Virginia Education Association Calls Youngkin Administration’s Transgender Model Policy “an outrageous affront to decency”

Dr. James J. Fedderman, President of the Virginia Education Association, made the following statement on Gov. Youngkin’s final version of model policies regarding the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools:

“Even for a Governor who has made his name out of manufacturing political outrage on the backs of hardworking teachers and innocent students, the intentional targeting of LGBTQ+ students in such a blatant and crass manner in the name of “parental rights” is an outrageous affront to decency. All school boards and superintendents should remember that no schools are required to implement this administration-crafted policy and should think twice before considering this politically divisive debate and exposing themselves to extensive legal liability. If implemented, these policies would no doubt threaten the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ students, open the door for bullying, and set back their recent civil rights gains in Virginia. This policy targets a student group already facing significant barriers, offers no measurable benefit, and is simply cruel. These students deserve the freedom to express their authentic selves, free of harassment. Governor Youngkin and Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Lisa Coons should be ashamed of themselves for allowing such a mean-spirited document to become the official guidance from the Commonwealth. History will not reflect kindly on this opportunistic and discriminatory decision.”