Join the VCC in supporting pro-parent policies in public schools. Your voice is needed! What: Support new pro-parent policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education. When: Comments must be posted online no later Oct 26 at 11:59 pm. Action: Click HERE and then “Enter a comment” on the Regulatory Town Hall website to weigh in for the role of parents. Background: Parents are the first teachers of their children and have an irreplaceable role in guiding them and ensuring their well-being. (CCC, 2221). In 2020, the Virginia Catholic Conference opposed legislation requiring VDOE to issue transgender policy mandates on public schools. In 2021, we opposed the Northam administration’s regulations implementing this legislation – regulations which severely undercut parents’ rights. Good News: The Youngkin administration has proposed overhauling those rules and replacing them with Model Policies that uphold parents’ God-given and constitutional right to guide their child’s development. They also protect the First Amendment rights of students and staff. On Oct. 20, the Virginia Board of Education held a public meeting and took over two hours of testimony on the proposed changes. Add to that: to date, more than 60,000 comments have been submitted online. If you have not already done so, express your support for restoring the role of parents in public education. Take action to protect children and parental rights. Join the VCC in supporting the many positive reforms in the new policies. Enter a comment and feel free to use one or more of the following reasons: - The new policies honor the sacred role of parents in the care of their children during school, athletics and other activities.
- Parents know their children’s needs better than anyone. If children are struggling with gender dysphoria, they need guidance and emotional support from their parents. Under the new policies, school officials must keep parents fully informed, and require schools to enforce laws, regulations and policies that prohibit and deter bullying or harassment.
- Student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities and events should be determined by sex, e.g., for overnight travel accommodations and locker rooms.
- Students should use the bathrooms that correspond to their sex. Single-user bathrooms and facilities should be made available in accessible areas and provided with appropriate signage, indicating accessibility for all students.
- The new policies protect the fundamental religious liberty interests of personnel and students.
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