It's a hot-button issue ahead of the new school year and ahead of the upcoming election in November.
Transgender student policies vary from city to city across Hampton Roads.
Most of these policies went into effect in 2021.
Newport News
Newport News Public Schools is following the Virginia Department of Education's model policy of respect for all students. This policy -- updated by the Youngkin administration -- requires schools to report the student's gender identity to parents.
The parent would need to send in a written request for their child to change their pronouns.
On Friday, Nov. 14, 2023, revised procedures were released that a NNPS spokesperson said the board had voted on in 2021. NNPS already followed VDOE's "Respect for All Students" model policy, but these updated procedures outline specific processes for school personnel.
In the release school officials say, "Generally speaking the new Virginia Department of Education guidance provides that students may only be treated as Transgender, in certain outlined areas, if the student's parent or eligible student states in writing that the student's gender differs from their biological sex."
Suffolk
Suffolk Public Schools also requires students to get a document signed by parents to use the child's preferred pronouns or gender.
Teachers also have to alert parents if their child confides in them about being transgender.
Hampton
Things look different in Hampton, where teachers are not required to share a student's gender identity with parents if the student is worried about their safety at home.
That student will then be set up with a support plan.
Officials say the school division and staff will follow whatever gender and pronouns the student prefers.
Virginia Beach
On Oct. 10, the Virginia Beach School Board voted to pass Gov. Glenn Youngkin's policies on transgender students in a 9-1 vote.
Students will be required to use the sex listed on their official record for bathrooms, school activities and their biological sex for VHSL sports that are separated by sex. The policies also require written instruction from parents for a student to use names or gender pronouns that differ from the student’s official record.
However, nicknames commonly associated with the name in the student’s record will be accepted.
The policies also say divisions must disclose information about a student’s gender to their parents.
Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, staff are expected to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students. There are also gender-neutral bathrooms available.
Norfolk
13News Now was unable to find anything listed online about Norfolk Public School policies. However, there is a website full of information and resources for transgender students.