News and Events > Opinions & Editorials

Virginia LGBTQ Students Deserve Better Than Glenn Youngkin's Proposed Policies

(1/1)

Jessica_Rose:
Virginia LGBTQ Students Deserve Better Than Glenn Youngkin's Proposed Policies

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/virginia-lgbtq-students-deserve-better-than-glenn-youngkin-s-proposed-policies/ar-AA15BgoP?cvid=f2a101aab22644769750698ee3a45fa6

Condé Nast (Teen Vogue, 23 Dec 2022)

The holiday season is here, meaning fun, festivities, and family. For some people, that’s a joyful thought; for others, a painful one. Over the holiday break, my friend will be forced to wear a dress because of their family’s views on gender identity.

School has always provided a safe place for them. But that could all change—at the drop of a hat. This September, Governor Glenn Youngkin moved to restrict the rights of trans and nonbinary students in Virginia. The Governor announced model policies that, if enacted, would prohibit students from changing their name or gender on school records unless their family submits legal documentation and would forbid school staff from calling students by their preferred name or pronouns—unless a parent writes an official request.

My friend and I, alongside thousands of other Virginia students, walked out in protest, stating what I wish was obvious: These rules cannot go into effect. Because these rules are total <not allowed>. Every single student should feel safe and respected at school and their identity should be left up to them and them alone. Full stop.

But there’s something less obvious—and more urgent—that we need to talk about: With these model policies, Gov. Youngkin is not only restricting students’ rights, but potentially putting their lives in danger.

Navigation

[0] Message Index