On Monday the Chesapeake School Board voted 7-2 to approve a new policy governing the use of pronouns and personal titles by staff.
The policy states that school staff must refrain from providing to a student their preferred personal title or pronouns if those titles or pronouns do not correspond to their biological sex.
It also includes also includes language to protect staff's "constitutionally protected rights" by stating that staff cannot be compelled to address or refer to other employees in a manner that violates these rights. The board Chair stated that this policy does not prevent voluntary use of preferred pronouns among staff.
Regarding students, the policy reportedly requires staff to address students only according to the sex listed on their official records when the student identifies differently. This aspect stems from an earlier implementation of the Virginia Board of Education's model policy.
The board heard testimony from over 20 public speakers, with the majority speaking against the policy change, arguing that it targets transgender and non-binary students and staff.
Chesapeake trans advocate Jeremy Rodden said in response to the vote, “We will not stop advocating for an equitable, inclusive school system and city, we will fight to elect good, qualified people to school board, and we will not let a minority voice continue to attack the most vulnerable residents of Chesapeake.”
This policy reflects an ongoing debate in Virginia and other states over how schools should address issues of gender identity and the rights of LGBTQ+ students and staff versus the constitutional and religious beliefs of other employees.