Prince William Co. Community Divided Over Schools’ Transgender Student Policy
The Prince William County community became divided during a school board meeting on Wednesday night regarding the treatment of transgender and gender nonconforming students. The debate was fueled by an investigation from the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights into the county’s policy and its potential violation of Title IX.
- The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed by the conservative group America First Legal.
- The inquiry involves several Northern Virginia school divisions, including Prince William County.
The investigation also follows a recent decision by the Virginia High School League to change its policy on transgender athletes. The new rules are in compliance with a presidential executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.
- The policy shift marks a reversal from previous regulations that allowed transgender students to compete according to their gender identity.
At the school board meeting, community members were split. Some supported the current policy that accommodates transgender students, while others favored the 2023 model policies by Governor Glenn Youngkin, which restrict students to using facilities matching their biological sex.
- The Virginia model policies are state guidelines, not laws, for the treatment of transgender students.
- The Prince William County policy allows students to use names and pronouns reflecting their gender identity without requiring evidence.
The policy also ensures that students have access to facilities, like restrooms and locker rooms, that align with their gender identity, with alternatives for added privacy.
- Single-user, gender-inclusive facilities are available upon request.
A visible divide was evident at the meeting, with supporters of the current policy wearing LGBTQ+ advocacy clothing and others donning shirts such as “Protect Women’s Spaces” and “Save Women’s Sports.”
- Several members of Moms for Liberty, a conservative group, attended the meeting.
- The group opposes certain school curricula and book content related to LGBTQ rights, race, and critical race theory.
Merianne Jensen, from Moms for Liberty, expressed concerns about the safety of girls in schools, particularly regarding biological males in girls’ restrooms.
- Jensen warned the School Board about the risk of federal funding loss due to noncompliance with an executive order by President Donald Trump.
- She argued that allowing boys into girls’ spaces undermines privacy and safety for girls.
In contrast, Glorya Jordan, a parent and former critic of policies allowing transgender students to use facilities aligned with their gender identity, shared a personal story. After one of her children came out as trans, she witnessed the harm of exclusion.
- Jordan emphasized the importance of inclusion for transgender students, noting there is no evidence that trans women harm cis women.
- She argued that the real issue is ensuring respect for women, particularly when raising boys.
On the topic of transgender athletes, Jordan argued that the focus should be on improving women’s sports through better pay, participation, and resources, not fear-based policies.
- She called for a shift in priorities to support women’s sports in more meaningful ways.
Becca Anderson, another parent, urged the School Board to uphold the current policy to continue supporting the LGBTQ community and emphasized the importance of standing up for what is right.
- Anderson rejected hateful opposition, calling it narrow-minded.
Before the investigation announcement, Dr. Babur Lateef, the School Board Chair, defended the district’s stance. He expressed confidence that the Prince William County schools are compliant with federal laws and non-discrimination policies.
- He reiterated the commitment to maintaining an open and welcoming environment for all students.