Youngkin's Model Policies

The model policies that Youngkin has proposed are sufficient to ensure parents remain at the forefront of decisions relating to their children’s identity while respecting all students. As a future board member, I want to listen to varying perspectives to make an informed decision representing our community's values. These policies align with the community while maintaining respect for all students.

Below is the statement I prepared to share with the board:
 
Good Evening,
 
My name is Paula Lam, and I am a parent of 4 students; three have graduated, and one is currently in high school. I am also a candidate for Rockingham County District 5 School Board.  I am here tonight to express my support for Youngkin’s model policies for our county.  The components of these policies include: Schools shall respect all students; Parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children; schools shall serve the needs of all students; and schools shall partner with parents.
 
At least 50% of transgender youth have considered suicide.  That being said, one protective measure is having their family’s support.  It would be a dereliction of duty not to inform parents when a student’s life is in the balance.  The argument that I’ve heard against this policy is related to concerns about child abuse.  Child abuse is a significant concern of mine.  That is one of the reasons that I had many conversations with our school board members during COVID because I was concerned about caregiver abuse not being reported during the extended closure of schools.  The CPS has stated that child abuse reports were significantly less during COVID.  Child abuse is not gender specific and must be handled like the crime it is, no matter the reason.
 
Another concern about the policy I’ve heard is that it would be impossible for a teacher/administrator to call home when a child requests to be called by different pronouns. However, I receive a phone call after my child has been tardy to class three times; tardiness does not directly correlate to a higher risk of suicide for our students.  If a child has requested to be called a different gendered name, I can and should receive a phone call because that poses a threat to the child's wellbeing.
 
Thank you for the opportunity to speak.  I would strongly encourage the board to adopt these policies.