The recent VHSL decision to explicitly exclude transgender students from VHSL activities contradicts Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) policies, and more notably, Virginia state and federal laws which prevent discrimination on the basis of gender identity.  FCPS must continue to support ALL students and tell the VHSL that it will not abide by policies that violate existing state and federal laws.

On February 10th the Virginia High School League (VHSL) reversed the promise made a week earlier by abandoning its ten year policy of allowing transgender students to participate in VHSL activities in accordance with their gender identity.  In doing so, they have abandoned their values and our students. 

The decision to ban transgender students puts the VHSL in violation of the Virginia Values Act (VVA) of 2020. This Act established non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity in “places of accommodation,” to include educational institutions. The Virginia Values Act, along with the 14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause and Title IX, are currently established laws that supersede executive orders.  FCPS Regulation 2603 and Policy 1450 explicitly provide protections for gender expansive and transgender students and must remain both policy and practice.