In September of 2022, Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration introduced policies regarding the treatment of transgender students, laying out rules for school divisions that will reverse some previous transgender accommodations and require parental notification of gender identity.
According to AP News, “The new model policies from the Virginia Department of Education… say students’ participation in certain school programming and use of school facilities like bathrooms or locker rooms should be based on their biological sex…”
In order to combat these policies, students across Virginia Beach have planned walkout events at different schools such as Kellam, First Colonial, Princess Anne, Ocean Lakes, and Salem.
“I want people to show the school board, Youngkin, and everyone else across the nation that we don’t stand for this stuff,” said sophomore Bethany Wilmoth.
A walkout is typically an event where participants (either from schools, workplaces, or any type of community) simultaneously leave their areas of activity in order to draw attention to specific issues or to empower both participants and onlookers. Wilmoth was an active participant in the September 29th walkout .
“We’ve been trying so hard, and our voices fell upon deaf ears,” said Wilmoth. “But that doesn’t mean that we just surrender. I want to get the student activity up, and I want to get people really believing that they can make a difference.”
Even when there was a mix-up with the times, and two groups went out at different times (one at 10:00 am and the other at 10:10 am), many students still came out to show support for their transgender peers. Administrators and staff were also there to supervise.
“Students who participated in the event demonstrated a great amount of awareness and empathy,” said Assistant Principal Gregory Moxley. “Anytime students are observed demonstrating our LEAD values, I am filled with pride.”
Regardless of whether Youngkin’s policies are implemented or not, administrators will continue to strive to create a safe and supportive environment for every student.
“I believe that the 1st Amendment of the Constitution is a natural right that should be afforded to all members of humanity,” said Moxley.
The Virginia Beach School Board has delayed voting on Youngkin’s model policies until October 10th. Students and parents alike have their own opinions on these policies. For example, Senior Marcus Feliz is as apprehensive about the policies’ effects on transgender students as he is about their political consequences.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that Youngkin is making a huge mistake with this policy, both in precedent and content,” said Feliz. “Not only are we continuing to whittle away the independence of public education, but we are harming the students and staff in the process. School has the unique status of being a safe space for many children with subpar parental figures. Removing that layer of safety for transgender youth will shake that status, perhaps beyond repair.”
AP U.S. Government teacher Mrs. Jennifer Mechling said she can understand the perspective of those who agree with Governor Youngkin’s policies.
“As a parent, I certainly understand parents who desire to be the primary decision-maker over their child’s educational experience and journey,” said Mechling.
Although previous protections the school systems had put in place for transgender students may be removed, many fellow students continue supporting their transgender peers.
“Everybody on this planet has a place and everybody is loved, and to be told that you’re not is the biggest lie,” said sophomore Kendyll McElravy. “Stick up for yourself, be yourself, love yourself.”
