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Dear APS Community,
As many of you are aware, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) announced new model policies for the treatment of transgender, non-binary and gender fluid students.
I reaffirm our unwavering support for our LGBTQIA+ students, staff and community. I want our transgender, non-binary, and gender fluid students to hear loud and clear that you belong here, you are valued, and we stand with and support you. Who you are enhances the lives and educational experiences of all APS students and staff. We have reviewed the model policies and determined that our current policies and policy implementation procedures that protect the rights of our transgender students will stay as is. Moreover, they are in alignment with decisions from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1973, and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
I oppose any policy that infringes upon the rights of our students and threatens the safety and well-being of our LGBTQIA+ students. APS will continue to uphold our core mission and follow our policies to ensure that every child receives equal educational access and opportunities. We fully support our transgender and LGBTQIA+ students and value the many diverse identities within our schools, where every student can authentically express themselves, feel valued and have a genuine sense of belonging.
I know that the announcement of these new model policies may be distressing to some of our students. As we transition into the 2023-24 school year, school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers are available at our schools to provide a listening and reassuring space. Additional resources for transgender, non-binary, and gender fluid youth may be found on our website and the on the Arlington County website. If families have any additional questions or concerns, they may also reach out to their child’s school.
We will continue to model and live our values in support of inclusion, belonging, well-being and access to quality education. To this end, our current policies and procedures that protect, affirm, and celebrate transgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid students are of paramount importance in adhering to these ideals.
Sincerely,
Dr. Francisco Durán
Superintendent
