Parental Rights Restored Under Youngkin

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I live in Virginia and my three children attend public school in this great state.  I am writing today to voice support for Youngkin's re-write of the Model Policies.

The first guiding principle of the 2022 Model Policies is a statement all Virginians should support because it is not controversial:  Parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children.  The updated Model guidelines also go on to say that "school divisions must ensure no student is discriminated against or harassed on the basis of his or her sex and should attempt to accommodate students with distinctive needs, including any student with a persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs from his or her sex."  So there it is.  If a child wants to transition and that child's parents are supportive, then these policies provide a pathway to get there for that child.  Conversely, parents that do not support such a direction for their child, cannot be deceived by administrators against their wishes.  Additionally, the 2022 re-writes boost safety and privacy protections for every kid.

We're not talking about deciding what outfit to wear for the day or what lunchtime meal to eat.  We're talking about mandating everyone else in the room to affirm a 12-year old's decided gender identity with different pronouns, first names, bathrooms, etc.  These are not small, trivial changes.  Rather, they are monumental, life-altering decisions impacting a most vulnerable age.  There are so many cases and stories coming to light now of young people caught up in the trans movement, some going so far as to have surgery, but now living with regret.  A gender identity change is a BIG DECISION, impacting many people, and not to be treated lightly.  Likewise, the current policies treat gender-affirming ideology for what it is, a BIG ACCOMMODATION with potentially harmful repercussions to the child down the road, which is why parents must be included from the beginning.  COMMON SENSE!

Parents have a constitutionally protected right to oversee the care and education of their own children.  This right is upheld by two Virginia state court cases, as well as the US Supreme Court.  Myself and thousands of others across the Commonwealth applaud the Youngkin Administration's stance on this complicated issue:  offering common-sense guidelines to those seeking gender-transition support at school, while restoring parental rights to their proper place for all.  We can have both at the same time.


Oppose. This model will harm more than trans kids.

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You don't need me to tell you why this is so abhorrent for trans kids. The statistics of how you may push them to suicide. How it's sacrificing the American ideals of freedom and equality, just to keep a few dozen kids in a different bathroom and MAYBE a couple on different sports teams. Bullying an already vulnerable population, that a vast majority of students is in either active support of or at least passive acceptance, in the name of 'parents rights'. What about the rights of parents of trans kids? To see their child treated with love, support, and respect, like they're a human worth treating how they wish to be treated?

This hurts more than trans kids.

This hurts their friends, who have to see them suffer, in severe cases potentially lose these people to suicide. How will you apologize to them when they lose the people they care about?

This hurts ALL their classmates. Talented, creative, and fun-loving individuals ripped from their community if not by suicide than by depression. How will you apologize to them when they're forced to watch their classmates suffer?

This hurts their teachers and counselors. Besides from the ludicrous requirement of juggling records for who can and can't be called by what name, you are forcing staff who want nothing to be there and support their students, to treat them like trash. How will you apologize to them when they have to stomach hurting the people they care about?

This hurts parents. Of trans kids, of their friends who share the burden of their pain, of the classmates who forever have to wonder why the legislatures there to protect them, would so quickly through away the rights of their peers over such blatant ignorance. How will you apologize to them when their kids come home miserable, after hearing the death of someone they were likely close to.

How will you apologize to all the people of Virginia, doing their best to be there for kids who already don't have it easy, who already have to get up every day knowing they don't see themselves in the mirror, who already suffer from societal stigma et large.

Parents rights are important, sure. But you are also beholden to the students. And beholden to the parents who want the protections in place for their trans kids. The rights of parents and students to see everyone in their community valued and respected.

Virginia is for lovers. Virginia wants to love these children. They will NOT let this obscenely regressive and close-minded model go lightly. And if it by some evil miracle passes, we here in Virginia will not accept it silently.

Trans Rights.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I am a Virginia parent of two transgender students, one a recent FCPS graduate and the other a 9th grader.  There are endless legitimate studies and statistics relating to mental health and suicide in LGBTQ+ youth, specifically trans youth.  I want to share my personal story as evidence that those statistics are very real and so many of our youth, not just LGBTQ+ are experiencing severe mental health challenges.

My oldest son came out to us in 9th grade and was able to happily socially transition for the most part.  He was able to change his name and pronouns at home, at school, and with a supportive friend group.  It wasn't perfect and he did encounter hate, but overall his mental health remained stable.  He did have a mental health care provider who was affirming, as was his school.  I am positive that without that, and without the support of family and friends, his gender journey would have been different.

My 9th grade son came out to us almost two years ago, and paired with the pandemic and a shortage of mental health care providers, experiences severe depression and anxiety due to gender dysphoria.  His mental health truly became a crisis, and we almost lost him.  As a military family we were able to get him into a partial hospitalization program, and his school counselor understood gender diversity and supported him tremendously.  Had those things not happened, I believe he would not be here today, even with a loving and supporting family.  Now in 9th grade, at a school that affirms and uses his chosen name and living pronouns, his attendance is almost perfect and his grades (4 As and 3Bs in honors classes) reflect his feeling that he is accepted and able to attend school as his authentic self.
I would like to address the discussion of parent involvement versus "outing" a student.  I agree that parents are key in the educational partnership, and reasonable efforts should be made to include them in their students' education.  But I absolutely cannot stress enough that there are times when students' desperately need a trusted adult to confide in before talking to their families.  Often they just need to practice telling an adult about how they are feeling, and sometimes they genuinely are not able to come out to their parents at home without fear of rejection, punishment, or losing their living situation.  This new proposed policy without a doubt puts already marginalized students at a greater risk.  I know this to be true as a volunteer crisis counselor with Trevor Project.  I have talked to countless youth that have been punished because of their gender or sexual identity, and youth that have been kicked out of their homes and rejected by the very people that are supposed to love and support them unconditionally.  I beg you to please reconsider this policy to allow students a safe place and trusted adults until they are able to come out at home.

As a parent I believe in parental involvement in education - I have volunteered on PTAs and in Booster clubs for over a decade, have attended school board meetings and spoken at them.  I am so incredibly grateful that my children felt safe enough to come out to us at home, but had they needed more time to think and discover and talk to a trusted adult at school I would without question have wanted that.

Please protect trans kids.  For many youth, fear of feeling unsafe or unwanted at home in addition to gender dysphoria is overwhelming and hopeless.  I am not overstating by saying that this policy will literally put student lives at risk.  There has to be a better way to support these students and their families.  Help and affirm them as they do what every other youth in school is also doing - figuring out who they are, how they feel, and where they fit into the world.  Gender journey is no different, just lesser understood. Give them a support system that includes, when appropriate, their family but also provide them that safe space they may need.

Please protect trans kids. This absolutely can be a matter of life and death for these kids. Honestly ask yourself, would I rather my student kept this part of themselves hidden from home for a short time if it enabled them to grow and LIVE?  Or is forcibly outing them and potentially creating an unsafe or unstable home environment worth a child's life?  It is not.  Ever.

Please protect trans kids.  I assure you that there is nothing "fun" or "trendy" about it, it is not a choice they make to sneak into another bathroom or locker room.  In fact, statistically it is the LGBTQ+ student that is the victim of assault - LGBT people are nearly four times more likely than non-LGBT people to experience violent victimization.  It is not a choice they make to feel unsure or frightened about how, or if, they will be accepted at home.  They do not choose to feel hated by people that don't know them solely based on their appearance or identity.

One last time - please protect trans kids.  I beg you to reconsider this policy.  It will, without a doubt, cost student lives.

Lastly - it doesn't appear that these policies were created with any input from the LGBTQ+ community or parents of LGBTQ+ students.  Do better, please.  I will at any time be happy to help create inclusive policies, answer any questions, or provide any input.

The 2021 model policy was created after forming advisory committee including school-based personnel representing diverse Superintendent’s Regions and disciplines, representatives from state professional associations, parent representatives, student representatives, representatives from advocacy organizations, and specialists from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The development of these model policies is a result of consultation and collaboration with multiple stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth with a variety of backgrounds and expertise.  It complied with state and federal laws regarding discrimination and education including Title IX (June 22, 2021 Department of Education Enforcement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 With Respect to Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Light of Bostock v. Clayton County (SCOTUS)), Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, 400 F.Supp.3d 444 (E.D. Va. Aug. 9, 2019) (holding that denying a transgender boy access to school restrooms matching his gender violated Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution), and Code of Virginia § 22.1-23.3. Treatment of transgender students; policies.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and consider my perspective.

Sincerely,

Christina McCormick


Oppose this cruel and ignorant proposal

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This proposal is horrific and is the opposite of supporting children. Suicide is a leading cause of death for young people, and LGBTQ youths are four times more likely to attempt to attempt suicide. Cultivating a school environment where they are safe and supported - especially if their home environment is not - is not only crucial to their ability to learn and grow, but may be essential to their survival as well.

Addressing someone by their preferred name or pronouns doesn’t require any sort of belief, just basic respect for other people. If teachers and school officials want students to respect them, then they should be prepared and expected to extend this courtesy to students.

The 2021 policies enacted by Gov. Northam should be left in place. The new “model policies” as designed do nothing by strip privacy, dignity, and respect for transgender children. It’s simple intolerance made even crueler by masquerading as support.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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<p>I strongly oppose taking away youth rights to express themselves and learn about the facts of history. TRANS AND GENDER NONCONFORMING PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS EXISTED. They will always exist and you cannot simply wipe them out of history with hopes of wiping them out of the present and future. </p>


GO TO HELL GLENN (OPPOSED)

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GO! TO! HELL!

usually dont like to talk nasty but hey, our kids' safety is at hand


Strongly Oppose

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Please do not enact these guidelines- kids should feel comfortable expressing their identities in places of learning.


Strongly Support

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Trans issues are mental health issues. Protect healthy children from social contagion.  I support this draft policy and believe VDOE should accept it.


OPPOSE this is damaging

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The mental and emotional health of all children should be a safety concern of the public schools. This policy acts as if children have no agency for themselves and is an invasion of their right to privacy. It is none of any educators business to make judgment over and child's sexual or gender preference- it's none of your business. And none of the educators business unless the child makes it so.  And then educators must be impartial and support the child to seek proper services IF there is a need.

Youngkin and this administration is wrong. This policy is evil. You lie when you say you support parents. You don't support educators  or students- just who are you supporting with proposing discriminatory and unsafe policies like this.


Transgender

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Public schools mean precisely that, PUBLIC!  Bigotry should have no place in a classroom!


This isn’t “protecting” our children.

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The people who are so staunchly in support of this bill need to understand that this rhetoric around “scary trans kids brainwashed by the left” is fearmongering. This bill won’t be protecting children. It will  be putting a lot of trans youth at risk. I am a high school student and never ONCE have I felt threatened by a trans student using their preferred name and pronouns. Not only that, I have seen firsthand what an unsupportive environment does to queer kids. I have almost lost friends to suicide over bills and policies like these. It’s a threat to their livelihood. You say you want to protect the minds and bodies of your children. Opposing this bill is how you do that.


Transgender people know how they should be addressed

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No government should insinuate themselves into the lives of transgender people who are not hurting anyone else.

A teen who knows or believes they are transgender should be allowed to be addressed in the manner that makes them comfortable, especially while at school.

Parents of transgender children may not understand and it should be an honor to our school systems to not exacerbate a bad situation, and to support all minors in the difficult period known as adolescence.

It is dignity that we are talking about.

Governments should have no place it this situation.


Transgender Agenda

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The Transgender Agenda is the wrong ideology to be fostered and promoted to students in our schools. This agenda is a political movement with a psychological miscalculation.

This political movement has spiritual overtones with definite goals to transform society while making converts to a specific political persuasion. This persuasion is further galvanized by the mere existence of opposition from those who object, but more egregious is the detrimental consequences that must be borne by the victimized pawns of this cruel abusive experiment that is manifested in later years as many outcomes empirically reveal.

In summation, for any school district that fosters and promotes this detrimental policy of Transgenderism, especially against the direct objections of the parents, is in itself a moral crime.  Such a crime is committed against an individual that is too young and immature to be permitted to be allowed to careen into the guardrails and over the cliff by those who should be a guardian.


Protect Trans Children

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<p>This proposed guidance is absolutely horrifying. We should listen to CHILDREN when they tell us who they are. When we do not listen, outright deny their identity, exclude them from activities, and make environments unsafe for them, the worst thing imaginable can happen. All this is, is political theater. If you actually wanted to protect children, these policies would not go into place. </p>


revised policy

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I support the updated language that empowers schools to make their own decisions on how to best protect kids, especially when it comes to vulnerable students changing in the locker room or overnight sleeping quarters for field trips. Thank you.


VDOE policies are harmful and contrary to state law

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I write to strongly oppose the harmful proposed model policies suggested by the Virginia Department of Education. Prohibiting teachers and school staff from using a student's preferred name or pronoun, or having the ability to provide a safe space for, and support students is a needlessly vindictive policy. The full set of policies are dangerous examples of political grandstanding and are contrary to state law.


Oppose

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<p>Please rethink this policy.   Students should be able to choose for themselves how their teachers and peers know them.  I am very happy that some students have supportive families that would be able to give them the freedom to be who they are   Unfortunately there are children whose families are not supportive and this would cause students to be forced to live under their parents beliefs.   How are students supposed to learn and practice independence if one of the places they spend the most time does not support that independence?   </p>
<p> </p>


trans people are loved and belong (opposed)

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everyone deserves to feel safe at school


I completely oppose this "guidance"

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I completely oppose this draft guidance.  It is a complete violation of the right for privacy of our children.  We send them to school to learn in a safe environment, where they can learn to trust and confide in adults they feel care about them.  It should not be a place that acts as a police state to betray that confidence. It will do harm to our trans, gender fluid and non-binary students.


watch comment's video.

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Best Video ever for proof to oppose.


Trans rights are human rights!

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<p>Trans rights are human rights, leave these kids alone! </p>


LGBT and proposed policies

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<p>The proposed policies will result in harm to these LGBT and trans students. It Will increase suicide and hate. I don’t think that is what any parent wants for their child.  Hate is taught. Don’t do this. Acceptance and recognition of everyone’s differences creates children who thrive. </p>


PROTECT TRANS YOUTH

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The fact that anyone believes this is beneficial is appaling. The mental well being of transgender students with hateful parents is going to fall. There are already so many lgbtq+ children who die of suicide because of unnaccepting families -- how many more will die because of hate like this? How can anyone support a government whose job is to protected EVERY citizen, regardless of gender, when they don't care about the lives of our children?


Strongly opposed

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<p>These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. It forces those who are already going to have a hard time with acceptance in this world to grow and learn in an environment that actively tells them who they are doesn’t fit into the world. Protect trans and nonbinary kids. RESCIND these model policies. </p>


Supportive of this

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The "science" is not clear on this and it has become super political. What is not political and should not change with the times, is the long-held value that parents should have say in their kids lives until they become legal adults and this includes in school. I disapprove of any school policy that even suggests that members of any school's administration have legal power to bypass a parent's responsibility to raise their children. I support this effort that is more legally cohesive with the U.S. Constitution than that of the prior.


In support of transgender rights!

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I oppose the guidance proposed by Youngkin. My oldest sibling was transgender and her death was due to lack of understanding of the transgender experience. I am writing Martine: A Memoir, Her Disappearance, Mysterious Death and What I Learned About My Transgender Sister that Changed the Trajectory of My Life.  My book trailer can be found at pastorbrendawalker.com.  In 2018, I realized that my sister was transgender, and I am now an advocate for transgender people and their loved ones.As a Presbyterian pastor, serving nearly forty years, I understand that there is no reason for faith communities to dismiss the transgender experience.  Transgender people embody the diversity of human experience.  Our sacred scripture was misinterpreted in 1946 in a way that led to the exclusion of the LGBTQ community today.  Google the forthcoming film, 1946, for more details.

On September 16th, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Education released a draft model policy that would remove and replace 2021's model policies on the treatment of transgender (trans) and non-binary youth in schools. The 2021 guidance assists Virginia's local education agencies in adopting a comprehensive set of policies that will protect transgender and nonbinary students from bullying, harassment, and discrimination in schools and create inclusive and affirming learning environments.

Governor Youngkin's draft model policy: Is rooted in transphobia and seeks to further harm trans and nonbinary kids. It  seeks to erase trans and nonbinary youth from the classroom. This creates a hostile & potentially dangerous school environment.  Youngkin's draft model policy requires teachers and school staff to forcibly “out” students to their parents against their will in some circumstances, such as where a student seeks counseling. Youngkin's policy prohibits teachers and school staff from supporting trans & nonbinary students, such as using a student’s affirming name & pronouns. Youngkin's policy creates bathroom and sports policies that prohibit access and/or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity.

I OPPOSE Youngkin's draft policy.  It will cost lives and creative a hostile environment for transgender youth, who are already at a great risk for suicide because of lack of information about their experience.


Strong support of 2022 Model Policies

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I support '2022 Model Policies.' They provide clear, accurate, and useful guidance to Virginia school boards that align not only with statutory provisions governing the Model Policies in the Code of Virginia but also with the 4th Commandment of God.

The 4th Commandment of God shows us the order of charity. God has willed that, after him, children should honor their parents to whom they owe life and who have handed on to them the knowledge of God. The children are obliged to honor and respect all those whom God, for our good, has vested with his authority.

Observing the fourth commandment brings its reward: "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the LORD your God gives you." Respecting this commandment provides, along with spiritual fruits, temporal fruits of peace and prosperity. Conversely, failure to observe it brings great harm to communities and to individuals.


Abuse of the rights of our children

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<p>Refusal to respect the identity and dignity of our citizens will lead only to greater health disparities among these already marginalized youths. The model policies are a tragic example of lol it gone awry, and deny the rights of youths and the judgment of experts. </p>


100% support

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<p>Parents are completely responsible for their children.  Any education outside the home is a delegation by the parents to the teachers they entrust their children to. Children need their parents to help guide them through childhood and keep their best interests at heart. Teachers have absolutely no right to push a trans agenda on children without their parents knowing. </p>


Strongly support 2022 changes

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<p>I strongly support the changes made in 2022 to a 2021 policy that would harm children.  These girls and boys, but especially girls, are being used by activists to advance gender confusion, which will only lead to children's unhappiness and disconnection from a stable, happy life.  </p>


Absolutely Support Gov Youngkin"s New Model Policy!

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I ABSOLUTELY support Gov Youngkin's New Model policy!

It is unconscionable that the current policy in any Virginia school allows teachers and school administrators to keep patents from knowing important information about their OWN children!  Parents KNOW their children and have ultimate responsibility for them; Teachers and administrators DO NOT!  The Right to KNOW all information - as is their legal and moral responsibility - regarding their children MUST be given back to the parents!

Respect Parents Rights - that's all this policy does - as it should!


WE WONT GO BACK (OPPOSED)

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WE WONT GO BACK TO THE  50s


Oppose - 2022 Model Policies Violate Law and Principles, and Must Be Rescinded

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I oppose the 2022 Model Policies.  They violate state and federal law, and basic principles of human dignity.  They would do terrible harm to transgender (and nonbinary) kids.  Virginia must rescind these policies.

As an initial matter, I endorse in full the public comment submitted on this matter by the ACLU of Virginia on or about September 29, 2022.

In addition, I submit the following supplemental comments:

The 2022 Model Policies Violate Code of Virginia 22.1-23.3

Code of Virginia 22.1-23.3 provides that model policies must accord with evidence-based best practices.

The prior, 2021 Model Policies were developed with the assistance of an advisory committee that “included school-based personnel representing diverse Superintendent’s Regions and disciplines, representatives from state professional associations, parent representatives, student representatives, representatives from advocacy organizations, and specialists from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).  The development of these model policies is a result of consultation and collaboration with multiple stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth with a variety of backgrounds and expertise.”  Moreover, the 2021 Model Policies contained extensive evidence of research and best practices (in their various topical sections, and in the Appendix and References) on how to protect transgender students and ensure them equal educational opportunity.

By contrast, the 2022 Model Policies do not explain how the extensive stakeholder input and research reflected in the 2021 Model Policies no longer constitute evidence-based best practices (likely because no such credible explanation exists), and does not itself reflect (must less purport to reflect) evidence-based best practices.

Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, a 2020 Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision involving a transgender student, involved a tremendous witness of medical organizations (including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association) supporting the student in that case, who sought protections of the sort that the 2022 Model Policies would seek to unwind to the extent possible.

Notably, the 2022 Model Policies place a tremendous emphasis on the notion of parental rights.  Although parental rights exist, Code of Virginia 22.1-23.3 does not cite them as among the eight enumerated considerations to weigh in designing model policies to protect transgender students.  (To the extent that this may mean – at least, in the minds of the current administration – that the existing Code section is deficient, it must be amended via the legislative process, rather than via rulemaking beyond the law’s current boundaries.)  Moreover, the 2021 Model Policies make clear a stark and unfortunate reality – that some transgender kids have unsupportive families, such that disclosing a student’s gender identity against their will can pose “imminent safety risks” (including but not limited to withdrawal of support, homelessness, and adverse mental health ramifications) to some kids.  To that extent, an emphasis on parental rights (at least in some cases) is diametrically at odds with protecting transgender kids.

The 2022 Model Policies redefine “transgender student” to be “a public school student whose parent has requested in writing, due to their child’s persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs with his or her sex, that their child be so identified while at school.”  And certain sections of the 2022 Model Policies – e.g. the protections afforded in Section D, “Identification of Students” – apply only to “transgender student[s].”

What this means is that a student who is transgender will experience serious and gratuitous harms at school (such as being addressed and referenced by a name and/or pronouns that no longer reflect their identity, as the 2022 Model Policies require) unless they have a parent who opts them in to being recognized for who they are.  If a parent does not submit a written request, the policy says, the student must be addressed and referred to with outdated names and pronouns – regardless of whatever harm this may cause to them.  In other words, the 2022 Model Policies require that a student who is transgender be a second-class citizen at school, unless a parent opts them into equal treatment and educational opportunity.  This is both shocking and illegal.

The voting record on the 2020 bills creating Code of Virginia 22.1-23.3 – and subsequent, failed efforts to amend or limit their effect (e.g. SB20 (2022)) demonstrate clearly that Code of Virginia 22.1-23.3 requires policies rooted in evidence-based best practices actually protecting students who are transgender, rather than in efforts to champion parental rights in a way that guts protections for at least some transgender kids in Virginia.  To use rulemaking as an end run to attempt to counter the law’s requirements – rather than via successful amendment of the law itself (which, to date, has not happened) – is ultra vires.

The 2022 Model Policies Violate Code of Virginia 2.2-3900

Code of Virginia 2.2-3900 – the Virginia Human Rights Act – says that “[i]t is the policy of the Commonwealth to… [s]afeguard all individuals within the Commonwealth from unlawful discrimination because of … gender identity … in places of public accommodation, including educational institutions…”

The VHRA says that gender identity is “the gender-related identity, appearance, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, with or without regard to the individual's designated sex at birth.”

Efforts (such as the 2022 Model Policies) that say that a Virginian student’s gender identity should be recognized (and thus, not subjected to discrimination) only if a parent is supportive, and willing to submit a written request to that effect, certainly violate at least the spirit of the Virginia Human Rights Act.

The 2022 Model Policies Violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and Title IX

In Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals signaled that restrictions that fall on transgender students – and otherwise do not afford them as much care and concern as other students – violate the Constitution and Title IX.

The court noted how much transgender people face: “one would be hard-pressed to identify a class of people more discriminated against historically or otherwise more deserving of the application of heightened scrutiny when singled out for adverse treatment, than transgender people.”  The court noted that statistical research shows pervasive harassment and mistreatment against transgender students in the school setting, and that this correlates with both lower academic success and a higher incidence of mental health consequences.

Accordingly, and in the absence of sufficient justification, restricting Grimm from using bathrooms consistent with his own gender identity, and from amending Grimm’s student records to reflect his identity, violated the equal protection clause and Title IX.

As Judge Wynn’s concurring opinion explained, “deriding those who are different—whether due to discomfort or dislike—is not new.  But the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection prohibits the law from countenancing such discrimination.”  The court noted that explanations attempting to justify the contrary did not pass muster, particularly because medical evidence had conclusively demonstrated the importance of gender affirmation, and because school districts across Virginia and the country had successfully demonstrated that inclusive policies were not only possible but successful, in avoiding harm and providing significant benefit to transgender students.

As the court’s opinion concluded, “[t]he proudest moments of the federal judiciary have been when we affirm the burgeoning values of our bright youth, rather than preserve the prejudices of the past.  Compare Dred Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. (19 How.) 393 (1857), and Bowers v. Hardwick, 478 U.S. 186 (1986), with Brown v. Bd. of Educ. of Topeka, 349 U.S. 294 (1955), and Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015).  How shallow a promise of equal protection that would not protect [the transgender student] from the fantastical fears and unfounded prejudices of his adult community.  It is time to move forward.”

--

Similarly, as to the current rulemaking, Virginia must not preserve “the prejudices of the past” reflected in the 2022 Model Policies.  Just as the Grimm majority noted, as to recognizing our transgender neighbors, it is time to move forward.

Virginia was the crucible in which the model for America’s religious freedom – recognizing the equal dignity of all people to practice whatever religion (or to abstain from doing so), as they saw fit – was founded into law.  It would be a tremendous step backward if our same Commonwealth hung transgender children out to dry, in an assault against their equal dignity as fellow Virginians, to score political points.

The law disallows it, and (more importantly) we are better than that.  The 2022 Model Policies must be rescinded.

Sincerely,

Pat Levy-Lavelle


STRONGLY OPPOSE


Liberty of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children.

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Thank you for enforcing the US Constitution and protecting the rights of parents.

- Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510, 534-35 (1925) (the state may not interfere with “the liberty of parents and guardians to direct the upbringing and education of children under their control.”)

- school personnel shall keep parents fully informed about all matters that may be reasonably expected to be important to a parent, including, and without limitation, matters related to their child’s health, and social and psychological development.

- The First Amendment forbids government actors to require individuals to adhere to or adopt any particular ideological beliefs. Additionally, the First Amendment guarantees religious freedom and prohibits compelling others to affirm ideas that may be contrary to their personal religious beliefs.

- The Code of Virginia, § 1-240.1: Provides that a “parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.” Schools may not abrogate the rights of parents.

- In Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, 972 F.3d 586 (2020), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit held that transgender students must be allowed to use restroom facilities that correspond to their gender.


cap.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


no


anime


best


Highschool DxD


TRANS PEOPLE DONT WANT TO TAKE AWAY YOUR RIGHTS- WE JUST WANT TO BE SAFE


SUPPORT TRANS PEOPLE AND ALL YOUR WILDEST DREAMS WILL COME TRUE (OPPOSED)

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<p>TRANS PEOPLE AND CIS DESERVE SAFETY. </p>


Fully support

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<p>Parents have the absolute right to protect the innocence of their own children without teachers or government pushing their personal beliefs on others. Children have the right to use the bathrooms and play sports without being subjected to the opposite sex in those areas. I stand with Youngkin!! </p>


wack


Support parents

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<p>Parents need to be in the loop. If there is fear then that needs to be taken into consideration. Children med to learn how to have discussions with their family. </p>


Pro-Kids Pro-Parents Pro-Family Pro-Policy

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Schools were meant for education. The government should have no right to take away the parent's intrinsic rights to know how their kids are being educated and if their kids want to 'transition'! Society needs to stop trying to tear families apart. If someone's child is confused or considering unhealthy practices, parents should know.

Suicide is a major problem among youth, and it is not because they 'came out' to their parents. If you want to talk about suicide, what about the countless numbers of people who transitioned, thinking they'd feel better, only feeling worse, figuring there's no way to be happy again, and putting a bullet through their brain because the only thing that they were told would make them feel better is transitioning. How about those poor girls who, no older than 16, who were pumped with testoserone, and now they are going bald and their voice is all deep and there is NO WAY of reversing the damage. MINORS, mind you. One girl posted a video. She was crying. She had lost hope because it was too late to turn back to the beautiful girl she was. And what about the girl's with their bodies mutilated by 'surgeons'? Breasts cut off, genitals mutilated, hormones extracted, testoserone pumped in. IT. IS. WRONG.

Don't take advantage of minors, telling us we are something we aren't. It could lead to serious health issues and mistakes that are irreversable. Parents should at LEAST be given the knowledge that their kids are considering things like these. Parents are here to provide, protect, and to love us. Stripping their ways to do so is disgusting. I don't know why this is even a discussion, the answer should be clear.

I support this policy. Don't let the schools mutilate, indoctricate, and lie to minors. Tell the parents. Protect the students.


Trans rights are HUMAN rights

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<p>Trans people are people and deserve the same dignity and respect given to all people. They deserve rights. </p>


Oppose policy change

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<p>These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Protect trans and nonbinary kids. RESCIND these model policies. </p>


I am a trans student and these policies are dangerous

It is clear that the recently proposed “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools” will, if implemented, endanger the health, safety, and well-being of transgender students, especially those who live in unsafe or unsupportive households. (Sources include https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2019-03/transgender-public-facilities-issue-brief.pdf, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/transgender-teens-restricted-bathroom-access-sexual-assault/, and https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/#affirming-spaces.) For this reason, I strongly oppose these policies, as I oppose any and all policies that are harmful to students.

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It is clear that the recently proposed “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools” will, if implemented, endanger the health, safety, and well-being of transgender students, especially those who live in unsafe or unsupportive households. (Sources include https://www.ama-assn.org/<wbr/>system/files/2019-03/<wbr/>transgender-public-facilities-<wbr/>issue-brief.pdf, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/<wbr/>news/hsph-in-the-news/<wbr/>transgender-teens-restricted-<wbr/>bathroom-access-sexual-<wbr/>assault/, and https://www.thetrevorproject.<wbr/>org/survey-2022/#affirming-<wbr/>spaces.) For this reason, I strongly oppose these policies, as I oppose any and all policies that are harmful to students.


Full Support.

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Common sense, the family is foundational and has sole responsibility in this matter.


I SUPPORT Gov. Youngkin's Policy

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<p>As a young woman I strongly support the new transgender policies. Girls, as defined by biology, deserve to have privacy and all girl sports and locker rooms and biological males should not be in their spaces or playing on their sports teams. </p>


Can’t believe VA is letting this crap go by

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<p>Why the hell would you enforce a law and policies that will literally kill the youth and young adults in VA. Ridiculous </p>


Protect the rights of trans and non-binary students

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<p>I’m truly angry and appalled at VDOE’s decision to reverse policies that affirm transgender and non-binary students. According to a survey by The Trevor Project, nearly half of transgender youth have considered suicide and one in five have attempted suicide because of a lack of acceptance at home, in schools, and their communities. We are failing transgender and non-binary children by creating a hostile environment instead of a safe one for them to learn and grow. I want my own children to love, respect, and affirm their peers who, like all children, are trying to figure out who they are. </p>


Strongly opposed

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I am a registered voter and Virginia resident that is strongly opposed to this proposed policy. It discriminates against trans and non-binary students and would create a hostile school environment by erasing their identities, restricting access to facilities and activities, encroaching their privacy, and preventing teachers and staff from providing student support. This policy would hurt all students and should be rescinded. Every student deserves safety, respect and freedom.


Draft Policy proposed by Gov. Youngkin

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I oppose the draft policy and want VDOE to reject them.


Support ALL students!

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Data says, if a student can find just one adult that will listen to them, not judge them,be their hero, it makes a difference. It could keep that kid literally living another day. No matter what they feel is their burden, from a failing test, not making a team, a breakup.
School is sometimes their only safe space! The only place they eat! The only place they laugh! Have compassion, show compassion.


School counselor in SUPPORT of revisions

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The proposed policy changes need to be made in the name of parental involvement and rights. The policies still protect trans youth, but now ensure that parents are invited to the table. Causing rifts between a student and their family is never in the best interest of the child. Schools don’t have the right to take over parental roles or hide important information about a child’s health and well-being from that child’s parents/guardians. Please pass these revisions as proposed!


guys?


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy change!  Trans rights are human rights and the Virginia state government must protect all human rights. </p>


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Hello,


Protect children!!! Let them use the bathroom they feel most safe in!! (opposed)

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your kid knows their safety best. karen, you aren't in school anymore.  off.


Strongly Support

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It's time to take a stand against mental illness parading as individual expression of gendered identity in the public, educational, and political spheres.  Gender dysphoria is a modern social contagion, current among many, infecting impressionable and mentally vulnerable youth in the public school setting.  Young girls are particularly prone to this type of associative identification in much the same way that socially degenerative behaviors like bulimia nervosa and anorexia are passed around the same classes and schools where classmate peers share their mental pain.  This is not an issue of expression, but a crisis of mental and social health on a level unparalleled in recent memory.  The fact that other deeply disturbing mental issues such as cutting, violence, and suicide are cocomitant with this identity group only lends support to the theory above.  Gender dysphoria does not belong in the classroom and learning environment, nor does it deserve public platforms of proselytizing or indoctrination in the school setting, and any bill or Guidance Document which curtails and limits its expression is doing an uncomfortable but necessary service towards the social and public health of this country. Yay, to the Guidance Document.


I OPPOSE THESE PROPOSED TRANSPHOBIC MODEL POLICIES. PROTECT AND EMPOWER TRANS AND NON BINARY YOUTH


I oppose governor Youngkin’s 2022 draft policy on trans youth

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As a member of the LGBT+ community, I believe that queer and trans youth should have safe and supportive school environments. I oppose the draft policy and believe VDOE should reject it.


Protect our kids

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Thank you for updating these policies. Parental rights are a necessity for the upbringing of our children. We need these policies to restore protections for parents and to ensure that they no longer have a wedge beween them and the process of how gender and sexuality issues are handled with our kids at school. Parents are responsible for raising our kids not the schools. Schools are to educate but without these updated policies they are operating out of their purview.

Again I support the new policies. Please put an end to parental deception!!!


Support trans kids, rescind the policies

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RESCIND these model policies. Trans kids exist and that’s a fact, not an opinion. An opinion is that trans kids deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, but I would hope we can get on the same page that all kids deserve to be seen for who they are. Allowing trans kids to exist and be seen is not a political act, it’s a human one.

Students deserve to spend 13+ years of their lives in school buildings with appropriate resources, services, and care. Our school experiences shape us, and wouldn’t we want kids to grow up in caring environments, rather than hostile ones? Don’t kids deserve to feel safe and loved at school? Don’t we want all kids to have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive?

Keeping these policies tells trans kids they don’t matter, don’t exist, and/or shouldn’t exist. Keeping these policies is violent.

Keep students safe and rescind the model policies.


Opposed

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I strongly oppose this proposed policy. If a child does not want their parent to know they are transgender, there is probably a good reason. Calling a child by their self-identified name and pronouns does not cause any harm whatsoever. Outing a child to their parents does.

If a teacher has a First Amendment right to call a student by pronouns the student doesn't like (as Governor Youngkin asserted during his campaign), a teacher also has a First Amendment right to call a student by their self-identified pronouns.

I've heard so many argue this is about parent's right in medical decisions. Those arguments are misguided. Obviously the school has no say whatsoever in medical decisions. Social transition is the issue at hand. And it is not permanent. The lasting effects of abuse brought by being outed are.


Strongly oppose this policy

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<p>Strongly oppose this policy, this is harmful and ridiculous to even consider trying to out children- little kids for crying out loud </p>


Strongly oppose.

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Inappropriate for DOE. Protect and educate all children.

Overreaching and distractions, Glenn.


Children deserve rights too

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<p>Parents do not and will never deserve complete bodily autonomy over their children. A parents views should never immediately be applied to their child without the child’s consent. My indenture in a public place should never be regulated, should never have to be hidden for my own safety. This policy will make suicide rates in trans minors increase to levels that should never have to be faced. This policy puts thousands of children in danger, from their guardians to themselves. Making bathrooms only adhere to birth sex will not keep sexual predators away, a bathroom will not stop a rapist. </p>


OPPOSED

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<p>By making this change, you are taking away a safe space for students to talk with trusted adults. </p>


PROTECT TRANS CHILDREN

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The fact that people who supposedly care about the children would even think would be a good idea appalls me. Trans children are children who need protection right now, and whether or not some disrespectful people raised on incorrect and idiotic beliefs think, we need to be protecting trans children not helping deliver them death’s doorstep.


Oppose 2022 Model Policy

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<p>I oppose Youngkin’s proposed 2022 Model Policy. Let Trans kids be kids. </p>


We Will Not Abandon Our Transgender Students

Karl Frisch, Fairfax County School Board

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I am proud of the policies and regulations we have implemented in Fairfax County Public Schools to protect and affirm our LGBTQIA+ students – especially those who are transgender and gender-expansive. Unfortunately, we have not always moved fast enough. Generations of LGBTQIA+ students and staff walked the halls of our buildings before they were treated with respect by our school division. We are not alone in that regard. Thankfully, we have made tremendous progress in recent years.

Of course, there will continue to be obstacles on the road to full equality.

Governor Youngkin's shameful, dehumanizing, and divisive model policy flies in the face of state law and legal precedent. It tramples the rights and simple human dignity of transgender and gender-expansive students and forces their parents and guardians to jump through legal hoops to have their children respected. It empowers bullies and disenfranchises those who need our support and affirmation.

It is hardly surprising that so many students are speaking out in protest. I salute them for standing tall and weathering the attacks we've seen over the past several weeks from online trolls, adult bullies who should know better, and political leaders like Governor Youngkin, who swore an oath to uphold our constitution but do not see LGBTQIA+ people as deserving of the rights and protections it affords.

Transgender and gender-expansive young people deserve equal access to quality and inclusive public schools where they are encouraged to show up as their authentic selves. They belong here, and we will not abandon them. Governor Youngkin and his Department of Education should withdraw this model policy and replace it with the previous iteration, which aligned with state law and legal precedent.

Included below is a statement issued earlier this month by the Fairfax County School Board:

The Fairfax County School Board understands that our LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families are worried about the impact of Governor Youngkin's proposed model policies for transgender and gender-expansive students. Nearly one in five transgender and non-binary youth attempted suicide in the last year. LGBTQIA+ youth who found their school to be affirming reported lower rates of attempting suicide. It is necessary to ensure our school community is a place where all students can live without fear of prejudice, discrimination, harassment, or violence.

 Our policies and regulations will continue supporting our transgender and gender-expansive students, staff, and families. Fairfax County School Board Policy 1450 protects students, educators, and other staff from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Fairfax County Public Schools Regulation 2603 relies on robust parent/guardian engagement to help provide transgender and gender-expansive students with protections and supports. We will continue partnering with parents/guardians because their involvement is necessary to student success. Furthermore, our School Board is committed to following the Virginia Human Rights Act, Title IX's prohibition on gender identity discrimination, and the settled law of Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, 972 F.3d 586 (4th. Cir. 2020), which requires respect for students’ gender identity.

Protecting, supporting, and affirming our transgender and gender-expansive students is critical to achieving a safe and respectful learning environment for all students, and providing them with equal access to educational programs, services, and activities. The work to do so in a holistically inclusive way continues, but we know that, from this commitment, we will not waiver.


HOT BITCHES SUPPORT TRANS PEOPLE


Strongly support

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<p>I am very glad that the agency reviewed and changed the terrible 2021 policy and hope that this revised policy will help protect children from activists who want to lead minors into gender confusion and, ultimately, self mutilation. </p>


Be a good parent and support kids!!

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OPPOSED

Prevent suicide

Have empathy

Listen to trans people not ing Fox news and facebook


Strongly oppose

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The model policies are dehumanizing and based in false perceptions and false narratives derived from severe ignorance and fear of the unknown. Do better.


Strongly Support

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Thank you Gov. Youngkin. You have given a voice to the silent majority. Hoping these common sense policies prevail. This isn’t about not respecting children’s rights but about protecting children and allowing them to first grow up. The state has a vested interest in ensuring that children receive an education without political pressure regarding their genitals. I fear that if we fail to act now to protect our institutions as well as our children,  the future of our nation, we may face irreversible repercussions for generations to come.


REAL PARENTS SUPPORT TRANS KIDS :) OPPOSED


TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

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<p>As a transgender student who has dealt with this for years I know for a fact that this will result in the death of transgender students and cannot be put into place. Listen to the teachers, doctors and students. </p>


gay sex


Youngkin’s new transgender model

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I strongly support the policy change.  Children should be raised by their parents and schools have no right to deprive parents of knowledge relating to their kids’ lives.


Trans Rights Are Workers’ Rights

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The Virginia District of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) denounces the Youngkin document and salutes the courage and initiative of the students and others who have mounted such a huge, militant protest against it and in favor of LGBTQ+ rights. We note that the parents whom the new policy would supposedly “empower” are precisely the parents from whom LGBTQ+ students look to the schools for refuge and protection. Teachers, school counselors, and the students themselves attest to this, and they warn that the proposed changes will in fact cost the lives of some students, for example, due to increased rates of abuse and suicide. The “parents” to whom the document panders are people steeped in right-wing political and religious ideology. The fascist elements in the GOP that promote this kind of thing claim to be “pro-life” but in fact continue on a deadly rampage against minority groups and sectors of the population.  The purpose of this is not to prevent child abuse but to provide a scapegoat to attack rather than to address the economic malaise that affects working-class Virginians and other inhabitants of this country. The CPUSA emphasizes that students and young people are human beings with legitimate rights of their own — rights that would be grossly violated under the new dispensation.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!


This proposal is horrific.

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This proposal is horrific and is the opposite of supporting children. Suicide is a leading cause of death for young people, and LGBTQ youths are four times more likely to attempt to attempt suicide. Cultivating a school environment where they are safe and supported - especially if their home environment is not - is not only crucial to their ability to learn and grow, but may be essential to their survival as well.

Addressing someone by their preferred name or pronouns doesn’t require any sort of belief, just basic respect for other people. If teachers and school officials want students to respect them, then they should be prepared and expected to extend this courtesy to students.

The 2021 policies enacted by Gov. Northam should be left in place. The new “model policies” as designed do nothing by strip privacy, dignity, and respect for transgender children. It’s simple intolerance made even crueler by masquerading as support.


Parental Controls over their children’s education

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There should never be any conditions under which a parent is not kept informed about what kind of information is being fed to their children to persuade and indoctrinate them about sexuality, gender identity or anything political.  Above all, the job of our schools and every teacher should be to educate, reading, writing and math, and keep our children safe.  That’s it.  Schools have no place being social experiment labs, and teachers have absolutely no right to be using our children as lab rats.  We completely support Governor Youngkin’s rewrite of transgender-issue policies.  The Teachers Union and their woke, subversive policies are ruining our children and the future of our Country.  Take a look at our standings in the world, abysmal!


Give the parents back their children

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<p>The current policy gave children the right to decide things that they aren’t even old enough to fully understand, and the schools the right to hide it from the parents. This is not the way to build a strong community, state, or country. I 100% support the proposed changes. </p>


Trans rights are human rights

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The biases of past generations should not overshadow the humanity of the now. This is frankly ridiculous. Do not erect any further obstacles for the trans/non-binary community in my state. Strongly opposed. Please reconsider.

- H


Let children be free, not stupid.

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A child does not have the proper thinking skills to determine these kinds of things. A parent, any good one at least, would be there for their child to help them out. If children are going into the dark about there whole identity then why bother worrying about families in this state. If a child can't tell these things to their parents then we've lost all control because children will act this way in many other cases. This could lead to them doing things like dropping school, joining bad groups, and flat out lying to their parents altogether believing that it's ok. For the sake of those parents and their children, please make the better decision.


let trans people live their lives (opposed)


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>"It's legit stupid"</p>


digital graffiti


School policy

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<p>??% agree with Youngkin.</p>


Oppose

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<p>School should be a safe place for kids.  Many do not have supportive families, and implementing rules that make it harder for them to be their true selves, while also placing yet another responsibility on teachers  (to get parental permission before using a pronoun) is an unjust burden.  </p>


Gender Identity As A Teen's Personal Choice

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By the time a child reaches high school, they need to have some degree of control of how they present themselves, and how they are seen by others. Parents don't have to like this, but their children deserve the freedom to have a say.


Trans

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<p>I am a mother of an adult trans daughter, I am adamantly opposed of a child under the age of 18 doing anything without parent’s consent.  </p>


In SupportV

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Strongly support this proposal to protect our children's innocence.


Protect Trans Kids

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The proposed changes violate the civil rights of all students. They have the right to learn and be safe while learning. These proposed changes will single out and effectively target trans and nonbinary kids, place undue and unnecessary stress on them, and effect their learning ability in schools. I believe the proposed changes will serve as a determent to children, especially to those who identify as trans or nonbinary.

As a parent with 2 children in the VA public school system, I fully support the LGBTQIA+ community. The purpose of the school board is to set education standards, not violate my Childrens' civil rights and their identity. What does a person's sexual orientation or gender have to do with their education???? If these changes pass you will be discriminating against many Virginians and Virginia students. Instead of discriminating against them, maybe try support and inclusion! Are all children in VA public schools supposed to not be supported? Also, these policies are incredibly discriminatory. These changes are detrimental to their psyche, their identity, and their formative years as humans. Instead of supporting them, if these changes pass, you will be limiting their abilities and destroying their self esteem and identity.

The current governor was elected because people actually thought he would place parental choice back in schools, however, these proposed changes are highly unfavorable by the majority of parents. His proposed changes also feed the culture war and cause transphobia.

This parent supports trans and nonbinary kids! I seriously hope you consider the comments of all of these parents here supporting trans and nonbinary kids. I do NOT support your transphobic proposals and implore you to be more inclusive of all of your students by supporting them rather than passing pro transphobic policies.

I cannot believe that in 2022 I have to make a public plea for the state DOE against their proposed discriminatory policies. Discrimination is illegal and therefore it should not pass.


Discriminatory and unfair proposed policy change

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 The 2022 “Model Policies” are out of touch with reality and will harm the psychological wellbeing of transgender students. The policies would be as helpful to transgender students as the military’s failed and now foregone “don’t ask don’t tell” was to non-heterosexual service members. That is to say it does not help or support them, but rather harms them. There is so much to address in the proposed policies, but the following are a few. While the “Description of Proposed Guidance Document Changes” proclaims that the 2021 policies forced certain beliefs and viewpoints; removing discriminatory practices or the vehicles for such practices to exist is the opposite of forcing a certain viewpoint. The 2022 proposed policies, on the other hand, remove the protections against potential discriminatory practices {generally, the entirety of section D of the sample policy} thus creating an environment where specific social viewpoints and religious beliefs will be imposed all other students, including transgender students. Here one must remind that since all or most religious groups proclaim that all the others are wrong, then by logical conclusion, they are all wrong, and no religious faction’s beliefs should be used as the basis for creating public policy that will be enforced on other groups and will lead to detrimental consequences for some. Section {F.2} of sample policy misrepresents Virginia 22.1-279.6 which clearly declares regarding the matter of a dress code in subsection {I.iii} that a dress code policy must “not have a disparate impact on students of a particular gender;” The proposed 2022 Model Policies will do just that in representing a viewpoint and a religious belief that only acknowledge the male/female birth sex of a person with complete disregard to that person’s gender identity; and would disparately force students with a gender identity that is different from their birth sex to abide by a dress code that contradicts their gender identity which the above subsection {I.iii} protects against.


Reject this policy

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These model policies unfairly target some of our most vulnerable students. Students who don't identify with their birth gender deserve to be treated with the same decency and respect that we owe to everyone. Please retract these model policies.


hi


Unequivocally Oppose

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Stances on issues like this truly comes down to the capacity for empathy, which Governor Youngkin is clearly lacking. Trans and nonbinary youth are of the most vulnerable populations because of the people that advocate for this nonsense. These kids aren't hurting anyone. Please stop hurting them.


Opposes

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Your using policy to single out a group of people who already have a high suicide rate.

let local public schools decide policy , good politics for you is not good policy ,especially when you leave out the best interest of a child , it is not always inline with a parents interest ,ask any family law judge


This is a lousy idea

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These kids have a hard enough time without introducing state-backed cruelty


Support 100%

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I support this 2022 policy for the Education System 100%.


LETS NOT GO BACK IN TIME - OPPOSED

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Dont let conservatives take away our rights. Keep moving forward. Our bodies our choices. LIsten to trans people


Support our vulnerable youth

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All of our students deserve a supportive and affirming school environment, especially our vulnerable and marginalized populations like our transgender and nonbinary youth. These “model” policies are based in ignorance. Focus on real issues like gun violence and drugs in schools.


This is dangerous.

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I oppose the guidance, this further endangers an already vulnerable part of our community.


unique perspective

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I am a strong supporter of most of Governor Youngkin's positions, and a political conservative on many issues.  I retired from teaching in public schools after 34 years.  I am appalled by some of the activities and instruction topics that have been introduced and encouraged in primary grades recently.  In my view they are totally inappropriate for young children, and can understand why parents are so agitated.  However, as the grandparent of a child who has had significant transgender issues since age 3, I know that for many youngsters it is an honest attempt to know and be themselves - the real person who lives inside.  It is not buying into a fad or jumping on a trend or poking a finger in the eye of authority.  It is just wanting to be who they know they really are.  In our world that makes such a person vulnerable, a potential outcast and misfit, subject to cruel treatment and discrimination.   If we do not protect such kids, who will?  They did not choose to be targets any more than we ourselves would choose such an existence.  Just because it is not something we completely understand does not release us from the responsibility to nurture and protect those whose souls are sometimes the most fragile among us.   Thus I am opposed to the transgender policy changes proposed by the governor.


Real Christians support trans people

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<p>God loves all. Jesus uplifted minorities. </p>


Trans rights are human rights

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<p>Protect our trans and LGBTQ youth. </p>


I support the governor

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In virginia, I do not think boys and girls should be allowed to say what sex they want to go by.  Boys and girls should not share restrooms or play on sports


Stand with trans people.

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OPPOSE THIS DEMONIC POLICY


Protect your trans loved ones (opposed)

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Someone near and dear to you is most likely trans whether you know or not. Please support them and oppose this policy


100% support Youngki


Pro-Family Policies

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<p>The new pro-parent (and, therefore, pro-family) policies are supportive of parents in their roles and responsibilities as they raise their children.  Parents are in the best position, given to them by God, to know their children's needs.  As a state, we need to assist parents in raising their children, and this includes keeping them informed!  These policies are a wonderful step forward for Virginia! </p>


Protect trans kids

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These proposed policies are a giant step backward. Every child deserves access to safe public education. Every child - regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sex, etc. Not all parents are supportive or involved in their children's lives and educations, especially in areas where families live in poverty. Schools should be safe spaces where students are respected and protected. Calling someone by the name they request or the pronouns they prefer is not unreasonable. To refuse that, is disrespectful and dehumanizing.

Students bring baggage to school - trauma, hunger, abuse, homelessness, incarcerated parents, and the list goes on. Public schools cannot possibly focus on education without addressing the whole student.

Trans kids are twice as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Trans students may not have parental and family support, which is why they deserve to be protected and supported at school.

These policies belong in the garbage.


Support the continuation of Trans Rights implemented in Northam Adminstration

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Please continue Trans Rights policies implemented under Northam Administration


Trans rights

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Trans rights are human rights, leave kids trans kids alone


STRONGLY OPPOSE youngkin’s HARMFUL PROPOSAL

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<p>Forcing children to carry out their lives in a manner that is inconsistent with their self-identification and self-perception is nothing short of child abuse and proposals encouraging these harmful policies have no place in a just society. No human being should be subject to constant mental, physical, emotional, and societal distress. Youngkin’s proposal will surely lead to increased rates of self harm and suicide, in a population that is already cruelly marginalized, tearing apart families and communities. </p>


Strongly Oppose Governor Youngkins' Proposed Anti-Trans "Model Policy"

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I STRONGLY OPPOSE Governor Youngkin's Proposed Policy. I agree with Equality VA that this policy is "cynical, political, illegal, negligent and malicious." How ironic that the policy is titled "2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools." This policy will strip students of their privacy, dignity and respect.

This proposed policy seems to be rooted in ignorance: Ignorance of transgender individuals and their rights, ignorance of public schools and their stakeholders, ignorance of child and adolescent development, ignorance of public opinion on this topic. Ignorance causes individuals to operate out of fear. The sharing of fear using the public megaphone that a governor has leads to greater fear and ultimately threats of violence.

Students in public schools have the right to feel safe. Personnel in school buildings spend much of their time and energy creating a safe environment in which all students are respected, knowing that their privacy and dignity are being protected. Public schools are not the place to experiment with policies such as this one proposed by Governor Youngkin. Doing so will lead to students who not only do not feel safe, but whose mental health will be compromised, who will not be available for learning and whose lives might eventually end in suicide.

The current 2021 model policies conform with state and federal laws, protect students and should stand. Do not replace them with the short-sighted, narrow-minded 2022 "Model" policies proposed by Governor Youngkin.


Support for Virginia Governor Younkin's proposed transgender regulations

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Our state's public education has been hijacked by well-funded, well-oiled, loud, agenda-driven special interest groups, NGOs, and unions.  Real learning, knowledge-transfer, and academics are not part of their agenda.  Indoctrination, manipulation, control, and destruction of the family are their real goals.  Very sad.  We need to line-item audit every county's school system and expose the fraud.  Our tax dollars are being used to enrich these Leftist entities at the expense of our children and pocketbooks.  Our children are not pawns, nor are they to be used as fodder to promote the Left's agenda.  What do American parents & tax-payers want and deserve?  We deserve a genuine education for our nation's children.  It's time to take back our schools.  Thank you Governor Youngkin for leading the charge with your proposed regulations.  Take a look at this: https://thestarnewsnetwork.com/2022/10/26/poll-majority-of-american-voters-believe-transgender-movement-has-gone-too-far-by-encouraging-children-to-change-their-gender/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=edm


imagine caring, just let them live their lives


Strongly support replacing 2021 document

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The 2021 document is hostile to parental rights and pushes an ideology onto families.


I support freedom therefore I support the rights of Trans Children.

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If the governor's office claims to be "limited government," why are they intruding on the personal lives of families and children? If the governor believes in American "freedom," why is he backing policies that restrict personal expression?

If the governor is "pro-family," why is he supporting policy changes that have been statistically proven over and over again to increase the rates of depression and suicide among LGBTQ+ youth? Why is he supporting something that has been proven to cause children to take their lives? (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/) I do not support policies or any government officials who support and propose anti-LGBTQ+ policies and legislation, especially ones that harm innocent children who just want to be themselves. If the governor claims to respect the rights of parents, why is he supporting policies that step on the rights of their children to be identified by their preferred pronouns?

I do not support these proposed policy changes because they will be extremely harmful to  Trans, Nonbinary, and gender non-conforming students, and I care about the well-being of my fellow Virginians.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I oppose the changes. The students deserve a safe space and to have their voice heard. </p>


LGBTQ ARE NOT CONFUSED OR TROUBLED

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We know who we are and we just want to be safe! Oppose this disgusting policy


Wasting our time with a bold face lie

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Allegedly parents are to be given the right to be involved in the decision making process for Trans Gender kids, when the actual decision has all ready been made( by far right decision makers). So save us the pretext of involving parents when you  ARE NOT. What weight are you giving parents of Trans Gender children in the new policies? Those that the Governor has already decided to change REGARDLESS of what parents want. This is an issue that was settled but you all can't leave well enough alone, because God forbid the previous Admin. made a choice to protect children you will/ have stereotyped. So this taxpayer calls BS on your so called "involving parents" in a decision none had a say in. This town hall is just smoke and mirrors for furthering a right wing agenda of discrimination against anyone not "normal".  It shows a sad display of how a party that claims it wants to reduce government overreach does just that by this useless waste of time asking for our comments when the decision was made long before you asked for our input...


Detrimental Policies. Protect Trans Kids!

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Schools should be a safe haven for all kids and an open environment for them to be themselves. These new policies will be crippling to an already marginalized group of kids making their way through their formative years. Not enough trans kids have supportive homes; these policies are hiding behind the shield of “parents rights” to make schools yet another unsafe and unwelcoming place for trans kids.


Strongly Oppose

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I cannot emphasize enough how harmful this legislation would be to transgender youth. As a former school counselor, it goes against all ethical and moral standards to “out” a student against their will. This legislation would prevent school employees, especially school counselors, from being individuals that students can trust while in school.

Over my 7 years as a school counselor working in a county that refused to support trans youth, I have witnessed first hand the negative effects that bullying and lack of support has on transgender students. This legislation further perpetuates the stereotype that transgender youth are deserving of such negative treatment.

According to The Trevor Project, 1 in 3 transgender youth reported attempting suicide in the past year (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/data-on-transgender-youth/)  Denying trans students support in school will only make this statistic worse.

This legislation will be taking Virginia back in time. It will be damaging. Oppose this legislation to ensure ALL students are provided a safe and inclusive environment while they are in school.

Thank you for your consideration.


This policy is harmful to children and burdensome to teachers

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This policy will have the effect of harming children who identify with a different gender. According to the NIH, more than half of all transgender youth attempt suicide. One of the main reasons for this is a lack of acceptance by others. Unfortunately, sometimes that rejection comes from their own parents, some of whom oppose this policy.  This proposal would force some transgender youth to choose between two bad options: 1) reveal their transgender status to unsupportive parents and risk being ostracized, kicked out of their home, or worse; or 2) hide their true selves from classmates and teachers where they might get some of the support they are missing at home.

In addition to being bad for children, this policy proposal would be bad for teachers. It forces teachers to add yet one more responsibility to their already over ladened plates. Given the dire teacher shortage facing Virginia, we should pay attention to the reasons so many of them are leaving a profession they loved: unreasonable expectations of what they could and should be doing, in addition to teaching.

Finally, the argument that this policy will "turn" children transgender is absurd. People don't choose to be transgender -- and given the hatred many of them face as a result of their status, it is not a choice most people would make if it were a choice.

Please oppose this policy proposal.


STRONGLY IOPPOSE

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This proposal claims that it protects people from having to subscribe to ideologies that go against their personal beliefs. Will Virginia withhold these same rights to their students by forcing the erasure or trans and LGBTQ+ students? It seems like this policy is more concerned with parents than the actual students the VDOE claims to serve. Please remember: parents do not always have their children’s interest in mind. Outing students to their parents opens vulnerable children up to abuse. Trans and LGBTQ+ youth account for a disproportional amount of the homeless population. This plan runs the distinct risk of increasing this percentage. If the VDOE really cares about protecting children, they will allow ALL students the right to self expression, growth, and exploration within a safe and accepting school environment.


Transgender children

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Transgender students are especially vulnerable and need all the protection we can give them, even from non-supportive parents. Restore their dignity. Respect their choices!


FFLC Supports the Revised Model Policies

Jim Davids, Founding Freedoms Law Center

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Virginia Board of Education

James Monroe Building

101 N. 14th Street, 25th Floor

Richmond, VA 23219

Re: Comments on Revised Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools

Dear Sir/Madam:

Founding Freedoms Law Center (“FFLC”) is a public interest law firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. FFLC and its parent, The Family Foundation of Virginia (“TFF”), have supporters in most Virginia cities and counties. FFLC makes these comments on behalf of itself as well as its supporters.

On February 3, 2021, FFLC filed extensive comments on a proposed policy for the treatment of “transgender” students in Virginia’s public schools. In those comments, FFLC showed that the 2021 policy was fatally flawed because, among other reasons, it ignored parental rights, a right deemed “fundamental” by the United States Supreme Court, the Virginia Supreme Court, and the Virginia legislature. These comments were ignored by the Virginia Department of Education in 2021. But, as previously noted by others, elections have consequences, and one of the consequences of the last statewide election is a new administration that recognizes the fundamental rights of parents to control the education and upbringing of their children. The new policy (“2022 policy”) corrects many of the legal flaws present in the 2021 policy.

The importance of parental rights was recognized by the United States Supreme Court in Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57, 65-66 (2000). In Troxel, Justice O’Connor for a plurality of the United States Supreme Court reiterated the following principles that have guided the rights of parents over the education of their children for the past 100 years.

The Fourteenth Amendment provides that no State shall “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” We have long recognized that the Amendment’s Due Process Clause, like its Fifth Amendment counterpart, guarantees more than fair process. The Clause also includes a substantive component that provides heightened protection against government interferences with certain fundamental rights and liberty interests.

The liberty interest at issue in this case — the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children — is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court. More than 75 years ago, in Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390, 399, 401 (1923), we held that the ‘liberty’ protected by the Due Process Clause includes the right of parents “to establish a home and bring up children” and “to control the education of their own.” Two years later, in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510, 534-535 (1925), we again held that the “liberty of parents and guardians” includes the right “to direct the upbringing and education of children under their control.” We explained in Pierce that “[t]he child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” Id., at 535. We returned to the subject in Prince v. Massachusetts, 321 U.S. 158 (1944), and again confirmed that there is a constitutional dimension to the right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. “It is cardinal with us that the custody, care and nurture of the child resides first in the parents, whose primary function and freedom include preparation for obligations the state can neither supply nor hinder.” Id. at 166.

In subsequent cases also, we have recognized the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children. . . . In light of this extensive precedent, it cannot now be doubted that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment protects the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children.

The 2021 Model Policies adopted by the Virginia Department of Education (“VDOE”) violated these fundamental rights of parents by circumventing parental involvement in a pivotal decision affecting their minor children's care, health, education, and future. The 2021 Model Policies enabled minor children, of any age, to transition socially to a different gender identity at school without parental notice or consent,
 and effectively required school personnel to enable this transition.  The 2021 Model Policies also discouraged personnel from communicating with parents about this potentially life-altering and dangerous choice if the parents did not agree with the child’s wishes.

The flawed 2021 Model Policies were flawed because one of the areas most needed for parental instruction and control is a child’s sexuality. The sensitivity of this area was recognized by the General Assembly in Virginia Code § 22.1-207.2, which requires schools to distribute to parents a summary of the family life curriculum (which, per Virginia Code § 22.1-207.1 includes human sexuality, human reproduction, dating violence and sexually transmitted diseases), permits parents to review this curriculum, requires the school to give notice that parents “have the right to excuse their child from all or part of family life education instruction,” and encourages parents to provide “guidance and involvement in the instruction of the students.” This statute is, quite frankly, an excellent model for VDOE to follow with respect to self-identifying “transgender” students, and we are grateful that the VDOE in its newly proposed 2022 Model Policies has recognized this.

The 2021Model Policies similarly violated the rights of Virginia parents under Virginia Code § 1-240.1. This law states in full: “A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.” (Emphasis added). The note for this statute states that “it is the expressed intent of the General Assembly that this act codify the opinion of the Supreme Court of Virginia in L.F. v. Breit, . . . as it relates to parental rights.” The Virginia Supreme Court’s discussion of parental rights states:

The relationship between a parent and child is a constitutionally protected liberty interest under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. . . . Indeed, the Supreme Court of the United States has characterized a parent's right to raise his or her child as “perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.” Troxel, 530 U.S. at 65. Any statute that seeks to interfere with a parent's fundamental rights survives constitutional scrutiny only if it is narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest. McCabe v. Commonwealth, 274 Va. 558, 563 (2007); . . .” L.F. v. Breit, 285 Va. 163, 182 (2013). (Some citations omitted).

Applying the compelling state interest test doomed the 2021 Model Policies’ attempt to keep parents uninformed of their child’s quest to self-identify as a different gender.  Under this test, the Commonwealth must prove that its interest in helping a child do so is “paramount,” “of the highest order,” and “vital” compared to the interest of the parents. See Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania, 140 S. Ct. 2367, 2392 (2020).  The Commonwealth must also prove that there was no other narrower means to achieve the student’s altered gender identification than by withholding information and deceiving the student’s parents. The school, in such an instance, would usurp the role of the parent to become the student’s protector and guide.

The VDOE, and the school boards relying on the flawed 2021 Model Policies, simply cannot bear its legal burden when there is a violation of parental rights. This flaw, if uncorrected, could result in very large legal fees against school boards. This flaw, again, has been significantly corrected in the 2022 VDOE policy, which recognizes the fundamental rights of parents to direct the education of their children.

In short, the 2022 Model Policy is a major and needed improvement upon the fatally flawed existing Model Policy, and FFLC commends the Virginia Department of Education for its work in correcting them.

                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                        /s/ James A. Davids, J.D., Ph.D.

                                                                                General Counsel

                                                                        jim@foundingfreedomslaw.org


Proposed trans policies

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These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Protect trans and nonbinary kids. RESCIND these model policies.
Let children be their best self and protect them. It’s our duty as a society to help, support, and love each other, especially those that are at risk.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>As someone who attended public school with transgender and nonbinary peers before Governor Northam implemented protections for transgender youth, I have seen how detrimental of an environment being ridiculed and oppressed makes the youth.  Many of these kids that had to hide their identity at school were suicidal.  School is a place where people are meant to learn and that includes learning about their own identity.  I can guarantee if my peers were able to be open about their different identity without the fear of being outed to parents who could easily be abusive, they would have been so much less stressed and scared.  With so many parents being uninformed and bigoted this policy is putting children at extreme risk.  Kids can't escape their home and for many children school is the only safe place (minus the gun violence) that they see all day.  It is obvious that Governor Younkin is trying to put lgbtq and lgbtq questioning children in abusive and violent situations with this policy.  He wants transgender youths dead and the easiest way is for him to implement policies that push transgender and non gender conforming children to kill themselves.  Kids have the right to explore their identity before potentially telling their family.  Kids deserve the autonomy to withhold information from other people including their parents in order to stay safe.  Children are people, too.  It's time that the governor comes to terms with that.  </p>


Strongly oppose

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These misguided policies are demeaning to a segment of our communities and should be opposed. School should be safe for all kids—why is someone’s gender identity more troubling than gun violence?


I oppose

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Transgender children face unseen challenges everyday and making them feel more out of place or potentially outing them to their parents without their consent could ruin a child’s life. This bill implies that to be trans is wrong and pushes the stereotypes that people in the LGTBQ+ community are groomers, and that the only way a child would think that they are trans is because they have been groomed. For the safety of my friends whom I love dearly, please do not enforce this.


Thanks Youngkin

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May God be glorified by the actions we take to honor Him.  He created them male and female.

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

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


Shimoneta

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It's 16 years after the "Law for Public Order and Morals in Healthy Child-Raising" banned coarse language in the country. Tanukichi Okuma enrolls in the country's leading elite public morals school and is soon invited into the Anti-Societal Organization (SOX) by its founder, Ayame Kaj?. As a member blackmailed into joining by Ayame, Tanukichi ends up taking part in obscene acts of terrorism against the talented student council president and his crush Anna.


Be a good human and support trans people (OPPOSED)

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show your local trans people kindness and oppose this policu


Protecting our LGBTQIA+ youth is protecting our future ??????

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<p>Schools need to be a safe space for all, our youth needs to feel respected and loved by their teachers no matter what. We must fight for our rights, so I ask that you are on our side, for LGBTQIA+ rights truly save lives and will make the lives of others so loving and inclusive. Do what truly feels right, and help stand up for the better! </p>


support policy 100%

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If a child is struggling with gender dysphoria a parent needs to know so they can give needed support and care.

To physically protect our female student athletes biological males must not be allowed to compete in female competitions.

Our female students also need the privacy and security of sharing bathrooms, overnight accommodations and locker rooms with only biological females.


Highschool DxD

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High School DxD is a Japanese light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero. The series revolves around Issei Hyoudou, a perverted high school student who is reincarnated into a Devil by Rias Gremory after being killed on his first date. He later joins the Occult Research Club as he strives to rise up the Devils' ranks to fulfill his dream of building a harem and becoming a "Harem King".


STRONGLY SUPPORT Gov. Youngkin

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<p>The new sexualities are very decisive in the classroom. The place for troubled children is in the therapist’s office. There is no way to take care of such intimate issues in the classroom. Parents have these rights in their own homes and their own guides, not in the public classroom with others present.  Best to take all sex Ed out of the schools and old classes for parents if they want help in teaching/ handling their kid.  “ Keep your hands off my kid’s sex” is what most parents think and feel very deeply.  Intrusion here is child sexual abuse by public authorities.  Teachers will loose the trust of parents.  School authorities already have lost a lot.  Gov Youngkin is moving in the right direction.  No matter what he has to lead. </p>