School board votes to delay adoption of transgender policy

By Linda Cicoira

Members of the Accomack school board rehash Virginia’s transgender student policy on Tuesday night

Last month the the panel rejected a proposal in a tie vote. The issue appeared to come back for another vote due to the state’s mandate that requires positive action to be taken in every school district. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to defer another vote until members can determine exactly how the use of the washrooms and changing rooms will be managed by the 11 schools.

The previous vote was 4-4 with the abstention of Malcolm White. President Paul Bull and members Ronnie Holden, Gary Reese and Jesse Speidel voted in favor. Members Janet Turner, Camesha Handy, Edward Taylor and Lisa Johnson opposed.

Handy said on Monday that a policy should be written with Accomack County in mind. She said her main concern was “the safety of everyone’s child … I want it to be right before I say ‘Yes’. If it is in writing, it cannot be contested, ”she added.

Taylor wanted to use more descriptive language in politics. “I am concerned for the safety of transgender students… as well as others,” he said. Turner also wanted more details in writing.

President Bull said he had no problem taking a break. However, he added, “We can’t do anything… The rights are there today… It’s a law.

“Our insurance won’t cover us if we don’t have a policy in place,” Reese said.

Holden said people on the “front lines” will implement procedures. “We will have to develop, (and) renovate on that side. Let’s get the ball rolling… We can’t do anything without a policy, ”he argued.

Longtime school activist Connie Burford attended and posted a video on Facebook so people at home could see and hear what was going on. The county’s live stream didn’t seem to be working.

State Department of Education model policies require the use of student preferred names and pronouns and the adoption of gender-neutral dress codes. The model states that trans students should have access to washrooms and locker rooms in accordance with their gender identity, while noting that some will prefer a more private option and that such options should be available to trans and cisgender students, so that no one is not distinguished. for stigma.

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