Safe Schools Campaign
Advocating for Inclusive and Affirming Schools
FIGHTING FOR STUDENTS.
Our Safe Schools Work
Equality Virginia’s work advocating for inclusive and affirming schools dates back to at least 2013, when many school divisions were considering whether to add sexual orientation and gender identity to their non-discrimination policies. This work has evolved over time as victories have been won and the landscape has changed.
In 2020, we renewed our commitment to this work by advocating alongside our organizational partners to pass legislation that directed the Virginia Department of Education to establish a set of model policies addressing the needs of transgender and nonbinary students. After these policies were finalized in 2021, school boards throughout the state began to discuss adopting their own policies that aligned with this guidance.
Not all school boards chose to adopt sufficient policies, and so a varied patchwork of protections for transgender and nonbinary students now exists throughout our Commonwealth.
The Issue Currently
In 2022, the VDOE under a new governor’s administration released a new draft of the model policies to replace the 2021 version. As published, this new model policy will strip away many of the protections and best practices that the 2021 model policies sought to establish.
At Equality Virginia, we’re dedicated to continuing the fight to ensure that ALL students, regardless of where they live in Virginia, have the support they need to grow and thrive.
Our Goals
1. To pass inclusive and affirming policies in each school division in Virginia.
2. Policies notwithstanding, to support community empowerment by providing information and resources, increasing capacity, and supporting community care.
3. To make connections with community members and local organizations, and build enduring and reciprocative relationships.
4. To elevate the voices, experiences, and needs of youth, parents, teachers, and community members statewide.
Trainings
Check out our training schedule and sign up for a session!
Advocacy 101
Want to advocate for LGBTQ+ liberation, but unsure where to start? Already an active advocate and want to learn how to broaden your impact?
Our Advocacy 101 Training may be a good fit for you! Join us to learn about different methods of advocacy, logistical details, things to consider when choosing if/how to advocate, and how to find your role in the advocacy space!
Public Comment Workshop
Want to speak out in support of LGBTQ+ youth at a school board meeting, committee hearing, or on a public comment forum – but don’t know what to say? Need some tips and tricks for public speaking?
Come join our Public Comment Workshop to help prepare! We’ll talk about how to structure your comments, persuasive talking points, tips for speaking, and what to expect at public meetings!
School Board Advocacy Training
If you’re interested in advocating for safe, affirming school environments for LGBTQ+ students – especially transgender and nonbinary students – sign up for our School Board Advocacy Training!
We’ll be providing info about what to expect at school board meetings, tips and tricks for giving public comment, and examples of how to structure your remarks.
Advocacy 101
Want to advocate for LGBTQ+ liberation, but unsure where to start? Already an active advocate and want to learn how to broaden your impact?
Our Advocacy 101 Training may be a good fit for you! Join us to learn about different methods of advocacy, logistical details, things to consider when choosing if/how to advocate, and how to find your role in the advocacy space!
Public Comment Workshop
Want to speak out in support of LGBTQ+ youth at a school board meeting, committee hearing, or on a public comment forum – but don’t know what to say? Need some tips and tricks for public speaking?
Come join our Public Comment Workshop to help prepare! We’ll talk about how to structure your comments, persuasive talking points, tips for speaking, and what to expect at public meetings!
School Board Advocacy Training
If you’re interested in advocating for safe, affirming school environments for LGBTQ+ students – especially transgender and nonbinary students – sign up for our School Board Advocacy Training!
We’ll be providing info about what to expect at school board meetings, tips and tricks for giving public comment, and examples of how to structure your remarks.
School Board Policy & Meeting Tracker
This section of our School Board Tracker shows recent agenda items for each school board, as well as all the information you need in order to attend a meeting, sign up for public comment, and email your school board member. Click each district’s “card” to view all of the information.
School Board Meeting Calendar
This section of our School Board tracker is a calendar of upcoming meetings. Click a meeting date for information covered in the above section.
Get Involved
Join the Safe Schools Action Network and stay up to date with school board activity, training dates, and advocacy opportunities!
