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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 11th, 2021
Loudoun School Board Approves Landmark Transgender Protections
ASHBURN, VA — Today, Equality Loudoun (EQLOCO) applauds the Loudoun County School Board for its passage of Policy 8040, Rights Of Transgender and Gender-Expansive Students. For years, EQLOCO has been at the forefront of advocating for equal rights and protections for Loudoun’s LGBTQ+ community. The passage of 8040 is just the latest in a series of victories in this mission.
“To the students who will be returning to school with these protections in place, they can finally breathe a sigh of relief and feel safe focusing on their education,” said EQLOCO President Cris Candice Tuck. “They deserve our highest respect for facing such challenges and adversity. They should be celebrated.”
Policy 8040 will ensure students return to school with protections from discrimination, harassment, and bullying and provide a safe and secure environment to live as their authentic selves. EQLOCO participated in many community stakeholder conversations to craft language that was ultimately adopted into 8040 via amendment.
EQLOCO Vice President Sam Clarke added, “This announcement from LCPS now means that transgender and gender-expansive youth know definitively that it is illegal for staff in Loudoun County schools to discriminate against them. It is a huge deal, and it means they know our community and our schools have their backs.”
EQLOCO will be hosting an event, Pizza & Pride, next Tuesday evening to celebrate this decision. It will be open to members of Equality Loudoun, LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and allies to provide a safe and affirming space to celebrate these incredible kids and their hard-earned protections.
We appreciate our School Board for taking this courageous and informed step forward for our trans and gender-expansive students. We support their continued efforts to fight for equity and equality. It is difficult to express the gratitude our community feels for this decision and the message it sends. We thank the School Board for their tireless dedication to the safety of all students. EQLOCO will continue its efforts to ensure everyone in Loudoun, no matter whom they love or how they live, can continue to live, work, and play in a safe and robust community.
Founded in 2003, Equality Loudoun (EQLOCO) is Loudoun’s largest nonprofit organization fighting to promote, protect, and defend LGBTQ+ equality in Loudoun County.