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Advocates press Newport News School Board to change procedure they say prevents use of trans students' preferred names
Summary
Several advocates at the May 20 board meeting urged revisions to Procedure JBP, saying parts prohibit educators from using trans students' preferred names/pronouns and remove a critical support for vulnerable students; speakers asked the board to adopt less harmful procedures.
Advocates and community members urged the Newport News School Board on May 20 to revise district procedures that they say restrict educators from using transgender students’ preferred names and pronouns.
Reverend Natalie Chamberlain, speaking for a local coalition concerned about LGBTQIA youth, said "Pride isn't just a party. It's a protest, a plea, and a promise," and asked the board to "stand with, not against your trans students." She told the board that protecting trans students requires action from local leaders.
An advocate who identified herself as Jackie Batterson argued that the district's Procedure JBP went "from requiring it to prohibiting it" and that the most damaging elements should be removed. "We removed what could be a massive pillar of support for our trans students," she said, urging the board to consider proposals the coalition has offered and warning that delays increase risk to vulnerable students.
Other speakers referenced the broader stakes for immigrant and marginalized students and asked the board to prioritize respectful, nondiscriminatory practices. No formal policy change was proposed or voted on at the meeting; speakers requested that the board consider proposed revisions and weigh protections for students in future deliberations.
Ending
Advocates asked the board to review Procedure JBP and to adopt changes that would allow educators to better support transgender and gender‑nonconforming students. The meeting record shows public comment and no immediate board action on Procedure JBP; advocates said they would continue proposing concrete policy language and engage with the board.
