STRONGLY OPPOSE

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From your "guidance": "The 2021 Model Policies promoted a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools."  NO, the 2021 Model Policies promoted the reality of the year 2021, and the fact that YOUR beliefs are NOT what dictate or drive either the reality nor the policies that govern how the rest of us operate.  "The 2021 Model Policies also disregarded the rights of parents and ignored other legal and constitutional principles that significantly impact how schools educate students, including transgender students."  NO, the 2021 Model Policies reflected the reality that many transgender children have parents who, like you, do not understand or provide any kind of compassion for their children who are not just like them. Those policies took into consideration the overwhelming numbers of transgender youth suffering from anxiety and depression, and the disproportionate number who attempt or successfully commit suicide as a result of lack of support within their families, communities, and schools.  As a parent with a transgender child that we fully support, I can assure you there are many in their class whose parents are NOT supportive.  Our home has became a safe haven where those children are able to be themselves and feel loved for who they are.  SCHOOL SHOULD BE NO DIFFERENT.  Outing kids at school by requiring the input of unsupportive parents does nothing but drive more kids to mental health crises.  But I suppose that's your whole point, isn't it?  Fewer transgender kids to contend with!

We are not trying to push any "belief" on you, but rather trying to actually practice tolerance and acceptance of people who may not be just like you or me, with compassion and grace.  I'm a little rusty on my Bible reading, but I'm fairly certain that was Jesus' whole thing, was it not?


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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You say that a school is a place where students deserve respect and a place free of bullying and discrimination, however, this proposal is the opposite of this. If you approve of these policies, transgender students will be facing more discrimination than ever. Trans students deserve as much respect as everyone else.


Strongly Oppose.

M. Ryan, parent of a PWCS high school student

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This policy change is government overreach and will endanger more kids than it will benefit. Gender identity and sexuality are private issues of adults and minors alike. Many closeted teens live in fear of being outed against their will and some do not have supportive families at home.

Suicide and self harm is a real risk amongst these kids that don't have positive support in their lives and forcing them get parental approval to avoid being dead named, mis-gendered or outed against their will is pure evil and will potentially get kids killed.

School should be a safe place for teens to learn, grow and develop their individual identity and be supported through the process.

If the issues are the bathrooms, steps should be made to create "family bathrooms/all gender bathrooms" with partitioned stalls or single toilets with a lockable door. Not all bathrooms in the school need to be altered but providing these spaces shouldn't be that difficult.

The issues with sports participation are a separate challenge that should be worked on as a stand alone issue instead of lumping it together as an all encompassing "problem" Kids are not transitioning to gain advantages in sports. That assertion is nonsense.

People say keep the politics out of school, but this policy by Glenn Youngkin is just that. Political nonsense to pander to the conservative base. It lacks compassion, and empathy for struggling teens and their families. It is beyond reckless and everyone in our family strongly opposes the measure.

Thank you for your time,

M. Ryan


Veteran public school educator supports new policy; parental involvement is crucial.

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<p>Having served as a teacher and administrator in the public schools for 41 years across three states, mostly in Virginia, I have seen how critical parental involvement is in ensuring school and life success for children and youth. The proposed policy revisions will reverse the current measures that can enable school personnel to remove parents from the active participation in serious and life altering matters involving their own children. </p>


Strongly opposed

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<p>Follow the law to provide protection for these kids. It is a law because a majority of Virginia wants to protect these kids. Swinging back and forth will not help the kids, parents or teachers, so please use compromise to change the law if needed instead of political theater. </p>


Fully support

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Thank you for righting the wrongs. How in the world did we create this huge mess?
Get the special interests out of public schools. Then we will have a school board led by parents and educators, not activists and progressive political climbers.
Next lesson is how to divorce your parents.


Oppose

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This is 2022 we all need to respect the gender each person, no matter their age, has decided to be identified as.  It is really unfortunate some children are afraid to share this with their parents, but schools should not force this on kids.

Signed a very concerned parent who wants my kids to know they have rights to make choices for themsleves.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This is a witch hunt, pure and simple. It is not about providing rights to parents. It is about outing children and opening them up to harm. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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This is endanger the lives and wellbeing of all students in Virginia, for absolutely no reason. Every child deserves the right to express them self freely under the 1st Amendment. This will force staff to create unsafe home environments for students that choose to express themselves within a school building. Students deserve the right to come have a safe school environment to learn and develop within before entering adulthood. This will break all trust between student and staff communication and relations. This is a gross violation of human rights to privacy and self-expression.


Keep Sex and Religious Education Out of Schools

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Keep Sex & Religious Education Out of Schools...schools are for one purpose....teaching math, reading, social studies, science and all other subjects needed for a well-rounded student.  Schools should have no part in teaching sex, religion, or any other subject to students, that is the parent's and families responsibility.  The teacher's unions are out of their mind; they just want power!


Gender dysphoria is a medical condition

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<p>Gender dysphoria is a medical condition. Children may experience this condition at a young age or at puberty and it causes extreme distress if left untreated. Parents who are aware of this condition will support their children in order to keep them healthy and alive. Parents who do not understand this condition are less likely to support their children and thereby increase their children's risk of self-harm. For those parents who see these model policies as a triumph of parental rights and protection for all, beware. Parental rights are a ruse in the culture wars: just look to Texas where parents are being persecuted for supporting their children's right to live as the persons they are. </p>


Strongly support

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This is wonderful news. The amount of hatred about this subject (from a certain "side") is unreal. There is zero chance I will let my girls go to any school that let boys share a bathroom, locker room, etc., with them. It's appalling, disgusting, and I will not take the chance of exposing them to this sick practice. As a Christian, we are taught not to hate anyone, but love everyone. That does not mean we have to go along with the societal norm of tolerating, appeasing, and even celebrating those with gender dysphoria. If a child (or adult) is convinced they're the opposite sex, a walrus*, etc., maybe have a single bathroom available to them and offer some free counseling.

*reference is book by Matt Walsh - Johnny the Walrus

We need to help these young minds grow, not push the agenda of the day on them. What a sad thing it is, that we even need to have this discussion.

YBIC, Adam


Absurd and unjust policy

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The policy outlined in the Model for Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students literally does none of these things.  How is it private for the government to decide what name you will be called, which pronoun you prefer, what clothes you can and cannot wear, and how you want to live your life?  How it is dignified to call out kids who are different and open them up to bullying from their teachers, administrators, government officials, parents?  How it is respectful to create a policy to specifically nullify the wishes of a child and their parents with regards to their gender by restricting the child from sports?  How can you create a policy that literally does none of the things listed in its title?  And why does the government care this much about a pronoun and what a child chooses to call themselves?  This is absolutely shameful overreach by bullies who don't want to deal with real issues, like the fact that the children in Virginia schools might go hungry or get shot at school.


Strongly oppose

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<p>These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids.  Schools should be a safe place to learn and grow for all students. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Leave trans kids be, they are who they say they are, and this guidance will just leave to more deaths, more severe abuse of kids who are outed because of this, and so much more. Just leave us alone. This is ridiculous that we still have to fight for human rights and basic human decency in 2022.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This policy puts an undue burden on parents who support their transitioning transgender child by requiring the unnecessary involvement of the legal system. It is obvious the main purpose of this policy is to further Mr. Youngkin's conservative political status while he considers future office. It is not to the benefit of Virginia or our students. The students showed this by their walkouts this week. </p>


Strongly support the updated policies

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As a grandfather of ten elementary and middle school children, I strongly support the changes which restore protection of basic parental rights.  These include

parents must be informed and given opportunity to object before gender counseling is given to their children;

preventing teachers from concealing key information from parents about a student, particularly related to gender;

protecting athletic opportunities for female students;

preventing pressure to allow male students to enter female student bathrooms and locker rooms.

There is a difference between protecting children from harassment and encouraging adoption of a lifestyle with potential long-term, irreversible biological change.  I support protection and acceptance of children with gender issues but strongly oppose the promotion of a life-changing way of life to children at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives. Schools need to focus on teaching our kids and providing them with tools to succeed in life.


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose the dangerous, high risk, and completely unnecessary policing of transgender young people.


Strongly agree!!

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Parents have the fundamental right to know what’s going on

with their children at school! Parents raise children not the government or school system.


Trans Rights

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I strongly 100% support! As i am too trans(FTM) and think the new transgender law should be canceled and gone. We should support our trans, non-binary, genderfluid, etc and make them feel comfortable in their own skin and feel safe and not outed and feeling like they are wrong for their preferred pronouns and what they feel what is correct for themselves


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This guidance document is a partisan farce that could seriously harm our children. Hiding behind the guise of parental rights is an affront to kids' rights to self-express and self-identify. Protect children by allowing them to make decisions about their own selves and safety. This is a gross governmental overreach that assumes every parent will make the right decision for their child- sadly not at all a safe assumption. </p>


ALL STUDENT RIGHTS IS HUMAN RIGHTS! Detransitioners exist!

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Be inclusive in real sense of the word. All students have rights…all students are human… all students should have human rights!Detransitioners exist!Recognize detransitioners! Detransitioners need support, too!!!!!!To exclude ALL students and detransitioners is not inclusive!To deny detransitioners exist is not inclusive.

Support the Youngkin policy!


Strongly oppose

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Every kid deserves to feel seen and heard, no matter what they are going through. I strongly oppose this! Let’s make sure all of our kids in VA feel loved and supported for who they are.


Transgender is a MYTH

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There are only 2 sexes -- male and female.  Gender is a pronoun reference(i.e. he, she, it).  This was taught to me in the Arlington County public school system.  It was true then and it is true now.

If you believe that a boy wearing a dress is a girl then you have bought the propaganda hook, line and sinker from the modern day Democrat party!!!

This new policy is better than before, however, no one "chooses" their gender.  See above...


Oppose Model Policy 2022

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<p>The changes to the model policy is dangerous to transgender and nonbinary students. Not only physically because it encourages bullying and abuse, but psychologically as it robs students of their identity. Outing children to their parents is potentially dangerous in itself. </p>


Strongly support

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Thank you for protecting real biological young women in sports. Allowing

biological males to compete in HS sports with girls is so unfair and takes away opportunities

from real women!


Strongly Oppose - school is hard enough, let kids be themselves

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<p>school sucks enough. Let kids say who they are. </p>


Strongly Support

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Parents are responsible for the nurturing and education of their children and not the state


Strongly Support!!

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I strongly Support Youngkins model policy.  There should be transparency between schools and parents.


Completely 1000% support this

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Completely 100000% support this. KIDS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CALL THE SHOTS .


Strongly Oppose

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I oppose the guidance presented by Youngkin. I agree with much of what is presented around 14th Amendment rights, mental health support, anti-bullying, etc.. However, I believe saying that the use of a preferred PERSONAL pronoun can be in violation of someone's first amendment rights is a bizarre interpretation of the constitution, bent in such a way that if you step back, you realize it is actually in violation of the trans individual's rights.


I strongly oppose. So does science.

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This policy is an active attack on the health and safety of transgender and intersex children. Research and history have proved time and time again that gender-affirming actions are the best way to support children socially, academically, and medically. These proposed policies will cause children to feel trapped, alienated, and unsafe. These children will not be able to learn or grow, and are significantly more likely to commit suicide before adulthood. Listen to the experts when making policies for developing children; not the pearl-clutching bigots. Not only are there more than two genders, there are more than two sexes. Pretending otherwise is a childish and harmful ploy to maintain a conservative voting base, using our community's children as pawns to further a political career.


Strongly opposed

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<p>STRONGLY OPPOSED. This is a horrible policy. I am a former student and I had a lot of trans friends. Being trans was already hard enough for them, you shouldn't be making it more difficult. This policy also goes against federal law. </p>


Oppose

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The right of every individual to realize their potential inherently guarantees self-exploration and self-discovery.  Children and adolescents need to be validated and that includes who they believe they are sexually and in gender.  Parents do not have the right to determine this.


Very strongly support. Family is foundation of society and not the state.

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The nuclear family is the foundation of society and, indeed, of civilization. Opponents of this policy have, as their goal, the Marxist determination to replace the parents with the state as the primary caretakers of children. This can be seen in the indoctrination education from preschool through higher education. If this goal is accomplished, it would fundamentally alter our society and political system from one based upon the value of the individual, freedom and the Judao-Christian Tradition ( Hence, having a republic answerable to the people) to one where the state is the highest value, children are’owned’ by the state and the entire system becomes authoritarian. This is, then, an enormous issue about which there can be no compromise, as hard as that may read. Hang in there, Governor, for you are on the right side of this issue and of history. And despite what you may see in the comment section, the majority of people are supporting you.


Strongly oppose!

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I strongly oppose this bill. Let kids be who they are.


Support - Keep Sex & Religious Education Out of Schools

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<p>I strongly support the new proposed legislation in Model 2022 to keep religious, ideological and sex education out of schools and bring it back into the hands of parents and grandparents. Model 2021 gives schools the space to create sex education curriculum that is not based in science, but in political opinion. The transgender phenomenon has not been fully understood by science. Nor has it been proven that transgender policies and medical procedures are healthy and safe for the person's mental and physical health in the long term. School counselors and teachers are not educated to guide, counsel, encourage or educate a child on sex and gender orientation, why would we ask them to? It's like asking a doctor or psychiatrist to educate on foreign policy. it's just so arbitrary and inappropriate.  Model 2022 does have specific stipulations for prohibiting harassment and bullying due to someones gender orientation, so those who are opposing based on that fact are misinformed and have not read Model 2022 in its entirety. </p>


OPPOSE!!

Youngkin's policy is cruel. Despite his stated intention to deter bullying, this policy IS bullying and discriminatory. Kids need to be safe and to feel safe to learn. Allowing teachers to "out" students to their parents is just cruel. Not letting teachers use gender affirming pronouns or names is cruel. Youngkin says that this is in support of parental rights. Will teachers have to notify parents and ask for their permission if Jacob wants to be called "Jake" or Elizabeth wants to be called "Beth"? No? Then this is discrimination, and it is cruel. It seems with Republicans these days, the cruelty is the point.

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<p>Youngkin's policy is cruel. Despite his stated intention to deter bullying, this policy IS bullying and discriminatory. Kids need to be safe and to feel<strong> </strong>safe to learn. Allowing teachers to "out" students to their parents is just cruel. Not letting teachers use gender affirming pronouns or names is cruel. Youngkin says that this is in support of parental rights. Will teachers have to notify parents and ask for their permission if Jacob wants to be called "Jake" or Elizabeth wants to be called "Beth"? No? Then this is discrimination, and it is cruel. It seems with Republicans these days, the cruelty is the point. </p>


Schools should not be transing kids

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Schools and teachers who are into transing kids should not use school time and taxpayers dime! Parents trust teachers to teach the foundations of academic subjects. We want kids to be able to use what they learn in school and not grow up with gender ideology which will not help kids get good jobs. Kids should not be fixated on only gender—/they need to learn how to count and read and learn facts!


Completely Support This

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Thank you Governor for doing the right thing, making decisions for Virginians that are honest and support parents and families. Most of all thank you for loving and caring for children. God bless you.


Strongly Opposed

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As an educator, I strongly oppose this policy. I’ve witnessed first hand the harm and bullying effect forcing a student to identify in a way that does not match their actual or questioning identity has on the individual. The relationship a student has with their parents can be complex, so for a matter like this, which first and foremost involves the student, the student should have agency for themselves rather than needing permission from a parent.


Strong Opposition

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<p>I am a resident of Virginia Beach with a student in the public schools.  I am strongly opposed to these guidelines.  They are not necessary and will likely harm children. </p>


Whatisawoman.com


Youngkin's school policy

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Thankful for a governor who values all humanity.  His policy on transgender ideology is spot on.  It gives power back to the parents and treats all students with dignity and respect.


ALL kids rights deserve to be protected and feel safe in schools.

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<p>I strongly oppose this bill. All kids regardless of race, sexuality, gender, religion, etc should be protected and this bill is outright discriminatory. Someone’s gender identity and sexuality does not impact anyone else. This is 2022 and ALL human rights should be protected, especially children, especially at school! </p>


support the governor and hope for meaningful care for kids who are suffering

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As a healthcare professional myself, I continue to be shocked by what we're accepting and promoting as "care" for young people experiencing gender dysphoria.  These children almost exclusively are suffering from traumas or mental illnesses that are being resolved through the suppression or conversion of their sexuality or gender.  The stigmas around mental illness and childhood sexual trauma are preventing us from addressing this crisis in a meaningful and healthy way.  Instead of giving these kids the psychological and emotional care they need, we are trying to ease their suffering by mainstreaming their coping mechanisms.  PLEASE schools- do not perpetuate these unhealthy and ultimately even more devastating trends.  These are good intentions with poor outcomes for both the individuals who are suffering and the community at large.


Strongly SUPPORT

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Children belong to families, not to the State. Thank you Governor.


1000% SUPPORT

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Parents are important to children. Strong firm family will be the success of the children. Public school, local government, teacher union have no authority over parents right.

Keep politic out of school and keep strong education in school


Strongly Support

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I strongly support Governor Youngkins promise to protect parental rights in this policy. All student have equal rights already. Teachers and administrators have no business undermining parental rights in VA schools.


Absolutely oppose this

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Please do not do this to Trans students. They should feel free in school. Stop bringing your Christian Values to us. Separation of church and state!!!!


Strongly Oppose

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<p>We shouldn’t have to clarify that ALL students should be treated well. ALL. </p>


Strongly OPPOSE

Children's Ministry Director; parent; taxpayer

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<p>I stand with, and respect, our students for who they are. </p>


Support! ALL  Students Should Feel Safe

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I support this policy because ALL students should feel safe…not only a selected few. Giving special rights to a few students is not fair. It is not fair to impose on the larger population. All kids should be free from being intimidated by the school and teachers and school staff in imposing and pushing gender curriculum.


Strongly oppose

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<p>Students need our support, not more divisiveness. </p>


Strongly oppose


Strongly oppose

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<p>Strongly oppose. Keep gov’t out of personal decisions and freedoms </p>


Strong support to prevent transing our kids

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When any student has a question regarding gender or sexuality, the proper answer is “go ask your parents”. Outside of a biology class, there is no reason for teachers to address these questions, and honest biology only recognizes a binary at the X and Y chromosome level.

Why not try teaching what men and women are before asking children choose? Trans affirming policies only add confusion to growing children. Get back to teaching the 3 R’s.

Good on Governor Youngkin to take on trans activists.


Oppose

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Although much of the rhetoric around support for this policy has centered on parental choice, I fail to understand how restricting students to the choices of other parents in any way protects youth's rights or promotes fair parental involvement in their children's education. It's not choice; it's stripping away all choice. Unfortunately, with the passing of this Virginia's youth will suffer. Thanks for your time in reading this.


Human Rights Violation

Laura Desportes, James Madison University

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Kids have enough struggles working out issues of identity without school personnel - a setting and adults who should always endeavor to keep them safe - causing trauma by denying their freedom of expression and potentially making them targets of bullying and abuse. Research confirms the benefit of sympathetic care and improved outcomes - see

Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care by Diana M. Tordoff, MPH1; Jonathon W. Wanta, MD2; Arin Collin, BA3; et alCesalie Stepney, PhD4; David J. Inwards-Breland, MD, MPH5; Kym Ahrens, MD, MPH6

JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(2):e220978. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0978


Strongly Oppose

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I understand where several of the points are coming from. I'd like to make a few main points. For example, the idea that parents should know what's going on with their children is very true. And parents do know their students more than the students' teachers, or the school itself— but who knows the student better than any of these? The student themselves. They know what they identify as, and some parents aren't accepting of transgender people, which means the students could be kicked out of their homes. I repeat, kicked out of their homes. That's not okay at all, and having a student 'outed' (meaning someone reveals the fact that they are LGBTQ+) could result in the parents finding out. So this law could put several students in danger, and the government needs to protect students.

Another fact I'd like to point out is the sports playing issue. It's true that, biologically, males are stronger than females. One change I'd like to suggest is a gender-neutral team. Male and female teams are incredibly sexist and if we simply combined the teams, there would be an equal amount of strength on either team. Besides, women are more than capable of being stronger than men. I know women that have gotten six-packs before. The fact that men have an advantage doesn't at all mean that the teams should be separated by gender.

Thank you for reading this and your consideration.


It doesn’t take much to be accepting but it means the world. Opposed

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As the title states, it doesn’t take much to be accepting but it means the world to those that have been shunned for so long. I know very little about what it means to be transgender or what their daily life is like. But I don’t have to be a professor in that field to know that life is precious, especially in the youth. Let the kids live, let them discover who they are and who they want to be. Let them join sports, let them learn, let them live carefree and vibrant without worrying about judgement of parents, faculty, or the government. I am strongly opposed to this bill.


All children deserve to feel seen and safe

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Significant research has been completed to look at the high suicide rates of LGBTQ youth. LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020). When looking at transgender youth specifically, data indicate that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide (Austin et al., 2020). Research shows that school belonging, emotional neglect by family, and internalized self-stigma made a unique, statistically significant contribution to past 6-month suicidality. Results have significant practice and policy implications. Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe place for all children. We already do this by providing free/reduced lunches for students who may not be receiving consistent, healthy meals at home, by encouraging role models for students who may not have a consistent adult in their life, and so many other ways. We should also be doing what is needed to keep transgender youth safe as well. This includes using pronouns of choice, bathroom of choice, etc.


Strongly oppose

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Taking VA backwards. Not fair to transgender students.


Strongly Oppose Proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

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As a Virginia parent, I strongly disagree with this guidance document. The document opens by saying, "All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. The Department supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students." However, the Model Policies do just the opposite by 1) Compelling school staff to “out” transgender students, likely exposing students to emotional and physical abuse from unaccepting parents; 2) Disregarding students’ genders and force them to use school facilities and programs matching their birth sex; 3) Creating additional barriers for students to change their names and genders at school; and 4) Allowing staff and students to bully and harass transgender students by not using their names and pronouns.

Misgendering students is incredibly harmful to their emotional well-being. For students who do not have supportive families, forced outing can lead to decreased mental wellness, as well as financial and housing insecurity.

These changes will put vulnerable transgender and nonbinary students at further risk for bullying and harassment. This policy has nothing to do with protecting our students - it is just a talking point to fire up the the most extreme wings of a political party in the run up to election season. Shame on you for playing politics with our children. I implore you to follow the legislation proposed in SB 161 Public elementary and secondary schools; treatment of transgender students, policies if you actually want what is best for our children.


I am strongly opposed


Support in the name of Parental Rights

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<p>Parents are responsible for the upbringing of their children until they are 18. Up to that point, even though they are in the public school system, parents must be informed and may object to instruction and materials, especially regarding matters of morality, that they think go against their better judgement.  The educational bureaucracy does not override that fundamental right of parents.  </p>


OPPOSE!! "No one does cruelty the way Republican professed Christians do cruelty."

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No one does cruelty the way Republican professed Christians do cruelty.


completely support govenors policy

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Va board of education policy,complety support new policy governor has put in place.Good common sense measure,glad to see someone still cares about rights of staight herosexual people .This protects everyone thank you Glenn Youngkin for having morals values and convictions.And courage to stand !


strongly oppose- former student


Strongly Support!

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<p>As parents who attended Virginia public schools and of 3 children who attended Virginia public schools, we strongly feel this common sense legislation is much needed in spite of the fact that adults who oppose it feel that it's the duty of teachers and school administrators to inform, encourage, and openly support the possible sexual and gender orientation 'needs' of our children.  Sexual orientation affirming and gender identity affirming policies really have no logical place in our public education system as the business of public education has been to educate children in the core skills they'll need as they grow up into adulthood and begin contributing to our society.  Much as we have amendments that prevent the government from creating laws that promote a specific religion, our government run public schools should also not have laws promoting or indoctrinating our children in very adult oriented sexual expression and gender identity matters.  Let's let children be children and lets keep our schools focused on science, technology, environmental, agricultural, and mechanical topics that will prepare them for productive adulthood and citizenship.  </p>


Support

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<p>After thoroughly reading through both policies, they both support transgender students. Both reject bullying and provide for support. Both addresses issues like restrooms use. Both allow ways for transgender students to use a different name and/or pronouns if they like.  I support the new policy primarily because it seems to restore parental authority in their children's lives and addresses legitimate concerns about things like bathroom/locker room use. All children in Virginia schools should be represented and the new policy does that. This new policy seems to actually be inclusive of all students and their needs while the previous policy put the needs of one group of students above others.  </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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This bill proposes taking away rights from young students across Virginia. Transgender students are people too! They deserve to have the freedom to choose how to represent themselves. This bill is blatantly transphobic and based in no sound logic whatsoever. It must be stopped.


FULLY SUPPORT - schools should focus on education and stop interfering in parental rights.

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<p>I fully support Governor Youngkins promise to protect parental rights in this policy. All students have equal rights already. Teachers and school administrators bent on undermining parental rights have no business working in VA schools. </p>


Strongly Oppose.

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I strongly oppose this policy. I've been in Virginia schools all my life, I graduated in the last few years. The only thing that got me through high school was people's small attempt of respecting me. Being able to express myself made me want to attend class and work harder, while I genuinely considered dropping out when they didn't.

This policy would've had me drop out from school and be scared of even learning. We can't scare children out of learning- it's cruel. Learning is what creates every person and every invention- we have to inspire it. We need to make our schools a safe space for exploration for the children, or our future will be destroyed. Think of the children. They need to learn and grow, no matter if it is politically correct or not for them to get to look at being transgender. You can't policy the gay away.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>At the most basic, this policy is an irresponsible violation of basic privacy rights of our students. It makes students less safe and less able to learn— for what? This is a disgusting attempt to score political points by discriminating against vulnerable populations. We cannot tolerate intolerance in our public schools. It is dangerous, discriminatory, and serves no one. Repeal immediately. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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An environment where students feel comfortable and confident with themselves is the best learning environment and has the most successful outcomes for students. Respect and dignity should be granted to everyone. Call all people by what they ask to be called - name & pronouns - regardless of other input sources such as parents or religious leaders. Bathrooms should be safe spaces - if you cannot provide a safe multiple stall bathroom, install multiple single stall, non-gendered bathrooms. Provide private spaces that allow for locker room usage. Allow students to seek counseling resources outside of their parents for all topics.

Public School Teachers are agents of the government (aka - the "congress" in the bill of rights) in their capacity as educators and need to set aside their personal beliefs while in that capacity.


Strongly Oppose Proposed Policy

It is clear that the current policy addresses the student’s needs. The proposed policy disregards student needs. Read the current and proposed policies, consider the statistics for LGBT youth.According to a recent study, LGBT youth have a 120percent increased risk of experiencing homelessness compared to youth who identified asheterosexual and cisgender (Morton, Dworsky, & Samuels, 2017)“chosen name used in more contexts was associated with lower depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior” (Russell, Pollitt, Li, & Grossman, 2018). 73 percent of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth have experienced verbal threats because of theiractual or perceived LGBTQ+ identity.77 percent of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth report feeling depressed or down over the pastweek, and more than 70 percent report feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness in thepast week.95 percent of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth report trouble sleeping at night.(Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2018)Protect Trans and Non-Binary kids.

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It is clear that the current policy addresses the student’s needs. The proposed policy disregards student needs. Read the current and proposed policies, consider the statistics for LGBT youth.

According to a recent study, LGBT youth have a 120
percent increased risk of experiencing homelessness compared to youth who identified as
heterosexual and cisgender (Morton, Dworsky, & Samuels, 2017)

“chosen name used in more contexts was associated with lower depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior” (Russell, Pollitt, Li, & Grossman, 2018).

73 percent of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth have experienced verbal threats because of their
actual or perceived LGBTQ+ identity.

77 percent of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth report feeling depressed or down over the past
week, and more than 70 percent report feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness in the
past week.

95 percent of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth report trouble sleeping at night.
(Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2018)

Protect Trans and Non-Binary kids.


Strongly opposed

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Gov. Youngkin,

I am sure, given your success in business, that you understand statistics,and numerical data. I am also sure that public opinion is important to you. What you may not understand is that for transgender youth, the issues of bathrooms, locker rooms, and pronouns are matters of life and death. Suicide is among the leading causes of death among adolescents is the commonwealth, and that number is four to six times higher among transgender youth. The research I have linked below, bares out how dangerous your policy is. When citizens lives are at risk, the only moral choice is to put politics aside, and protect young Virginians. What legacy do you want to leave? Do you want to be just another governor who put his political ambitions ahead of the obvious wellbeing of his constituents? Or, would you like Governor Youngkin to be remembered as the Virginia Governor who made political difficult decisions to make our commonwealth a better place to live, learn, and grow?

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


Strongly oppose youngskins policy

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This document would cause unnecessary complications in the life's of thousands of kids who are already suffering with their identity. Being transgender isn't some malicious act to try to get into the women's bathroom or in to womens sports these kids simply want to be themselves and this policy would take that away, fundamentally going against the pursuit of happiness that Americans are entitled too.


Support the policy

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<p>While teachers and schools playa role in educating our children they are no co-parents with us.  Parents are morally and legally responsible for their children and they should be notified of any behavior that happens in the school. Teachers shouldn’t be lying or hiding  behavior from parents. It applies to every other instance as well. A child is doing drugs at school the school should inform the parents. If the child is acting out in a violent or bullying way the parents should be told. No matter what it is the parents are to be told and be involved. </p>


Don't Abuse My Child

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Transgender kids are valid too. They deserve an education, just like everyone else, free from bullying, harassment, and endangerment. This would cause more harm than good, stop using these kids as political pawns and let them live their lives!


Strongly Oppose

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This is an awful lot of words to try and cover what a narrow field of view someone can have... is the concept of parental abuse completely foreign to those proposing and supporting this?

Could not be more obvious how conditional these legislators so-called "respect" and "care" for the youth is. Absolutely shameful. Keep your agendas out of the their schools, please.


Strongly Oppose - Policy has strong emphasis on His/Her

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For  a policy that the governor says is not discriminatory it is very clear that the Policy believe there are only two pronouns that can be used. This policy references first amendment rights multiple times and that ideology cannot be forced onto anyone while forcing the Idea that the only acceptable pronouns are his/her. His or her is used 15 times in this document when their would be more efficient and readable.

This policy also does not mention guardians which may not be parents and may have legal guardianship of the child where parents may not.

I would be interested in the evidence mentioned in this policy about the former policy being at the detriment of children and their parents, as I have not heard of any times when the former policy negatively impacted a child. I also have not heard any times when the former policy was against a parent's wishes.

I do not know of any religious doctrine of any religion that specifically mentions pronouns or nicknames.

Will legal documents need to be shown before French/Spanish nicknames can be used in those classrooms or are nicknames only an issue when the child's comfort is put first?


I oppose the transgender guidelines.

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You may say that this is protecting parent rights, however it disrespects the students who are already likely hurting enough as it. Gender dysphoria is a real thing and it is very harmful to people when they can't be who they need to be.

I understand if you are religious (I am too!), but God teaches love and forgiveness. Nothing here is loving. God doesn't just create how people are born, but their personalities as well. Being transgender is a part of a personality.


Enriching our future with compassion

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I hope this actually makes an impact. Seemingly, we feel less and less in control than the day before. However, please take a moment and use compassion to be your guide. This shouldn't be a political topic. It's a topic based on what is going to enrich the life of a child. Shouldn't children be seen how they wish to be seen? Please, just use compassion and empathy and that should be the guidance people need in order see this through. Instead of supporting this bill, could parents try to support their children and the choices we should allow children to have.


Strongly Oppose

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The reversal of the policies set forth last year will work to undermine an environment of safety for LGBTQ students, promote confusion among staff and students, erode equity for LGBTQ students, and would be disruptive to the education for all.

It is important to preserve parental rights, and those rights should be balanced with preserving student rights and safety. Not all home situations are equal and sometimes the only safe place for a student is in the school system.

Parents of ALL students have the right to know that their children are entering a safe environment.


Government needs to stop weighing in on personal matters

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I’m a fan of small government and this is a complete overreach. The government shouldn’t be allowed to decide things like individuals NAMES or the pronouns they prefer that effect no one else. Disgusting overreach and immoral outrage baiting. Shame on everyone who thinks this kind of behavior is acceptable and I pity anyone who can’t see how these attacks will eventually spread to all of us


OPPOSE: Stop Big Govt Interference

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<p>This proposed policy smacks of the Nanny State.  Teachers and school administrators should mind their own business as to how a student presents themselves — which is expression protected under the First Amendment that must be respected and honored.  The Youngkin Administration’s proposed policy is government regulation of the worst kind — leave our bodies alone!  Self-determination is an American Value that this policy does NOT behold.  Don’t y’all have better things to do like feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, and heal the sick?  Basic Survival Stuff as done by our self-government — do that instead. </p>


Strongly Opposed!!

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<p>This hinders the safety of our children. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Strongly oppose all of this. ALL individuals’ rights should be protected—this strips away the rights and privacy of our students, at a time when they may be especially vulnerable.  Schools could be another support system for these students, if appropriate privacy and support was still allowed.

Trans rights are human rights! Trans kids deserve joy!


Stop using trans children as political pawns for your transphobia

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The whole proposal is filled with anti-trans dog whistles, from bathroom policies, sports, and the horrifying idea that trans kids should be outed without their permission. The only people disrupting learning are transphobic people. All the people in favor of this horrible policy are perfectly happy to let the 1% set policy when the 1% are billionaires, but suddenly, when it’s about protecting children who are in serious danger from adults and transphobe bullies, it’s all “the one percent should not dictate” policies that would keep them safe. Transphobes kill children. Youngkin doesn’t even know which kids are what gender; chromosomal studies show that gender isn’t easily defined, and if adults think they have the right to look at childrens’ genitals, then they’re perverts.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose this model policy. You are severely hurting our students if you pass this. Please protect the rights and privacy of these students. Transgender and non-binary students are already at risk of mental health issues and suicide, do not make it worse for them. This policy is also very contradictory- you cannot say that students should be free to be themselves and then say only with permission from parents and only if others agree with them. This policy is absolutely heinous.


Strongly Oppose this Dangerous Policy

Lauren Levwood, Unitarian Universalist Minister

As the parent of a nonbinary child, I have let them take the lead on when and with whom they share their pronoun choices with. This was very personal and guided by them entirely. Identity begins with "I" and comes from within.As a parent, I would never direct a teacher to alter the pronouns that my child has chosen for themself; I would never direct the teacher to use an alternate name that is not my child's preference; nor would I ever tell a teacher that I have decided what my child's favorite color, snack, or favorite activity should be. These decisions belong to my child, and our teachers should be trusted to guide our children as they grow, learn, change, and explore who they are. This is, in truth, the most sacred duty of the teacher.
Furthermore, identity preferences are known primarily by the individual, and it is a sacred act for that individual to share this information with others whom they trust. I was gratified that my daughter trusted their teacher enough this year to ask that their teacher use they/them pronouns, and I am proud that my daughter take the lead on that. While my daughter uses they/them pronouns at home, I did not and would never force them to disclose their nonbinary identity in a way that was "outing" them before they were ready. Trans and nonbinary children have varying levels of comfort and should be allowed to take the lead on who they choose to share their identities with. This policy would also take away this protection and dangerously disempower our children.Conversely, if a parent, upon deciding that their child's trans or nonbinary identity is displeasing to them, would then choose to dishonor them, criticize them, emotionally abandon them, shame them, threaten to control them, or withhold privileges of personal discretion over identity, then this would constitute as abuse. Schools in no way should play party to parental abuse, and schools should in no way out or expose a child, student, teacher, staff, or any person, ever. "Outing" is life-threatening behavior and should be condemned as such, no matter what the age. Talk to our guidance counselors, listen to our social workers, pay attention to the joy that comes from protection and affirmation and the fear, anger, and displeasure that comes from this newly proposed, backwards, bigoted, shaming, and dangerous policy.I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS DANGEROUS POLICY.

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As the parent of a nonbinary child, I have let them take the lead on when and with whom they share their pronoun choices with. This was very personal and guided by them entirely. Identity begins with "I" and comes from within.

As a parent, I would never direct a teacher to alter the pronouns that my child has chosen for themself; I would never direct the teacher to use an alternate name that is not my child's preference; nor would I ever tell a teacher that I have decided what my child's favorite color, snack, or favorite activity should be. These decisions belong to my child, and our teachers should be trusted to guide our children as they grow, learn, change, and explore who they are. This is, in truth, the most sacred duty of the teacher.

Furthermore, identity preferences are known primarily by the individual, and it is a sacred act for that individual to share this information with others whom they trust. I was gratified that my daughter trusted their teacher enough this year to ask that their teacher use they/them pronouns, and I am proud that my daughter take the lead on that. While my daughter uses they/them pronouns at home, I did not and would never force them to disclose their nonbinary identity in a way that was "outing" them before they were ready. Trans and nonbinary children have varying levels of comfort and should be allowed to take the lead on who they choose to share their identities with. This policy would also take away this protection and dangerously disempower our children.

Conversely, if a parent, upon deciding that their child's trans or nonbinary identity is displeasing to them, would then choose to dishonor them, criticize them, emotionally abandon them, shame them, threaten to control them, or withhold privileges of personal discretion over identity, then this would constitute as abuse. Schools in no way should play party to parental abuse, and schools should in no way out or expose a child, student, teacher, staff, or any person, ever. "Outing" is life-threatening behavior and should be condemned as such, no matter what the age. Talk to our guidance counselors, listen to our social workers, pay attention to the joy that comes from protection and affirmation and the fear, anger, and displeasure that comes from this newly proposed, backwards, bigoted, shaming, and dangerous policy.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS DANGEROUS POLICY.


Strongly Oppose

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Children should never be subjected to adults obsessing and commenting on their genitalia. I’m concerned at the amount of thought that is going into what is in a child’s pants and not how they can best receive a good education. What bathroom they choose to use has no bearing on their education, but constant nitpicking by “adults” does.

Transgender children are at a much higher risk for suicide than cis-gendered children. I’m appalled that this administration would even consider further harming these children who may be facing abuse at home and see their schools as a safe space. Shame on you.

Raise your children with love and kindness, lest they grow up to be hateful bigots like Youngkin, who is using Virginian children and Virginia taxpayer money to fuel his ambition to run for federal office.


Strongly Oppose


Trans Student Policy

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<p>There are boys, girls and cross dressers - as a parent and grandparent I fully support your reasonable and safe for all children policies </p>


Strongly Oppose Discrimination in all Forms

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<p>This policy is specifically harmful to one of our most vulnerable populations. As an educator, I have had first hand experience with trans children that feel so alienated and ostracized that they are frequently prone to suicidal ideations. A clear directive of support for these children is a moral imperative that sends a strong, indecisive message that we support ALL children. </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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Thank you, Governor Youngkin, for fulfilling your campaign promise to protect 100% of our children rather than just the 1.18% .  My vote last November should be adequate in voicing my support. It is no surprise that the site is flooded with oppositional "water muddying" which is the "go to" strategy.  I pray that you are not discouraged and know that we are behind you. God bless.


Fair and balanced. Fully support as it protects parents rights and children.

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This model policy is based on the correct and historic legal views that parents have the primary responsibility for how their children are raised, and what beliefs they will hold to.  This gives equal weight to the parents whose children identify as the same biological sex they were identified as, as well as parents of children who identify as a different biological sex than their birth identification.  Schools are responsible for ensuring children have a safe and non-discriminatory environment.

I see no cause for any changes or amendments to this model policy.


Strongly Oppose - reject this guidance

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I am an educator in Virginia and I have close friends who are parents to a non-binary child. I strongly oppose Gov. Youngkin’s 2022 anti-transgender student policy.

This policy will further harm trans and non-binary children who already face myriad challenges. It will create a hostile school environment for these young people, who need support from their teachers and councilors.

As an educator, it is important to me to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, where everyone feels safe and respected. Research has shown that school policies that affirm students’ LGBTQ identities have a positive impact on these youth’s mental health and wellness. This is the only way for students to effectively learn, which is the entire goal of education.

Additionally, as someone who knows and loves a non-binary child, I want them to be safe in school. This means supporting their gender identity and creating a learning environment free from discrimination. I want my friends to feel confident that when they send their child to school, that their child will not be bullied or harassed for who they are. The 2021 VDOE policies help to ensure this.

I urge the VDOE to reject the Governor’s  2022 transphobic guidance and protect transgender and non-binary children in school.


Fully Support

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<p>I fully support this effort by the Youngkin administration. </p>


New Guidance for Virginia Schools

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Governor Youngkin is right on in effecting these new guidelines.  I support them wholeheartedly.

Steve Holmes


STRONGLY support

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STRONGLY support the new model policies to reaffirm the right of parents to raise their children.


Fully support

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<p>It’s time we use common sense in our schools!  Let parents raise their children and not the woke mob!  </p>


Strongly oppose

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This is getting tiresome. Youngkin got elected on the boogeyman of CRT (funny how you don’t hear much about that anymore…) and now it’s targeting transgender kids, once again under the banner of “parental power.”

History will look back on these attacks for what they really are: red meat to rile up the base. Youngkin is playing culture wars with the hope of higher office. He’s been stumping in other states for weeks, getting his name out there. Virginia is just a rest stop for him. His long-term plan is possible cabinet position in next Republican administration, get on the national stage, and one day try for the brass ring and be president.

And he’s picking enemies for people to fear and hate along the way. First teachers, now students. He’s not fooling everyone.


Dubious motives - strongly oppose

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We are learning that there is a spectrum of how people fit into their skin. It is important to the emotional well being of our children that they feel accepted no matter where they fit into the spectrum. The proposed regulations punish children for being different. They do not support our children and will have the opposite effect of their purported purpose. Please do not approve these regulations.


Support this policy because taxes and public funds should not be used for gender ideology

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Taxes should not be used in teaching gender ideology. Schools and teachers have no business in undermining parental rights. Teachers should teach math, science, English, history, etc. not peddling gender ideology!


Fully Support Gov. Youngkin New Model Policy

Bethany, Sister & Sexual Assault Advocate

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As a concerned sister of a high school student and a concerned community member as a sexual assault advocate, I fully support Governor Youngkin's model policy for the treatment of transgender students.

Firstly, God made each of us perfectly in who He wanted us to be. If God wanted you to be a boy, he made you a boy. Although we have free will to make our own choices, others should not be exposed to and have to deal with this sin in the public school setting. Once you turn 18 and become an adult, you can make your own choices and that is between you and God.

Secondly, I am constantly dealing with the outrageous amount of sexual harassment in the school system. Several of my clients are high school kiddos who have been harassed, peer pressured, and exposed to sexual violence at much too young an age. This policy will allow less harassment to occur, not only for non-transgender students but also for the transgender students themselves.

I am very grateful to Governor Youngkin for reworking this policy and making it the way it ought to be.


Sensitive to the Individual, Legally Sound and Properly Balanced - Support

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<p>As a parent, grandparent and a community leader, I believe the proposed guidance is needed to clarify and achieve the proper balance of individual, educator and parental rights given the many pressures being brought to bear on the public education system by special interests.  In the present culture war, guiding principles must be based on sound universal truths and the laws that flow from the application of those truths. I believe this guidance does that. Thank you. </p>


Oppose!


Strongly Support

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<p>It is important for parents to be involved in these types discussions with their children and the school. Schools should not be hiding things from parents that relate to their children. </p>


Reprehensible

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<p style="text-align: justify;">The proposal to replace the existing model of how to treat trans students in Virginia is unethical and reprehensible. If passed, it would prove to Virginians old and young that those in power have no respect for them or their safety. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE


Guidance Document

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STRONGLY support the new model policies to reaffirm the rights of parents to raise their children.


Strongly oppose

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<p>Strongly oppose this proposed legislation. Leave these kids alone! They have a tough enough time as it is. </p>


STRONGLY oppose

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Children deserve safety above all else. While they may be minors, they still deserve autonomy. Children are their own persons, and should not be forced to believe what their parents believe. This policy change endangers children!!


This is disgusting- opposed

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Protect transgender rights. This would be a gross overstepping of authority and fascist.


Absolutely, 100 %, STRONGLY OPPOSE

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If we want to protect children, this is not the way.

ALL students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying.


Strongly Support. Parents are the child's best Ally

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Parents are the best Ally and advocate a child has for their mental health. Parents are on the front lines with the primary care of the child's well-being. A holistic approach including the family in everything related to the child will offer the best long-term outcomes for the child's mental health and well-being.


Strongly Support This Policy

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<p>I am in full support of this policy! It is a parents obligation and privilege to raise their child. Issues related to sex, identity, religious or moral beliefs and sexual preferences should be private within the home until the child is old enough to commit to their decision and or prepared to make it public. It is not the place of the government, schools or any other organization to decide what is “good” for any individual, especially a child. </p>


Strongly Opposed

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To whom it may concern,

I am a licensed behavioral psychologist and part-time substitute teacher. This proposed legislation is reactionary, harmful, and wholly discriminatory. Children should be allowed to be children and to explore their own interests and identities without fear of exclusion or retaliation by the adults in their community. All forms of prejudice must be fiercely opposed by all those who claim to defend freedom, justice, and equality.


STRONGLY OPPOSE - PROTECT TRANS KIDS

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Acceptance of trans folks costs you NOTHING and means the world to a historically and continuously marginalized community. Every kid deserves the right to be REFERRED TO BY THEIR NAME. Every kid deserves to be PROTECTED AND TREATED RESPECTFULLY. SHAME ON ANYONE WHO THINKS OTHERWISE.


Duplicate entries


Oppose


Sigh. So many duplicates. Mirrors this movement hypnotizing our children. Protect our children throu

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Sigh. So many duplicates. Mirrors this movement hypnotizing our children. Help protect our children through this surging transmania. The massive massive sudden increase makes the social contagion obvious.


Oppose

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<p>This policy neglects the needs of students who are already marginalized. This proposal claims to create a "cultural transformation", when in fact the goal seems to be keeping a select group of students from students from comfortably existing in a school. Being able to comfortably access a bathroom or being addressed by your preferred name and pronoun are basic needs that all students deserve to have met. It is clear that this policy is being used as a method to gather support for Governor Youngkin, and that the policy does not address the needs of the young people who are in schools. This proposal seeks to draw attention to a non-existent issue, while further marginalizing a group of students and ultimately causing pain and suffering without a reason. This policy creates more challenges for young people who are in school to learn, not to be traumatized. </p>


Oppose

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<p>I oppose this policy. </p>


I agree with the governor Youngkin

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I agree with the governor Youngkin


Yes support great policy

Thank you. Reality and truth for our schools and kids.

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The loud extreme few are encouraged to dictate extreme fantasy upon everyone else. The reasonable majority is not allowed to critically think and express any view or have a discussion. The truth will be supported in the elections. People do not want to live in bizarre world. And it is bizarre. Differences are important and should be included. But the theme has swung way too far. To celebrate and encourage kids to use their fantasy thinking “child logic” to make irreversible dramatic changes to there body iis unbelievably wrong. How about some healthy adult guidance, some expectations, and boundaries to grow a healthy capable person who is broken, mutilated, and mentally ill, easy to control, and will always require assistance.


Strongly oppose. Religious texts say nothing of transgendered peoples.

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These guidelines will harm and endanger children. Religious freedom is being used to poorly disguise bigotry. Children trying to figure out their place in the world will be outed to their parents under these guidelines and put in harms way.


In opposition to this bigoted proposed policy

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<p>I was raised in central Virginia and was lucky to attend excellent Virginia public schools where all kids were welcomed, no matter how they dressed, how they expressed their gender, or what name they went by. These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to all kids, and especially trans and nonbinary kids. I am horrified at a future where trans kids aren't able to seek vital services at schools, like confidential counseling, extracurriculars like sports, or just using the bathroom while at school. These proposed policies violate state law-- do not let them pass and harm kids. </p>


This 2022 policy should be strongly supported

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Mental health support not socially transitioning kids! There should be unbiased research on the rapid rise of trans—-too much being online, kids want to be cool and trans is a way for them to do that. Facts not feelings…kids outgrow feelings.

Strongly support this policy…parental rights!


Strongly Support

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<p>I strongly support the governor and his viewpoint that parents and school staff are to work collectively for the well being of the student. As the parent of the student, we are 100 % responsible for the child and should know 100 % what is happening during school hours. </p>


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy.


Transgender policy

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Strongly oppose Younkins transgender policy


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I am profoundly dismayed and disappointed by the recent proposed model policy that suppresses the rights and sense of belonging of LGBTQ+ students. As an educator and a parent of two young adult (one who just graduated high school) who have struggled with mental health issues and self esteem, I am  concerned about what this policy will do to the mental health needs of our LGBTQ+ students. Our goal in education is to help young people succeed in school and life and this administration seems to be more interested in playing politics than the welfare of young people. </p>


Gay all over again, oppose the gov

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The grand majority of these posts are “kids are too young to know this about themselves”

this is the exact argument given to all LGBT kids when they try to come out. It is the parents job to be supportive, not question something they couldn’t possibly know.

when I came out in 7th grade, the teacher publicly brought me in the hallway to TELL ME I wasn’t. 20 years later my 5 year relationship with a wonderful man would disagree. Our high school students understand their sexuality, gender, and sexual orientation AT LEAST BETTER THAN SOMEONE NOT IN THEIR HEAD.

parent oppose this because they don’t want it for their kid, or don’t believe it is real. If the gov allows this, many kids will not return to an unsafe transphobic household. Why go back to something painful when there are millions of people who will love and support you?


Oppose this anti-transgender policy

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<p>Stop being so perverted and obsessed with the genitalia of minors and just let kids be themselves.   Let the professional educators do their jobs.  This culture war in search of national "points" towards one person's political ambition is harming actual living breathing people in this commonwealth.  </p>


Strongly Support!

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I strongly support Governor Youngkin in this issue. Please do not attempt to appease those who are trying to harm children with these policies that hurt children in the long-term. Parents know what is best for their children not activists teachers, administrators and politicians.


STRONGLY OPPOSE- this is cruel

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<p>This new policy will strip Virginia of any dignity and as a state we will lose valuable community members. Young people are the future of our commonwealth and they will leave the state due to these inhumane policies and the state will regress. Young people are our future and we should do everything we can to support them regardless of how they identify. The suicide rate for trans youth is horrific and any teacher, politician or healthcare provider should be doing everything in their power to try and address this. By putting in place these cruel policies the government of VA is actively causing harm-shame on you. </p>


Retracting Wholehearted Support for 2022 Model Policies

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I just read through the SAMPLE POLICY and find it contradictory to what the 2022 Policy seems to convey. The sample policy, for example, requires trans-students to associate with sports teams and use facilities designated by sex-at-birth. The suggested implementation of the 2022 policy will result in discrimination against trans-children and does not support parents' rights to raise their their children in a supportive environment free of discrimination and harassment. The policy itself might read well, but the implementation of this policy must follow and support its rhetoric.


Strongly Oppose

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You're harming children with your despicable polices. You're using children as pawns to gin up your bigoted base.


Strongly opposed

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Our schools should be safe places for our children, not places where our children are intentionally made to feel uncomfortable with who they are. Schools need to be places where students are encouraged to explore who they are and what they want to grow up to be, not places where adults physically mold them into what the adult wants them to be.


WHOLE HEARTEDLY SUPPORT THIS POLICY!


OPPOSE


Strongly opposed

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<p>I am strongly opposed. </p>


Sexual Dysphoria is a Mental Illness

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Sexual Dysphoria is a mental illness.  Any adult who thinks he or she is a person of the other gender than they possess from birth - coded in every cell of their body, is mentally ill.  It's on the APA list of mental illnesses.  A minor - a child - who thinks they are a different gender could be mentally ill, confused, or acting out.  The Commonwealth of Virginia should not establish sexual dysphoria as "protected class of persons".

Fully support the Governor's guideance on "Trans" for Virginia's public schools.

James Atticus Bowden

Virginia First Foundation


Support

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Why are schools, teachers, counselors, therapists, social workers oppose this policy?The less that go through the trans pipeline, the less work; the less $? Parents have nothing to gain in $ when they care for their child. Parents interest is only what is best for the child without the $ in the equation. Support all children!Support what is best for all children! Support parents rights! Require parental consent before social transition. Fix your own lives first before trying to fix other parents children’s lives.


FULLY AND STRONGLY SUPPORT YOUNGKIN'S PROPOSAL

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I FULLY SUPPORT Governor Younkin's proposed policies regarding transgender students.

Why? For several reasons.

1.) Students are in school to LEARN. Period. ANYthing that disrupts the teacher's ability to teach should not be tolerated.

2.) Parents are responsible for their children and have the right to know what, exactly, is going on in the schools. When you are out of school and turn 18, you may do as you please.

3.) If you have boy "equipment", you use the boy's bathroom, if you have girl "equipment", you use the girl's bathroom; UNLESS you have been surgically altered and no longer have the "equipment" you were born with.

4.) The 1% do NOT have the right to dictate policy for the 99%.

5.) It is totally unfair for girls' sports to be played by biological males.


Oppose

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Forcing trans students out to people endangers not only their mental health and physical safety, but also their very life. They will come out to their parents when they feel it is safe to do so.


It all begins with the family structure for the future of this country.

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<p>Our society today is so much about forcing the views of a very small percentage of the population on the collective whole. The two parent mom and dad household are denigrated and made to seem as its unnecessary for the development of a healthy child.  That is probably the biggest problem with this country is the destruction of the family and the moral values of a faith based citizenry.  </p>


Oppose

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I strongly oppose the draft. Our children deserve better.


Strongly oppose this policy

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What a mockery of fair treatment to citizens under the law.  This is a terrible policy that I strongly oppose.


Yuck Foungkin


Oppose

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<p>These changes aren’t fair and are cruel. </p>


Stop using legislation to impose your brand of morality on the rest of us

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Our nation was specifically engineered to make laws free of any religious doctrine. Ultimately, that is beside the point here.

Our public schools are struggling, and making them the battleground for political issues is only creating a toxic, demoralizing environment. Teachers are exhausted and disheartened by this more than anything else.

As an educator, our number one job is to make sure EVERY student feels welcome and valued, regardless of whether they are teenagers with wandering concepts of their identity or not. Every single empirical study of education and cognitive development shows human beings must feel accepted and appreciated before any other mental processes can take place. The minute we tell them they can't be themselves, we lose them as students. They don't feel safe, they don't feel cared for, and they won't be interested in learning in our classrooms.


Strongly oppose

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This proposition is a danger to trans/queer kids where school is often an escape from an abusive or homophobic home life. This bill puts students at risk of suicide and abuse in the name of 'protecting parents rights to make the best decisions.' Disgusting. I am ashamed as a product of VA school systems.


Speaking in opposition

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I am strongly opposed to this


Strongly opposed

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<p>This is an attack on trans and non-binary students. It stems from hatred,  is against evidence based practices and will contribute to stigmas and violence against LGBTQ+ students. </p>


Don't treat kids like political pawns

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This is hate in action. Strongly oppose!


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Outing trans children to their parents can lead to suicide. We know this for a fact from research. It’s not parents vs. teachers, it’s protecting the well-being of children (ALL children). </p>


OPPOSE HATEFUL POLICIES

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The proposed changes are awful and will lead to higher rates of teen suicide and mental health problems, with absolutely no benefit for anyone whatsoever. Please stop!


Strongly Oppose

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This policy is harmful to our students and puts teachers in an impossible position of outing students who are in an abusive environment at home. LGBTQ Stugtdents are more likely to commit suicide if these policies are made.


Oppose


Oppose fully

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<p>I deeply feel these policies are inhumane towards a vulnerable group of kids. Just let them be, if they do not choose to tell their parents it is with good reason. Some parents are very cruel to their kids and do not support and unconditionally love them. It is a dangerous position you are putting these innocent kids in. </p>


Strongly support-keep parents in the loop and stop treating kids like adults.

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<p>This policy keeps parent sun the loop and disallows the school and student to make their own decisions without consulting parents. It doesn’t take away the rights of students but reinstates the rights of parents. Stop letting schools dictate what your kids do and who they are. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Awful! I oppose this new guidance


Strongly OPPOSE!

Julia, VA resident, concerned community member

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this policy is extremely harmful to trans and non-binary students. They shouldn’t have to earn their right to exist.


Shameful! Strongly Oppose

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Garbage! Couldn't oppose more!


Strongly Support!

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<p>Thank you for protecting our children! </p>


You are killing transgender people

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<p>Strongly oppose this bill. You are harming transgender and NB students. You are denying their existence and inadvertently telling them that they don’t matter. You are killing transgender people. </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT YOUNGKIN!

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<p>Strongly support Youngkin and his policies. Sports should be based on your biological gender, and parents rights restored! </p>


Strongly Support Governor's plan

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I strongly support parents rights to determine how to deal with their child's sexuality issues and sexual education.  These matters are clearly within the prevue of parental rights and should not be controlled by the schools.


YOUNKINS MODEL POLICY 2022

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I fully support Gov. Younkins Model Policy 2022.


Strongly Support

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All children deserve respect; however, you cannot sacrifice one group for the sake of another because one group is not more important than the other. I believe this guidance allows accommodations for all.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Outing trans children to their parents can lead to suicide. We know this from research. It’s not parents vs. teachers, it’s protecting the wellbeing of children. </p>


Strongly support!


Totally against these changes

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I oppose these terrible changes to the policies. You cannot possibly think those will help any child. Protect trans kids!!


Strongly Support! Parent's Rights Rule

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Support parents rights over the school's


Bot duplicate post

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<p>Duplicates galore </p>


I strongly oppose this!

To whom it may concern,My name is Olivia Wolcott. I'm a 33 year old Transgender Woman living in Pennsylvania. while I'm aware that may invalidate my comments in some people's eyes, I feel it is necessary to speak out. I have been made aware that you intend to present a bill that would compel teachers to out their transgender students to the child's parents. not only is this wrong, it can potentially threaten the life or the wellbeing of said children. your bill does not account for abusive or transphobic parents who may harm their child upon learning their child is transgender. moreover, outing a child like that can expose them to bullying, potiential violence from peers, othering and isolation. all of these can increase suicidality risk for those who are outed. moreover, a childs gender identity is their own, and it must be their decision who to tell and who not to tell. bodily autonomy must be paramount in these situations, second only to the considerations of safety. I beg you to reconsider this bill. I know many of you probably seek to control and erase the transgender population as you see it as being abnormal. but that is only because you have not sought to understand us. I will close this letter by simply saying that anyone who sought to endanger the most vulnerable among us, and who sought to eliminate or control a certain section of the population never ended up being the good guys in history.Sincerely,Ms. Olivia Wolcott

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To whom it may concern,

My name is Olivia Wolcott. I'm a 33 year old Transgender Woman living in Pennsylvania. while I'm aware that may invalidate my comments in some people's eyes, I feel it is necessary to speak out. I have been made aware that you intend to present a bill that would compel teachers to out their transgender students to the child's parents. not only is this wrong, it can potentially threaten the life or the wellbeing of said children. your bill does not account for abusive or transphobic parents who may harm their child upon learning their child is transgender. moreover, outing a child like that can expose them to bullying, potiential violence from peers, othering and isolation. all of these can increase suicidality risk for those who are outed. moreover, a childs gender identity is their own, and it must be their decision who to tell and who not to tell. bodily autonomy must be paramount in these situations, second only to the considerations of safety. I beg you to reconsider this bill. I know many of you probably seek to control and erase the transgender population as you see it as being abnormal. but that is only because you have not sought to understand us. I will close this letter by simply saying that anyone who sought to endanger the most vulnerable among us, and who sought to eliminate or control a certain section of the population never ended up being the good guys in history.

Sincerely,
Ms. Olivia Wolcott


Thank you Virginia for leading the road back to sanity

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So proud of Governor Youngkin and VA for leading this policy. Parental rights, parental consent before transitioning children socially. Safe space for all children..not only a few. All kids must have human rights—-non- trans are humans too!


OPPOSING

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I strongly OPPOSE this harmful guidance!


Guidance document


Strongly oppose this bigoted policy.

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<p>Don't force your view of morals on children. </p>


Strongly oppose this bigoted policy.


Strongly Oppose!

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<p>I do NOT support Governor Youngkin’s new guidelines!  I feel they do the OPPOSITE of protecting trans-kids.  This policy imposes restrictions on the activities of transgender students in public schools, and puts these kids in danger.  The civil rights of ALL students should be respected!   Schools should be a safe and accepting place for EVERYONE... a place where children should be allowed to learn and grow and BE THEMSELVES.  </p>


100% Oppose

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<p>This policy is completely discriminatory against a marginalized group of youth that will cause harm and potentially abuse. </p>


Strongly support


Strongly OPPOSE this hate

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These rules are damaging and already causing a backlash of hate and discrimination at my child's school. Mental health crisis in progress. Please HALT these terrible proposals.

Christine

VA Parent


Vehemently OPPOSE

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This is going to result in catastrophic mental health consequences. As a mental health professional, I vehemently oppose this proposition.


Fully Support!

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<p>I fully support the updated 2022 Model Policies. Parents are the ones responsible for their children; minors who cannot vote, drink, smoke, go to war, get married, or engage in any of the other activities reserved for adults responsible for themselves. We should not let children decide, without parental consent or knowledge, that they will live/behave as another sex at school. For those few student who truly have the heartbreaking condition of gender dysphoria, there is a path for accommodation with parent consent.  These types of decisions have lifelong impacts on our children and as parents we cannot be excluded. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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As a parent and a family of educators, we strongly oppose the 2022 draft policy. The scientific literature is very clear on this topic: inclusive policies that create a protective school environment reduce the risk of suicide attempts and other negative health outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth. And truly models for all students that we can care for and make space for everyone in our community to find a sense of belonging. Therefore, I strongly oppose the 2022 draft policy and urge VDOE to reject it.


Strongly support

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As a father, I strongly support the revised guidance.  I am grateful for the gift of parenthood and recognize the incredible responsibility of raising my children. A policy that relieves me of that responsibility without due cause is hurtful, undermines my role as a parent, and is ultimately destructive to society. Our society recognizes the inability of youth to effectively participate in various activities, such as marrying, voting, driving cars, drinking alcohol, working in factories, and smoking, all while recognizing the imperative for parents and families to care for their dependents by punishing them for not sending children to school or offering other means of providing for them. Why should we handle such fundamental issues as gender identify or sexual orientation differently?  Why limit parents’ roles in these particular cases?  What wisdom do children offer that supplants my 4 decades of life or the fact that, particularly for many younger children, their parents know and understand them better than the children understand themselves? I love and respect my children so much that I am unwilling to abrogate my responsibilities as a parent to guide, protect, and “train them up in the way they should go.”


Danger to students

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Forcing schools to out students who are already struggling with their identity is a danger to children who are already marginalized. School is meant to be a safe space, all this does is put the child in danger. How many parents kicking their kids out of their homes do we need before common sense prevails. Schools must protect the children from all threats including parental threats. Outing someone is one of the worst thing you can do to a human being, it is traumatizing and your are taking that decision out of their hands.


Strongly support this policy

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Schools, teachers, counselors - with masters degree or not. Higher degree does not ensure that one knows what is best for someone else’s child.Anyone else should not be socially transitioning kids without parental consent. Schools, teachers, counselors, therapists should educate themselves on the influence of social media has on the increase in trans.

Parental rights are enshrined in the constitution.Surely schools know that the constitution is the highest law of the land? Denying parental rights is denying the constitution.

I strongly support this law!


Strongly Opposed

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Strongly Opposed! All students deserve to feel safe and supported at school.


Complex Issues: Unsupportive Parents or Caregivers - Transgender Youth, "Schools in Transition" PDF

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We must provide a safe, healthy, and engaging school environment for all students. All students.

The "Schools in Transition" digital resource provides guidance for complex scenarios and circumstances in schools when a student is transitioning in school.

This quote is from a 2012 Youth Survey -
conducted 10+ years ago by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC):

“I am only out to people at school, because if I tell my family I won’t be accepted.” – Participant HRC Foundation 2012 Youth Survey.

"Schools can play a critical role in alleviating the psychological distress caused by family rejection."

The school environment may be the only place a transgender student feels safe enough to be themselves. Having a safe place to learn is just as important, if not more so, for transgender students who do not have supportive parents as it is for those who do."

I am opposed to Youngkin’s 2022 Anti-Transgender Student Policy.

Leslie Pankowski

Prince William County, VA | Brooklyn, NY


Opposed

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<p>This generation is trying to show us that everyone can coexist without all the hate. Please keep them safe by showing them that we can do the same. Support our students by not forcing them to be further divided. </p>


Very Strongly Support!

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Parents, NOT teachers, have the RIGHT to determine how their children will be educated and raised. Teachers have to call home if a child is sick, hurt, or failing, but not if they want to be called by another name and not if their child is struggling with something so special and important as their sexuality??  Many public educators have positioned themselves as little gods to their students and covertly and overtly demonize parents.  I observe it.  It's shameful and disgusting.   Any teacher speaking to a student under 18 years of age about their sexuality in any regard and keeping it secret from a parent is participating in predatory behavior.  Wake up!


I strongly support the correction to Ex-Governor Northam's reckless executive order

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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. 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. The Department embarked on a thorough review of the Model Policies Guidance adopted on March 4, 2021 (the “2021 Model Policies”). The 2021 Model Policies promoted a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools. The 2021 Model Policies also disregarded the rights of parents and ignored other legal and constitutional principles that significantly impact how schools educate students, including transgender students.

Parents, not school board officials and teacher's unions, have the fundamental right to raise their children according to the principles they hold. Ex-Governor Northam removed parental rights, and turned them over to the state. In Loudoun County a teen girl was raped by another student (after having done the same thing in another school), who "identified" as female, and assaulted her in the girl's restroom at the school. This is a direct result of the misguided policies of the previous administration. It is time to protect our children, and return to common-sense policies that promote education, and not lifestyle decisions that are outside of the state's purview.


STRONGLY OPPOSE TRANSPHOBIC POLICIES

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I strongly oppose these transphobic policy changes. This is recklessly endangering student lives by opening them up to potential violence in the home or eviction. Policies like this will lead to more cases of teen suicide (which is statistically higher with lgbtq+ youth already) and abuse. Students should have a right to autonomy, privacy, safety, and support from the school they attend — not further bullying and ostracizing.


Strongly Support!!  It's the progressive leftist agenda to dismantle our schools

A School Counselor and Mental Health Therapist's Point of View

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I have been a school counselor for 8 years and now work as a mental health therapist.  I can tell you first hand that the transgender and LBGQT kid and teen community are some of the most screwed up psychologically that I have seen.  These kids have been fed a lie and think that this is how they will find happiness.  What I see is the opposite.  They are not happy.  Most of them come in with rainbow hair, piercings on their faces and then wonder why they are miserable. That's just the group that hasn't mutilated their bodies yet.  The latter is even worse off.  1 in 3 regret the choice they made to transition to the opposite sex.

We need this policy!  We need more policies that make this something between the child and the parent.  The only role the school should have is to see that ALL kids are not harassed or bullied because of their beliefs. If they want to come to school with their rainbow hair, face piercings and LBGQT ABC123 T-shirts, that is all well and fine. To each their own, but schools should stay out of it.


Truth

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Simply teach children the truth about our planet, and teachers should not give children their own opinions, but asked the children questions to teach them how to think for themselves!


new policy does not protect children

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I have a master's degree in school counseling and have years of experience providing therapeutic interventions for parents and students in a school setting. I am concerned about many aspects of this new policy, but in particular I want to point out that many students come from homes that are unstable, unsupportive and even unsafe. Please do not overlook students for whom school is their only respite and place of safety and calm. Please, please do not take away the ability of students to share information with trusted adults at school (like counselors) without having to worry about information being shared with parents. Parents have a right to some basic information, of course, but students also have a right to some privacy and private expression. For many, it's a life line. Please don't take it away for politics.


Strongly Opposed

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As a community health worker, I understand the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ youth. The 2022 draft model policy would allow and encourage schools to do the opposite. The scientific literature is very clear on this topic: inclusive policies that create a protective school environment reduce the risk of suicide attempts and other negative health outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth. Therefore, I strongly oppose the 2022 draft policy and urge VDOE to reject it.


Oppose

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I oppose the Youngkin proposed transgender policy.  The Virginia Department of Education states that it is dedicated to providing an environment that ensures all students have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. However, this policy limits that opportunity for students who do not identify with strict male and female genders.  The policy ignores the needs of these students and there is no attempt to accommodate or to help them learn to succeed and thrive in the school environment.


Proposed legislation

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Policy appears to be a common sense rejection to the prior administrations policy on parental responsibilities of their children.  In all interaction with those who find this new proposed policy objectionable I beg both sides to show love, respect, and kindness in discussion with one another. I support the proposal put before fellow Virginians for comment.


Virginia Human Rights Act

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To Whom It May Concern,

I am strongly opposed to the Governor's recent transphobic action that is in violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act. These proposals are discriminatory and will only harm young people.  The Governor should be focused on what things his DOE could be doing that can help the students of Virginia thrive and become academically successful. There is no room for hate in this state.


Children belong to parents

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<p>I'm so grateful for Governor Younkin's common sense policy change. I have had to fill out permission forms for everything my minor children might want to do in school, from taking a Tylenol or their inhaler, to being in a photo on a website. Requiring parents' permission for something as life-altering as changing a name or pronoun, let alone arresting their human development with drugs and surgery, is common sense and in line with what our society has always thought about the judgment of children. Parents should be the guides, not the school. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>VDOE: spend your time on basic learning, feeding and caring for our kids. Enough with the distraction about critical race theory, book banning and now targeting LGBTQ+ kids. This policy is unnecessary and cruel and very likely will exacerbate the suicide and mental health crisis among LGBTQ+ kids. And the worst part is: Youngkin knows it. It's just another way for him to pave a path to his presidential campaign. Shame on you. </p>


Strong opposition to proposed policies

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I'm submitting a comment to express my strong opposition to the proposed policies. They should not be enacted. These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. No student should feel fear based on their gender identity, and especially not at school. I urge the state to reject these policies and instead focus on providing transgender and nonbinary kids resources to feel affirmed, safe, and supported.


oppose

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strongly oppose youngkin’s transgender/identity policies


Oppose