WASHINGTON – The Fairfax County Public School system’s nondiscrimination policy will be updated to include the words “gender identity.” Before a vote on the issue Thursday night, Fairfax County School Board members heard public comment. Throughout the pre-vote discussion, there were both cheers and jeers from the packed room. “Think about the bullying that some of these strong kids are subjected to as a result of who they are,” one attendee said. “The school board should be making decisions to improve math, reading, writing, science and U.S. history. Not making decisions on political, social engineering,” another attendee argued. Some expressed worry the policy change could allow boys unchecked access to girls’ bathrooms, and vice versa. “Anyone who enters the bathroom of the opposite sex for the purpose of observing others commits sexual harassment, and will be dealt with accordingly,” says board member Ted Velkoff. The policy update was approved with just one board member, Elizabeth Schultz, voting no. Another board member, Patty Reed, abstained. Other members say the policy simply reaffirms what’s already in place, and that’s one of the reasons board member Schultz says she voted against it. “If the practice is already happening, then why pass the policy?” Schultz asked.
Bd. member Schultz: “Let’s change the non-discrimination policy to 2 words: don’t discriminate” @WTOP
— Michelle Basch (@mbaschWTOP) May 8, 2015
In a statement, FCPS School Board Chair Tamara Derenak Kaufax said, “The decision by the School Board to add “gender identity” to our nondiscrimination policy is to provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect. This tells our students and staff that school and the FCPS workplace are places where they can be safe from harassment and discrimination. The School Board has taken this proactive step to protect our students and staff from discrimination.” Kaufax says the next step will be to hire a consultant to help develop “appropriate regulations that protect the rights of all students and comply with state and federal law.”