Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) is taking a step in the right direction with his handling of the transgender epidemic in our public schools.
The Virginia Department of Education released new policies on Tuesday that requires public schools to get written permission from a parent before they accommodate students for their preferred pronouns.
Youngkin said the following to the Washington Examiner:
The VDOE updated model policies reaffirm my administration’s continued commitment to ensure that every parent is involved in conversations regarding their child’s education, upbringing, and care. Public comment, input, and concerns were carefully evaluated and assessed to formulate the updated model policies. The Department of Education has delivered policies that empower parents, prohibit discrimination, create a safe and vibrant learning environment by addressing bullying incidents immediately, and protect the privacy and dignity of all students through bathroom policies, athletic procedures, and student identification measures.
The policies will also require students to play on sports teams and use bathrooms that coincide with their biological sex.
Dr. Lisa Coons, Superintendent of Public Instruction, told the Examiner that the new policies, “provide families the opportunity to weigh in on their child’s decisions and be a partner in their education.”
Related: Seattle Public Schools Offer FREE ‘Gender-Affirming Care’ For Kids 10 and Up
“We are elevating parents and giving them a seat at the table,” Coons also said.
Parental rights advocates also praised the new policies.
“In the face of threats, including from public officials, Virginia parents have stood strong,” Alex Nester, political director for Parents Defending Education Action, told the Examiner. “They continue to fight for their kids. These policies are a huge win for those parents, and they should be so proud of their courage and their efforts.”
During his 2021 gubernatorial campaign, Youngkin made education the primary focus of his campaign, promising to protect parental rights after his democratic challenger, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, said in a debate that parents don’t have a say in their child’s education.
The transgender phenomenon has become more of an epidemic among youth, as recent polling has shown that 300,000 children between the ages of 13-17 identify as transgender.
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