On Tuesday night, the Virginia Beach School Board approved changes to its non-discrimination model policy. The amendments were approved by a 7-3 vote of the board. The superintendent now has the authority to adopt procedures and rules that fit with the Virginia Department of Education’s transgender model policy within the nondiscrimination policy.

Transgender and nonbinary students are protected by the transgender model policy, which allows them to use their preferred pronouns, use bathrooms and locker rooms, and participate in sports teams that reflect their gender identity. The transgender policy was included as an action item at the most recent Virginia Beach School Board meeting, but due to meeting restrictions, it could not be voted on or debated.