School Board Adopts Policy To Protect LGBTQ Students From Discrimination: Report

BRISTOW, VA — After months of contentious hearings, the Prince William County School Board voted Wednesday night to adopt measures to prevent discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, according to a media report. The new measures would protect LGBTQ students and staff, InsideNova reported.

The board voted 5-3 in favor of the measure during a public hearing packed with supporters, according to InsideNova. Over tha last few weeks, the measure drew support from Democratic Party lawmakers in the area, as well as advocacy groups such as Equality Virginia and Virginia’s chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

But numerous opponents criticized the new measure, saying they're concerned that the new policy would allow students to use bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. Others said that courts around the country have yet to issue concrete opinions on similar policies.

Loree Williams, a School Board member who supports the policy change, said that it allows administrators at each school in Prince William County to determine ways to accommodate transgender students in bathrooms and other private spaces, InsideNova reported.

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