Dear John, This morning the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules (JCAR), a bipartisan legislative commission, met to review the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) 2022 draft anti-transgender model policy. Equality Virginia was invited to co-present at the hearing on the impact the policies would have on transgender and nonbinary K-12 students in Virginia public schools. We also saw an outpouring of support for trans youth from doctors, mental health professionals, educators, parents, students, community leaders, lawmakers and advocates. Today we sent a loud and clear message that this policy does not belong in our schools and that our students deserve better. During the hearing, the VDOE shared that they are still reviewing the public comments but gave no indication or timeline when they will complete the review process. And at the conclusion of the public comment period, JCAR voted 5-4 to object to the proposed anti-trans policies. While the JCAR vote only serves as a recommendation for now, we still have the power to stop these policies at their source.
As of this moment, the 2022 model policies are still under review and have not yet been finalized. TAKE ACTION: Send a message to the Secretary of Education and Department of Education and urge they rescind the proposed anti-trans model policies NOW! |
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We are proud of and inspired by everyone who attended the hearing or spoke today, and want to send a message of thanks for sharing your authenticity, resilience, and personal story. Together, we sent a message that #TransYouthBelongVA. We cannot thank you enough for the time, effort, and love that has gone into advocating for our trans students over the past few days, weeks, months, and years. Thanks to everyone who has shown us that we grow stronger when we share in the power of our individual and collective power. |
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With thanks and gratitude, Narissa S. Rahaman (she/her) Executive Director |
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