Trans Student 'Model Policies' Prompt Walkouts At VA Schools: See Photos

VIRGINIA — Students at schools around Northern Virginia and across the state walked out of classrooms on Tuesday to protest Virginia's new proposed guidelines that restrict the rights of transgender students.

The proposed "model policies," released in mid-September, will have to be adopted by school boards in all of the state’s 133 school districts in October if approved. Policies include requiring transgender students to use school bathrooms and locker rooms matching the sex they were assigned at birth, unless federal law requires otherwise.

In addition, school districts could only change a student's legal name or sex if a parent or eligible student submits a legal document like state identification. School personnel would only call students by the name and pronouns on their official record — either male or female pronouns. However, the model policies state a student or parent can instruct the school district in writing that another name or other pronouns may be used "because of the student’s persistent and sincere belief that the student’s gender differs from his or her sex."

Another policy states there should be no guidance instructing teachers to hide information about a student from a student's parent, including about gender.

The Pride Liberation Project, a student advocacy group that focuses on the rights of LGBTQIA students in Virginia, expressed opposition to what it called "bigoted proposed guidelines." In response to the new policies, the group helped organize walkouts at more than 90 schools around the state Tuesday.

"Tens of thousands of students walked out of Virginia's schools today to say Queer students belong in our school systems," the group shared on Twitter. "Our demand is simple: revoke the draft guidelines. It's time we let everyone, including students, have a voice in our education - not just a vocal minority."

The proposed model policies are set to have a 30-day public comment period beginning Sept. 26. The public comment period on the model policies opens on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall’s website.

Read More: Youngkin's New School Guidelines Restrict Transgender Student Rights

Pride Liberation Project raised concerns particularly about "outing" Queer students, who fear they'd be abused and kicked out of their homes as a result. The group said it has worked with students who were "outed" and "literally been denied water by their parents."

One Fairfax County student who remained anonymous shared concerns as a Queer student who has not come out to their parents.

"As a closeted student, I wouldn’t be able to come home if my parents found out that I was
Queer," the student stated. "I am terrified that these draft regulations will take away one of the few places I can just be myself."

Fairfax County Public Schools Walkouts

There were 27 walkouts in Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia's largest school division. Joining students at West Potomac High School was State Sen. Adam Ebbin, an openly gay member of the Virginia Senate representing parts of Alexandria, Fairfax County and Arlington County.

"Incredible show of opposition to Gov Youngkin’s cruel anti-trans student proposal at 80-90 student walkouts across the state!" Ebbin tweeted. "Especially proud of thousands of West Potomac HS students for their outspoken activism!"

In Fairfax County, walkouts were planned at Annandale High School, Centreville High School, Chantilly High School, Thomas Edison High School, Fairfax High School, Falls Church High School, George C. Marshall High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Herndon High School, James Madison High School, John R. Lewis High School, Justice High School, Kilmer Middle School, Lake Braddock Secondary School, Langley High School, McLean High School, Mount Vernon High School, Oakton High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Robinson Secondary School, South County High School, South Lakes High School, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, West Potomac High School, West Springfield High School, Westfield High School, W.T. Woodson High School.

Arlington County Walkouts

In Arlington County, walkouts were planned at Wakefield High School, Washington-Liberty High School, H.B. Woodlawn Secondary Program, Thomas Jefferson Middle School and Kenmore Middle School.

Loudoun County Walkouts

Loudoun County schools participating in walkouts were Dominion High School, Heritage High School, John Champe High School, Loudoun County High School, Loudoun Valley High School, Park View High School, Riverside High School and Tuscarora High School.

Prince William County Walkouts

In Prince William County, walkouts were planned at Battlefield High School, C.D. Hylton High School, Colgan High School, Gar-Field High School, Osbourn Park High School, Patriot High School, Woodbridge High School and Unity Reed High School.