NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Community members are speaking out about a recent decision to adopt Gov. Glenn Youngkin's transgender model policies in Newport News schools.
Seven people spoke Tuesday night at the first public school board meeting since the vote last month.
The division's procedures for transgender students follow state guidance requiring teachers and staff to call students by the name that appears on school records, and report any information the student reveals to staff about their gender identity.
Some community members said they're concerned about how these policies will impact transgender students.
On Tuesday, the Newport News Education Association shared a statement calling on the city's school board to rescind the policies, arguing that the guidance breaks federal and state nondiscrimination laws.
"The NNPS School Board and administrative team have consistently emphasized the importance of building relationships with students, yet requiring teachers and staff to out their students will adversely affect these relationships," the statement reads in part. "School should be a safe haven where all students can feel comfortable confiding in trusted adults."