Opposed

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<p>I strongly support Trans students. I am a Bi and gender non-conforming parent in Virginia who attended Virginia public schools. My parents are abusive and homophobic/biphobia/trans-phobic. It would have endangered me if my teachers had told my parents that I was Bi/Queer. I have done a lot of volunteer work feeding the homeless in my city in Virginia and I have noticed how many homeless folks are LGBTQI+. LGBTQI+ kids are often kicked out of their homes by their parents when they find out that the child is LGBTQI+. I have many Trans friends who are struggling because our society already makes it hard for them to live safely and authentically. Kids should be able to use the bathroom that they feel comfortable using. Additionally, intersex children exist and are being left out of this conversation. I have a master's degree within the larger field of medicine/biology/psychology and a bachelor's degree in psychology. Thanks to my education in those topics I know that sex is not a male/female binary. I have worked with intersex patients. I remember in elementary school in Virginia in the 1990s, there was a child in the grade above me who looked like "a boy" but used the "girls" bathroom and was bullied because of it. I didn't know that kid very well and we didn't yet have language to explain it, but kids who look like boys, for example, trans boys, should be allowed to use the boys bathroom if they want to in 2022. LGBTQI+ kids have very high suicide rates. The suicide rates for bisexual kids especially scare me because I'm bisexual and I have struggled with suicidal thoughts since I was in middle school. Trans kids are less suicidal if they are able to be themselves in school. Restricting the rights of trans kids and having school staff out them to their parents is really dangerous. I spent some time living abroad and attending a high school in a country that had a different approach and even kept details of students health private and didn't share them with parents and it was great because my parents were really abusive at that time and it was good to know that the school staff wouldn't share information with my parents that would endanger me. I'm totally a mama bear when it comes to my child and I oppose this nonsense about "parents' rights" trumping students' rights. </p>


Thank you for listening to the majority of Virginians

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<p>Thank you for following through with the promises you made those who elected you into office and caring about children </p>


Support policy to stop sexual assaults in bathrooms.  it already happened multiple times in LCPS

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It is just a matter of time before it comes to Fairfax County. Stop this nonsense. Kids deserve better. Perverse adults are running the school board. Glad to see there is oversight.


Strongly Support

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<p>Strongly support Gov Youngkin's proposal and want to support parental influence over government influence. </p>


anti-trans policies

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I strongly oppose the anti-trans policies because they imperil students' lives. A recent national survey found that 45% of LGBTQ youths seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. The new policies will cause students to be subject to abuse and harassment. Schools are often a safe haven for many trans kids who feel unsafe at home. Where is the rationale for replacing the model policies put in place by former Gov. Northam to protect trans students? It makes no sense to replace life affirming protections with restrictions that will only serve to put young lives at risk.


Oppose policy. Support LGBT kids

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<p>I will keep commenting every single day if it gives my transgender son a chance at not being discriminated against at school. This is not a fair and equal policy. I strongly oppose. </p>


Strongly Oppose Youngkin's nonsense

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<p>This is a veiled attempt to pretend you are doing right by all parents and children by clearing marginalizing some families. If you respect the parents rights to "parent" then once the parent officially notifes the school of their child's pronouns RESPECT it! That means all staff you higher must respect it. This idea that using a pronoun as directed by a parent is a freedom of speech issue for a staff/teacher is ludicrous. Any true teacher wants their student to be respected, and feel heard, and would never propose such a dumb political argument. Teachers just teach! Stop supporting nonsense! What do you really care what someone's preferred pronoun is? How this does stop you from teaching???   Also, children over 15 should be able to state a preference on their own. We need more patience and kindness not more intolerance and hatred. We need more school, more good teachers and more support staff! Focus your time on making school better, not worse. </p>


I support policy to stop discriminating against women

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<p>Women deserve their sports scholarships, their own shower facilities and locker rooms, athletics with equal competition and a place to go to the bathroom that isn’t awkward. Where are all the feminists? </p>


Children belong to their parents, not the school or government

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As long as children are under age, parents are required to provide for their health, safety, food, clothng, and shelter. If they neglect any of these responsibilities, there are legal actions that can be taken against them.

So, the school or government should not usurp that parental role by teaching or abetting any interference with parents' fulfilling their responsibilities. Teachers, administrators and institutions are paid to assist parents to educate their children. They should be held to high standards of behavior and integrity as responsible employees.


We oppose new policies -- we should do all we can to support trans and nonbinary youth

Jamie Lockhart, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia

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These proposed policies by Governor Youngkin and his administration are shameful and cruel. Transgender and non-binary students deserve to feel respected, supported and safe in school. They deserve to have rich, fulfilling, happy lives. Recent data indicates that over 80% of transgender individuals have considered suicide, with the highest rates among transgender youth. Transgender students, like all students, thrive when they are able to learn in an inclusive school environment where they feel safe. Governor Glenn Youngkin is using ‘parental rights’ as a free-for-all to dehumanize students and impede their education, risking harm to the children of our Commonwealth. Virginia’s educators need to be empowered to support every student and keep them safe.


Low attendance in Student walk-out proves majority support Gov Youngkin

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<p>The majority of students support the Governor. Do not let loud the minority of activists and adults who are misleading our youth make you think otherwise. </p>


Will you even look at these comments or is VDOE just checking a box?

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While I do support some parts of the policy, it does have verbiage to follow court decisions which are opposite of the statements at the beginning.  Therefore, the policy needs to be edited for ambiguity.   I also ask that politicians stop taking education hostage for their political gains.


Strongly Support This Policy Change

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<p>No decisions about a minor-aged student should be made without the involvement of the parent or parents. Period. This should not even be in question. </p>


Former educator and strongly opposed

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Social and cultural transformations do not begin in schools. Schools reflect the social ideologies and evolving cultural norms in a broader society.  Acting in children’s’ best interests means acting on behalf of all children, not just personal children. This document is cynical and cruel. This document purports to protect children, instead it victimizes children. It is a wolf in sheep’s clothing purporting to improve the developmental outcomes for children. How can this be a claim when the document purposefully thwarts the development of a particular group of children? Children have natural freedoms and that includes the freedom to think and experience life with an open mind in a society and world larger than family ideologies. I strongly oppose this document and those who endeavor to impose the ideas expressed in it on children and society.


Strongly Oppose

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As someone with a close family member who is nonbinary, I am vehemently opposed to this proposed 2022 Model Policy.  My husband and I have seen firsthand the harm caused to trans and nonbinary youth who are in educational settings that are non-affirming, especially if their home is also not a safe haven.  Our relative is unfortunately forced to live two separate lives, one where they are safe to be themselves, and one where they are constantly pretending to be someone they are not in order to avoid being kicked out of their home.  This is sadly the reality for far too many trans and non-binary youth.  Thus by insisting that pronouns and gender can only be affirmed with written parental request, and giving vague guidance about faculty not concealing from parents any information related to a student's gender, this Model Policy puts trans and nonbinary students at extreme risk of forced outing to parents who may not just be unsupportive, but may inflict tangible harm on their child through means of abuse, neglect, or rejection.  Yes, parents deserve to know what is going on with their children; however, that should never be at the expense of the safety of the child.  Yet this Model Policy will place trans and nonbinary students without supportive families in incredibly unsafe situations.

Yes, parental rights are important, however students and youth also have Constitutionally protected rights and deserve to have their personhood and dignity protected and dignified.  By placing all of the power in the hands of parents, we are telling all of Virginia's youth that their voices do not matter and they have no agency apart from their parents.  In an ideal world, all parents would put the needs and care of their children first.  But we know that is far from reality, especially for LGBTQ+ youth.  According to the 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Mental Health, 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide within the past year, with trans and nonbinary youth seeing 1 in 5 attempting suicide.  However, for young people who are in safe and affirming homes, that rate dropped by half, and for those in affirming schools, their rates were lower as well.  The data is clear, that if we want to protect all Virginia students and see them thrive, then we must have policies in place that affirm and care for LGBTQ+ youth, especially for those who are trans and nonbinary.

At the end of the day, trans and nonbinary youth will exist whether you and your administration choose to see and affirm them.  They are exactly who they are, and your policies will not change that.  But what these policies will do is delay them being able to live full and joyous lives in supportive and loving community.  To say this policy is about creating a safe environment for all students is a fiction, it is merely a tool to silence and suppress a segment of the population that you choose to not affirm.  Yes, it is a choice that you make.  For those that identify as Christians, you may say that this isn't a choice, instead you are compelled by your religion to uphold certain things.  However, we as a nation and as Virginians are bound by the First Amendment, and not every religion holds your view of trans and nonbinary folks.  In Judaism we have a principle of pikuach nefesh, literally "watching over a soul", that compels us to preserve life over and above any other commandment or Jewish law.  For many of us, this isn't simply about physical life versus death, it is about preserving the aliveness and dignity of each person, and that anything that would cause someone harm and diminish their life, we must not do it.  While a Christian's faith may compel them to not affirm the gender, pronouns, name, and dignity of a trans or nonbinary student, my faith compels me to affirm those things above all else.  So for Jewish faculty who uphold this principle of pikuach nefesh, this Model Policy asks them to betray a key tenent of their faith.  No matter someone's religion, spirituality, or non-religion, I think we should all be able to affirm that a key part of being a good human is not being a jerk to others.  Unfortunately, that simple premise is not found in this Model Policy, as it treats trans and nonbinary youth as political pawns to score points with one segment of Virginia's population.

I am asking that you pause and consider the harm that these ill thought out policies will cause to trans and nonbinary youth, and ask yourselves if your views, beliefs, and politcal agenda are more important than every Virginia youth feeling safe, loved, and supported.  That's all any of us want.  So I hope you will rescind this Model Policy, to ensure that our trans and nonbinary youth can have that reality too.  Thank you for your time and consideration.


Strongly Oppose

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Hi, my name is Carley Calfee, and I am here to oppose the reversal or the 2021 Model Policies which aimed to protect the health of transgender children in our education systems. In his 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools proposal, Youngkin suggested a series of changes to the proposal, all of which dismantle the protections that the 2021 Model Policies outlined. All of the following changes egregiously dismantled these protections for the sake of “parental rights”, which strip the civil liberties and anti discrimination legislation that have painstakingly been built to protect trans youth. The changes outlined have been listed below, as well as an explanation for why those changes are wrong, poorly represent trans identity, and harm trans youth.

Part II(C) of the definitions section on page 16 of the 2022 Policy Proposal defines a transgender child not by their identity, but by the "belief" that they are transgender, asserting the incorrect narrative that children have the ability to choose their identity.

ii. III(A)(3) on page 17 of the 2022 Policy Proposal requires “outing” (revealing) the transgender student to their parents before being able to receive counseling services surrounding their gender, also requiring parental approval for these life-saving mental support services.

iii. III(D)(2)-(3) on page 18 of the 2022 Policy Proposal requires “deadnaming” (using the legal, not preferred name of) students if their school records do not reflect their preferred name, and misgendering (using incorrect pronouns) them if their school records do not reflect their gender identity. It also relies on a sex binary (i.e., male/female) and erases the existence of intersex people.

iv. III(D)(4) requires using pronouns and names consistent with a transgender student's gender identity only if the parents tell the school to do so in writing, preventing transgender children in unsafe home environments from being respected in school settings.

v. III(F)(1) is concerningly vague over its definitions and applications. It may allow districts to expand dress codes for transgender children - potentially saying that dressing in a "gender non-conforming" manner is "distracting" and "disrupts focus." III(G)(1)-(2); III(H)(1) require participation and facilities to be separated by sex (defined by the model policies as biological sex which can be changed through the courts). This is trans-exclusionary in the cases where the trans student's parents do not tell the school district in writing/change their student's records to reflect their gender identity. Luckily, they can’t make this policy any more extreme because federal laws and cases would prohibit that.

In sum, the problem with the Policy Proposal is that it puts transgender children in dangerous situations across the Commonwealth. By “outing” transgender children to their families without their consent, they are opening the possibility of abuse and neglect at the hands of their own families, abandonment to our foster care system - which is already disproportionately full of transgender children, and suicide over being forced to live a life that is not theirs.

This law puts trans youth in danger of abuse, homelessness, and increased mental health risks, such as depression and suicidality. As a cis woman who has long been friends of an entire community of transgender people, I have heard countless stories of my trans friends being abused by peers, teachers, and parents, kicked out of their homes and forced to sleep on park benches to survive, peers who have been sent to camps and facilities for troubled teens, where they have been subjected to unaccredited, unregulated, psychologically torturous conversion therapy, a form of physical, emotional, and mental abuse that is condemned by the Human Rights Watch. I have had trans friends who have considered suicide after being prematurely outed to their families. Forcing a child out of the closet before they are even comfortable talking to their parents will significantly put trans trans kids at risk. This proposal is an act of trans genocide. Failure to amend this proposal will result in the deaths of trans youth.


I STRONGLY SUPPORT this policy

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I strongly support this new policy.  The old one was done in the dark of night without parent or teacher input.  If people actually read the policy the big changes are that parents are involved in the conversation of what gender their child wishes to be identified as.  It also does not FORCE teachers who have strong religious beliefs to be beholden to the state in going against their religious beliefs in calling a child their wrong biological sex.  This is not hateful toward trans kids or the LBGTQ community.  Parents have a right to know what is happening with their kids and their sexual identity at school.  This should be a family decision and determination and I have no doubt parents want what is best for their kids and to support them.  Parents and schools should be partners in supporting each and every VA child.  My concern in all of these people opposing this is what are they so afraid of?  Why are they automatically assuming parents would not be supportive of their child if they wanted to identify as something other than their biological sex?  I don't know when parents became enemies of school systems, but there is something incredibly wrong going on if that is the perception.  Why do schools want to shut parents out of this incredibly sensitive and important decision, especially if indoctrination isn't happening?  It is because Indoctrination is happening.  Thank you Governor Youngkin and your staff for standing up for parents rights to be involved in their own children's education.


Strongly Oppose

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It is not the roll or government or schools to restrict anyone's decision regarding their own body.  However, if the Governor wants to weigh in on these culture wars, I want it to be to protect a marginalized minority with suicide rate from 32-50%.

Please consider the approach of another Republican Governor on the matter of transgender kids, "I struggle to understand so much of it and the science is conflicting. When in doubt however, I always try to err on the side of kindness...I want them to live”, Spencer Cox.


Respect of Parents rights

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I strongly support Gov. Younkin`s rules that PARENTS have the RIGHT to decide what's best for their children and no school or President or anyone else should be  trying to usurp their authority.   Stop teaching  and promoting sex.


Abuse & Suicide will increase to appease certain voters

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The title says it all. While this may work for a few, it puts others in harms way. Some will be abused or kicked out of their families. Others may decide they don't want to live with what this bill will cause for them. Maybe that's the point?


I support this common sense approach

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Our governor is echoing the voice of those who voted him into office.  Parental involvement is a no-brainer, and the idea that pronoun use should be dictated is a violation of freedom of speech.  Mental health is nothing to play with, and the use of forced language should never be a means of treatment.  Identity issues are something we all struggled with in our formidable years.  It's not our state government's duty to ignore the convictions of tax paying adults in the attempt to pacify those who somehow think laws can fix everything.

Governor, keep up the great work!


Parental Rights

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<p>Only parents have the right to make these decisions for their children!  The government needs to back away on anything that overrules parental rights. </p>


John Hopkins Psychiatrist calls Transgenderism a mental disorder

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A news article published on CNS News on 11/26/2020 by Dr. Paul R. McHugh cites transgenderism as a mental disorder that merits treatment and that sex changes are biologically impossible, furthermore people who promote sexual reassignment surgery are collaborating with and promoting a mental disorder.

The suicide rate among transgender people who had reassignment surgery is 20 times higher than the suicide rate among non-transgender people.    Further study from Vanderbilt University cites 70 to 80 of people with transgender “feelings” spontaneously lose those feeling.


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The Youngkin administration’s new draft model policy on treatment of transgender students should be supported because it:

Supports parents by recognizing the primary role they play in their children’s education and upbringing. For example, the policy states “Parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children,” and “schools shall respect parents’ values and beliefs.

Aligns with current research and scientific evidence on biological sex, gender dysphoria, and medical interventions for young people who identify as transgender. For example, research on the best course of care for gender dysphoria and transgenderism in pre-pubescent children is incomplete and mixed. The new model policy recognizes that individual students, parents and educators can carefully consider the current science and come to different conclusions about the best approach to caring for an individual child.

In contrast, the prior policy cherry-picked research to promote a rigid ideology, ignoring research on the potential adverse effects of medical interventions and risks of allowing biological males to use women’s restrooms and locker rooms.

Protects all students, including transgender students, but also students who have different views or who feel uncomfortable or unsafe sharing restrooms or locker rooms with students of the opposite biological sex. The prior policy ignored the perspectives and needs of some students, forcing them to share locker rooms or overnight accommodations with classmates of the opposite sex regardless of how they felt. This corrects serious gaps in the prior policy that left some students feeling stigmatized or unsafe.

Ensures sports fairness for girls by recognizing the scientific reality that boys and girls are physically different in ways that give biological males an unfair advantage in many sports. In contrast, the prior policy ignored basic biology and genetics, and would have undermined sports fairness for girls by forcing them to compete against biological males.

Supports good citizenship by ensuring schools will recognize and protect students, parents and educators who have different views on a complex, evolving topic like transgender identity. Educating children to articulate different views in ways that are well-reasoned and respectful, and to consider different viewpoints, is a foundation of good citizenship that the new model policies promote. In contrast, the prior policy discouraged this, instead forcing all students and parents to agree to a single, rigid viewpoint.

Promotes good civics by ensuring the model policy is aligned with all relevant federal and state laws. This includes the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the “rights to parents to inspect and access their child’s educational records,” Virginia state law which recognizes that the “parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child,” and the Virginia state constitution, which prohibits officials from penalizing individuals because of their views or beliefs. The new draft policy corrects the prior policy, which ignored these and other laws in order to shut parents out of important decisions about their children’s education and upbringing.


I OPPOSE the guidance

Eryn Cook, Business Owner and Concerned Community Member

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It's unfattenable to me that adults can be so scared of children exploring who they are. The fact that you are trying to PREVENT children from being happy and healthy just goes to show how once again, you fear what you don't know or understand. Don't teachers ask students what their preferred name is? How is this any different? When LGBTQ children die due to committing suicide because the state is adding another microaggression to their lives, I hope you're happy.


Strongly Support!


Strongly support parents rights/responsibility to raise their children until age 18.

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<p>It is up to parents to raise and be responsible for their children until age 18. </p>


strongly oppose because of family shaming

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If a child has the support of their parents, then their parents will be first to know about name changes, new pronouns, and any other changes. The children who do not have that support are the children who will be hurt with this legislation. If their parents do not know it could be because their parents are not supportive of their children's essence of identity. Therefore, these children may not be safe in families where their feelings and identity are at odds with parental values. Transgender children are already at higher risk for mental health issues, including suicide. Please don't increase their burden by putting them at risk of family abuse, being put out of their homes, or ridiculed and shamed by family members.


STRONGLY SUPPORT THE NEW 2022 MODEL POLICIES  ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT  FOR ALL STUDENTS

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I strongly support these new 2022 Model Policies. Unlike the previous 2021 policies that are tantamount to propaganda to foist a one sided and erroneous agenda on citizens, the new guidelines are properly factual and in accordance with the Virginia Constitution and Virginia  Statutes.

Implement the  New 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students IMMEDIATELY!


100% support

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Absolutely necessary changes applying logic and common sense to a very challenging and divisive issue to be sure.  As a Virginian, I am thrilled to see logic and practicality brought back into the equation.  A lot of those kinds of issues today and while we hear 'compromise' a lot, few really want to - but often there is compromise in simple common sense, and that's what this proposal is.  It doesn't throw the baby out with the bathwater, but allows for multiple scenarios.  Even those opposed, given a different 'topic', likely would argue they wouldn't want a 'blanket' rule for everything, if they were on a given side.  Thank you to those who have put this together and I strongly encourage the state legislator's to pass this unanimously!


Public education

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<p>Strongly support </p>


Strongly support!

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Kids are too young and impressionable to make such decisions.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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<p>In favor of these changes. </p>


Mental Health Researcher Strongly Opposed to this Harmful Legislation

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I strongly oppose this proposed legislation, which seeks to reverse current protections for trans youth in the VA public school system. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide are astronomically high among transgender youth (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2017.06.010). Research tells us that using the chosen name of trans youth in more contexts, such as school, is associated with lower depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.02.003). This legislation is specifically targeting perhaps the most at-risk population for mental health issues and suicide. Whatever your political views, passing this legislation is not worth potentially increasing the stress and mental health issues experienced by our trans youth. I urge parents and and schools to fight back against this harmful legislation.


Strongly Support

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Thank you for standing up for parental rights.  Our kids do not belong to the government.


Parental rights

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As a parent, grandparent and past employee in the Bedford County School system as a tutor and bus driver, I strongly support parental authority and direct influence over what children are taught and also support parents being notified and involved in any decisions made on behalf of the student as long as they are under the age of 18.  They are children, and should not be making decisions about their bodies, education, or mental welfare without their parents knowledge, influence or control.  We are the parents, not the state or some other person who is not vested in the welfare of the child.  PERIOD


WTF? (part 2)

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This policy is stupid and shouldn't even be an option

????????????


Stop indoctrination and attack on the nuclear family

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I support this. Stop indoctrination of OUR children and attack on the nuclear family.


Strongly oppose this proposal

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This administration proposes to protect one group's discomfort with diversity by trampling the human rights of another group. The damage that this proposal will wreak is clear and universally supported by studies:

https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/transgender-people-and-suicide-fact-sheet/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345113/

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/4/e20174218/76767/Transgender-Adolescent-Suicide-Behavior?autologincheck=redirected?nfToken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000

Many of the comments that talk about "forcing an ideology on others" are reminiscent of the arguments against interracial relationships decades ago. It's a specious argument to say that a human right is an "ideology", and it will not age well.

This proposal should be scrapped.


Strongly Oppose

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Your proposal will do nothing but harm transgender students in public schools in the Commonwealth of VA.  Your pandering to the GOP base in an attempt to take the temperature for your possible 2024 run for President is despicable.  Providing a safe and healthy environment for children in public schools should be your focus.  You, sir, continue to embarrass the Commonwealth.  Close to half the voting public in the Commonwealth did not vote for you; govern for all!


Youngkin is an ugly ugly bitch

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Youngkin is an ugly ugly bitch and is very unslay for what he does. He is homophobic and puts trans and non-binary people in danger. We don't need more teen suicide! ????????????


Strongly Support

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<p>I strongly support new model policy.  </p>


I Support This!

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<p>I support this legislation by Gov. Youngkin!! </p>


I STRONGLY SUPPORT these proposed changes.

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The Department is mindful of constitutional protections that prohibit governmental entities from requiring individuals to adhere to or adopt a particular ideological belief. 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.- This is essential to protect everyone's freedom.  It prohibits the ideology of a few to be forced onto everyone.


Policy on transgender

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I support Governor Younkin's policy.


Support parental consent

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Support parental involvement and consent; children are minors


I STRONGLY SUPPORT this policy

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I STRONGLY SUPPORT the guidance and want the Virginia Department of education to implement it.

I am grateful that the draft aims to protect students who may feel uncomfortable or unsafe about sharing a bathroom or locker-room with classmates of the opposite biologic sex, while ensuring schools partner with parents to accommodate the needs of students who identify as transgender.

This particularly issue stands out for me because, as a young child, I was sexually abused. I know for a fact that no female is a match for masculine strength, the biological difference is a real issue. Even if a boy is two years younger than a girl, their physical strength far supersedes the female ability to fight off an aggressor.

As a mother of a young girl, I shudder every time I hear the assumption that it is ok and safe for males and females to share bathrooms, especially in schools. The concerns we have for safety in the bathrooms are real, some of us due to experience and for some of us through observation or the experience of a loved one.


Oppose the bill

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I oppose the bill and support trans youth.


Strongly opposed

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This is an unnecessary change. The freedom of religion clause also protects our transgender children from a governing official's religion. This would cause additional burden and harm for our students. This is an election stunt on the part of our governor and should be ignored. Let's support all of our children at school.


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


As a parent and educator I strongly oppose this legislation

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<p>This policy is truly awful. It engenders mistrust between students, parents and teachers. School is supposed to be a safe place for children to be who they are and will be. </p>


Modal policies for treatment of transgender students

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<p>I strongly support these policies! </p>


I strongly oppose this harmful proposal

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“Data indicate that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth.”

- Suicidality Among Transgender Youth: Elucidating the Role of Interpersonal Risk Factors

Ashley Austin et al. J Interpers Violence. 2022 Mar.

Children in all stages of childhood need to feel safe and cared for at school.


WILL SMITH OPPOSES

KEEP MY WIFES NAME OUT YOURE F***ING MOUTH
LEAVETHEKIDSALONE

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KEEP MY WIFES NAME OUT YOURE F***ING MOUTH

LEAVE
THE
KIDS
ALONE


bad policies

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bad policies

bad policies

bad policies

bad policies

bad policies

bad policies

bad policies

bad policies

bad policies

bad policies

bad policies

bad policies

bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies bad policies

will wood HATES these policies

stop it

save lives

shut up


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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I strongly support this Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) 2022 policy update.

A governing body's duty is, first and foremost, to implement and enforce the view of the majority of its consitituents. While my view revolves around strong support for the policy update, ultimately, policy updates should be made in accordance with the view of the majority of constituents.

My personal view is:

- All students and children deserve to be educated in a safe, healthy environment, conducive to reaching their maximum potential.

- Parents are the ultimate authority in making decisions for the education, healthy, and wellness of their dependent, minor childen.

- The responsibility of the VDOE is to promote equal opportunity for education of all students, within the confines of each parent's requests and goals for their children.

- No student, parent, teacher, or educational institute should be forced to violate their own beliefs to satisfy the beliefs of another entity (especially when doing so is in direct violation of the U.S. Constitution or Virginia State Constitution).

- Gender has become a meaningless social construct; it should not be used in any fashion by any governing institute; an individual's "sex" is the only relevant, identifiable information for use by a governing body, education institute, etc.


Protect the right of parents and ALL children.

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<p>I strongly agree with Governor Youngkins new policy proposal. It is not right, fair, or the American way to give SPECIAL rights to a few, and take away the right of MOST. No one should be bullied or mistreated but otherwise "normal" children should not be forced to play along with the charades of mentally ill students. These kids need help, not encouragement. When we are forced to accept things we do not believe in our age with, we are no longer a free country. </p>


oppose these policys!!!

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<p>These policies are incredibly harmful to transgender students, especially coming from a cis white straight male who has no knowledge whatsoever of transgender people's struggles in daily life. This policy does more harm than good considering how many parents are unsupportive of their children. OPPOSE THIS DUMB, HARMFUL POLICY. </p>


Oppose 2022 Model Policies

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 The 2021 Model Policies allowed school staff to “consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their gender identity,” a protection that the 2022 Proposed Model Policies remove. While schools are indeed required to comply with FERPA, and parents do have a recognized right to their children’s educational information, those rights are not absolute when they endanger those children’s wellbeing. Further, the 2021 Model Policies permitted disclosure of a student’s gender identity only to other school personnel when there was a legitimate educational interest. The 2022 Model Policies require outing trans students to their parents along with school staff with a legitimate educational interest.

As the 2021 Model Policies acknowledged, disclosing a transgender student's gender identity to an unsupportive family “can pose imminent safety risks, such as losing family support or housing.” A recent study by the Trevor Project reported that 38% of transgender girls, 39% of transgender boys, and 35% of nonbinary youth surveyed had experienced homelessness and housing instability at some point in their lives. ( Homelessness and Housing Instability Among LGBTQ Youth, The Trevor Project, https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/homelessness-and-housing-instability-among-lgbtq-youth-feb-2022/.) These rates are disproportionately greater for non-white LGBTQ+ youth. Id. 16% of LGBTQ+ youth reported running away because of fears of abuse, 14% reported that they were kicked out or abandoned by parents or caregivers. Id.

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).

The new policy could be read to force disclosure of a student’s gender identity even when that disclosure endangers the student.

This is wrong because students deserve to have a safe place in school where they can talk about their gender identity with a trusted adult at school without fear that the adult would be forced to disclose to their parents, potentially resulting in abuse or homelessness.

This affects me, as I was a queer student in Virginia, and then went on to teach and saw how important it was for student's mental health and access to education for them to feel seen and protected by their teachers, and these policies would make it unsafe for children to confide in adults at school.

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


Why

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This is so stupid like leave them alone no one cares. And not every kid has good parents so I disagree with these stupid pieces of paper.


Greatly SUPPORT

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Thank you for protecting the role of parents as primary formators of their children, not the state.  We must love and care for all children, which means helping them to realize their vocation and role within society.  It does NOT mean to affirm every action or preference.


I strongly oppose this harmful policy

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As a former Virginia public schools teacher and parent, I know all too well the harms so many kids experience and the power that supportive, nurturing school environments have to improve students' lives and future outcomes. For many kids, school is safe when home is not, and teachers, counselors, and administrators know this. Transgender students represent a small portion of the student population, yet they are 40-60% more likely to die by suicide. These students deserve the same protection we expect our schools to extend to all, and school staff should not be put in a position to deny fundamental rights and potentially put a child in harm's way. Adopting this guidance will harm the students and school staff we purport to value.


We strongly support Gov Youngkin

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We strongly support Gov. Youngkin


Strongly object! Model policy directly contradicts the guiding principles stated.

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I have thoroughly read the proposed model policy document. I think most people would agree with the guiding principles that are presented, specifically with regard to parents' rights regarding what is best for their child, respect for all students, and the stated goals of preventing bullying. However, the policies proposed in the sample policy directly contradict many of these principles.

Regarding identification of students, the sample policy (section D, paragraph 6) indicates that school personnel would be allowed to DISREGARD the expressed written desires of the parent. This is in direct contradiction with the principle that parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children. The policy hides behind the claim of religious beliefs as a constitutionally-protected right, while disregarding the rights of students and parents. A name is a name; a pronoun is a pronoun. There is nothing religious about them. Asking a teacher to call a child by a different name or pronoun than the one they were given at birth does not force them to change their religious beliefs, just as wishing my Christian friends a merry Christmas doesn't make me less Jewish. Furthermore, allowing teachers to intentionally disregard a parents wishes and refer to a trans female as "he" or a trans male as "she" is bullying, plain and simple. It allows a teacher to essentially say "I don't agree with your decision and you are wrong to use those pronouns." It also forces the teacher's religious beliefs on the student, something that clearly violates the first amendment.

Regarding the use of bathrooms, I think most people agree that single-use bathrooms are the best solution to the issue. What I don't want to see is a student who identifies and dresses as female being forced to use the men's bathroom because of their biological sex, subjecting them to the potential for ridicule or bullying. Likewise, I don't want a student who identifies as male to be forced to use the women's bathroom, where they could be seen as a threat by other girls who aren't aware that the student is trans. Is every trans male student supposed to announce "it's ok, I have a vagina" when they walk into the women's restroom?

Similarly, with regard to athletic participation, how does it make sense for a student who identifies, looks, and dresses as male to participate on a girls' athletic team, or for a student who identifies and dresses as female to participate on a boys' team? I know there will be people who believe that a student whose biological sex is male may have an unfair advantage competing against women. But this document is about treating students with dignity and respect, with guiding principles such as "schools shall serve the needs of all students" and "schools shall respect all students." Forcing students to participate on a team that does not match their gender identity doesn't honor those principles. And where in this document it says anything about fairness in sports, or that a student should only compete against others with similar physical abilities? It doesn't. Just as we don't exclude girls who might be unusually strong, tall, or fast from competing in sports, neither should we exclude a trans girl from being on a girl's team because of the uninformed assumption that they may be faster or stronger than other girls.

I know this may be uncomfortable for some people, but I hope the Virginia Department of Education will do the right thing and put the rights and wishes of trans students and their parents ahead of unfounded fears and narrow-minded religious beliefs. That is, after all, the first thing listed under guiding principles: Parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children. Not the the governor, not the VDOE, and not a teacher who decides he or she is uncomfortable using a child's preferred name or pronoun.


Youngkin pla

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Strongly support Governor Youngkins plan


OPPOSE

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This is horribly transphobic. It's not that hard to just say "he" or "she."

Shame on you people supporting this.


Strongly support new policy!!!

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Strongly support new policy!


Strongly Support

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I strongly support the new policy. Parents protect their children's best interests more than any other group. The new policy returns parents rights, and parents should be informed in all matters involving their children.


Proposed Transgender Policy

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I strongly support Gov Youngkin's proposal for handling Transgender policy. Parents need to be involved. Let's use common sense.


I Strongly Agree

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The new policy returns parents rights. Parents protect their children's best interests more than any other group. Parents should be informed in all matters involving their children. I strongly support the new policy.


New Policy

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Fully support Youngkin's new common sense policy. Parents matter!


Oppose!

Jay, Former FCPS Student and VA Resident

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The 2022 Model Policies define far fewer terms regarding gender identity than the 2021 Model Policies. The 2021 Model Policies defined eleven scientifically-backed and LGBTQ+-inclusive terms surrounding gender identity. 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.” Both these definitions use outdated and scientifically incorrect terminology in defining the trans identity. The 2022 Model Policies’ definitions and terminology cannot meet the evidence-based best practices requirement.

Notably, the 2022 Model Policies define being trans as depending on parents’ recognition instead of the student’s self-identification. They further call being trans the student’s “belief” which reinforces the false narrative that being trans is a choice as opposed to a deeply held knowledge and realization of one’s identity. It further operates on a male/female binary by using the term “his or her” that is demonstrably and scientifically false as it erases the existence of intersex and nonbinary people. This shift in definitions completely strips trans children of the self-determination of their identity in Virginia’s public schools.

This is wrong because it perpetuates a false and harmful narrative about trans students. It also creates a negative learning environment-- school should be about learning and teaching the next generation. The model focuses more on parents than the students themselves.

I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


Strongly Support

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“The Department also fully acknowledges the rights of parents to exercise their fundamental rights granted by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children. The Code of Virginia reaffirms the rights of parents to determine how their children will be raised and educated. Empowering parents is not only a fundamental right, but it is essential to improving outcomes for all children in Virginia.”

Parents are the ones who own their children, not the government or teachers,etc.


Oppose Proposed Model Policies

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The adoption of the proposed model policies will result in rampant violations of the rights of students, parents, and school personnel, and will inflict serious harm on transgender and nonbinary students. All students should be safe, welcomed, and included in Virginia’s public schools. I oppose the 2022 Model Policies in their entirety and demand that the VDOE rescind them, leaving the existing 2021 Model Policies in place.


Approve proposed policy to support parental rights

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Gov. Youngkin's policy is a good first step in preserving parental rights over the upbringing of their children.


Strongly agree with Gov. Youngkin

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Parents are responsible for raising their children.  Not the school system or the government.  Parents should always be informed in all matters regarding their children.

Biological males have no business being on girls' teams or in girls' locker rooms.


Gov. Youngkin's transgender policy treats all children with respect

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I agree with our Governor's policy on the importance of law and order in our schools, the rights of parents, and the respect and safety of ALL students.  School Administrators have the responsibility to ensure that all of their Staff treat every student with respect in order to promote a safe and healthy environment that gives freedom to learn and grow in knowledge, wisdom, and character.  No School Administrator or Staff has the legal responsibility to raise children.  ONLY Parents have that responsibility.  Therefore, School Administrators should see their role as serving the parents of the children in their schools.  It is not the role of schools to be making decisions against the authority of the parents - especially helping children decide to go against the religious or political beliefs of their parents.  Administrators who do not respect the laws as outlined in the 2022 policies should resign, be demoted, or be fired.  Discrimination against parents in our schools is unacceptable!  There are laws about how to deal with abusive parents.  The argument that parents could be abusive to their children is a deception that does not give the schools the right to abuse the parents and/or undermine the authority of the parents.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I oppose this policy. Public schools exist to serve the public, which includes trans youth. By not allowing these students to, for example, use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, this policy further marginalizes an already marginalized group. Requiring parent permission for a student to use the pronoun of their choice does not take into account the fact that a student may live in a home environment that is hostile to how they self identify. In that scenario permission would not only be denied, but the student could be the victim of harmful verbal or physical behavior. Trans, gay, bi, asexual, etc people exist in this world. Not only does this policy deny a student the right to be who they are on the inside, it denies hetero/cis students the experience of freely interacting with different individuals who self identify in different ways. It teaches students to marginalize and ignore those who are different than them. It strips students of empathy. I STRONGLY oppose this policy. </p>


My new pronouns are king and handsome. I’m suing if you don’t use them.

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<p>I support legislation to end this pronoun nonsense. How would libs feel having to refer to me as king? That’s the same way I feel having to refer to you by whatever you wish to call yourselves. Don’t allow this nonsense at school. It’s not fair to the teachers. Let’s get back to math and science. </p>


I Support Gov. Younkin's Policy

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The family raises the child, and the schools should support the family in raising the child. For the overwhelming majority of Virginia families, Gov. Youngkin's policies make perfect sense. And for those families that want their children treated differently with respect to pronouns and gender, the policy provides support and guidance.  Respecting the family's wishes for a minor child is good common sense, and it's good to see this affirmation of family values in Virginia.


Parents Matter.   Parent authority over Children.

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<p>I strongly support this Gov Youngkin and this commonsense, pro-family agenda and legislation.   </p>


Strongly Oppose. Support and protect our trans youth!

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<p>I strongly oppose the governor’s anti-trans policy. We need to support our trans and lgbtq+ youth by affirming them and creating inclusive environments! </p>


Our school board created an environment that fosters sexual assault- please help!

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We have already had two sexual assaults take place in our schools thanks to the school board. Please stop this lunacy. Our children deserve better.


I support policy to give girls back their locker rooms and sports teams

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<p>Stop discriminating against women. Women deserve their own bathrooms, locker rooms and sports teams without males. Period end of story. </p>


Thank you Gov. Youngkin

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Thank you for the 2022 Model Policies for the Treatment of Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.

-- A Virginia Public School Student's Parent


Strongly support 2022 Model Policies for the Treatment of Students in Virginia’s Public Schools

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<p>I support of the 2022 Model Policies for the Treatment of Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. </p>


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<p>As a parent of a public school student in Virginia, I write in support of the 2022 Model Policies for the Treatment of Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. </p>


Strongly Oppose!

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As a Virginia educator and soon-to-be parent, I strongly oppose the new guidance proposed by Governor Younkin in regards to the VDOE policies and protections for transgender youth. This new policy would put many LGBTQIA+ students in Virginia in harms way and would be forcing them to conform to the norms of their parents and Republican Governor. Students should have the right to express themselves fully, be affirmed in their identity and protected by the public institutions that serve them. This policy has detrimental effects of students in the LGBTQIA+ groups, who among a group at the highest risk for self-harm and suicide, especially in their formative years. This policy is a step back in time and a step-back for civil rights and liberties in the Commonwealth, we cannot go back our students deserve better.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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My children's rights for privacy and protection must come first. Parents should 100% be involved in all aspects of their minor children's lives.

Protect the children and protect parents' rights!


approve of the 2022 model polices for the treatment of students in Virginia public schools

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The family is the key element of survival of a civilization of which we have experienced for over 145 years prior the Marxist becoming involved to destroy our nation.


This is ridiculous and doesn't allow children to develop their own identities.

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<p>I oppose Gov. Youngkin's policy as a parent with children in the Virginia school system. The requirements for schools to inform parents of changes such as nicknames or pronouns is ridiculous. Children need to have the freedom to explore their identities as they grow. I do not need to be informed by the school if my child has a preferred nickname or if they want to explore the use of other pronouns that may more accurately define them. If my children want to explore these things at school, they should be able to. I trust them to come to me for support when they are ready. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This proposed change will put LGBTQ+ youth in Virginia at risk.  Students should be protected from bullying and violence, whether that comes from other students or even in cases where their parents might not support their identities.  Teachers should not be required to "out" students to unsupportive parents.  This policy gives agency and autonomy to students.  Transgender youth need to be protected and that includes letting students use the facilities and programs that match their gender identity.  </p>


Strongly support!

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<p>I strongly support this proposal. Thank you governor Youngkin! Biological sex matters. </p>


Board of education treatment of transgender students in school

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Great first step real not woke!


Students' rights first

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The right of a person to determine their own pronouns, nicknames, gender identity, etc, is a HUMAN right. Human rights come above and before all others.

If the school system takes away the human rights of students, what does that say about the school system?

Parents have choice and rights. They exercise those choices and rights by voting. For many years, the vast number of parents have been "checked out" of what has been going on in education.

School decisions should be evidence based and made by experts in the field. Sorry parents, that is not you or me. We vote for who will speak on our behalf and who will make decisions on the board.


Strongly Oppose

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As a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Virginia who works with teens on a regular basis, I feel compelled to strongly oppose this proposed policy. There is no question in my mind that if this policy is passed there will be increased bullying, depression, anxiety, and ultimately suicides. This is a harmful and backwards policy that will be hurtful to our schools, children, and families.


This is dangerous for our youths

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<p>LGBTQ youths make up more than a quarter of homelessness populations. Of this population, a fair number are displaced once outed. The proposal perpetuates that. In addition, the science shows that affirmation is what works best for one who's gender identity does not match their biological sex assignment. This policy fails to support students who are in need of emotional and physical support to be who they are, and remain safe. </p>


I support the governor 100%.

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I find absolutely obvious that schools can only recognize a transgender student’s gender if their parent has requested it in writing, that teachers cannot refer to students by different names or pronouns. The policy also says that a parent must know if a child sees a counselor for gender-related issues, THIS IS NORMAL. A student’s identity also cannot be changed on school records without a legal document from parents. Good god, how can one be against this?


Strongly Oppose!

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This proposed law is a privacy and human rights violation, and I strongly oppose it!


Strongly oppose


Prepare out students for the realities of life after they leave home

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<p>Please stop wasting our tax dollars on the culture wars and focus on what Virginia needs - graduates that are equipped to deal with the realities of life after they leave school and the parental cocoon.  One need only refer to corporate diversity statements to see that businesses do not tolerate bias.  Much as states like Texas and Florida want to wish this way, in our market-based economy it is thankfully out of their control.  To lead students to believe that any intolerance is acceptable will quite simply make them unemployable.   Our students and those of us who hire them deserve better. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose this legislation.  As a retired educator of 30 years - I have always treated each and every student and their parents and/or guardians with dignity and respect and this legislation does not do that!  Why add extra stress on kids?  There is absolutely no reason for this legislation.  Thank you for allowing a comment period.


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose. The current administration is on the wrong side of this issue morally and legally. This runs counter to the case Grimm v. Gloucester County and is harmful to young people. </p>


I support Youngkin, enough is enough. The majority don't want this, why are we catering to 1%

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This has gotten out of hand. No one wants girls and boys mixing in bathrooms. If you really want to protect trans students give them their own bathroom. You think mixing it all won't cause problems or even more bullying and confusion?

These are malleable and delicate minds, they don't need false influence or to see confusing things they don't understand and don't have the mental capacity to fully understand and comprehend yet. Letting boys and girls mix bathrooms is so confusing and uncomfortable for everyone else, the majority of people don't want this. The 1% that does is being selfish. Why are we acting like gay/trans is now the majority? It's not. They deserve to be treated equally, but making everyone else uncomfortable for a small number of trans students is ridiculous. I'm sure they'd feel safer with their own bathroom or single stall if anything.

PARENTS SHOULD HAVE A SAY IN OUR KIDS EDUCATION AND SCHOOL SYSTEM. I hope Youngkin continues to support parents instead of those trying to indoctrinate children and push agendas at influenceable minds. Let kids be kids.


Strongly oppose the Govenor's non evidence-based policy that threatens the health of children

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LGBTQ children are at increased risk for interpersonal violence in Virginia:

15% experience sexual assault

27% experience physical assault

80% experience verbal harassment

Source: Virginia-Infographic.png (2550×5734) (ucla.edu)

"Transgender and gender-nonconforming people face high rates of discrimination when it comes to restroom access, and policies denying them restroom access cause further harm "

Source: Sari L. Reisner and others, “Discrimination and Health in Massachusetts: A Statewide Survey of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Adults” (Boston: The Fenway Institute, 2014)

LGBTQ students face widespread harassment and discrimination in schools. According to the 2015 National School Climate Survey conducted by GLSEN—the leading national advocacy organization for LGBTQ students, founded under the name Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network—60 percent of LGBTQ students in grades 6 through 12 reported being sexually harassed in school during the 2014–2015 school year. Others were disciplined by school staff at higher rates than their non-LGBTQ peers, “prohibited from discussing or writing about LGBTQ topics in school assignments,” or “prevented or discouraged from participating in school sports” because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.324 Nearly 60 percent of LGBTQ students feel unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation and 43 percent feel unsafe because of their gender expression.325

Harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ students impedes their ability to succeed in school—nearly a third of LGBTQ students report missing at least one day of school in the past month because they felt unsafe, and LGBTQ students are three times as likely as non-LGBTQ students to plan to drop out of high school.326 Sixty-five percent of LGBTQ students report avoiding extracurricular activities such as athletics and school clubs because they feel unsafe or uncomfortable, meaning that LGBTQ youth are denied important opportunities to learn and grow that are available to their heterosexual and cisgender peers.327"

Source: Advancing LGBTQ Equality Through Local Executive Action - Center for American Progress

We can do better...in fact it is our responsibility to our children to do better. The Govenor's new policy is light on science and fact....and heavy on ideas and beliefs from 70 years ago.


Kids graduated/grandparent now

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Strongly believe this makes common sense.  This pronoun nonsense has got to stop.


Trans Students Deserve Protection and Dignity

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The Youngkin administration trying to erase the existence of trans youth is horrendously abborhent. And then asking teachers to violate the privacy and dignity of those students by ratting them out to parents is even more horrendous. Trans youth are often abused by their family, disowned, and worse - killed. These policies are trying to invalidate the existence of these students, create trauma, and to turn teachers and educators against the very people they are here to nurture and educate. Shame on the Youngkin administration for trying to turn Virginians against each other for the sake of hatred and political points.

Tell me, VDOE and Youngkin - if the fetus you swear to save with your abortion bans turns out to be LGBT, would you be as ferocious in your protection of them as you were when they were but a fetus in the womb?


Strongly Support!!!

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<p>I fully support this guidance document. </p>


APPROVE Without Reservation - Biological Sex is Fact

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Biological Males have an Unfair Advantage over Biological Females - to blur these lines based on nothing but conjecture, is a Violation of the Civil Rights Act where there is to be No Descrimination based on Sex.

Words, thoughts and even surgery does Not Change Sex, your chromozomes are Male or Female.

The thought of having a Biological Male sharing locker rooms or overnight accomondations with a Biological Female is Inappropriate, Fraught with potentional Harrassment or Assault, and is just plane Unsafe.  Then Add in these are Children, Minors, being subjected to nudity, Adult situations in bathrooms, locker rooms and hotel rooms, this crosses the line into Violating the Privacy and Human Rights of the Biological Females, Contributing to the Delinquency of Minors, Grooming, Sexual Harrassment, potential Child Pornography and a Host of Other Legal and Immoral Acts that are Reprehensible.

SIGN this Revision to Bring Sanity and Safety Back into Our Schools and Sports!

Ann Parker

Campbell County School Board Member, Timberlake District


This proposal is harmful to cis and trans kids alike

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<p>I trust that most of the people who genuinely support the proposal are well-intentioned. But this proposal will lead to all children suffering more. The amount of invasion in order to enforce it and the restrictions imposed to implement it is likely to result in an increase in sexual predators and violence against anyone perceived to have stepped out of line. Citizens of Virginia, rethink this. Suppression of trans kids and their allies won't fix what's broken in your economy. Trans and other 2SLGBTQIA+ youth could be your allies in fighting for a more economically just society, like universal health care coverage, in addition to social issues that affect yourselves as well. They have more in common with you than the rich politicians and pastors that are trying to manipulate and exploit you. Now is a time for solidarity! </p>
<p> </p>


I support gov Youngkin

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What percent of Virginia students identify as trans? 1%? 5%? Why are we overhauling an entire way of living for such a small, small number of students? It's not like they don't have an option to use the bathroom, or many schools have family single bathrooms they can use. But to make EVERYONE ELSE uncomfortable and exposed to things that they, and their parents, don't want them exposed to, is ridiculous. Many of these students at a young age don't even understand what trans is, and sexuality, etc. is a very personal choice that I don't think these kids should be exposed to, especially without parental consent or even the supervision of adults.

Overall, I support gov Youngkin and believe that we shouldn't be forcing ways and opinions down people's throat for such a SMALL number of gay/trans/etc students, making everyone else uncomfortable and even opening that trans student up to more bullying. Let them use the single family bathrooms or make designated trans bathrooms if you want them to have a safer space. Don't subject everyone else, the MAJORITY, to it if they don't want it.


Changes to Public School Requirements

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Gov Youngkin has returned public school policy to conformity with VA law. Apparently the opponents to his actions either can't read or have no interest in the rule of law.


Trans students Human Rights Violated

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<p>Strongly oppose Governor’s proposed policies - It is a human right to be included.  This would make trans students excluded & probably bullied more!  </p>


Parent's Rights

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As a grandparent of impressionable grandchildren in the Public School system I am adamantly opposed to the liberal agenda trying to push the transgender ideology upon my grandchildren.  Parents are responsible before God to train them morally.  Teachers need to get back to teaching academics not liberal ideology.  I am against former Governor Ralph Northam's policies and I do support Governor Glen Youngkins Policies.  Keep up the good work!


"protecting individual freedom" and "party of pro life" my a**.

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<p>This is not what "protecting freedoms" means, this is not what anyone should want who says they promote "family values" or "individual freedoms" or "Small government". All this does is threaten children's lives, and that should not be okay for any american regardless of party. Extremist hate is a virus in this country and my heart goes out to all the kids who will be harmed from this if it goes into effect. Speak with actual experts on this topic and you will understand the harm and stupidity of this document. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE - Stop hurting already marginalized youth

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I write to strongly oppose the model policies proposed by the DOE in support of restrictions on the full acceptance of students, regardless of gender. These policies create unnecessarily complicated pathways to acceptance, feed on irrational and politically-motivated fears, and leave the entire system more closed.

Gender expansive, and trans* students deserve to be protected. Consider what is at stake here: these model policies BAN students from using a “desired name” for their student - unless it is an “acceptable nickname for the individual.” How does that help anyone? One of the ways that educators are able to be transformative in the lives of young people is by knowing and caring for them. That starts with using the name that people would like to be called by. It is ridiculous that the DOE would like to offer parents an opportunity to micro-manage their children’s lives by claiming to give them the “right” to select what people call their children every day. This seemingly small aspect of the overall model policy is an indication of what the purpose of this is at all - eliminate all but the most “persistent” trans students, and force those persistent students to jump through as many hoops as possible in order to just be accepted.

It is nice that schools are “advised” to make single-person bathrooms available, but why not just let students use the restrooms in peace? It has been proven over and again that transgender youth pose NO THREAT to cis-gender individuals. Calling a person a predator just because they are transgender is offensive, ignorant, and should not be an official stance of the Department of Education. If you want higher levels of safety in student bathrooms and changing areas, attend to the real issue at hand. Otherwise, this model policy serves to underscore baseless fear-based claims that “they” are going to “get your kids.” The trans student is the person at most risk in this scenario, as they are often isolated and without a social supportive network. Highlighting their differences will not help to increase safety in bathrooms and changing space. Heightening staff supervision in these areas, and increasing private changing spaces is the key - IF safety were really the desired outcome.

Gender diversity is not new, nor is it a “avalanche” of students. It is not a trend, nor is it “catching.” Offering transgender students the respect and dignity that comes with being called by a preferred name and offered a safe space to do private bodily activities will not hurt their parents, the teachers, nor the other students. It is creating a learning environment where a student’s most basic needs are MET, and where all students will be able to work and learn.

These model policies attempt to give parents the ability to micromanage their children’s lives, down to details they should have no control over. It does not increase school safety, and instead forces a marginalized community to work harder just to exist. Numerous studies have shown that trans* children and youth are at a MUCH higher rate of suicidal ideation, elopement, and school drop outs than their cis-gendered peers. Simple actions, such as allowing students a safe place to use the restroom and calling them by their chosen name, can make an immediate and life-saving transformation in these young people’s lives. This model policy threatens the safety of children and youth, in exchange for allowing parents a tighter grip on their children’s lives.

It’s true that our students are legal minors. Yet they are humans in our free society. Denying them the right of choosing what those around them CALL THEM is denying them not their “legal freedom,” but actually denying them their personhood. The cost is low compared with the gain.

This model policy unnecessary places barriers on the full inclusion of all our children and youth. It is based in politically-motivated fear and serves no one. It should be struck down immediately.


I STRONGLY OPPOSE these policy changes that will be detrimental to the well-being of trans students.

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I strongly oppose these policy changes that will be detrimental to the well-being and safety of trans students.


Strongly Support the NEW 2022 Model Policy

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<p>Gender is determined at birth and cannot be changed. Biological FACT,  Schools have no business promoting a trans agenda or providing materials to encourage this or other immoral behavior. Only parents should have the full say in how their child is raised and be advised of any issues that arise.  </p>


I have never assaulted anyone, and i never will. It doesn't matter what's in my damn pants.

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I see people worrying about the cis girls getting assaulted left and right by trans females. Apparently only trans females exist to these people i guess?? There is a such thing as a trans male. They are in far more danger than your little 'biological' girl ever has been.

what these people don't realize is that it's their cis child who is assaulting the trans child. I have had my hair pulled out and beaten by cis students because they found out i was transgender. I have identified as female since age 6. I am 17 now. I still get bullied quite often by, you guessed it, cis students. Even recently I was groped by a girl trying to feel what was in my pants. You should be protecting the trans kids. I have never once tried to assault anyone else. In fact, I am not even attracted to women. I don't stare. I make sure to change where nobody can see me. In fact, i usually wear my gym clothes to school since it's in the morning.

this is just stupid.


Please mr governor don’t let any more boys in locker room with my soccer team

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I love all of my classmates and want them to be happy. But please don’t let the adults let boys in our locker room. We shower after our soccer practices and it isn’t fair for us.


Oppose attack on transgender youth

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I oppose Youngkin's disgraceful effort to hurt vulnerable young people in Virginia.  I absolutely condemn his transparent ploy to gain national political office by climbing over the bodies of Virginia's youth and their families.


I am thankful to God for Governor Youngkin and I support his policy for all children.  PA is next.

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Transgender policy comment is positive for Governor Youngkin's new policy.  Thank God!


Protect ALL children!

Trying to FORCE everyone to deny reality to try to help seriously mentally ill people doesn't seem to be having a positive impact on our nation.Trans people should be treated with respect and kindness WITHOUT allowing half the population to be harmed by policies to support them and try to make them feel better.The two little girls who are FOREVER scarred after being raped in their school bathroom because of the old policy should be enough evidence to prove it a BAD POLICY for anyone who has a little bit of sense left, IMO.

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Trying to FORCE everyone to deny reality to try to help seriously mentally ill people doesn't seem to be having a positive impact on our nation.

Trans people should be treated with respect and kindness WITHOUT allowing half the population to be harmed by policies to support them and try to make them feel better.

The two little girls who are FOREVER scarred after being raped in their school bathroom because of the old policy should be enough evidence to prove it a BAD POLICY for anyone who has a little bit of sense left, IMO.


I Support Governor Youngkin

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I commend Governor Youngkin's proposed changes in relation to how public schools should handle the scourge of transgenderism.


I strongly support Virginia Department of Education's new guidelines for transgender students.

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I strongly support all of the Virginia's Department of Education's new guidelines for transgender students in public schools. I think it is a sensible, balanced approach that protects and supports all students, including transgender students. It also recognizes the primary role of parents in their children's education. It takes into account the full range of studies on biological sex and gender, gender dysphoria and potential risks and benefits of gender-affirming care, and allows for individual decisions and viewpoints.


Support protecting our children from the ultra left wing nuts

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School is a place for education and learning. It is not a place for libs to indoctrinate our children with their nonsense ideology.


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose. </p>


Strongly Oppose - this is not about parental rights

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This is another attempt to politicize bodily autonomy and identity. This will harm the over 6,000 openly identifying trans and non-binary students, along with the unnumbered individuals who have not disclosed their identities. Trans students already have higher rates of depression and suicide attempts - but those are mitigated deeply when they receive supports for using their pronouns and names in a school setting. Many students may not be able to have parental consent for this, as their parents may not support their identity. It is idealistic to believe that all parents have their child's best interest at heart - especially when there are parents who abuse their children, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Call this model what it is - your attempt to silence trans voices. You don't care about parental rights, you care about upholding systems of oppression that harm many.


STRONGLY SUPPORT Youngkin bathroom/locker room policy protect the girls

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Strongly support Youngkin bathroom/locker room policy protect the girls


Do NOT punish transgender students with the pretense of asserting parental rights

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I strongly oppose the proposed policy, which is certain to make life more difficult for trans children whose lives are already hard enough.  While the framers justify the policy in part by referring to "constitutional protections that prohibit governmental entities from requiring individuals to adhere to or adopt a particular ideological belief," it is inescapable that the policy is designed to force people into accepting a specific ideological belief that is anti-trans.  Despite the insincere assertions that our schools need to respect individual differences, the policy disregards (and, one can assume, dislikes and perhaps fears) the differences that are fundamental to trans children's identities.  It's impossible to see any benefits to come from this policy, unless we regard reinforcing prejudices as a benefit.  But the damages that will be done to trans children and by extension to all trans people are painfully visible.  Please do not approve this policy.


Approval from a different perspective

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As a decades-long member of the LGBT community, a mother of a young girl, and a feminist, I support Youngkin's proposed changes to school policy. The recent explosion of trans-identifying youth is the product of social contagion driven by social media, not unlike the anorexia/bulimia social contagion from the 2000's. Both encourage self harm, whether by malnutrition or hormones/surgery, are enabled by stereotypes, and target nonconforming and vulnerable kids. Most of my well-meaning fellow democrats believe this sudden onset of gender-confused youth to be organically occurring because they don't know the natural makeup of the LGBT community, and they view the trans rights movement as an extension of gay rights. They don't know that the vast majority of trans-identifying youth who are not medicalized, grow out of it after puberty and coming to terms with latent homo- or bisexuality.

I think everyone can agree there needs to be an effort to make all kids feel safe and welcome in our public schools. But it needs to happen by teaching children that nonconformity is okay, e.g., that it's not a big deal if a boy wants to wear pink or play with dolls.

Studies show that most trans-identifying kids are prone to self harm and suicidal ideation; but transition has not been shown to help these issues and arguably reinforces them. The kids who are attracted to the trans movement overwhelmingly have multiple mental health comorbidities and/or ASD, but they are not getting the robust psychological help they need. We need to offer more mental health support to our students, and champion the diversity that takes place naturally within each biological sex.

At Randolph High School in Vermont, a group of girls on a sports team were banned from their own locker room for voicing concerns about the way a trans-identifying male teammate was speaking to them and watching them while they changed. I don't want my daughter to have to worry about this in a few years, and she doesn't need to be confused today by non-scientific ideologies that were meant for adults taking college level courses.


Strongly Oppose

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Virginia's laws should ensure the safety and freedom of ALL children and should encourage a learning environment that is accepting of differences and beyond political partisanship. This policy will target LGBTQ kids for harassment and mistreatment simply because of who they are.


This policy is racist and supports dominant culture, does not allow for liberation for anyone

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As a parent/sister/friend of education who supports all students and their right to feel safe and respected at school, I strongly appose the proposed policy and want VDOE to reject it”

I am a parent of three children and would like them to feel that all bodies matter and that we have body autonomy and the right to self expression. Allowing trans students to be who they are and to be called a name that they feel represents them and to use whatever bathroom feels safest supports their overall well being and also helps others to be more accepting of all of their differences, whether it's skin color, neurodiversity, abilities, and economic state. And it's up to others to work through their own discomfort with that. This is not about religion; this is not about  making the majority feel comfortable. This is about lifting up and supporting the oppressed and the minority so that they feel they belong in this world, just like we all deserve to, as uncomfortable as it might be for some. This is how we support change in a binary and white supremacist system that needs to be dismantled to allow for liberation of all bodies for the safety of all of us.


Youngkin’s proposal for school policies on transgender students. For local and state school boards.

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I highly oppose Youngkin’s proposal. It is rife with ignorance on the issue, and makes these already vulnerable students even more so. They should not be the focus of his politics.  Gender identity is NOT a binary issue, and scientists and doctors have spoken out loudly and clearly about this. We should, instead, be supportive and open.  Youngkin is putting HIMSELF in the position of assigning gender identity. Schools who are open and supportive are NOT assigning gender, but rather supporting a very real and courageous stand by those who recognize their transgender status. Anyone who thinks this is a “phase” of teenagers is glaringly ignorant. Would YOU put yourself in the position of wanting to change your assigned gender if you didn’t know it to be correct?  Can we stop making this a political issue, stop picking on teachers, and stop targeting schools?  I wish our elected officials would actually deal with issues that negatively affect our population - like housing, hunger, transportation, and dangerous environmental changes, and STOP PICKING ON KIDS!


Support a safe place at Schools

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Thank you for creating a safe place at schools for children. Girls do not deserve to be sacrificed anymore. Girls need safe spaces and fair competition in athletics.


Governor's Parents First policy for schools

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<p> I strongly support the Governor's Parents First policies for 2022.  It is hard to believe that this would even be necessary.  No wonder you have a teacher shortage!  Who would want to teach this to children! </p>


Apalled about the VA governor rolling back LBGTQ progress!

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I am appalled over Governor Youngkin's new legislation/rules/laws.  The past few weeks I have been watching Fairfax / VA students (both LGBTQ and non LBGTQ) protesting what he is promoting.  Gov Youngkin please consider the voices and the wellbeing of the students who are already being discriminated against.  Do the student protests not give an indication that this may not be the right decision for them?

Children are our future and we need to realize, cherish and embrace that.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!


Conflicted but it makes sense

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We should be respectful of everyone's choices. And in all honesty, I don't see anything that is disrespectful towards others in this document when you take a close look at things from all sides.


Bring back the 2020 guidance

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<p>The previous policies were supported by our state legislation and aligned with expert recommendations for the treatment of transgender students. There was no reason to change it other than bigotry and transphobia. Shame on Youngkin  for reversing years of advocacy for trans students. </p>


you are killing us

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passing this law does no good. statistics show that even just having a supportive figure in a trans persons life reduces suicide by 40%. fourty percent. in every 100 trans students, 40 could be dead if this law passes. is your goal to kill students? to kill trans students? even if you dont agree with transgender people or transgender youth, this is not the answer. these students have never and will never personally affect you, so why must you use your power to make their lives miserable. as a trans student myself, i face bigotry every day already. doing this will make my life hell. most high school students suffer from depression, i do as well. getting through every day is hard enough for me as it is. waking up is painful. going through each day is painful, yet i press on, knowing there's light at the end of the tunnel, things change, and will get better for me eventually. you want to take this away from me and many others. please, i ask you to give us grace. show us kindness. let us live.


Changes to Transgender Policy

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The plan you are proposing makes me ashamed to live in Virginia. You are blatantly pandering to “the base”, by which I mean MAGA, intolerant, bigoted and hateful people. This plan targets the most vulnerable children in Virginia, making them more likely to self-harm, even kill themselves. Rather than reach out and include those children, you are choosing to make targets of them. Rather than ensure that all children have excellent education, you are choosing to focus on negativity and pain. Rather than embracing the diversity this world has to offer, you are trying to cram everyone into your narrow idea of what's “acceptable.” You have betrayed these children and left them to wonder why the governor of the state is being so mean and intolerant. Saying it's up to parents made an effective campaign slogan, but implementing that is causing actual pain to actual people. Not everyone lives in a situation where being yourself is safe. School was the only safe place for many children. By restricting even what teachers may do, you've put them in the cross hairs of the Base, and ensured that they will leave the schools. I wonder if that is your end game - - emptying public schools so you can open more “charter” schools, more religious schools that will indoctrinate children in the GOP/MAGA “acceptable” way of thinking. This is the worst of pseudo-Christianity.

Transgender students will always be in the world. They will be transgender adults. They will remember. They will vote.


Strongly oppose these policies- they are designed to hurt transgender students

Cassidy Ackerman-Garvin, Blacksburg High School Pride Club President

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The policies proposed by Governor Youngkin and the Department of Education are dangerous to transgender youth. As the Blacksburg High School Pride Club president, many people have come to me because they’re afraid of what will happen. A lot of students are very passionate about these policies and for good reason. These proposals seek to tear away the support systems we have fought for.

In 2022, over half of transgender students considered suicide according to the Trevor Project.  1 in 5 transgender and non-binary youth actually attempted suicide, and BIPOC students are much more likely to attempt or consider suicide. With already unproportionately high suicide rates, these policies will hurt an already vulnerable population and in a way, literally kill children. Gender dysphoria, the discomfort caused by feeling that your biological sex doesn’t match your gender identity, is an actual mental health diagnosis. The DSM-5 explicitly states that “gender non-conformity is not in itself a mental disorder.” Simply being transgender is not "wrong" or a symptom of mental health problems. However, the environment that transgender people live in and how they are treated by their peers can cause serious stress and mental health issues. These policies ignore mental health professionals’ advice. Calling students by their preferred name is shown to reduce suicide rates. How students are treated in school is incredibly important. For transgender students, just attending a school that accepts LGBTQ+ students can significantly reduce suicide rates. (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/)

Governor Youngkin said these policies fall under the 2020 law that schools must adopt evidence-based policies to support transgender youth, which is untrue. The policies don’t follow mental health guidelines and weren’t intended to help transgender youth. Plus, Grimm v. Gloucester, a case that reached the Supreme Court, said that prohibiting a trans man from using the men’s restroom violated Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. These policies are discriminatory and go against pre-existing federal and state rulings and legislation.

Many trans students who’ve fully transitioned or are transitioning aren’t out to everyone as transgender. These policies will out and humiliate them by forcing them to use bathrooms and facilities where they feel and seem out of place. The possible ways to enforce the bathroom policies, like having bathroom monitors or having a list of or labeling transgender students, are invasive. A student’s genitals are of no concern to school staff.

These policies will separate trans youth from their peers. It’s been proven that simply being around transgender people doesn’t make you transgender. Being transgender involves many biological and psychological factors. Living as a transgender person is stressful, and these policies will only make things worse.

These model policies will only hurt transgender students. Transgender students are faced with discrimination everywhere they go. I have witnessed this in my school system. It isn’t about politics or indoctrination; it’s about making sure that everyone feels safe in school. No one should be afraid to use the bathroom or tell someone their name.

Please do not pass these policies for the safety of Virginia's transgender students.


Proposed Model Policy Increases Harm/Suicide Risk for Transgender/Nonbinary Youth

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As a Clinical Psychologist working with transgender and nonbinary clients, I oppose Gov. Youngkin’s 2022 proposed model policy regarding transgender and nonbinary youth. The proposed policy harms these youth by creating a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment, further adding to the challenges this segment of the population already faces. Under the guise of giving parents more control over their children’s care, it closes off potential avenues for these youth to gain the help they need in order to deal with the many challenges they face.  At a time when the country’s goals should be centered on preventing youth suicide, the proposed policy, if implemented, would guarantee an increase in suicide as these youth find they have nowhere to turn for confidential treatment.


Supporting Parental Rights restored in Schools

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<p>We strongly support the new wording on policies in Virginia schools, that return the rights of parents to oversee and guard their children. Parents should be able to know and determine their own child's health and well-being.  Children, who are not mature yet, should not suffer the consequences of being given teaching or drugs that damage their future physical and mental health, and especially without their parent's consent or knowledge. Please support parents and school policies that keep learning about academics and provide an environment that creates stability and not confusion about gender or race. Harmony, not division, is the preferred learning environment. Thank you for reading our comments and concerns. </p>


Transgender policies

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Strongly oppose.  This will only further alienate an already marginalized group.


STRONGLY SUPPORT CHANGE

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I pay to send my grandchildren to private school where they are not being indoctrinated, lessons are focused on teaching what really matters (reading, writing, math, critical thinking) and parents have a voice.

Thank you for updating these policies restoring common sense and protections for basic parental rights and ensuring that parents are no longer cut out of the process—especially when it concerns how gender and sexuality issues are handled with our kids at school.