Battle Over Transgender Policies Rages in Virginia Schools

Two parents in Virginia Beach have filed a lawsuit to compel their local school system to adopt Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin's new model policies for the treatment of transgender students. The lawsuit argues that school boards must adopt the policies implemented by the Youngkin administration, which roll back accommodations for transgender students made by the previous Democratic administration. While some conservative-majority school boards have adopted the policies, more liberal jurisdictions, particularly in northern Virginia, have resisted. Youngkin and Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares assert that school boards must adopt the new rules, which aim to give parents more say in their children's treatment at school. However, opponents argue that the policies violate federal law by perpetuating discrimination against transgender students. The lawsuit seeks a declaration and injunction requiring the Virginia Beach school board to adopt the Youngkin administration's model policies.