Youngkin's Transgender Restrictions Rejected By Richmond School Board
Glenn Youngkin's proposed policies on how schools will handle transgender students.Youngkin, a Republican elected in 2021, proposed an overhaul to rules that would affect transgender students' ability to use the bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity and require schools to receive parental approval before using a transgender student's changed name or pronouns.Youngkin found himself at odds with many voters and elected officials in the state that—despite his surprise victory—has trended Democratic in recent years.Critics of the changes, which are set to go into effect October 27 following a 30-day comment period, accuse Youngkin of targeting an already-vulnerable population to score political points with conservatives.Supporters of the "parental right" policies argue that parents have a right to know what their children are doing in school, including if they identify with the LGBTQ community.The Richmond school board voted Monday night to reject Youngkin's policy changes, instead passing their own Transgender Protection Resolution."Transgender students deserve to learn and thrive in an environment free of bullying, intimidation, and fear," the board's resolution reads. "Therefore, be it resolved that the Richmond City Public School Board rejects Governor Youngkin's model policies and affirms its commitment to providing protections for all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression."The resolution, introduced by board member Liz Doerr, passed 8-1, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
It also received praise from Superintendent Jack Karmas."I just wanted to note for the record that the administration strongly endorses Ms.
