Chesapeake School Board adopts changes limiting staff use of preferred pronouns; vote 7–2
Summary
The Chesapeake School Board voted 7–2 to adopt three additions to Policy 8-02 restricting employees from using preferred personal titles or pronouns that do not correspond to sex assigned at birth. Supporters said the changes protect employees from compelled speech; opponents warned of harm to students and possible legal exposure.
The Chesapeake School Board voted 7–2 on Dec. 16 to adopt three additions to Policy 8-02, the district's professional-conduct policy, that limit when employees may use alternative personal titles or pronouns.
Chair Angie Swigert said the revisions are "related to employee activities and are intended to keep the classroom focused on curriculum," adding that "a person who does not fundamentally agree with the use of alternative pronouns and titles cannot be compelled to use them." Supporters said the change draws a line between family-led conversations and curriculum and protects staff from compelled speech.
Opponents, including board members Malia Huddle and Amanda Quillen, said the changes are discriminatory and unnecessary. "I don't feel it's needed," Huddle said during the board's discussion, and Quillen voted against the measure. Public commenters who oppose the revisions repeatedly warned of harm to transgender and gender-nonconforming students; several cited national research and local mental-health concerns. "School should be a sanctuary where you tell children you belong," said Augusta Renee, a parent and Hampton Roads business owner.
Supporters of the change pointed to First Amendment and conscience concerns. Robert Perisich, a parent, described the revisions as a protection from compelled speech and urged the board to adopt them. Other speakers urged a middle path—maintaining constitutional protections while strengthening nondiscrimination and anti-bullying enforcement.
Legal concerns were raised in public comment: one speaker referenced the Virginia Human Rights Act and argued the proposed language could conflict with state protections for gender identity, while others warned the district may invite litigation either way.
The vote was recorded as seven in favor and two opposed, with Huddle and Quillen dissenting. Board members who supported the policy said the changes do not govern how the district addresses student identity, which they said will continue to be handled case by case with parent communication.
The board provided no additional amendment at the time of adoption; the policy changes were adopted as presented and will appear in the district policy manual. No immediate implementation timeline beyond adoption was specified at the meeting.
