Center for Constitutional Rights Comment in Opposition to Proposed Guidance Document Changes

<!DOCTYPE html>

October 26, 2022

Jillian Balow

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Virginia Department of Education (“VDOE” or the “Department”)

James Monroe Bldg., 25th Floor

101 N. 14th St.

Richmond, VA 23219

Re: Comment of Center for Constitutional Rights in Opposition to Proposed Guidance Document Changes: 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools

Dear Superintendent Balow:

The Center for Constitutional Rights is a national, not-for-profit legal, educational, and advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and advancing rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution, federal statutes, and local and international law. Since our founding in 1966, we have litigated landmark civil rights and human rights cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and other tribunals concerning government overreach and discriminatory state policies, including policies that disproportionately impact LGBTQIA+ communities.

Today we write in our capacity as civil rights leaders to express our grave concern about the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools (hereinafter “2022 Model Policies”) recently proposed by the Department to supersede the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools (hereinafter “2021 Model Policies”) currently in effect.

If implemented, the 2022 Model Policies will result in real and substantial harm to the health, safety, and well-being of transgender students. Far from promoting privacy, dignity, and respect, the proposed policies serve only to stigmatize and discriminate against transgender students, stripping them of individual autonomy and denying their very personhood. Additionally, the policies violate Virginia and federal law, and their implementation would lead to extensive and costly litigation while sewing confusion in schools and school boards across Virginia. Therefore, we respectfully request that the Department rescind the 2022 Model Policies in favor of the current, evidence-based policies which have already been in place for over nineteen months.

The 2022 Model Policies’ Misguided Focus on “Parental Rights” Damages the Mental Health and Well-Being of Transgender Students.

The 2022 Model Policies propose complete deference to parents of transgender and nonbinary students, which will result in lifelong psychological harm for students. The 2022 Model Policies omit transgender and nonbinary students from existence unless their parents request “in writing” that they be identified at school as transgender or nonbinary due to their “persistent and sincere belief that [their] gender differs from [their] sex.”1 Moreover, they suggest that schools can only change students’ legal names in official records if “a parent submits a legal document . . . or court order substantiating the student or former student’s change of legal name.”2 The 2022 Model Policies further require schools to ‘out’ students to their parents in certain circumstances. For instance, students may not access “counseling services pertaining to gender” unless schools notify their parents and give them “an opportunity to object.”3

The 2022 Model Policies say these changes honor the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children.4 But the current policies already validate this right while honoring the agency and dignity of transgender and nonbinary students. For example, the current policies allow transgender and nonbinary students to assert their gender identities themselves without “any particular substantiating evidence,”5 and they encourage teachers to support their students’ choices.6 The current policies further recognize that parents may want school administrators to use students’ legal names out of disagreement with transgender or nonbinary identity.

Unfortunately, many transgender and nonbinary youth live in unsupportive homes. Of 34,000 queer youth surveyed in 2022 by the Trevor Project, only 32% of transgender and nonbinary respondents identified home as a gender-affirming space.7 Transgender and nonbinary youth who experience familial rejection already report poor mental health outcomes compared to their cisgender peers.8 This rejection has a disproportionately harmful impact on Black, Brown, and Indigenous transgender and nonbinary youth who face intersectional racial, economic, and social oppression.9

Research shows that transgender and nonbinary students benefit tremendously from supportive school environments when they hail from unsupportive homes. For instance, a 2021 Trevor Project report based on a nationwide sample of 8,000 transgender and nonbinary youth found a 33 percent reduction in suicide attempts when students reported high gender identity acceptance from school professionals.10 Given that 85 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth report negative mental health outcomes because of recent debate around anti-trans bills,11 Virginia should pursue policies that champion acceptance, validation, and the well-being of students. Instead, the 2022 Model Policies privilege parental rights at tremendous cost to the health and well-being of transgender and nonbinary students.

The 2022 Model Policies Allow School Personnel to Deadname and Misgender Students, Resulting in Worse Mental Health Outcomes for Transgender Youth.

In addition to privileging parental status, the 2022 Model Policies broaden the rights of school personnel to misgender transgender and nonbinary students under the cloak of religious liberty. Whereas the current policies encourage respect for transgender and nonbinary students,12 the 2022 Model Policies require school personnel to call students by the legal names and pronouns in their official records. As noted above, students can only change their official records if their parents approve. But under the 2022 Model Policies, transgender and nonbinary students who lack supportive family structures will suffer from the adverse effects of ‘deadnaming’ at home and at school.

The 2022 Model Policies also prohibit school divisions from requiring personnel and “other students” to call transgender and nonbinary students by their correct names and pronouns if doing so would violate their worldview.13 Pouring salt into an open wound, the 2022 Model Policies further claim that prohibiting schools from “compelling others to use preferred pronouns” is premised on the need to protect school personnel from affirming ideas that “may be contrary to their personal religious beliefs.”14 These policy changes, however, will only result in psychological harm to transgender and nonbinary students.

For instance, a 2021 peer-reviewed study of 129 transgender and nonbinary youth across three American cities linked chosen name use with reduced symptoms of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior.15 By giving school personnel the freedom to deadname transgender and nonbinary students with impunity, the 2022 Model Policies ignore a basic means of ensuring the well-being of marginalized students. Additionally, nearly 4 in 10 of 34,000 queer youth surveyed by the Trevor Project reported that their communities were either very unaccepting or somewhat accepting.16 Unsurprisingly, the suicide rate among these youth was significantly greater than among youth who reported general acceptance in their communities.17

The 2022 Model Policies’ Mandate that Students Use Bathrooms Corresponding to Their “Biological Sex” Violates Federal Law and Inflicts Severe Psychological Harm on Transgender Students.

By forcing students to use bathrooms that correspond to the sex assigned to them at birth, the 2022 Model Policies prohibit transgender students from using restrooms that align with their gender identities. This provision violates federal law and will have a devastating impact on the mental health of transgender students.

The issue of discriminatory school bathroom policies has been litigated extensively across the country. Numerous federal courts, including the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, have held that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title IX “can protect transgender students from school bathroom policies that prohibit them from affirming their gender.”18 In Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, the Fourth Circuit held that a Virginia school board’s policy requiring students to use bathrooms based on biological sex unlawfully discriminated against a transgender student in violation of both equal protection and Title IX.19 The court found that the school board’s policy was “marked by misconception and prejudice”20 and ignored the numerous Virginia school boards and school districts around the country that “are successfully allowing transgender students . . . to use the bathroom matching their gender identity, without incident.”21

The bathroom restrictions set forth in the 2022 Model Policies are substantively the same as the Gloucester County School Board policy that the Fourth Circuit found unconstitutional. There is no reason to think that the 2022 Model Policies will be able to withstand judicial scrutiny when legal challenges to these harmful policies inevitably arise.

Apart from clearly violating federal law, the 2022 Model Policies’ bathroom restrictions will also have deleterious effects on transgender students’ mental health and well-being. A 2020 peer-reviewed study found that among transgender and nonbinary youth who experienced bathroom discrimination, 85% reported depressive mood and 60% seriously considered suicide.22 Additionally, transgender and nonbinary youth who experienced bathroom discrimination had more than 1.5 times the odds of attempting suicide in the past year compared to those who did not experience bathroom discrimination.23

Bathroom discrimination promotes an exclusionary and hostile environment that stigmatizes transgender and nonbinary students and threatens their safety and well-being. We urge the Department to rescind its discriminatory and legally invalid bathroom policy because it will lead to extensive and costly litigation and inflict severe harm on transgender and nonbinary students.

Banning Transgender Students from Participating in Sports Teams in Accordance with Their Gender Identity Causes Substantial Harm to Their Mental Health and Well-Being.

The 2022 Model Policies require participation in athletic programs to be determined on the basis of biological sex, an approach that directly discriminates against transgender students and attacks their mental health and well-being. Excluding transgender students from sports teams that align with their gender identity is not an evidence-based best practice—it is a policy rooted in stereotypes and non-scientific claims that transgender women have a physiological advantage over cisgender women. Asserting biological sex as the only legitimate criterion for determining participation in school athletics ignores physiological variability and individual identification while promoting an exclusionary, hostile environment that stokes fear and suspicion of transgender students. This policy is out-of-step with that of major amateur and professional sports organizations including the International Olympic Committee, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, USA Gymnastics, and U.S. Soccer, all of which allow transgender athletes to participate in accordance with their gender identities.24

The Department’s trans-exclusive sports policy will inflict substantial harm on transgender students. The Center for American Progress (“CAP”) notes that against the backdrop of transgender sports bans and other discriminatory policies, transgender youth and young adults are at a substantially increased risk of experiencing bullying, harassment, victimization, and violence.25 These experiences render transgender students even more vulnerable to adverse mental health outcomes. A CAP analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2017 and 2019 revealed that transgender students who were bullied were significantly more likely to consider suicide, attempt suicide, and experience depressive episodes than transgender students who were not bullied.26

While denying transgender students full, equitable participation in athletic programs can lead to serious harm, implementing trans-inclusive sports policies can produce substantial benefits. Numerous educational, social, and psychological benefits flow from student participation in athletic programs. Accessing these benefits is especially important for transgender students already suffering adverse mental health and well-being outcomes as a result of exclusionary environments, discrimination, and familial rejection. The Trevor Project found that LGBTQ athletes reported significantly higher grades than LGBTQ youth who do not participate in sports.27 Additionally, “LGBTQ youth who participated in sports reported nearly 20% lower rates of depressive symptoms . . . compared to those who did not.”28 These findings support the proposition that transgender students should be encouraged to participate in sports through the implementation of trans-inclusive athletic policies.

If implemented, the trans-exclusive 2022 Model Policies will discourage transgender students from participating in sports by “forc[ing] transgender athletes to choose between playing a sport and living, and competing, authentically as their gender” and by fostering “hostile climates” that will negatively impact the mental health of all transgender students.29

The 2022 Model Policies Violate Virginia Law and Exceed the Scope of Legislative Authority Delegated to the VDOE.

The 2022 Model Policies violate Virginia law because they are not aligned with “evidence-based best practices” as required by § 22.1-23.3 of the Virginia Code. Importantly, VDOE cites no evidence to support its position that transgender students’ academic needs and psychological well-being are best served by requiring their parents to request in writing that they be so identified while at school. VDOE instead cites research on the importance of parental involvement on a student’s academic outcomes, which is not at issue. The pertinent question is whether the 2022 Model Policies are rooted in evidence-based best practices as it relates to the protection and well-being of transgender students. Unfortunately, VDOE’s failure to provide supporting evidence for its callous removal of gender-affirming best practices has resulted in its promulgation of evidence-based worst practices in the 2022 Model Policies, in outright violation of § 22.1-23.3.

While § 22.1-23.3 of the Virginia Code authorizes the VDOE to promulgate regulations related to transgender students, it is silent on “parental rights.” Therefore, the privileging of “parental rights” over the well-being of transgender students both exceeds the scope of the statutory authority delegated to VDOE by the legislature and creates guidance that contravenes the legislative purpose underlying § 22.1-23.3. Delegate Marcus B. Simon, one of the sponsoring authors of § 22.1-23.3, stated that the legislative purpose was to provide “comprehensive policies to protect Virginia’s transgender students” and to “ensure the safety and dignity of all students in Virginia, regardless of how they identify or where they live.”30

Because the 2022 Model Policies directly contravene both the spirit and the letter of Virginia law, they should be withdrawn in favor of the 2021 Model Policies.

Replacing the Evidence-Based 2021 Model Policies Will Cause Confusion and Instability Across School Districts.

The 2022 Model Policies should also be rescinded because they will sew confusion across the state of Virginia, particularly among school districts that are already following the 2021 Model Policies. Nearly “half of Virginia’s K-12 students attend schools in divisions that have fully adopted VDOE’s [2021 Model Policies] for the treatment of transgender students,” according to a study by Equality Virginia.31 In essence, the VDOE will be asking school administrators to abandon school policies already in effect across Virginia, and to rescind protections that transgender students are already relying on for their safety and well-being in the school environment. There is simply no basis to rescind the thoughtful and well-considered 2021 Model Policies at this time, given their seamless adoption by many school districts across Virginia.

***

In conclusion, the Center for Constitutional Rights re-affirms its strong opposition to the 2022 Model Policies. Against the current backdrop of anti-trans legislation and rhetoric, the proposed policies deepen the harm that transgender people experience around the country. Cutting off schools as affirming spaces for transgender students will have severe consequences for the health, safety, and well-being of transgender youth already weathering coincident storms of prejudice, hate, and misunderstanding. We therefore urge the Department to rescind its proposed policies in favor of the 2021 Model Policies currently in effect.

Transgender students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. That can only happen if institutions, individuals, and communities affirm, rather than negate, the gender identities of transgender youth, allowing them the same opportunities to flourish that should be afforded to all students.

Sincerely,

A. Chinyere Ezie

Senior Staff Attorney

Center for Constitutional Rights

666 Broadway, 7th Floor

New York, NY 10012

1 See Va. Dep’t of Educ., 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, & Respect for All Students & Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools 5 (Sept. 2022), available at https://doe.virginia.gov/support/gender-diversity/2022-model-policies-on-the-privacy-dignity-and-respect-for-all-students-town-hall.pdf.

2 Id. at 16.

3 Id. at 15.

4 Id. at 2.

5 Va. Dep’t of Educ., Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools 13 (Mar. 2022) (hereinafter “Va. Dep’t of Educ. 2021”), available at https://doe.virginia.gov/support/gender-diversity/transgender-student-model-policies.docx.

6 Id. at 14.

7 The Trevor Project, 2022 Nat’l Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 20 (2022), https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/assets/static/trevor01_2022survey_final.pdf.

8 Emily Pariseau et al., The Relationship Between Family Acceptance-Rejection & Transgender Youth Psychosocial Functioning, 7 Clinical Prac. in Pediatric Psychol. 267 (2019), https://doi.org/10.1037/cpp0000291 (noting the poor mental health outcomes among trans youth who are rejected by their families).

9 See The Trevor Project, supra note 7, at 18.

10 Press Release, The Trevor Project, Acceptance of Transgender & Nonbinary Youth from Adults and Peers Associated with Significantly Lower Rates of Attempting Suicide (Nov. 3, 2021), https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/acceptance-of-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth-from-adults-and-peers-associated-with-significantly-lower-rates-of-attempting-suicide/.

11 Press Release, The Trevor Project, New Poll Illustrates the Impacts of Social & Political Issues on LGBTQ Youth (Jan. 10, 2022), https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/new-poll-illustrates-the-impacts-of-social-political-issues-on-lgbtq-youth/.

12 Va. Dep’t of Educ. 2021, supra note 5, at 16.

13 Id.

14 Id. at 5.

15 Stephen T. Russell et al., Chosen Name Use is Linked to Reduced Depressive Symptoms, Suicidal Ideation & Suicidal Behavior among Transgender Youth, 63 J. of Adolescent Health 503, 505 (2018), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165713/.

16 The Trevor Project, supra note 7, at 20.

17 Id. at 21.

18 Grimm v. Gloucester Cnty. Sch. Bd., 972 F.3d 586, 593 (4th Cir. 2020), as amended (Aug. 28, 2020), cert. denied, 141 S. Ct. 2878 (2021).

19 Id. at 594.

20 Id. at 615 (quoting Tuan Anh Nguyen v. INS, 533 U.S. 53, 121 (2001)).

21 Id. at 614.

22 Myeshia Price-Feeney et al., Impact of Bathroom Discrimination on Mental Health Among Transgender & Nonbinary Youth, 68 J. of Adolescent Health 1142 (2021), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.11.001.

23 Id.

24 Shoshana K. Goldberg, Fair Play: The Importance of Sports Participation for Transgender Youth, Ctr. for Am. Progress (Feb. 8, 2021), https://www.americanprogress.org/article/fair-play/.

25 Id.

26 Id.

27 The Well-Being of LGBTQ Youth Athletes, The Trevor Project (Aug. 31, 2020), https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/the-well-being-of-lgbtq-youth-athletes.

28 Id.

29 Goldberg, supra note 24.

30 Press Release, Office of the Governor, Governor Northam Signs 49 Bills into Law (Mar. 5, 2020), https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/march/headline-853059-en.html.

31 Caitlyn Frolo, Equality VA launches tracker to monitor adoption of VDOE’s transgender policy in schools, ABC 13 News (Sept. 15, 2022), https://wset.com/news/local/virginia-552k-students-attend-schools-with-fully-adopted-vdoe-department-of-education-transgender-policy-equality-virrginia-school-board-policy-and-meeting-tracking-september-2022.


Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible idea for a bill and should in no way be passed, not only (as you can see from others posting their own stories) is affirming people’s gender identity better for their mental health, which outing them to their parents and making it so they need written consent would harm, BUT it’s also not an issue that should matter so much, we face so many problems and yet we focus on people just wanting to live their best life as our main issue, we have pollution, crime, and so much more in our world and yet instead of trying to fix that we focus on people just trying to live their best lives along with that Glenn Youngkin’s draft is riddled with issues and easy to poke loopholes in showing it’s not well thought out in the slightest (ie using “His/Her instead of Their not only being blatantly grammatically incorrect as if he’s trying to stretch out a school essay to meet the word count with slightly longer synonyms, but also not acknowledging the existence of people outside those two genders or with different pronouns)


I strongly oppose this action.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this action.


Trans is DISGUSTING - EVIL

<!DOCTYPE html>

Should never be allowed or discussed, it is of Satan


ALL kids should be protected

<!DOCTYPE html>

All kids should be loved and protected, especially trans kids. Trans kids are more likely to attempt/succeed at suicide. trans kids also make up a high percentage of homeless youth.

School should be a welcoming environment for all of our kids - that is the pro-life way.


Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

You need to think about how this can hurt so many people .


STRONGLY OPPOSE

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will hurt so many trans and non-binary kids and will put them in dangerous situations!


In agreement with Youngkin’s policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

We cannot pick and choose which laws we want to obey and not. Please respect our govern or and his decision. I am in agreement with Youngkin and his policy. Thank you.


Please don't hurt trans kids even more

<!DOCTYPE html>

Please do not adopt the 2022 Model Policies, which move schools backwards from protecting children. It is common sense that trans kids are in much more danger for being forced to used a restroom that doesn't match their gender expression that cis kids are in the reverse situation. Mind your business.


Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am an ally to non-binary and transgender students and have seen how they have felt when a person has misgendered them. They look sad, angry, and it looks like a bit of them has withered away. Being forced to suppress a piece of them will increase a bitter generation


Youngkin hates Virginians

<!DOCTYPE html>

<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"There is no moral justification of this proposed policy if you value transgender people as valid members of society. For every bogus republican statistic that being transgender bad for the child, there are countless people who want nothing but societal acceptance. I oppose Youngkin's policy and hope that you choose to listen to the actual transgender people who this policy affects rather than the paranoid science deniers who call themselves republican."}">There is no moral justification of this proposed policy if you value transgender people as valid members of society. For every bogus republican statistic that being transgender bad for the child, there are countless people who want nothing but societal acceptance. I oppose Youngkin's policy and hope that you choose to listen to the actual transgender people who this policy affects rather than the paranoid science deniers who call themselves republican.


The 2022 Model Policies violate constitutionality of protected classes.

Jordan Blaylock, University of Virginia Student

<!DOCTYPE html>

My name is Jordan Blaylock, and I am a fourth year student at the University of Virginia who vehemently opposes the newly proposed 2022 Model Policies. To begin, the 2021 Model Policies defined eleven scientifically-backed terms surrounding gender identity, whereas the 2022 Model Policies define only two terms regarding gender identity: “sex” and “transgender student." Neither of these definitions meet the evidence-based best practices as is required in Va. Code § 22.1-23.3(A). Sex is defined as “biological sex” in the 2022 Model Policies. The 2022 Model Policies also define “transgender student” as “a public school student whose parent has requested in writing, due to their child’s persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs with his or her sex, that their child be so identified while at school.” These definitions use outdated and scientifically incorrect terminology which cannot meet the evidence-based best practices requirement.

For precedent, the 2021 Model Policies prohibited “any and all discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on an individual’s actual or perceived . . . sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.” The 2021 Model Policies also required that “[a]ny incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention” and that “[c]omplaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived gender identity shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” Finally, the 2021 Model Policies required the establishment of a school contact for both students and parents should the complaint be “not resolved at the school level.” The 2022 Model Policies removes the explicit protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Instead, the only gender identity term it protects explicitly is “biological sex.”

The United States Supreme Court has found that “a State's interest in safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of a minor is compelling,” and as a result has “sustained legislation aimed at protecting the physical and emotional well-being of youth even when the laws have operated in the sensitive area of constitutionally protected rights.” New York v. Ferber, 458 U.S. 747, 756 (1982). This new policy could be read to force disclosure of a student’s gender identity even when that disclosure endangers the student.

Most importantly, the 2022 Model Policies blatantly violate federal law. See, e.g., Grimm v. Gloucester Cty. Sch. Bd., 972 F.3d 586 (4th Cir. 2020). These policies require students to use locker rooms, bathrooms, overnight travel accommodations, and other intimate spaces based upon their “biological sex.” Practically, this violation means trans students will be subject to humiliation, harassment, and even violence by using a facility that is clearly at odds with their presented gender identity. Not to mention, this will force certain trans students to out themselves by using a school facility they have likely not used in years. This creates a pointlessly hostile environment for these children, which will prove more of a distraction to learning than the systems already in place.

The 2022 Model Policies send the clear and incendiary message that you believe transgender students' existence is inherently harmful to a learning environment. Regardless of the validity of this claim, transgender students will not disappear out of force of will. Legal precedent has established them as a protected class of citizens, and these are children like any other. These are students, too. It has long been true of this country that children's right to an education is given bipartisan support. What does it mean to take this back? What does it mean to insist that, actually, only some children deserve a healthy learning environment? I urge you to consider the real consequences of instating these policies. I urge you to consider the already frighteningly high rates of suicide for transgender teenagers. I urge you to think about whether there is any benefit to these policies that supersedes the well-being of these children.

For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.

Best,

Jordan Blaylock


strongly opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>this policy is dangerous and sets a dangerous precedent. Strongly opposed. Petersburg forever.  </p>


Humans aren't perfect -- Strongly Oppose!

<!DOCTYPE html>

Having heard of this from people I know, I am completely startled by this. If the world was a perfect place, this whole thing would be (somewhat) acceptable. The way the world is, this threatens the saftey of many children. It is a blatant rip at their rights, and simply hurts them and threatens a trans childs life. What about the trans children living in trans-phobic, abusive households? How will the cruel and terrible people who control their trans childs' life react when they are informed "Oh yes your child is in fact trans". Their whole life and privacy is being steamrolled over by this policy. Not every human is perfect, and quite honestly, many parents can be horrible people. (Thank you to mine and any other parent who is kind and good to their kid, you are a blessing on this planet!). A child has as much privacy as an adult does, and this fact shouldn't be ignored. These policies would simply attack the trans community in such an aggressive way that it would simply be misguided. Also, laws are supposed to be made in a seperate mind from the church. Religion should not influence policy, not everone is Catholic! Other religions exist, and minorities should not be steamrolled over by larger, dominant groups with toxic beliefs. Its fine to not like trans or gay or any LGBTQIA+ types of people, but it is not okay to go out of your way to make their lives hard, scary, and especially not dangerous.

Please, for the love of whatever you believe in, support the rights of these children, and help speak out against this.


Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

At school I’ve been coming out as a trans ftm and stated my pronouns along with my preferred name/names. I just want to ask is why? Why do you want US to decide what we are? My parents don’t need to sign something to tell me what I am, I don’t need my own state governor to tell me who I am. None of you are me, I decide what I want to be, I decide who I go by and who I am. I will not state my name but I will tell you one main thing, I am against it.


Support trans students


Strongly Support Implement Now!!!!

<!DOCTYPE html>

The proposed policy protects the rights, freedoms and beliefs of all 1.25 million public school students, parents, families and their teachers.  Current policy forces 1.25 million to accept policy for 4,000 transgender students in Virginia (reported by Washington Post).  A common sense solution.


Strongly Opposed. Protect trans youth!!

<!DOCTYPE html>

Trans youth deserve a safe place to receive their education, and these policies take away that fundamental right from them. Preventing trans students rights to safely exist and controlling every single part of their identity and expression is NOT small government! Leave trans students alone - trans rights are human rights!


Trans liberation now - this policy will only hurt kids


Stop harming trans students - strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

We all know this anti-trans policy isn't about keeping anyone safe, it's about controlling and violating the rights of a minority group of people. Stop forcing your bigotry on everyone else -- the majority of us support human rights for everyone regardless of their identity.

Stop this policy now!


Trans is not a real thing, it is a sickness

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Oppose, very strongly. Hate the school systems for even entertaining this evil. </p>


OPPOSE

<!DOCTYPE html>

<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Glenn Youngkin does not know what being trans is like, and by all measures he does not care. He does not know and he does not care what it is like for a trans kid to live in an unsupportive household. He does not know or care what it is like to experience dysphoria. He does not know what it is like to be in a very gendered setting like a bathroom that is inconsistent with your own gender. What he does understand and care about is that it is politically convenient for him to use trans kids as pawns in a wedge issue. Power is his end game, and he will ruin as many kids lives as necessary in order to achieve that goal."}'>Glenn Youngkin does not know what being trans is like, and by all measures he does not care. He does not know and he does not care what it is like for a trans kid to live in an unsupportive household. He does not know or care what it is like to experience dysphoria. He does not know what it is like to be in a very gendered setting like a bathroom that is inconsistent with your own gender. What he does understand and care about is that it is politically convenient for him to use trans kids as pawns in a wedge issue. Power is his end game, and he will ruin as many kids lives as necessary in order to achieve that goal.


Trans Rights ARE HUMAN RIGHTa

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am emailing to voice my NON SUPPORT of this proposal.   If any of you have been trained in Trauma Informed Care, you would know the HARM this proposal would inflict on the younger members of our community.

What you are proposing is NOT A PRO LIFE stance but then again you only support that when you want senate seats.


strongly support

<!DOCTYPE html>

The new policies honor the sacred role of parents in the care of their children during school, athletics and other activities.

Parents know their children’s needs better than anyone. If children are struggling with gender dysphoria, they need guidance and emotional support from parents. Under the new policies, school officials must keep parents fully informed, and require schools to enforce laws, regulations and policies that prohibit and deter bullying or harassment.

Student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities and events should be determined by sex, e.g., for overnight travel accommodations and locker rooms.

Students should use the bathrooms that correspond to their sex. Single-user bathrooms and facilities should be made available in accessible areas and provided with appropriate signage, indicating accessibility for all students.

The new policies protect the fundamental religious liberty interests of personnel and students.


How many commenters live and vote in VA? I do and I support this policy = support girl's rights


Strongly Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Strongly Opposed </p>


I OPPOSE the guidance.


Governor Youngkin’s  Educational Policy for Public Schools

<!DOCTYPE html>

Thank you Governor Youngkin for believing in parental rights, protecting children and providing an environment where the focus is on teaching children the skills they will need to succeed in life.  Your common sense approach is very much appreciated!  I am a mother and grandmother and have lived in Fairfax County for 39 years, and I am hopeful that common sense will prevail.  Our children are our treasure and future!


Only 2 Genders

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>There is and will always be 2 genders. God never made a mistake. This will NEVER BE ACCEPTED IN SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. It is not the public school systems place to have any effect of that matter on children. It should not even be discussed because it is not a true thing, it is a mental issue, just like drugs can be an addiction. Leave it out of schools and leave children alone. </p>


Support for trans and non binary ppl! Especially kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"It truly amazes me how depraved the rePUGliCONs are! Once upon a time America was for freedom. Now very rich rePUGliCONs are making sure white ppl are stupid, poor and sick! And those stupid white ppl vote against their own self interest. So sad! I have a gay brother who was raped in his teens by an organ player at a Catholic Church. JUST LEAVE THEM ALONE! What they do in their lives is their business."}'>It truly amazes me how depraved the rePUGliCONs are! Once upon a time America was for freedom. Now very rich rePUGliCONs are making sure white ppl are stupid, poor and sick! And those stupid white ppl vote against their own self interest. So sad! I have a gay brother who was raped in his teens by an organ player at a Catholic Church. JUST LEAVE THEM ALONE! What they do in their lives is their business.


Strong supporter of common sense and decency

<!DOCTYPE html>

Parents know their children’s needs better than anyone. If children are struggling with gender dysphoria, they need guidance and emotional support from parents. Under the new policies, school officials must keep parents fully informed, and require schools to enforce laws, regulations and policies that prohibit and deter bullying or harassment.


Protect trans children

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Your position is to protect and uplift ALL children through education; it is not to belittle, hide, or refuse to acknowledge An entire group of people. If you are unable to do that, quit ?? </p>


Support trans students

<!DOCTYPE html>

<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"This policy is incredibly transphobic and operates under a false claim for the safety of children.  You cannot say that great care must be taken to ensure the safety of trans students and then force them to come out to their parents. You cannot say you are looking to ensure trans students feel safe at school and then force them out of their happiness through intentional misgendering. You cannot say that you are acting within the interest of child safety if you are working to create unsafe environments for trans kids. This policy if it goes into effect, will put these children in harm's way and it is absolutely heinous that it is being proposed."}">This policy is incredibly transphobic and operates under a false claim for the safety of children. You cannot say that great care must be taken to ensure the safety of trans students and then force them to come out to their parents. You cannot say you are looking to ensure trans students feel safe at school and then force them out of their happiness through intentional misgendering. You cannot say that you are acting within the interest of child safety if you are working to create unsafe environments for trans kids. This policy if it goes into effect, will put these children in harm's way and it is absolutely heinous that it is being proposed.


Strongly support 2021 policy & *Oppose* new 'Model policies for treatment of transgender students'

Virginia Pannabecker, Virginia Organizing

<!DOCTYPE html>

As a parent and community member in Virginia, I urge you to think through the actual meaning of what you are putting forward and the impact it will have in validating hatred. I urge you to choose to act responsibly, take down this new proposed policy, and proceed with the 2021 guidance (which is not even mandatory - simply *guidance*), which is evidence-based, and holds the care and lives of our children in mind and heart throughout.

I strongly oppose this new language put forth in 2022 for the 'Model policies for treatment of transgender students.' As someone who listens to transgender students who are the most directly affected by this policy, this new guidance sells out students (the primary audience and constituency of K-12 public education) in favor of caregivers who may or may not provide them with a supportive home and guidance. This policy caters towards bigotry and, despite its stated approach to not "promote a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools" and to not "disregard the rights of parents and ignore other legal and constitutional principles that significantly impact how schools educate students, including transgender students," that is exactly what this new policy does. It certainly disregards my rights as a parent, and it wholly disregards the rights of students themselves in a matter that is utterly fundamental to their self expression, self identity, self worth, self care, and success.

Not only does the language of this proposed new policy (1) entirely reverse prior policy that supports students, (2) actually support and promote discriminatory, inflammatory, and hateful treatment of transgender students and students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or express themselves in ways beyond a gender binary, (3) the proposed new policy has removed the extensive reference list of evidence-based healthcare and educational resources from reliable, authoritative sources that demonstrate the importance of truly Inclusive practices, policies, and SUPPORT of STUDENTS by K-12 schools and communities for transgender and LGBTQ+ identifying students.

This 2022 policy, if enacted, directly support discrimination and will lead directly to an increase in bullying behavior, not only potentially from students, also, and perhaps primarily from: school administrators, teachers (whose rights to act as the 'believe is right' are enshrined as more important than students, right along with parents and others). This will also encourage and lead to increased discrimination and violence across our communities.

If you enact this new policy you will be directly responsible for increased discrimination and violence.

I repeat: I urge you to think through the actual meaning of what you are putting forward and the impact it will have in validating hatred. I urge you to choose to act responsibly, take down this new proposed policy, and proceed with the 2021 guidance (which is not even mandatory - simply *guidance*), which is evidence-based, and holds the care and lives of our children in mind and heart throughout.


OPPOSE

<!DOCTYPE html>

I'm a teacher of 16 years. I'm a parent of young children. Losing protections for one type of child will affect ALL children and all young people. Please remember that not all parents should be parents; not all homes are safe homes.

I also find this reasoning troubling: "The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees religious freedom and prohibits the government from compelling speech that is contrary to an individual’s personal or religious beliefs." Whose religion is being oppressed by a child or young person being called a name of their choice? And what of those who do not follow this Governor's religion? Are we to just take on the religious beliefs of every new administration every four years? If "religious" parents object to their child using certain pronouns (which is harmful to a child) THEY must make their case to their individual school and THEY will be granted an exception. They will, no doubt, lose the trust and respect of their child(ren), but their parental rights, which they privilege over the health of their child(ren), would be upheld.

Teachers--and parents who love their children for who they are--will always protect young people. Please: trust educators, pediatricians, and parents and OPPOSE this change to protections for all young people in schools.


Good job!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This document is beautifully balanced between protecting a child’s right to be safe at school and parents’ right to make decisions concerning their child’s psychological treatment. </p>


Trans rights versus girls rights - who do you choose?


Equal Treatment for ALL Students!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"All students of all ages should have equal and well protected human rights and opportunities regardless of physical appearance, gender, national origin, social standing, wealth, religious belief, and so on. They also have certain rights to privacy, especially to their bodies, and when circumstances require i.e. confiding in an adult when being abused. Any time a human right is taken away, it debases society as a whole and validates the removal of more. Proposals like those being made by the governor concerning transgender students have been written before but with different targets; people of color, the Jewish faith, women, and so on. Those proposals, thankfully, are no longer enforced... but who is to say they may not become in vogue again if unfair treatment of transgender and gender non-conforming students is allowed? While I do support a parent's right to know what their child is doing in school, it is not their right to dictate the curriculum, teaching methods, resources, qualifications, and judgement of the staff in tax-funded public schools. Parents share the responsibility of their child with school staff, and just like in a home situation with two or more parental entities, students should have the choice of who to confide in with expected confidentiality. If a child cannot share something in confidence with a teacher, the teacher is just a warden. When that happens, learning stops and basic survival instincts set in, and that sets off a domino effect that goes well beyond a few transgender kids committing suicide. Treating children right and with respect will earn their respect of you. Treat children with disdain, fear, and loathing, and that is how they will treat everyone else."}">All students of all ages should have equal and well protected human rights and opportunities regardless of physical appearance, gender, national origin, social standing, wealth, religious belief, and so on. They also have certain rights to privacy, especially to their bodies, and when circumstances require i.e. confiding in an adult when being abused. Any time a human right is taken away, it debases society as a whole and validates the removal of more. Proposals like those being made by the governor concerning transgender students have been written before but with different targets; people of color, the Jewish faith, women, and so on. Those proposals, thankfully, are no longer enforced... but who is to say they may not become in vogue again if unfair treatment of transgender and gender non-conforming students is allowed? While I do support a parent's right to know what their child is doing in school, it is not their right to dictate the curriculum, teaching methods, resources, qualifications, and judgement of the staff in tax-funded public schools. Parents share the responsibility of their child with school staff, and just like in a home situation with two or more parental entities, students should have the choice of who to confide in with expected confidentiality. If a child cannot share something in confidence with a teacher, the teacher is just a warden. When that happens, learning stops and basic survival instincts set in, and that sets off a domino effect that goes well beyond a few transgender kids committing suicide. Treating children right and with respect will earn their respect of you. Treat children with disdain, fear, and loathing, and that is how they will treat everyone else.


Guidance Document

<!DOCTYPE html>

I support Gov. Youngkin & this policy,


TRANS KIDS DESERVE RESPECT

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy is going to hurt so many people. We’re freaking begging you to just let kids be.


I support Governor Youngkin's new policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

Parents have the right to be fully informed and to make decisions in regards to their minor children on these issues.


Social worker opposes the policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

As a school social worker, I am deeply concerned about the new transgender policy and it’s impact on a vulnerable student population. Leave the policy alone please. The current model policy needs to remain in effect.


Great policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>A great policy, keeping parents involved! Parents more than anyone else have the best interest of their children in mind when they make decisions. </p>


Opposed to limiting trans student opportunities

<!DOCTYPE html>

<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"I am a parent and educator and I oppose restricting access and expression of non binary and transgender youth in schools or anywhere. In a time when we are hyper focused on the social emotional will being of our children, how dare adults try to restrict or exclude them as they attempt to navigate their identities! We should be creating a culture that welcomes and explorers differences rather than alienate youth. It's ridiculous that adults feel threatened by children who don't feel at home in the traditional gender labels; certainly no one chooses the more difficult path easily. Don't  allow this governor to further alienate youth."}">I am a parent and educator and I oppose restricting access and expression of non binary and transgender youth in schools or anywhere. In a time when we are hyper focused on the social emotional will being of our children, how dare adults try to restrict or exclude them as they attempt to navigate their identities! We should be creating a culture that welcomes and explorers differences rather than alienate youth. It's ridiculous that adults feel threatened by children who don't feel at home in the traditional gender labels; certainly no one chooses the more difficult path easily. Don't allow this governor to further alienate youth.


Gender affirming care is healthcare

<!DOCTYPE html>

Trans rights are human rights. Let us do more than just survive, let us live. - Sincerely, a Trans Man


OPPOSE

<!DOCTYPE html>

I OPPOSE the guidance. I’m a transgender person, and have experienced discrimination/a lack of recognition of my preferred name and pronouns in my school system from students and teachers alike. This policy would destroy people’s lives.


This is transphobia.


Just Treatment for Transgender Cotizens

<!DOCTYPE html>

The proposed discriminatory policies regarding our transgender fellow citizens puts me in mind of similar determinations in Hitler’s Nazi Germany. Are we in Virginia to allow such violations of freedom here. We know how such measures quickly enveloped the entire Germany society


TRANS LIVES MATTER MORE

<!DOCTYPE html>

Absolutely sickened by the number of people applauding “parents’ rights.” Right to what, making your child miserable and statistically more likely to commit s*icide? Leave the kids alone.


Government overreach!

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is simple government overreach into the personal lives of citizens because the policymakers are scared that their nice neat world will fall apart because a kid doesn't conform to said world.

Trans rights are human rights.


Knowledge is Necessary

<!DOCTYPE html>

Education and knowledge of trans being is very important. without education there is no understanding and without understanding there is no true opposition or support.


REPRO Rising Virginia Opposes VDOE Proposed "Model Policies"

October 26, 2022
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
Office of Policy: Department of Policy and Communications
Office of the Superintendent: Executive Director, Parental Engagement
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120
policy@doe.virginia.gov

Attn: Rulemaking- Comment in Opposition to “2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools”

REPRO Rising Virginia Foundation (501c3) and REPRO Rising Virginia (501c4) are sibling state-based advocacy organizations that use grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and political engagement supported by more than 30-thousand members, volunteers, and activists throughout the Commonwealth to protect and advance reproductive freedom for all Virginians. REPRO Rising Virginia is committed to our mission to guarantee every individual has the right to a full range of reproductive healthcare options and bodily autonomy. This includes transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive students who require equal protection and equitable access to safe, healthy, and affirming school environments where they can learn, grow, build community, and thrive.

The Youngkin-backed Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) policies entitled the “2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools” roll back protections established in the 2021 Model Policies and jeopardize the health, safety, and overall well-being of transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive youth. REPRO Rising Virginia opposes these dangerous policies.

Youngkin’s “Model Policies” undermine the privacy, dignity, and safety of transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth, creating even more health and wellness barriers where barriers already exist, especially for BIPOC trans youth who are more likely to experience both racial and gender-based discrimination in school settings and significantly more likely to encounter violence over the course of their lifetimes; the American Medical Association recently called this reality an epidemic.[1]

Data suggests that LGBTQ+ and gender expansive youth in Virginia are already not getting what they need from school environments.  The GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey, for example, found that many LGBTQ students in Virginia do not have access to critical resources like LGBTQ-inclusive and affirming curriculums and other protective, affirming, and inclusive school policies.[2] This School Climate Survey also found that students experienced negative remarks about gender expression from school staff. They also experienced homophobic remarks from school staff and victimization connected to disability status, religion, and race/ethnicity; nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ respondents never reported these incidents to school staff, which is telling about school cultures across the Commonwealth where safety is lacking.[3]

The 2022 proposed “Model Policies” prevent educators and school staff from affirming a student’s gender identity by using their desired name and pronouns without first “outing” students to their parents and obtaining consent, regardless of whether it is safe.

The proposed policy’s very definition of “Transgender students” is dehumanizing, as it reduces trans and gender expansive identities to “persistent beliefs” requiring parental acknowledgment and verification.  Furthermore, the proposed 2022 “Model Policies” prohibit trans students from accessing facilities and even from participating in sports that are consistent with their gender identity.

For transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth, it can be life-saving to be in environments that affirm one’s name, gender identity and pronouns. Home may not be a safe space. One in five transgender individuals have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives and transgender and other LGBQ+ identified young people make up a significant percentage of the 1.6 million homeless youth in the U.S, the result of familial and institutional rejection as well as disproportionate violence and discrimination.  Studies by the Trevor Project repeatedly find that gender identity acceptance at school can significantly lower the odds of attempting suicide.[4]

Instead of passing policies that undermine the privacy, dignity, and safety of transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth, the Younkin Administration and the Virginia Department of Education and Board of Education should focus its efforts and resources to ensure that targeted discrimination of all forms is eliminated from Virginia schools and school policies and that all students have access to inclusive and culturally competent and responsive curricular resources, supports, and extracurricular activities, including but not limited to ensuring that

transgender, non-binary and gender expansive students have access to gender-affirming spaces, educators, and communities.

REPRO Rising Virginia denounces the VDOE proposed 2022 “Model Policies.” We call on our supporters across the state to continue to demand that policymakers honor the principles of bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom, and we demand that the VDOE work more intentionally with impacted transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth and advocates to shape equitable policies that actually respect and protect the privacy, dignity, and health of all students.

Sincerely,

REPRO Rising Virginia

Lexi J. White, MPP
Policy Director, REPRO Rising Virginia

Tarina Keene, MPA
Executive Director, REPRO Rising Virginia

[1]https://www.forbes.com/sites/dawnstaceyennis/2019/06/15/american-medical-association-responds-to-epidemic-of-violence-against-transgender-community/?sh=49ec5f62510b

[2] Virginia-Snapshot-2019.pdf (glsen.org)

[3] Virginia-Snapshot-2019.pdf (glsen.org)

[4]The Trevor Project: 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health


Strongly Support

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Let parents be parents - this is common sense </p>


Policy gives family responsibilities back to parents

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>The new policy gives family responsibilities back to parents where it belongs. We don't elect teachers or administrators and therefore they should not be assuming leadership in determining such life choices for our children. Schools need to get out of the social engineering business and focus their efforts on teaching subject matter. The school was never intended to become a surrogate for parents and their responsibilities. </p>


Oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools

<!DOCTYPE html>

I do not support the theory that transgenderism is valid.  Just because something "feels" right to an individual, does not make it right.  As an example, Hitler "felt" he was doing God's will in exterminating the Jews.  If such a strong "feeling" can be so wrong, it follows with stronger reason that lesser feelings can also be wrong.  There is no sound science on the side of transgenderism.


Stop removing parental rights!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>As a parent and grandparent, our rights to the personal upbringing of our children should NOT be impeded and certainly not taken over by our schools! Let the parents have their God given role to be the primary educators and raising of their children! </p>


Equality Virginia’s Comment Opposing the Proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and R

<!DOCTYPE html>

Dear Superintendent Balow,

I am writing on behalf of Equality Virginia (EV), the leading advocacy organization in Virginia seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people (LGBTQ+). EV strongly opposes the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) proposed 2022 model policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students in Virginia’s Public Schools (Model Policies), and urges you to rescind them immediately.

EV believes schools should be places of liberation where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. LGBTQ+ students disproportionately experience school climates that are hostile to their overall well-being and educational attainment. This is especially true for LGBTQ+ students who are Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), transgender, non-binary, and students with disabilities. A hostile school climate, much like the one the proposed model policies would create, will affect transgender and non-binary students’ academic success and mental health.

All students in Virginia deserve a K-12 education system that allows them to learn and grow free from harm and transgender and non-binary students must be afforded the equal opportunity to learn in a safe and affirming school environment. The model polices do not provide transgender and non-binary students this opportunity and would instead create learning environments that are unsafe, hostile and dangerous.

The mere proposal of anti-transgender policies, like the model policies, has devastating effects on the mental health and well-being of transgender and non-binary youth with 94% of LGBTQ youth reported that recent politics negatively impacted their mental health.

The model policies would create a hostile school climate for transgender and non-binary students

The model policies will put transgender and non-binary students at risk for harm and discrimination, both at home and in school, by restricting restroom access for transgender and nonbinary students, requiring students to jump through legal hoops just to be referred to by their affirming pronouns, and require faculty and staff to “out” trans and non-binary students to their parents. A 2021 peer-reviewed study by The Trevor Project and published in the American Journal of Community Psychology, found that greater experiences of minority stress experiences are associated with increased odds of attempting suicide. LGBTQ+ youth who reported experiencing four types of minority stress — LGBTQ+-based physical harm, discrimination, housing instability, and change attempts by parents — were 12 times at greater odds of attempting suicide compared to youth who experienced none.

The model policies would only serve to exacerbate these stressors. It is imperative that the VDOE develop policies that reduce stressors for all students but especially transgender and non-binary students.

Rejection and a Lack of Social Support & Affirming Spaces

The model policies would require faculty and staff to forcibly “out” trans and non-binary students to their parents. According to the model policies, “schools may not encourage or instruct teachers to conceal information about a student from their parents.” This policy would force teachers into the impossible position of risking their job or the safety and well-being of their students. Moreover, forcibly outing students without their knowledge or consent in any circumstance will only result in eroding trust between student and teachers – trust that has proven to foster a supportive educational environment for all students, including transgender and non-binary students.  For example, LGBTQ+ youth who report the presence of trusted adults, like teachers, in their school have higher levels of self-esteem and access to supportive peers is protective against anxiety and depression, including among those who lack support from their family.

Transgender and non-binary youth deserve to have families that love and support them, but  unfortunately that is not always the case. Some transgender and non-binary youth will face rejection, abuse or worse if they are forcibly outed, like the 2022 proposed model policy aims to do, to unsupportive families. Research suggests that among LGBTQ+ youth, only one-third experience parental acceptance, with an additional one-third experiencing parental rejection, and the final one-third not disclosing their LGBTQ identity until they are adults. Fewer than 1 in 3 transgender and nonbinary youth found their home to be gender-affirming and a little more than half (51%) found their school to be affirming.

We know that transgender and non-binary youth deserve to be accepted with open arms, care, and love. They also deserve the space and time to come out to trusted adults at a pace that makes sense to them. Coming out is an incredibly personal decision and should be completely up to a student and their relationship with who they might share it with. Forcible outing could place students in situations where they feel unsafe and force them to make alternative plans for housing, food, financial support, and/or transportation. The safety and well-being of transgender and non-binary students should be VDOE’s utmost priority.

Prohibits Supporting Transgender & Non-Binary Youth

The model policies would require transgender and non-binary students utilize an unnecessary process to be referred to by their affirming name and pronouns. Even if students follow the proposed process, the model policies still allow teachers to misgender and deadname these students.

According to the proposed policy, “school personnel shall refer to each student using only the name in the official record or a related common nickname”, “school personnel shall refer to each student using only the pronouns indicated by the student’s sex in the official record”, with the exception that “school personnel shall use a name or pronouns that differ from those in the official record only if a parent or emancipated minor instructs the school in writing that another name or pronouns be used because of the student’s persistent and sincere belief that their gender differs from their sex.” This exception would require parents of transgender or non-binary students to document in writing that their child’s gender differs from their sex assigned at birth, a requirement that threatens the health and safety of some students and can create harmful circumstances for transgender and non-binary students whose parents are not supportive.

In a poll conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of The Trevor Project, when asked about proposed legislation that would require schools to tell a student's parent or guardian if they request to use a different name/pronoun or if they identify as LGBTQ at school, 45% of LGBTQ youth said it made them feel angry, 34% felt nervous, and nearly 1 in 3 felt stressed.

Affirming transgender and nonbinary youth by respecting their pronouns and allowing them to change legal documents is associated with lower rates of attempting suicide. Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all of the people they lived with attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected by anyone with whom they lived.

Misgendering and deadnaming in school is a major fear and concern for transgender and nonbinary students. All students have the right to be addressed by a name, pronouns, and other terms that correspond to their gender identity. This foundational respect should not rely on whether a student has access to a legal name change or gender marker change on official documents. Educators, staff, and peers, should always use the pronoun and name with which a student identifies or requests.

Negative Impact on School Climate

Per GLSEN’s 2021 National School Climate Survey, a staggering 74.2% of transgender students reported feeling unsafe at school based on their gender (additionally 64% of trans youth felt unsafe based on their gender expression, and 49% felt unsafe based on their sexual orientation), 72.9% of transgender students avoided bathrooms at school, 58.6% avoided locker rooms, and 51.2% avoided gym/PE class, 38.3% missed school for safety reasons (relatedly 19.7% changed schools for safety reasons), 53.4% of transgender youth reported being prevented from using their chosen name and pronouns.

Transgender students who face these sorts of victimization are then three times more likely to have missed school in the past month than their peers. Of the LGBTQ+ students who indicated that they were considering dropping out of school, half (51.5%) indicated that they were doing so because of a hostile school climate, including issues with harassment, unsupportive peers or educators, and gendered school policies/practices.

The academic achievement of transgender and nonbinary youth quite literally depends on access to affirming spaces. Since most youth under age 18 spend the majority of their time in school, it is imperative that these environments are supportive of their identities and responsive to their needs. Access to a quality education is impossible if we do not first ensure that the safety and humanity of all students is valued and preserved. As long as students are unsafe, fearful, and uncomfortable in their school environment, they cannot focus on learning or sometimes even be physically present. This demonstrates the immediate harm the model policies will inflict on transgender and non-binary students, and the urgent need to rescind them.

The model policies violate Virginia Code § 22.1-23.3

The intent of the law and the Virginia Code requires and authorizes VDOE to develop model policies for elementary and secondary schools on how to address common issues involving transgender and nonbinary students, using evidence-based information and best practices. Delegate Marcus Simon, one of the law’s sponsors, stated that the purpose of the legislation is to “ensure the safety and dignity of all students in Virginia, regardless of how they identify or where they live.” Instead, the VDOE has proposed model policies that directly conflict with the intent and purpose of the law, are not evidence-based, are not informed by or involved transgender and non-binary students, and promote unfair and dangerous treatment of transgender and non-binary students. EV has serious concerns with the legality of such conflict and inconsistencies with what the law requires as well as the administration seeking to legislate policy through an executive agency.

The 2022 Model Policies will not create a learning environment that is safe for all students. Instead, they will result in school policies that strip transgender students of the same opportunities afforded to their cisgender peers.

The model policies ignore or violate existing state and federal law.

EV echoes, supports and endorses public comment submitted by other organizations challenging the legal standing of the 2022 proposed model policy:

American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia

Americans United for Separation of Church and State

Conclusion

On this basis, EV vehemently opposes the proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. We urge the VDOE to rescind them.

We will continue to work with community members, local and state organizations to create a Virginia that welcomes, includes and provides safety for transgender and non-binary students.

Please reach out to Narissa Rahaman (she/her), Executive Director, at nrahaman@equalityvirginia.org to discuss our public comment.

Sincerely,

Narissa Rahaman (she/her)

Executive Director

Equality Virginia


strongly support

<!DOCTYPE html>

These are common sense proposals. Parents have the primary responsibility to raise and educate their children, allowing the school system to help them. Certainly keep in place policies that deter bullying. Freedom of religion must be maintained.


I support trans youth and all youth.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p style="text-align: left;">I support trans youth and all youth to feel safe and be their authentic selves.  </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible policy decision.


Bigots should not be making laws!

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this proposal. All children, regardless of their gender or sexual identity, have the right to be supported in their schools. Proposals such as these target students who may need even more support, not less. Shame on everyone who supports a bigoted attack on trans students.


STRONGLY OPPOSE! PROTECT TRANS KIDS!

<!DOCTYPE html>

TRANS KIDS DESERVE BETTER. STOP POLICING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN WHO WANT TO BE KNOWN BY THEIR NAME


Support Policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

Parents have a right and a duty to participate in decisions regarding their children.


Protect Trans Youth


Protect trans students, reject discriminatory draft policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am a parent of young children in Virginia and I am writing to voice my vehement opposition to this discriminatory draft policy. My husband, my mother, and many of my close friends are educators. I am proud of the work they do to create safe, positive learning environments for all of their students.

Discriminatory policies such as this one actively harm trans and non-binary students. In contrast, policies that ensure use of gender affirming names and pronouns provide safety, support, and affirmation that all students deserve.

VDOE must unequivocally reject this draft policy.


These policies come with a death toll. These are children.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Research has proven again and again that being trans is real, and that trans people should be permitted to transition. Children deserve to feel safe. And in America, we have the right to pursuit of happiness. If a child wants to change their name to feel more comfortable, that is acceptable and literally doesn't harm anyone. Let's follow the advice of doctors and scientists. </p>


I support all the pro parents policies

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly support the governor on all the positive pro parents policies.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

<!DOCTYPE html>

This does not genuinely consider the well being of students mental and physical health. It is ignorant and shallow. No compassion.


Support and protect trans kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Protect trans and nonbinary kids. RESCIND these model policies. Our children depend on it.


Youngkin's Education Policy on LGBTQ students

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this action. Support all children


Strongly Oppose!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Trans children (and adults) are people, are humans, lets be kind. Let them use the bathroom they want. This policy is abhorrent. </p>


Oppose this misguided policy.

<!DOCTYPE html>

Through many avenues this administration has made clear that when they speak of parental rights they are speaking only of themselves. When they tell us to think of the children they are speaking only of their children. When they warn of the perils of the previous model policy they refer to largely imaginary harms or use scare tactics that have no basis in reality.

Parents of transgender students have rights as well. The perils of this policy are far more real and far more dire to our transgender and gender non-conforming kids. These are some of the most at-risk children not due to something inherent in themselves (they are comfortable with who they are), but because they are at risk of being beaten down by a world who would rather see them suffer than accept them for who they are.

Do not throw these children onto the coals to fuel your political ambitions. Shame on all of you for even considering that these children are not worth protecting.


Strongly opposed, as a licensed psychotherapist, a mother, and a registered voter

<!DOCTYPE html>

In brief, I support the current model policy and oppose the changes in the proposed model policy as dangerous to the well being and mental health of students in our Commonwealth.


Strongly Support Model Policies

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>It is not the business of the government to adopt the role of parent/family. In the area of education, the government's role is limited. The government is to assist with the educational development of those in society who choose, or are forced to use, the government school system. Nothing more. </p>


I oppose this guidance

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this guidance. Transgender kids deserve to be their true, authentic selves in the spaces they feel comfortable to do so. Many kids don't feel comfortable coming out at home with threats of being kicked out or being disowned, but school provides a space for kids to come out to peers and teachers when they feel comfortable to do so.

This guidance is harmful to children in Virginia. It will increase suicide rates, increase the rates of youth homelessness, and create an overall harmful learning environment where children are told they cannot be anything but what is approved by those in power.


After READING the 2021 policy & 2022 proposal, I ADAMANTLY SUPPORT GOVERNOR’S PROPSAL

<!DOCTYPE html>

After reading both the 2021 policy & proposed 2022 policy, it is clear that the Governor’s proposed policy should be supported!!!


Oppose transphobic policies. Protect our trans children and their families.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I oppose these small-minded, hateful policies. We need to protect all children. </p>


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am a Virginia public school teacher and I strongly oppose these 2022 Model Policies. The 2021 Model Policies were well-researched and thoughtfully developed, with all necessary steps, to protect transgender youth in schools. These new policies CLAIM to "[recognize] that each child is a unique individual with distinctive abilities and characteristics that should be valued and respected," that "all students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying," and that "the Department supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students. Thus, we have a collective responsibility to address topics such as the treatment of transgender students with necessary compassion and respect for all students." Then why change the policies? This proposal presents no new information or evidence to back up its complete reversal, just a new interpretation that centers one ideology - the conservative ideology - and dismisses others under the guise of protecting "the rights of parents."

The explanation of the proposed changes claims that "The 2021 Model Policies promoted a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools." The 2021 model policies do promote the viewpoint that transgender students are who they say they are, and that they should be protected from harassment. This is not a secret, and this is supported both by science and by existing federal and state laws. People have existed outside and between the male-female gender binary for as long as people have existed, across time and cultures. Efforts to ignore transgender people and their basic needs for acknowledgment and acceptance will not stop people from being transgender. I could argue that desegregation also aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools. Culture and society DO change over time and policies change to reflect that. It's not a bad thing, it's just life. If you're not transgender, gender-expansive, nonbinary, or queer in any way, no one is coming for you. Let those who are, be. Children are people too and have rights to privacy, free speech, and protection from discrimination under the US Constitution and Title IX.

There is a wealth of evidence showing that affirmation of transgender children's identities leads to positive mental health outcomes... and when I say "positive mental health outcomes," what I really mean is that they have the same shot at being stable and happy that non-transgender children have. Research shows that transgender children (and adults) are at a higher risk of abuse (notably from parents and classmates) as well as depression, self-harm and suicide, drug use, behavioral problems, and even youth homelessness... because parents kick them out. It is worth noting that NONE OF THESE OUTCOMES ARE INTRINSIC TO BEING TRANSGENDER. ALL OF THE NEGATIVE OUTCOMES ARE THE RESULT OF HARASSMENT AND ABUSE FROM OTHERS, including parents, classmates, and even teachers. School is where most of this happens. Policies that encourage acceptance and discourage bullying in schools prevent trauma and save lives.

I would also like to address the explanation of changes that states "The Department is mindful of constitutional protections that prohibit governmental entities from requiring individuals to adhere to or adopt a particular ideological belief... and prohibits the government from compelling speech that is contrary to an individual’s personal or religious beliefs." This sounds straightforward and hard to disagree with, doesn't it? But let's think a little more closely. Does everyone in the state of Virginia share the same personal or religious beliefs? No. The only "ideological belief" that the 2021 Model Policies asked anyone to "adopt" is the acceptance that others might live their lives differently than you do and are equally deserving of respect (which, again, is supported by science and by federal and state laws). No non-transgender students are being forced - or even encouraged - to question their own gender identity just because others who truly feel that way will be allowed to explore those feelings free from harm. We need not be so narrow-minded to think that allowing transgender people to be who they are is an attack on those who are not transgender. The statements in the proposed 2022 Model Policies are sly and insidious in that the only "personal or religious beliefs" and "rights of parents" protected are those who believe that transgender people do not or should not exist. The Policies are written to sound as though they support freedom of expression and respect for diversity of thought but really they center one ideology, the conservative ideology, and dismiss anything else as "indoctrination."

Some students come to school every day relieved to have a safe place, because home isn't. That's the reality. The kids who will be harmed by these Policies are those who don't have supportive homes... and even those with supportive homes will be subject to unnecessary scrutiny and won't be protected from the harassment they might receive from children of bigoted parents. To parents, I ask, are you willing to love your child no matter who they turn out to be? If your answer is no, maybe you shouldn't have had children, and that's on you. Don't further the harm caused to other children and families just because you're narrow-minded.


Protect Trans Kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am a parent of a trans son who has gone from anxious, suicidal, and scared of bullying and harassment before the 2021 policies to becoming a more confident, creative, and comforting friend to others.  Strongly oppose rolling back protections for these vulnerable kids as this can be deadly.  They are not hurting others.


the Governor's education policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I fully support the Governor's education policy as proposed!


Anti-Transgender Student Policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose the new guidance.

I know several families who have transgender adult children.  With the Governor's focus on parents' rights, what's the rationale for now telling them:

how to care for their children?

how their children should/can be treated outside the home?

Better to devote resources to help families find the support and care needed - as THE FAMILY deems necessary - for the health and happiness of all members.

Thank you,


trans rights are human rights

<!DOCTYPE html>

Trans right are human rights. pretending otherwise is to condemn children & adults to a life of misery, denying their basic humanity


Disagree with proposed new policy...

<!DOCTYPE html>

The new proposed policy is a political attempt to appease a sector of the the Governor's base and does not consider the life of the young student.  The potential harm is real and tampering with existing and well considered policy is not reasonable.


Trans rights

<!DOCTYPE html>

Trans and non-binary lifes matter


October 26, 2022
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
Office of Policy: Department of Policy and Communications
Office of the Superintendent: Executive Director, Parental Engagement
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120
policy@doe.virginia.gov

Attn: Rulemaking- Comment in Opposition to “2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools”

REPRO Rising Virginia Foundation (501c3) and REPRO Rising Virginia (501c4) are sibling state-based advocacy organizations that use grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and political engagement supported by more than 30-thousand members, volunteers, and activists throughout the Commonwealth to protect and advance reproductive freedom for all Virginians. REPRO Rising Virginia is committed to our mission to guarantee every individual has the right to a full range of reproductive healthcare options and bodily autonomy. This includes transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive students who require equal protection and equitable access to safe, healthy, and affirming school environments where they can learn, grow, build community, and thrive.

The Youngkin-backed Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) policies entitled the “2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools” roll back protections established in the 2021 Model Policies and jeopardize the health, safety, and overall well-being of transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive youth. REPRO Rising Virginia opposes these dangerous policies.

Youngkin’s “Model Policies” undermine the privacy, dignity, and safety of transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth, creating even more health and wellness barriers where barriers already exist, especially for BIPOC trans youth who are more likely to experience both racial and gender-based discrimination in school settings and significantly more likely to encounter violence over the course of their lifetimes; the American Medical Association recently called this reality an epidemic.[1]

Data suggests that LGBTQ+ and gender expansive youth in Virginia are already not getting what they need from school environments.  The GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey, for example, found that many LGBTQ students in Virginia do not have access to critical resources like LGBTQ-inclusive and affirming curriculums and other protective, affirming, and inclusive school policies.[2] This School Climate Survey also found that students experienced negative remarks about gender expression from school staff. They also experienced homophobic remarks from school staff and victimization connected to disability status, religion, and race/ethnicity; nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ respondents never reported these incidents to school staff, which is telling about school cultures across the Commonwealth where safety is lacking.[3]

The 2022 proposed “Model Policies” prevent educators and school staff from affirming a student’s gender identity by using their desired name and pronouns without first “outing” students to their parents and obtaining consent, regardless of whether it is safe.

The proposed policy’s very definition of “Transgender students” is dehumanizing, as it reduces trans and gender expansive identities to “persistent beliefs” requiring parental acknowledgment and verification.  Furthermore, the proposed 2022 “Model Policies” prohibit trans students from accessing facilities and even from participating in sports that are consistent with their gender identity.

For transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth, it can be life-saving to be in environments that affirm one’s name, gender identity and pronouns. Home may not be a safe space. One in five transgender individuals have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives and transgender and other LGBQ+ identified young people make up a significant percentage of the 1.6 million homeless youth in the U.S, the result of familial and institutional rejection as well as disproportionate violence and discrimination.  Studies by the Trevor Project repeatedly find that gender identity acceptance at school can significantly lower the odds of attempting suicide.[4]

Instead of passing policies that undermine the privacy, dignity, and safety of transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth, the Younkin Administration and the Virginia Department of Education and Board of Education should focus its efforts and resources to ensure that targeted discrimination of all forms is eliminated from Virginia schools and school policies and that all students have access to inclusive and culturally competent and responsive curricular resources, supports, and extracurricular activities, including but not limited to ensuring that

transgender, non-binary and gender expansive students have access to gender-affirming spaces, educators, and communities.

REPRO Rising Virginia denounces the VDOE proposed 2022 “Model Policies.” We call on our supporters across the state to continue to demand that policymakers honor the principles of bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom, and we demand that the VDOE work more intentionally with impacted transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth and advocates to shape equitable policies that actually respect and protect the privacy, dignity, and health of all students.

Sincerely,

REPRO Rising Virginia

Lexi J. White, MPP
Policy Director, REPRO Rising Virginia

Tarina Keene, MPA
Executive Director, REPRO Rising Virginia

[1]https://www.forbes.com/sites/dawnstaceyennis/2019/06/15/american-medical-association-responds-to-epidemic-of-violence-against-transgender-community/?sh=49ec5f62510b

[2] Virginia-Snapshot-2019.pdf (glsen.org)

[3] Virginia-Snapshot-2019.pdf (glsen.org)

[4]The Trevor Project: 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health


Model 2022 policies for the treatment of transgender students in VA public schools

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this new Model 2022 policies.  The positions being taken by this silly conservative administration and governor don't belong in OUR state!  The respectful positions and direction cited in the Model 2021 policies should remain in place.


What about a girl's right to win a sports match? - SUPPORT

<!DOCTYPE html>

What about girl's rights?


Proposed Legislation is Dangerous and Harmful for All Children

<!DOCTYPE html>

This legislation sends a harmful and hateful message to transgender students: that they are unworthy of basic respect and having their basic needs met.  Trans students are not a hypothetical class.  There are trans students in Virginia schools who will be directly affected by this legislation, and who have the right to an education free from oppressive and discriminatory treatment from administration, teachers, and other students.  This proposed legislation will not only directly discriminate against trans students and cause them pain and frustration, it will also send the message to the entire community that it is okay to control other peoples' daily lives, down to personal and intimate choices such as using the restroom, simply because of their gender.  This negatively affects all students, regardless of their gender.  School is one of the primary places where kids are socialized and learn how to interact with the world.  I am horrified that Virginia would like to teach children that discrimination is okay and that the personal convictions of the majority allow them to control the lives of the minority.  The data does NOT support the idea that allowing trans students to use the bathrooms that align with their gender leads to violence or harm.  It DOES, however, support the opposite conclusion - that policies like this are dangerous to the lives of trans children and increase the risk of suicide.  The fear surrounding trans identities is rooted in ignorance and a lack of compassion for others.  I think Virginia is better than that.


Stop this culture war nonsense

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I oppose the proposed changes regarding trans or non-binary kids. This is being done solely to score points with Fox News viewers, not help Virginia kids or voters. If you want to help kids in our state, try fighting “No Child Left Behind” or add more counselors and mental health professionals in schools. Rules like these do nothing to help already marginalized kids and hurt a very small minority all in the name of politics. </p>


STOP THE HATE!!!! OPPOSED!!!

<!DOCTYPE html>

What is wrong with this world?! Stop using Christianity & bigotry as a way to spread hate!!! Protect these kids rights!!! STRONGLY OPPOSED!!! Why do people care if this has no effect on them?!?! GROW UP!!!

Youngkin & his supporters are terrible human beings...


<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>opposed. policy endangers kids in the place they should feel safest - at school with their teachers. </p>


Strongly Oppose - Harmful Policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

"Model" Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools)

When transgender people are aware of anti-trans policies being introduced into their state, they report higher levels of discrimination, greater depressive symptoms, and a decreased sense of belonging.

Students experience better mental health outcomes when school officials respect their gender and use their chosen names.

Research shows that when transgender students feel more connected to their school, they are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. Schools that adopt the Youngkin administration’s proposed policies will operationalize anti-trans policies and harassment.

All students deserve to feel safe, and transgender youth report being physically threatened or harmed at twice the rate of other student groups. Outing students will only increase this.

Having non-discrimination policies reduces LGBTQ+ bullying and increases the presence of positive mental and physical health indicators.


Liberal insanity!


Agree with Youngkin's policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Teach our kids truth: gender madness is a cult propagated by people who want your children to submit to their will. </p>


anti-science in school board policies

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is well established that there are many physiological factors that underly non-binary gender. People are born non-binary. Therefore, it is appalling that the department of education is referring to trans-gender issues as ideological beliefs. Does the VA department of education not understand science? I believe it is the department of education's responsibility to educate the public about issues, not perpetuate ignorance. These non-binary kids are born that way, with a huge cross to bear already, and we are writing policies to add to their burden instead of supporting them -- no matter how much lip service is given to anti-bullying, etc. Citizens supporting this policy might as well pull out their pitch forks and go after kids with Downs Syndrome.


Trans policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy is harmful to some of the most vulnerable students. There is common ground that can be found that respects all students. Parents’ rights do not trump human rights.


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy will hurt me, my friends, and countless children and teenagers.


let us be free

<!DOCTYPE html>

although parents are meant to help their children grow and learn to become adults, many try to help in harming ways. some are abusive, homophobic, or use unreasonable methods to 'help their kids'. a child should grow and learn in supervision, but should not be oppressed to the beliefs of the parent. we live in a world where no one is perfect, and not everyone that helps you is your friend, but not everyone that harms you is you enemy, though it often seems that way. the issue is, that when we subject ourselves to hateful laws like these, we lose our own sense of humanity, of life, of freedom. trans children have the right to speak, and the right to not speak. So please, don't take our lives and our humanity and our freedom away. let us be free.


Thank you Gov. Youngkin

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Thanks to Governor Youngkin for straightening out the bad policy left behind by Governor Northam. </p>


Fully support Youngkin

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Fully support Youngkin. Parents should have the rights for their kids. Schools are for their education, not influence kids for such sensitive family and personal matters. </p>


I support trans and nonbinary people

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am writing to express concern regarding the guidance offered by the Youngkin administration in re: the draft policy on trans and non binary youth in Virginia's schools. As a licensed clinical social worker, parent, member of the LGBTQ community and psychotherapist who works with trans and non binary adults, I strongly oppose the draft policy. I whole heartedly advocate for strong protections for transgender and non-binary students.

Through my clinical, academic, work with clients and my lived experience has made me acutely aware that policies and practices in our schools can make a big difference in affirming trans and gender diverse people's lives.  I would like to emphasize that implementing this draft policy would have detrimental impacts to the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ youth. Discriminating policies will intensify the impacts of those with intersecting identities. Bullying, harassment and discrimination will increase if this set of policies is implemented.

I strongly advocate for protections for transgender and non-binary students so they feel safe and supported in their schools.  I wish this for all students in Virginia schools so that they have a positive learning experience.


Stop pandering to the Religious Right

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>America is such much better than this. I would have thought as a serious business executive, you would have steered clear of alienating a segment of your constituents. We respect each other’s freedom and dignity in this country. How dare you exhibit such hatred and bigotry in pursuit of your tawdry political aspirations. Consider your compadres. Trump, DSantis, Abbott. You must be ashamed of yourself. </p>


Oppose - stand with trans youth.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This policy sucks. Support trans youth. </p>


Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Strongly oppose </p>


All kids have rights.  Treating children as born is the EQUITABLE way forward.

<!DOCTYPE html>

The Left supposedly promotes "equity," but their perverted use of the word denies equity to the vast majority of children who rights are being abused by the introduction of indoctrination, and forced exposure to sexual activity and discussion which has no place in  taxpayer funded  public school.


Supporting recognition of parental rights

<!DOCTYPE html>

I agree with the new policy, particularly this point:

Parents have the right to instill in and nurture values and beliefs for their own children and make decisions concerning their children’s education and upbringing in accordance with their customs, faith, and family culture.