Virginia Department of Education has released new model policies that outline how schools should handle children who identify as transgender.

All Virginia public school districts must adopt the new policy, which prohibits schools and staff from accommodating students’ requests to use a pronoun or name other than their biological sex at school, unless a parent has given written permission. The policy, which was released on Tuesday, also mandates that students participate in athletic programs at school and use bathrooms consistent with their biological gender.

The updated VDOE model policies confirm the commitment of my administration to ensure that all parents are involved in discussions regarding their child’s upbringing and care, education, and education. Glenn Youngkin, R-VA, spoke about the new policies. The Department of Education delivered policies to empower parents, prohibit racism, create a safe, vibrant learning environment, by immediately addressing bullying incidents, and protect privacy and dignity of students through bathroom policy, athletic procedures, student identification measures.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia expressed its “horror” at the new model policies.

Breanna Diaz, policy and legislative counselor for the ACLU of Virginia, said: “We’re horrified by VDOE’s decision to proceed with model policies which at best invite – and at worst require – discrimination. They violate state and federal laws and have no place in Virginia Schools.” This action ignores a majority of Virginians that submitted comments opposing model policies at the time the department proposed them.

Parent activists praised the new policies to protect parental rights as a crucial aspect of Youngkin’s successful gubernatorial campaign in 2021.

It’s no secret, said Ian Prior of Fight for Schools, that the model policies from the previous administration and their implementation were a turning point for the 2021 Virginia election and, eventually, for the parent’s right movement which spread across the country. Prior is a senior advisor at America First Legal. In 2021, several schools boards claimed that they were forced to adopt the old model policies. Many of them were unconstitutional. They will be rebuked in court, the media and the boardroom if they refuse to follow these updated policies.

Alex Nester is the political director for Parents Defending Education Action. In a Washington Examiner statement, Nester said that his group was “encouraged by” the Youngkin administration’s efforts to support students and parents.

Nester stated that “PDE Action commends Governor Youngkin for his continued support of parents.” Parent advocates deserve praise for their commitment. Virginia parents have remained strong in the face of threats from officials and other public figures. They continue to fight on behalf of their children. “These policies are a big win for these parents. They should be proud of their courage, and their efforts.”