Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia’s largest school system, will not adopt Virginia’s new policies that roll back protections for transgender students.
“We have concluded our detailed legal review and determined that our current Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) policies are consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws as required by the new model policies,” Superintendent Michelle Reid said in a letter to the community about the Virginia Department of Education’s new model policies.
The policies put in place by Gov. Glenn Youngkin 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.
The school system will continue with its existing policy regarding how a student should be addressed. The current policy says, “Students who identify as gender-expansive or transgender should be called by their chosen name and pronouns, regardless of the name and gender recorded in the student’s permanent pupil record.”
Reid said in her letter: “All students have a right to privacy in FCPS facilities or while participating in FCPS sponsored events. Any student who has a need or desire for increased privacy, regardless of the underlying reason, shall be provided with reasonable, non-stigmatizing accommodations.”
The school system will continue to encourage communication between students and parents or their caregivers.
Fairfax County’s decision to stay with its current policy comes days after Spotsylvania County voted in favor or the model policies.
Arlington Public Schools in July said it would continue with its existing policies.
Arlington Superintendent Francisco Durán, in a letter to the community wrote: “I reaffirm our unwavering support for our LGBTQIA+ students, staff and community. I want our transgender, non-binary, and gender fluid students to hear loud and clear that you belong here, you are valued, and we stand with and support you. Who you are enhances the lives and educational experiences of all APS students and staff. We have reviewed the model policies and determined that our current policies and policy implementation procedures that protect the rights of our transgender students will stay as is.”
Alexandria City Public Schools also said it would not follow the policies. Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt said the policies “do not align with our mission, vision and core values to support all students and staff, in particular our core value of ensuring that we provide a welcoming environment for everyone in our school community.
Feature image of student, andreaozerova/stock.adobe.com
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