‘It is a very delicate problem with the constituents,’ Pittsylvania County College Board member says of transgender vote | Schooling

Citizens speak out against the state’s transgender policy at the district school council meeting

Pittsylvania County Schools have already put in place policies to prohibit discrimination against students, said school board members who voted against the state’s treatment of transgender students law.

George Henderson

“We already have something in place that covers bullying and compliance,” said George Henderson, a member of the Pittsylvania County School Board who represents the Tunstall district. “We will provide security to our students.”

Voters disagree with the state model, “and so do I,” he added.

“It’s a very sensitive issue with the county’s voters,” said Henderson. “You recently had your say and we chose our conscience. It can get me in trouble. If so, then so be it. “

More than 100 residents attended the meeting and spoke out loudly against transgender policies and called on the board of directors to break state laws.

After a recalcitrant session of shouts and heckling from residents – a lot of actions inconsistent with an orderly meeting – the school board voted 4: 3 to oppose government policy towards transgender students.

This vote was likely controversial as the board already had policies that were in line with state guidelines.

Residents attend a meeting of the Pittsylvania County School Board Tuesday evening. Many spoke out loudly against the state transgender law.

John Crane

On June 8, the Pittsylvania County School Board passed a policy guaranteeing that “All students have equal educational opportunities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, skin color, national origin, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability , Parentage, family or parental status or any other illegal basis. “