Virginia implemented new anti-transgender policies for schools, but Fairfax County Public Schools will not comply with them. The new policies go against federal law by restricting bathroom access for transgender students and allowing teachers to ignore using students’ chosen names and pronouns. Studies show that affirming policies help transgender students feel safer and have better educational outcomes. FCPS affirmed its commitment to protecting transgender students and allowing them to fully participate as their authentic selves. The policies have faced opposition from residents, students, and civil rights groups who argue they violate nondiscrimination laws and harm transgender youth. Superintendent Reid echoed that affirming policies are critical to providing quality education for all students. Overall, the new state policies have ignited debate around balancing students’ welfare with claims of parental rights.
I agree, but I have this sinking feeling that the politicians above them are going to find some way to punish or force Fairfax County into compliance. They’ll probably slash education funds or replace the superintendent in retaliation.
And I hope the community disobedience continues in response. If they replace the superintendent, just completely refuse to acknowledge them, shun them from every aspect of life these parents have any control over.
I know it’s not simple. But I think it’s time people start to make enforcing their nonsense as miserable and resource-intensive as possible.
Hard agree. It’s awful, but we can’t be intimidated or they become emboldened. Speaking from my own life experience- I think we have to make the bullies feel it’s not worth the trouble, or they will become emboldened and take it as a sign that they’re in the right and can do much worse things next year. I say “we” as somebody in another part of the country because i think this is happening everywhere in some shape, even where it’s not at the level of actual policy yet.
Look at what Texas did to HISD: took it over claiming “poor outcomes” despite it being one of the best districts in the state. I’m not sure how it works in Virginia but they may try something similar.