Dear John, 

The House Education Early Childhood subcommittee has called a surprise hearing tomorrow morning (January 25th) and two bills Equality Virginia opposes-- HB 1434 (Ballard) and HB 2170 (Williams) are on the agenda. We do not know the exact start time for this hearing, but it will begin immediately after the full House Education committee hearing ends (sometime after 8:00 AM).

There are two easy ways for you to take action on these bills:

1. Sign up to speak virtually against the bills at bit.ly/JAN25_speak (select “Signup to Attend Meeting Remotely and Speak”) by tonight at midnight
2. Submit written comments against the bills at bit.ly/JAN25_speak (select “Provide Written Comments”) by tonight at midnight

Additionally, if you're in or near Richmond and available to share your opposition in person, the meeting will be held in the House Committee Room in the Pocahontas building (900 E. Main Street).

Please read below for brief information and talking points on HB 1434 and HB 2170:

HB 1434 (Ballard) - EV Opposes

Bill Description:

•  This bill would add a provision to the part of the Code of Virginia that governs student records, requiring that changing a student’s name on official records may only be done following a court ordered change of name. 

Talking Points:

• This is a solution in search of the problem. It's unnecessary and doesn't serve any educational purposes.
• Not only does it create barriers for students who want to be called by their chosen names at school, but also for parents who support their kids, who would be required to obtain a court order to do so.
• It also ties teachers' hands, who want to be supportive of their kids and create a welcoming classroom for all students, but are put in a difficult position to out trans kids by the names on their records.
• Being called by the right names and pronouns is an important part of belonging in school. All students should feel safe and included in order for them to learn and thrive.

HB 2170 (Williams) - EV Opposes

Bill Description: 

• This bill would amend the law concerning parental access to educational records, and would require written parental consent before a student may participate in any school-sponsored sport, team, or club, or any sport, team, or club that meets on school property. It also requires the school to notify a parent if a student participates in a sport, team, or club without that written permission.

Talking Points:

• The most obvious way this could harm LGBTQ+ students is by requiring schools to notify the parents of students who participate in GSAs or similar LGBTQ+-focused or –inclusive clubs. 
• GSAs are often a refuge for young people who are questioning or exploring their gender or sexuality, and this would bar any child with unsupportive parents, or who is not yet ready to have these discussions with their parents, from participating.

Summary of Key Information: 

There are two easy ways for you to take action on these bills:

1. Sign up to speak virtually against the bills at bit.ly/JAN25_speak (select “Signup to Attend Meeting Remotely and Speak”) by tonight at midnight
2. Submit written comments against the bills at bit.ly/JAN25_speak (select “Provide Written Comments”) by tonight at midnight

Information for those coming in person: 

What: House Education Early Childhood & Innovation Subcommittee hearing

When: January 25^th after the full Education committee adjourns (after 8:00 AM)

Where: House Committee Room in Pocahontas (900 East Main Street)

How To Share Your Opposition: In-person, no sign-up required

Thank you as always for your advocacy and dedication to protecting LGBTQ+ youth.

With you in the fight,

Narissa S. Rahaman (she/her)

Executive Director