Suffolk board adopts revised transgender policy; debate centers on training and student supports

The Suffolk Public School Board on May 22 approved Ordinance 25‑86, a second reading that revises the district’s policy on transgender students, after committee edits prompted debate over removed language related to staff training and administrative regulations.

The ordinance — presented as a comprehensive rewrite of chapter 1, article 6, section 1‑6.2 — covers definitions, nondiscrimination, counseling services, use of name and pronouns, access to records, dress codes, extracurricular activities and restroom and locker‑room access. The board’s committee removed a clause that would have authorized the superintendent to adopt implementing regulations and also deleted an explicit line encouraging annual training for school mental‑health professionals on serving LGBTQ+ students.

Valerie Boykin, president of the NAACP Suffolk branch, urged the board during public comment to retain definitions, anti‑bullying language and training, and cited a Trevor Project report noting high suicide‑ideation rates among LGBTQ+ Virginia youth. Boykin said removing training and supportive language “sends a message” and would leave students without protections she described as life‑saving.

Board discussion focused on the committee’s intent to mirror a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) model policy. Attorney Waller explained that because the committee’s edits left no room for discretionary regulations, the superintendent was no longer authorized to issue implementing guidelines in the ordinance text. Supporters of the revision said the committee sought to align the local policy with the VDOE model and to make the policy’s requirements clear in ordinance language rather than leaving items to regulation.

Opponents pressed for language that would explicitly require annual training for mental‑health staff and for clearer procedural supports for students. Superintendent Gordon told the board that counselors and school staff would continue to provide student support, but acknowledged the process would change under the revised language and said the division regarded student support as important even as the policy language shifted.

The ordinance passed on a recorded vote: Brittingham, Slingla (Slinglove in some roll calls), Vice Chair McGee and Chair Howell voted yes; Fields, Jenkins and Riddick voted no. Several board members and community speakers asked staff to return with implementation details explaining how training and student supports will be provided under the new policy.

The board’s action replaces the prior local policy with the newly adopted ordinance effective July 1, 2025, and staff said they will brief the board on the administrative process and the supports planned for students and families.