Students Stage State-Wide Walk Out In Virginia To Protest Anti-Trans School Policies
On Tuesday, September 27, thousands of students in Virginia staged a walk-out during school hours as a form of protest against new guidelines proposed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, reports The Guardian. These new guidelines are being accused of being anti-transgender in nature and reportedly strip back protections for trans youth.
STUDENT ORGANISERS LEADING THE CHARGE
According to The Guardian, new amendments to school policies were discussed by the Virginia department of education on September 17. These updated policies would require transgender students to use bathrooms that align with the gender they were assigned at birth. Furthermore, the new guidelines would make it harder for trans students to have their pronouns and names changed with administrators.
Outraged by the perceived anti-trans bigotry, thousands of students staged a walk out during class hours to protest these new educational policies. Governor Glenn Youngkin was responsible for the proposed amendments and many student advocates say they are protesting Youngkin.
“I am scared of this man. My friends are scared of this man. How can he stand there and say he loves this country and loves this state if he wants to hurt us?” says non-binary student Casey Calabia. The demonstration received national attention with walk outs now being staged in surrounding states.
At the time of writing, the walk outs continue with students in Mon County and West Virginia protesting a ban on Pride flags.
DNA OPINION
The students show great solidarity, but it does not bode well that these walk outs are becoming necessary to begin with. Acceptance is a crucial part of any trans youth experience. Without it, many face suicidal thoughts, risks to their general mental health and isolation.
October 14, 2022 Post Updated to add “DNA Opinion” and remove editorialising language
