SUFFOLK, Va. — The Suffolk School Board is reviewing its policies for LGBTQ+ students.
The board met Monday to discuss the recently released Model Policies from the Virginia Department of Education. It requires parental notification and permission for counseling services "pertaining to gender." It also states students shall use bathrooms that correspond to his or her sex.
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The model policies send a clear message on how LGBTQ+ students are treated, but the Suffolk school district has not adopted the policies.
Superintendent Dr. John Gordon said the Model Policies ignore students’ rights.
"We want to make sure our LGBTQ students feel safe each and every day," Dr. Gordon said. "That comes down to their mental well-being and physical well-being. If a student is not feeling safe in school, how can we expect them to perform in the classroom?"
The school board reviewed the Model Policies with the school district’s attorney. During the meeting Monday, Attorney Wendell Waller said the model policy would be in conflict with federal law regarding students using restrooms that correspond with their gender.
"Several times in the Model Policies, they mention the Grimm case," Gordon said. "The law in the Grimm case allows a student to be able to use a bathroom as an example based on their gender identity.
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In 2020, a federal judge in the Gavin Grimm case ruled that policies segregating transgender students from peers are unconstitutional.
School board member Dr. Dawn Marie Brittingham said parental rights are at the forefront.
"Ultimately, with the Model Policies, we need to air on the side of letting the letting parents make the decisions," Dr. Brittingham said.
One parent, Christine Durand, says the Model Policies infringe on students' rights.
"If they want to feel free and if a boy wants to be a girl, then that’s their right. If my son decides he wants to become a girl or change his name to a girl, then I respect that. If they are not respected for who they want to be, that is where the suicides come in," Durand said.
Another parent, Angela Kilgore, said parents should be kept in the know about their child’s preferences.
The superintendent said the Model Policies will be discussed at the Septt. 21 school board meeting. Parents can sign up to speak at that meeting.
