On February 8, we introduced changes to the current FCPS policy for transgender and non-conforming students. 

Among the many changes we requested are these 3:

1. Interscholastic sports participation should be segregated by biological sex, not by chosen gender.
2. Parents should be notified when their child chooses an alternative gender or identifies as transgender unless the school suspects child abuse or neglect.
3. Locker rooms, bathrooms, and changing areas should be designated by biological sex, and alternative accommodations should be available for transgender students who choose an alternative gender identity.

The FCPS board rejected not only these recommended changes but every recommendation we made, leaving the six-year-old out-of-date policy unchanged and intact. The board also refused to meet with us to review the medical and scientific data that supported the rationale for our recommendations and would not provide the justification for their decision.

Since the board has chosen to close all future consideration for any change, we believe the only course of action left for parents is via the court system. Transparency in Education has engaged two law firms to help facilitate the filing of a suit. Join us on July 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Holly Hills Country Club for a discussion on parents’ rights under the law and what it will take to make this effort successful.

Note: The Virginia Department of Education just issued its Model Policies for Ensuring Privacy Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools. Among its key points are the following:

1. Schools shall respect all students: All children in Virginia have a right to learn free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.
2. Parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children: Policies shall be drafted to safeguard parents’ rights with respect to their children and to facilitate the exercise of those rights.
3. Schools shall respect parents’ values and beliefs. (We assume this includes religious beliefs.)
4. Schools shall defer to parents to make the best decisions with respect to their children.
5. Schools shall keep parents informed about their children’s well-being.

Click here for the new Virginia policy.

Our goal is to ensure this same approach is brought to Frederick County.