Schools
Youngkin Transgender Student Policies Draw Pushback From Alexandria Schools
Alexandria's interim superintendent and School Board chair expressed concerns with the proposed Youngkin administration guidelines.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The proposed model policies affecting transgender students rights from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin's administration have drawn criticism from Alexandria City Public Schools leaders.
The new model policies, released Friday, include requiring transgender students to use school bathrooms and locker rooms matching the sex they were assigned at birth. In addition, school districts could only change a student's legal name or sex if a parent or eligible student submits a legal document like state identification. School personnel would only call students by the name and pronouns on their official record.
If the model policies are adopted, local school boards would have to adopt policies consistent with the guidance.
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In a letter to families, ACPS Interim Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt and School Board Chair Meagan Alderton said concerns were raised by families about the "model policies." The officials say the model policies conflict with the ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan: Equity for All adopted by the School Board in June 2020. The ACPS nondiscrimination policy has recognized gender identity and gender expression as protected for equal education since 2013.
"These 'model policies' seek to undermine this vital work and set the clock back on the gains we have accomplished as a school division to place racial equity at the heart of our work," Kay-Wyatt and Alderton wrote. "We look forward to participating in the public comment period and hearing the voices of others throughout the Commonwealth on this critical issue of importance."
Find out what's happening in Del Raywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The proposed model policies are set to have a 30-day public comment period beginning Sept. 26.
The officials said supports are available to students and employees. Students may reach out to an administrator, counselor or trusted adult, and support team professionals are present in schools. ACPS employees have access to an employee assistance program.
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