The Latest from VEA

The Virginia Education Association (VEA), the largest education union in the Commonwealth, reaffirms our unwavering commitment to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments for all students, regardless of their gender identity or expression in the face of the recent U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights determination regarding transgender-inclusive policies in five Northern Virginia school districts.

“Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in their school community,” said Carol Bauer, President of the Virginia Education Association. “The federal government’s attempt to roll back protections for some of our most vulnerable students runs counter to our professional obligation as educators to support the wellbeing of every child in our care.”

VEA’s Position on Student Safety and Inclusion

The Virginia Education Association believes that:

• All students have the right to learn in environments free from discrimination, harassment, and fear
• Transgender and gender-expansive students deserve the same dignity, respect, and support as all other students
• Local school boards and educators are best positioned to develop policies that serve their diverse school communities
• Research consistently shows that inclusive policies improve outcomes for all students, not just LGBTQ+ youth

“Our educators witness firsthand the positive impact of inclusive policies on school climate and student achievement,” said Taisha Steele, VEA Director of Human and Civil Rights. “When students feel accepted and supported for who they are, they are better able to focus on learning and reaching their full potential.”

Background

VEA expresses deep concern about federal interference in local educational decision-making. The five Northern Virginia school districts—Alexandria City, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County—developed their policies through careful deliberation with educators, families, legal experts, and community stakeholders.

“These districts have worked thoughtfully and collaboratively to create policies that protect all students while complying with existing legal precedents, including the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Grimm v. Gloucester County,” noted President Bauer. “The federal government’s threat to withhold funding puts critical educational resources at risk and undermines local governance.”

VEA recognizes that this federal action creates additional stress and uncertainty for educators who are already navigating complex challenges in their classrooms and schools. The association pledges continued support for members as they work to maintain positive learning environments for all students.

“This is not about politics—this is about our professional responsibility to serve all students with compassion and respect,” concluded President Bauer. “We will not waver in our commitment to creating inclusive schools where every child feels they belong.”