Prince William County Public Schools won’t follow Virginia’s new model policies regarding transgender students, the school system said Thursday.
The school system said its “current policies are consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. PWCS policies already prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity consistent with Virginia law.”
The policies comply with the Virginia Values Act, which the General Assembly amended to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Virginia Department of Education’s new model policies place an emphasis on parental rights and defer to parents or guardians on what names, nicknames, and pronouns should be used when students are in class.
PWCS said it celebrates diversity as a strength and would handle situations involving transgender students on an individual basis.
“Parents and guardians are critical in their child’s education and PWCS has a history of working directly with families of students who are transgender, and those who are gender nonconforming, to ensure a safe and positive academic experience that meets individual student needs. Sensitive situations are addressed on a case-by-case basis in the best interest of the child, while prioritizing safety,” the school system said.
Prince William County joins Fairfax County, Arlington County, and Alexandria in rejecting the Youngkin administration’s model policies.
Feature image, yurakrasil/stock.adobe.com
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