer to teachers or staff in any way they choose under free speech?
Under these provisions it is supposed that parents are ‘empowered;’ and are they empowered to compel teachers to use pronouns and names the parents want used for their children? No it does not.
This policy empowers only hate and prejudice against a minority class asking nothing more than to have agency over their own lives and rights. It is a disgrace, with all the challenges facing Virginia education that the Governor has expended resources that will only serve to limit the rights of parents and students while insultingly claiming the exact opposite. I urge the Governor to rescind these restrictions on parent/student rights.
I find it particularly interesting that staff, teachers and students will be allowed to misgender and dead name trans students under the “first amendment”
It doesn’t seem particularly far from saying “Well, teachers should be allowed to use racial slurs towards students in line with their first amendment rights.”
It’s a dumb policy designed to bolster a run for President in 2024. As usual, Youngkin doesn’t care anything about this job or the citizens of VA, just what he thinks will expand his national profile and bring in far right fundraisers.
All that, OR he specifically ran on, and was elected because of, parents’ rights in public schools. Try again!
I oppose 2022 Virginia Department of Education Model Policies released yesterday on the grounds that the stated policy on transgender students is unduly restrictive on VA students. Allowing teachers to refer to students in any way they want under the guise of free speech is inequitable if it only pertains to birth assigned gender–by the same reasoning a teacher will be able to refer to a ‘tomboy’ as just that, or, if they choose ‘butch’ or a ‘dyke.’ All free speech to be sure but with no place in our schools. Do students now have the right to refer to teachers or staff in any way they choose under free speech?
Under these provisions it is supposed that parents are ‘empowered;’ and are they empowered to compel teachers to use pronouns and names the parents want used for their children? No it does not. This policy empowers only hate and prejudice against a minority class asking nothing more than to have agency over their own lives and rights. It is a disgrace, with all the challenges facing Virginia education that the Governor has expended resources that will only serve to limit the rights of parents and students while insultingly claiming the exact opposite. I urge the Governor to rescind these restrictions on parent/student rights.