Gender Diversity

The Virginia Department of Education is committed to working with school divisions to ensure Virginia schools are welcoming, affirming, and safe learning environments for all students. Every Virginia student, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, has a right to learn free from discrimination and harassment. Virginia’s Education Equity Framework, Navigating EdEquityVA-This is a PDF document. (PDF),  outlines our commitment to dismantle any and all forms of inequity in Virginia’s public education system and includes strategies to support LGBTQ+ students. The Roadmap is guided by the  EdEquityVA Compass-This is a PDF document. (PDF), which articulates the essential competencies necessary to advance equity in the Commonwealth.  

Pursuant to § 22.1-23.3 of the Code of Virginia, local school divisions should adopt policies, procedures, and practices for an inclusive school environment that are consistent with Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools-This is a Word document. (Word). Schools are encouraged to conduct a comprehensive equity audit to help facilitate this process, which can be found on the Virginia is for Learners website.