Home By tabling bill, lawmakers show support for LGBTQ+ students in Virginia
Local

By tabling bill, lawmakers show support for LGBTQ+ students in Virginia

Crystal Graham
lgbtq
(© 9nong – stock.adobe.com)

A bill requiring a student to obtain a “change of name” court order to update the student’s name on educational records has been tabled in subcommittee.

The Virginia House Education Early Childhood/Innovation Subcommittee votes to table HB 1434 – effectively killing the bill.

Equality Virginia, the leading advocacy organization in Virginia seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, applauded the vote.

“This bill served no educational purpose and was entirely unnecessary,” said Narissa Rahaman, Executive Director of Equality Virginia. “LGBTQ+ students thrive when they are provided safe, affirming and supportive learning spaces, which includes allowing them to go by their chosen name without jumping through legal hoops.

“HB 1434 would have run counter to that by creating a hostile school environment. By tabling this bill the subcommittee has sent a strong message that LGBTQ+ students belong in Virginia.”

 

Support AFP




Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

Latest News

homeless unhoused cold winter
Local

New HUD report shows us that homeless population locally, statewide, growing

swimming
Etc.

UVA Swimming: Still no contract on file for associate head coach Gary Taylor

The FOIA office at the University of Virginia still does not have a fresh employment contract or reappointment letter on file for Gary Taylor, who is listed on the athletics department website as the associate head coach for UVA Swimming.

justin speros uva football
Football

UVA Football: Elliott names protege Justin Speros to be program’s general manager

UVA Athletics announced that Justin Speros will succeed Tyler Jones as the general manager for the UVA Football program.

phone handcuffs arrest photograph camera spying
Local

Albemarle County: School system employee arrested in child sex crimes case

newspapers
Local

Podcast: Are we about to lose the other of our local newspapers?

downtown staunton dining
Local

Staunton: Business owners share concerns about proposed downtown project

virginia tech football
Football

Virginia Tech announces $75M gift, most of which is going to athletics