A huge improvement in common-sense handling of transgender students

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The 2021 Model Policies document was deeply flawed and a one-sided approach to handling this issue.  And it created an unhealthy battle between school administrators and parents who dis-agreed with the the schools approach to handling this issue.  The 2022 Model Policies are a huge improvement by restoring the central role that parents play in the upbringing of their children.  And it restores the proper balance in handling this issue.  The 2021 approach forced down the throats of students and parents a required way to think and view this subject.  People can respect each other and still dis-agree with others viewpoints.  Tolerance for all doesn't mean that the state gets to dictate the 1 and only allowable view on subjects.  People have good faith differences of opinion on many subjects.  Generally tolerance for all means that the schools should stay out of the business of advocating for one side or the other.  They should teach children HOW to think.  NOT indoctrinate them in WHAT to think!


Two recommended changes for the 2022 Model Policies

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 I’m a father of five and am supportive of large parts of this guidance, but not all. I will recommend two specific and vital changes.  The guidance document is founded on the expectation that each student’s home environment is safe, trusting, and supportive. Unfortunately, this is not the case for all children. So, to protect children, the guidance needs to directly address these cases.

Recommendation 1: The definition of “eligible student” in section IV.B.4 should include students under 18 where reporting or evidence of abuse exists, as that is an indication of a non-supportive home environment. An abused student requires respect and trust in the school environment as they may not be receiving it at home.  See 22VAC40-705-40 for State law regarding reporting of abuse. Further, schools should openly offer an opportunity for students to report abuse or neglect at home and that confidence should NOT be relayed directly to the parents by the school, as it could further endanger the student and would be inconsistent with the guidance.  I cannot accept the guidance without this explicit adjustment as I feel it could make the school legally complicit in abuse situations.

My second concern with this guidance is that a major theme seems to be based on either fear -or- lack of understanding about our kids. What other reason would justify our not trusting young adult children to identify themselves? We want our children prepared by our schools to live in a complicated and changing world where important choices are made daily, and yet we can’t trust them to even choose a nickname or a pronoun until they are 18? What does that say about us that we trust a child to drive as early as 16 but not to identify who they are until 18? Both are issues of trust and yet only driving could endanger anyone.

Maybe some parents fear their children will make choices different than they, themselves, would and that they, as parents, would feel they made some mistake raising that child or that something is wrong with the child. But for all history children have made different choices than parents. If our homes are truly loving and supportive, we already share our perspectives … but we then trust our children, as long as they are not harming others.

For our children, school is an opportunity to learn about our amazingly diverse world, its people, languages, sciences, sports, and arts. But it is also a place for them to safely learn about themselves and their fellow students, and to make make increasingly meaningful social choices. In our increasingly polarized political environment we need to give them more opportunities to do this, not fewer. If the next generation is expected to be better than ours, we need to let them learn of diverse perspectives, in a safe environment, and we need to trust them.

Recommendation 2: Adjust definition of “eligible student” in section IV.B.4 further to be the age we want to start trusting older children to make basic decisions about themselves, an earlier age than 18. Specifically, when they turn 15 or enter High School, whichever happens last. This is not arbitrary, but generally aligns to the same science that led to driver’s permit eligibility to start around age 15, except this is a far less dangerous choice.


Opposition of model policy

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Aside the obvious fact that it is illegal and discriminatory, this policy will hurt children.  Nothing in the policy improves educational outcomes for the students of Virginia which should be the focus of the Department of Education.  The 2021 Model Policy should remain in effect and advanced.  This new model policy should NOT be adopted. As a friend of VA school children and families, I oppose this model policy.


Strongly oppose this harmful policy

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It seems that a major justification for the content of this policy draft is that there are parents that object the current policy that protects trans kids. Their objections are based in fear and sometimes prejudice or ignorance. VDOE should be basing policy and recommendations to schools on current best practices recommended by child development specialists and education professionals. The movement to allow a vocal group of parents to dictate how schools are run, what is taught, what books are in the libraries, and now, how trans kids are treated. Schools are run by professional educators and I trust them to make these decisions, not angry, vocal parents who think they know best. Please don't bow to this kind of pressure. Please follow the advice of professionals. Please do not enact this discriminatory and dangerous policy. Thank you.


strongly oppose this policy

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This policy will do nothing but harm children. Students deserve the same privacy as everyone else, and exposing vulnerable children to hate will get them killed.


I oppose this policy

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You are harming kids more than helping them. Do you really want to deny them happiness? You cannot say you care about children if you don't care about all of them.


Strongly oppose this harmful policy.

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This will only endanger children.


It is unethical for the adults in school system be involved in the sexual preferences of children

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It is not appropriate or responsible for teachers to discuss sexual preferences, desires, or  private and personal sexual matters with children. Why are adults at the schools pushing and entertaining private sexual issues with children?? This is not and should not be in the preview of general and public education.

If an adult heterosexual teacher is discussing his or her sexual interest and how to achieve those desires with his or her students she or he should be fired! That is irresponsible and borders on illegal. It should be the same for anyone else regardless of sexual preferences.

It’s not discriminatory to hold teachers to a standard that will protect and respect personal and private sexual matters as personal and private especially in regards to children.

Administrators and Teachers should not be allowed to have those types of conversations with students. It’s unethical at best.

Once the school system begins to encroach upon the private sexual orientation or desires of a child that system has begin to completely disregard it’s ethical standards and is in violation of its own purposes. The school system is wrong for allowing adults to push matters of sexuality on the students.


Parents Rights

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I support our Governor and parents rights


Support trans students

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Trans students deserve their privacy and their right to express themself in ways that they choose. Student's privacy should not be violating by reporting all activities to their parents. Furthermore, a trans student asking to be referred to by certain pronouns does not violate the free speech of others, but is instead a right of each person for freedom to choose, express themselves and pursue happiness.


Get suicidal kids mental health care- not new pronouns and a free pass to the girls bathroom

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the liberals are brainwashing these kids. Support our children!


I oppose this policy

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<p>Pushing vile anti-trans rhetoric and legislation into schools harms children. </p>


I oppose this policy, protect trans kids

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This policy will result in nothing more than a spike in abuse and neglect as a direct result of transphobic parental figures, a rise in depression and anxiety rates among transgender youth, a rise in violence and bullying against transgender children, and will disturb the learning environment of all involved. If you care about children at all, then you'll oppose this policy, because all its going to do is get kids killed.


Yes! Protect children from predators! Finally! Thank you!

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<p>Children need a sense of wellbeing. They need to be given a safe place to maintain their innocence.  Children have the right to be who they are.  They have a right to learn how to read, write, do arithmetic and be who they are - boys and girls.  Girls are not boys.  Boys are not girls. This should not be confusing - AT ALL!  Gender is not a disease to be "cured. " This is radical feminism gone awry! Society has been so thoroughly drenched in the sexual revolution (license to do anything with anyone, "as long as it is consensual it's okay" mentality) that sex has lost all meaning and purpose.  This progression of baseness has snowballed to where now even children are openly targeted in this sick, twisted, and perverse view of human sexuality.  Innocence is lost and children suffer greatly for it, in sadness and depression.  We are made for greatness, goodness, and love. We are not made to be the objects of someone else's sexual gratification. We are not made for empty "relationships."  The sexual revolution has brought nothing but broken hearts, psychosis and neurosis, violence, and murder, through the seeking of self-gratification, which leads to more disillusionment and the spiritual vacuum.  It is time we wake up and stand up for children - protect them, lead them and guide them in goodness and purity of heart.         </p>


I strongly oppose

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Being transgender isn't a disease. It's a natural part of existence. As our understanding of gender identity evolves, it is counterproductive to hurt those who are trying to be comfortable in their own skin. This is going to murder children. It might be hard for some to understand, but as someone who is young and transgender, I would rather die than not be allowed to be who I really am. I would rather be dead than be shoved back into a closet.

The world is terrifying when everyone constantly questions your identity. There are people whose jobs are to go on TV and rant about how I'm not real and don't deserve respect or consideration. How I'm sick and need medical help instead of being supported emotionally. We live in a world where parents will abuse their children for not being exactly who they want them to be, and it's seriously harmful to everyone living in it. We can't keep taking steps back because some people are scared of change. No, you don't need to completely understand it, but at least try. Preventing trans kids from existing and living their lives is inherently harmful and dangerous.

And for those who are concerned about trans people in bathrooms, statistically speaking, transgender and gender-nonconforming students in college are the most likely to be raped. And I don't think we'd even be having this conversation if all bathrooms had stalls. If you want something to get angry over, that's ten times more justified than being angry at those who are trans for just living their lives and going to the restroom.

Those who support this bill don't care about the kids at stake. This is an excuse to be transphobic, and it hurts how much we're backsliding when it comes to accepting and caring about other people. Those who are transgender are not monsters. They're people who exist trying to just live their lives and be who they are, which becomes infinitely difficult when there are laws placed to inhibit their ability to do that.


I oppose this policy

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I oppose this policy.  I have known a number of young people struggling with their gender identity who were absolutely not safe to discuss it with their parents.  Our priority must be the safety of all children in our schools.


I oppose - Protect the Child is the core principle for educators

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<p>Parental rights should always be bounded by the rights of the child, which take precedence. Not saying the existing policy is perfect, but it errs on protecting the child. The new version is mainly about the parents. Therefore I oppose the proposed revision. </p>


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I oppose Governor Youngkin’s model policy.

This policy is illegal and discriminatory and will hurt children.  Nothing in the policy improves educational outcomes for the students of Virginia which should be the focus of the Department of Education.

The proposed model policy ignores the parental rights of parents of transgender and gender expansive students.  Schools should be required to use the preferred name and pronouns that students communicate and that their parents communicate. As written, even if a parent of a transgender child requests a name and pronouns, teachers will not be required to use them.

The 2021 Model Policy should remain in effect and advanced.  This new model policy should NOT be adopted.


Strongly Opposed to Gov. Youngkin's Proposed Transgender Policy 2022

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I am a former school secretary who worked for 20 years in a Virginia school, the grandparent of a Virginia school student who identifies as non-binary, and a Virginia registered voter. I strongly disagree with Gov. Youngkin’s new model policies.

While my grandchild has a loving and supportive family, many LGBTQ+ students do not. These students are at much higher risk of suicide--not because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, but because they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. Under the newly proposed policies, transgender students would lose the support and acceptance they may have found from teachers or counselors at school. As a taxpayer, I believe it is vital that ALL students feel safe and welcome at school, and object to this proposed discrimination and stigmatization of transgender students.

Youngkin’s new model policies are particularly disturbing because they go against the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics: that those who identify as transgender and gender diverse have access to comprehensive, gender-affirming and developmentally appropriate care. Gov. Youngkin’s proposed model policies prioritize the preferences of conservative students and teachers over the well-being and psychological safety of transgender and gender diverse students. The new policies would place transgender students at a high risk of being harmed.

Because of the standing legal precedent ruling in favor of transgender students’ rights (Grimm vs. Glouster County VA School Board), Youngkin’s proposed model policies are highly likely to be ruled unlawful when challenged in court. Youngkin’s policies appear to be political grandstanding, to appeal to his most conservative voters, at the expense of transgender children.

I will continue to stand up for equality and fair treatment of ALL Virginia students, and oppose Youngkin's discriminatory proposed policies regarding transgender students.


Support this bill- protect girls at school!

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Stop discriminating against girls!


Strongly Support the Governor's Changes

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Parents should always be involved in their children's education and decisions that affect them.


This bill will cause an increase in child abuse and depression

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The government needs to stop trying to police the bodies of children. It is not a crime to explore gender identity. It is not unhealthy or weird to do so. People need to accept that transgender people have existed for centuries, this is not a new "woke" thing. I wish public resources and energy wasn't spent on encouraging the abuse of children at the hands of transphobes. Educate yourselves on what being transgender actually means and how transphobia damages children.


Younkin's adding parents as notified

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Folks,

How many things done by governments to families and individuals THAT ARE DONE IN SECRET, are beneficial?  I would say very very few.  Encouraging gender confusion and preliminary steps towards gender reassignment, puberty blocking or even simply encouraging homosexual activity are NOT.  Stick to your jobs, teaching subjects that will ultimately result in jobs and fulfilling careers.  This is what you were hired for and what those who are your ultimate employers expect.  Grooming, an undue emphasis on sex, and indoctrination into whatever are your beliefs are, is way outside of you proper job titles.  If a child or even young adult is confused, you are not authorized, or in most cases trained, to intervene.  Let the parents know and help the child or find him/her help.


Bullying Will Happen this way

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Look.

These kids are old enough to know if and how their body makes them uncomfortable. If you force them to feel out of place, or worse, out them to parents who may turn abusive behind closed doors, you have hurt the kids you have promised to help. School's supposed to be a safe place to focus on learning. Kids can't focus on learning if they're not safe to express their identity. It's not just about gender; through policies like these they're learning that they should hide other parts of themselves in case other people hate them for it.


Protect those with gender confusion

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Children are most loved and best supported by parents. No government entity should ever substitute their will, which cannot love because it is not human, for that of a parent. Parents must have the first and ultimate right unless an open and constitutional court deems them unfit. Second, teachers who have faith convictions, invariably are in better touch with acts of love for their students than detached administrators or government at large. Even barring protecting our constitution for all of us, barring teachers of faith from living that faith is also a destructive evil. Yes it is evil that opposes love and that is the origin of separating families from each other and teachers from their faith in love.


Support Childrens Rights

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These types of policies do nothing to support the children in our country, only to satisfy the egos of the people who hate anything in the arbitrary "other" group they decide on every year. Trans people are not predators for being trans, and children deserve to have privacy regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, class, or creed. These policies will only open up vulnerable children to abuse by their parents and peers. We should be focusing on the quality of education our children receive rather than trying to create such strict binaries for what is and isn't acceptable gender presentation. Support trans youth and respect the privacy of all children by not outing them to a potentially harmful environment but rather offer them support so that they may succeed.


I Support

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I strongly believe that every child deserves love, respect, and dignity. I do not however believe that we accomplish this by opening up the opportunity for children to choose their gender without the consent or knowledge of their parent or guardian. There are elementary aged children who were swept into this confusion and encouraged to participate in things that many parents would never consent to throughout the state due to the prior policy. This is wrong and I support the new policy. Parents deserve the right to know what their children are doing regarding much smaller matters than gender identification.


Wrong Priorities for Virginia

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We ought to prioritize educational success.

Chinese students rank at the top of math and science testing globally, while U.S. students lag significantly behind Asian and European counterparts.

Let’s focus on better academic performance, not divisive policies.

Let’s invest more in schools, especially in small, rural, and poorer communities.

Let’s respect the privacy of all students – it’s not expensive to provide a private changing room or a single bathroom to protect modesty.

At the same time, let’s make all students feel welcome – we need to empower everyone to use their talents for our nation’s future.

As Americans, so many of us have fought against bullies who try to harm or stigmatize minorities.  Those efforts made us stronger.

The governor should withdraw the divisive draft policies for transgender students and turn his attention to more pressing needs for the children of Virginia.


Transgender Policy

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I support respect for children and parents. I support parental notification and helping  families work through issues of transgenderism with compassion and care, including professional assistance where needed.


I support trans youth

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<p>Any policy that threatens to out trans students before they are ready and disrespects their bodily autonomy is the opposite of freedom. People, including students, have a right to express themselves and live their lives without government or school intervention. This policy puts transgender students in danger and puts the government into people's personal lives. One would think that a republican governor would be against such things, but instead he decides to throw personal freedom under the bus in the name of hurting kids. Trans students are not the property of their parents or their schools, stop treating them as such! </p>


opposed

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Having read these model policies, I do not support them.  Quoting from Section V, Part C on page 5:  "Practices such as compelling others to use preferred pronouns is premised on the ideological belief that gender is a matter of personal choice or subjective experience, not sex.  Many Virginians reject this belief."  First, I don't know any trans or nonbinary people who chose their gender.  What they have chosen is to accept who they already are.  Second, "Many Virginians reject this belief" precisely out of their own "personal choice or subjective experience."  And I understand where that's coming from.   If you've been told all your life that gender corresponds with sex and you have zero experience of what it's like for your gender and your sex to be at odds with one another, it can be difficult to accept otherwise...but the refusal to accept is nonetheless a choice.  These policies are aimed at appeasing parents who have made that choice.  They do so at the expense of the well-being of transgender and nonbinary children who did not choose their gender and do not live in a home where it is safe for them to come out.


Support Gov. Youngkin and Protect Parental Rights, Girls, and Religious Liberty

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<p>I support the policy change Gov. Youngkin has proposed.  Parents have a right to be involved in the care and education of their children.  Girls, biological girls, have a right to privacy and safety in school, bathrooms, locker rooms, and on sports teams that correspond to their biological sex.  And Christians, teachers/staff/students, should be allowed to hold to their belief in two genders - male and female, and not be made to use pronouns that do not correspond to a person's biological sex.  </p>


This policy will get children killed

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<p>This policy ignores all guidance from pediatricians and mental health professionals. Not allowing young people to choose how they live their lives is harmful to them and denies their agency. </p>


I oppose this policy!

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<p>Policing trans students is a danger to the students, and a waste of teacher time and government resources. Focus your attention elsewhere! </p>


I oppose this policy

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I am submitting this anonymously because I am a a gubernatorial appointee. I am deeply committed to this appointment and I have been told I provide value due to this appointment. I believe my appointment would be in jeopardy should I make my name public. This is the only anonymous comment I have ever made.

This policy does not serve the interest of all Virginians and is inaccurate on many levels:

the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit concluded on August 26, 2020 in an opinion in Gavin GRIMM, Plaintiff – Appellee, v. GLOUCESTER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, Defendant – Appellant that stated: "Concluding that, under Title IX, discrimination against a person for being transgender or homosexual constitutes discrimination of the basis of sex."

Review history: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka 347 U.S. 483, Loving v. Virginia 388 U.S. 1, United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515, or SmithKline Beecham Corporation v. Abbott Laboratories, 740 F.3d 471 (9th Cir. 2014) are just three cases that should help you understand this policy stands in violation of federal law and policy. Simply stated, this policy is on the wrong side of history. Virginia has a long and sad history of implementing discriminatory policies. This is yet another example and one that tomorrow and ten years of tomorrows will be overturned.

Hiding behind parental rights? What about the parents of transgender children who want to see their children treated with respect and safety? This policy does not address their decisions in support of their children at all.

I encourage you to stand now for all Virginians. Withdraw this model policy and help lead to an equitable and inclusive future rather than simply follow the past.


Opposed to the proposed policy changes

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This guidance is not in accordance with guidelines established by real medical professionals such as the American Medical Association and the American Pediatric Association. The reason they're opposed to it is because it creates a hostile environment for trans youth. I am deeply opposed to this backward thinking policy change.


Support protection of children from perverted woke mob.

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It saddens me to see where our society has gone. Where are the adults in the room? For goodness sake, wake up and stop this nonsense.


I strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy. It would be a terrible mistake. It would make our schools hostile and dangerous environments for trans and non-binary youths, who are already some of the most at risk for suicide and self-harm. It is clear the governor has not actually consulted with experts or the trans/non-binary community. He has only proposed this because he is trying to use the culture war to raise his profile so he can run for president. He does not care about this state, or its people. He doesn't care about parents, and he doesn't care about kids. This policy is cruel, and it must be rescinded.


Students need to feel like they belong

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<p>Priority of schools are and should always be to support and educate students. Part of this as teachers is to make sure all students feel safe and feel like they belong at school. School has always been a safe haven for all students while supporting the identity of the student not the identity of the parents. This law gives rights to parents yet does not consider the mental health of the child. A child's identity whether it is related to their culture, religion, gender, race, language, etc. should always be supported and recognized so that the student feels like they belong and are listened too. </p>


I support this bill designed to protect little girls

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Common sense legislation.


Transgender Policy Changes

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I strongly support the changes proposed by the Governor.


I oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose the Governor's model policy.   </p>


Governor, can you please not let the adults let boys into our locker room when we shower.

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Governor, my soccer team has to practice every Tuesday and Thursday before school. Showering is mandatory. Can you please not let the adults let boys into the locker room when we shower and change for school. It is really awkward and it’s not fair to the girls on my team. Thank you. Amy


I oppose the Govenor and support ALL our trans youth

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This very important and I hope and pray that people will seriously say "NO" and continue supporting our trans kids.


Parents should be recognized as the ones responsible for the upbringing of their children

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I applaud the new policies.  They honor the sacred role of parents in the care of their children during school, athletics and other activities.  Parents know their children’s needs better than anyone. If children are struggling with gender dysphoria, they need guidance and emotional support from parents.  Under the new policies, school officials must keep parents fully informed, and require schools to enforce laws, regulations and policies that prohibit and deter bullying or harassment.  To do otherwise is a form of child abandonment--forcefully separating a child from the family.  Student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities and events should be determined by sex, e.g., for overnight travel accommodations and locker rooms.  Students should normally 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.  Thank you for this opportunity to comment.


Support the Governor


If you want to live an ultra woke liberal lifestyle, go to California where you will be happy.


Fully support this legislation

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School is about math and science not this ultra woke liberal nonsense.


I support banning people with penises from entering little girl’s bathrooms

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We did not come to America to have unsafe schools.


Parental rights

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Using my many years of parenting, and now grandparenting as background, I fully support the Governor's policy statements and believe they should be codified in law.  I think that the current efforts of educational systems to supplant parental rights and responsibilities is abhorrent to wise persons of this age, and would certainly be repulsive to our Founding Fathers.

    As an American, I do not believe in government from the top down as communist and Asian governmental systems accept.  Stop governmental intrusion into the lives of the American people.

Yours truly,

Richard M. Schaad

7319 Reservation Dr.

Springfield, VA, 22153


Totally agree with You grin!

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Please…get this crap out of the schools and force these liberal superintendents and school boards to go back to the basics. Enough is enough!


No to Discrimination

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As a trans person myself, I am vehemently opposed to this policy. Trans kids need respect and support from teachers and administrators, not to be subjected to misgendering or deadnaming from the very adults who are supposed to protect them. Trans kids also should not be segregated from everyone else just because they need to use the bathroom. Singling kids out like this is terrible for their mental health and can also result in being repeatedly late to class if the only bathroom they're allowed to use is far away. This policy is just another way to discriminate against a vulnerable population of kids who are just trying to live their lives in peace. Shame on you!


Fully support proposed policy!

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<p>It’s a bizarre idea that vulnerable, confused children should be able to decide to change gender without their parents being involved in such a life-altering process. There are two genders, male and female, and no addition to the lgbtq… alphabet soup will change that fact. </p>


Education policy change

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<p>Strongly support Gov Youngkin’s proposal.  </p>


CNN Interview

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Just saw your interview on CNN.  Have to ask -- do you support parents who SUPPORT THEIR CHILDREN in transitioning?  Are you only supporting parents on the other side of this argument?  You didn't tell the truth in the interview.  You said parents who support their kids using the bathroom of their child's identity will have that supported by the schools but that is NOT what this ruling says -- it says that children using a bathroom different from their birth gender must have paperwork from a judge.  Be honest.  This entire thing is saying that you don't value transgender people, and you didn't talk with a single transgender child before trying to implement this policy.


Strongly Oppose

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These proposed policies and changes violate the Virginia Human Rights Act, which protects against discrimination on the basis of gender identity in public settings, including schools. As a high school teacher in a Virginia public school system, I strongly oppose the policies and support the Virginia Human Rights Act.


Support for new model guidance

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As a parent of a daughter in VA schools, I support the new model guidance which includes and empowers parents in their child's education and moral development. Children are too young to make irreversible decisions about their body on their own that have already been shown to cause severe medical/psychological issues as they get older. This guidance allows the flexibility of schools to make the optimal decisions in regard to field trips/overnight lodging with parental input.


Proposed Guidance Document regarding the Treatment of Transgender Students

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This proposed Guidance Document seems to pit parents against students/children.  The opening introduction says that the rights of students shall be protected from bullying, discrimination.  Yet the Guiding Principles states that parents shall have the authority (read: power) to guide their children's growth and development.  But what if it is the parent who disagrees with his/her child's transgender development and is the source of the bullying and discrimination?  Is the child's school required to take the side of the parent and disregard the child's opinions, thoughts, ideas, desires?  If yes, then how can society expect the next generation of leaders, parents, bosses, etc., to grow up to think for themselves and be prepared to take on leadership roles that are vacated by retiring/expiring current leaders?  Children don't automatically know how to make their own choices, think for themselves, or grow into productive, mature adults.  They need to practice and perhaps make mistakes.  To force schools to substitute parents' attitudes, beliefs for their students' attitudes/beliefs is counter to the stated Introduction in this proposed Guidance Document.


What does this mean for our trans teachers? Will this discrimination ever end?

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If you think Youngkin will stop with this nonsense, I've got a bridge to sell ya.

What about our trans teachers? If Youngkins logic is that "parents have rights to be involved in their children's schooling, blah blah blah" & that's the entire reason a parent would have to approve their child being called a different name then their given name, next it'll be "parents have a right to know who's teaching their children". How many amazing trans teachers could be either outed or quit or get fired?

Don't be fooled into thinking this will end here. This won't end until he's out of office. You might support this BS, but what about when the next proposal targets YOUR kids? Or YOU?


Support of VDOE’s newly proposed Model Policies on Privacy, Dignity, and Respect.

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I support the Virginia Catholic Conference position that parents have an irreplaceable role in guiding them and ensuring their well-being. (CCC, 2221). In 2020, the Virginia Catholic Conference opposed legislation requiring VDOE to issue transgender policy mandates on public schools. In 2021, we opposed the Northam administration’s regulations implementing this legislation – regulations which severely undercut parents’ rights.

 I therefore support the Youngkin administration overhauling those rules and replacing them with regulations that restore parental rights. VDOE’s newly proposed Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents uphold parents’ God-given and constitutional right to guide their child’s development. The new policies also protect the First Amendment rights of students and staff.

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

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

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

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

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


Sexual assault is real. Get boys out of girls bathrooms and locker rooms.

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Keep kids safe from these perverted liberals.


Oppose-Children are not their parents' property; this policy sets a reprehensible precedent

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Children, transgender or otherwise, are people. They have the right to define themselves how they wish to. Children should have the right to dictate what they are to be called, how they ought to be referred to, and how they present themselves, just like everyone else. Insisting that every aspect of a child's life be dictated by their parents' whims, tastes, and anxieties is absurd. The rights of parents cannot and should not supplant the rights of children. Just as a parent should not have the power to demand that schools call their child demeaning names, refuse to speak to or acknowledge their child, or report back a second-by-second timetable of all their child's movements, a parent should not have the power to demand that schools violate a child's preferences in self-determination.

Like using a nickname, there is nothing morally undesirable in a child called John asking to instead be called Jane; it is utterly, utterly neutral. There is no evidence that honoring such a request is harmful to the child making it or to their peers. In fact, there is growing evidence that doing so can actually be of benefit. Some people may find it weird, even disgusting, but such responses are subjective, and based in an emotional reaction to the unfamiliar. They are understandable, but not a legitimate basis for legal actions.

The issue at hand seems to be an interpersonal one; there are children who want one thing, and parents who want something else, and their positions are mutually incompatible. This is unfortunate, but incredibly common. These sorts of incongruencies are an inevitable and expected aspect of parenting, and, having borne out again and again, they cannot be solved by governmental policies. If a parent is so at odds with their child over the child's self-identity that they feel it necessary to demand surveillance and restriction from the school, that issue has already evolved past what could possibly be rectified with school policies. That sort of conflict requires counseling, not executive orders. And, in my experience, the more the parent seeks to control, the more the child seeks to be free.


Opposed. Repulsed. Disgusted. Angry. Sad. OPPOSED TO DISCRIMINATION.

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This is illegal discrimination against a protected class of people.

I realize your entire thing is "fixing" hot button issues for votes. And your supporters will  believe your consistent BS, because they can't be bothered doing any actual learning on their own. You "fixed" CRT being taught in VA schools right!!! (Why then are "Mom's for Liberty, who support your anti-trans agenda, still protesting to stop CRT being taught in school??? You already "fixed" it right?!?)

Children, straight, gay, trans, questioning, are NOT pawns for your political power plays. They're kids. You remember what those are right? I know yours is probably 18 by now, but he certainly wasn't when he attempted to vote for you, multiple times, without consequence. Trans children deserve the same dignity & respect that we afford all children. Governor Northam gave it to them.

Over 80% of trans children consider suicide.

Over 42% of trans children attempt suicide.

Your illegal proposal will increase that statistic. But, what's a few more dead kids, gotta keep your voters happy right?


Strongly Oppose: stop this stupid moral panic!

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Let me repeat what every credible medical organization has stated clearly and repeatedly: there is NO mutilation happening, puberty blockers are reversible and help prevent suicide, and nobody is asking girls to shower with boys. These are sick and perverted lies used to inflate this conservative moral panic! This hurts and ruins lives of marginalized kids and puts all kids under suspicion.

I don’t want the state or school administration policing and questioning my child’s identity or self expression.

Don’t force your misguided understanding of religion on my family!


Support Governor Younkins 2022 transgender policy

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<p>I support governor Younkins 2022 transgender policy </p>


Support of 2022 Gov Younkins transgender policy

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I support Governor Younkin's 2022 model policies on the privacy dignity and respect for all students and parents in Virginia public schools.

Sincerely. Linda Young


Strongly Oppose

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This law violates my ability as a parent to give my child a safe environment to study and grow in. It turns the school administrators into snitches and informants to enforce misguided intrusive policies that harm all students. How many innocent children will be interrogated because they are suspected to be trans or gender non-conforming a?

It is creepy and abusive how much this governor and conservative GOP moral panic mongers are using this document as an excuse to invade privacy of children if they don’t conform to their outdated and restrictive gender identity.

This document goes against all guidance of medical authorities and serves only to inflame a misguided moral panic for political gain, as it violates the safety and privacy of _all_ children in school.


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Why are people supporting and even wanting to celebrate children experiencing genital mutilations? Why is this even an issue in the school system? It’s an illegal practice around the world but because Doctors in America have perfected the procedure and the LBG community has adopted it as freedom of expression somehow a practice that should never be performed on children is being pushed to be embraced by everyone. It is the sexual exploitation of children!

If an adult goes to an school function with kindergarten children or even high schoolers   and serves them juice spiked with alcohol it’s clear that’s illegal. It should be and That person should go to jail for that.

The person can say, “well it’s juice” and he or she made it taste like juice but they changed the composition. It is not still juice because alcohol was added! It was changed it when The adult added a substance that is proven to be harmful to children and is illegal!!!

Underage drinking is illegal for a reason! Sexual transitions in childhood should be illegal since it’s effects are stronger and long term!!!

It’s genitalia mutilation wrapped in a bow with enticing advertisement. Doctors in America have found a way to make it look good but it’s the same practice!!!

This is an adult issue and it should not be allowed in underage children for even stronger and more compelling reasons than underage drinking.

Genitalia mutilation happens when a person’s sexual organ presented at his or her birth is changed or altered in such a way it’s natural function is restricted or can not function as the organ is naturally designed to function.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation


Unnecessary, Unconstitutional, and Engages in Targeted Discrimination

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The draft 2022 Model Policies (MP) has significant issues and should not be implemented. This includes the lack of qualified and scholarly sources that supports their assertions about transgender children, the minority group of students targeted explicitly in the policies.

The Definition of Sex vs. Gender

The updated MP defines sex without qualification and does not define gender but uses the terms as synonyms throughout the document. The American Medical Association (AMA) “affirms that an individual’s genotypic sex, phenotypic sex, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity are not always aligned or indicative of the other, and that gender for many individuals may differ from the sex assigned at birth”[i]. Recent definitions, according to the Yale School of Medicine[ii] include the following:

The term sex should be used as a classification, generally as male or female, according to the reproductive organs and functions that derive from the chromosomal complement [generally XX for female and XY for male].

The term gender should be used to refer to a person's self-representation as male or female, or how that person is responded to by social institutions on the basis of the individual's gender presentation.

Essentially, a person’s “sex” is based on chromosomes and the physical reproductive organs and functions as presented at birth. However, a 2019 Journal of the Endocrine Society study suggests that 1.3 of every 1,000 babies are born with identifiable intersex traits.[iii]

 Other studies indicate that the actual intersex rate, whether readily identified or not, is closer to 2%.[iv] The National Institute of Health defines intersex as the following:

A group of conditions in which there is a discrepancy between the external genitals and the internal genitals (the testes and ovaries).[v]

This complicates matters and introduces why the definitions of sex and gender are not interchangeable. Gender presentation is a complex biological issue and is inclusive of genetics, neurobiology, and endocrinology. The care given to transgender children “is not experimental care. This is care that’s been around, in a very formal fashion, for over 50 years,” says Michelle Forcier, a Brown University medical school professor.[vi]

Transgender is a Medical Issue and not an Ideology

The MP cites the Department’s mindfulness around constitutional rights, stating that the First Amendment does not require “individuals to adhere to or adopt any particular ideological beliefs” as reasons for a school faculty, teachers, and other public school employees' refusal to recognize a child’s preferred pronoun. However, the MP blatantly excludes that the First Amendment applies to children and students, as there is no legal age to exercise First Amendment freedoms. The MP further describes gender questioning and being transgender as an ideological issue and vaguely states that “many Virginians” do not support transgender care without sourcing or reputable data (pp. 5).

The Harvard study Parental Involvement and Life Satisfaction in Early Adolescence support the idea that parental involvement in pre- and school-aged children improves learning outcomes. No language in the study relates specifically to transgender children or supports the notion that gender dysphoria and transgenderism are ideological issues for education.

Gender dysphoria and being transgender is not ideological belief. It is a well-documented health condition with more than 50 years of clinical data. Based on this data, the American Medical Association (AMA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have guidelines on providing mental and physical medical care to individuals who experience gender dysphoria or are transgender.

As noted in its numerous law citations, the revised Model Policies go beyond parental rights and specifically target one minority group (pp.5). This targeted language increases the potential for bullying, violence, and suicide rates for transgender children, particularly if they do not have parental support or come from abusive homes. In the latter, supporting a transgender child does not violate FERPA or abrogate parental rights. This causes specific issues with the draft sample policy, including:

Section A, Item 3 says explicitly that “parents must be informed and given an opportunity to object before counseling services pertaining to gender are given.” This is vague and misleading language. Virginia schools do not provide “counseling programs” regarding gender identity and do not have the resources or background to conduct them. Item 4 indicates that administrators must speak with parents when a student confides in their counselor about issues related to gender. This removes a safety outlet and could risk a child’s life.

Section D, Item 2 indicates that school personnel can use “any nickname commonly associated with the name that appears in the student’s official record.” Many children and their parents use nicknames that are not “commonly associated” with their legal name. This places an undue burden on the student and potentially violates their First Amendment rights.

Section D, Item 6 contradicts the laws repeatedly cited by this policy to support the notion that parental rights are supreme regarding the education and development of their child. The school, faculty, teachers, and other employees may disregard a parent’s written consent that their child is addressed and participates in school using their expressed gender. Public schools support many faculty and students from various backgrounds, religious beliefs, and physical and mental abilities. Faculty and teachers have an inherent responsibility to support each student without regard to their own beliefs. If they cannot do so, their service might be best employed in a private school system where the employer has a right to set specific rules that align with their beliefs.

The athletics policy language discriminates explicitly against the very small number of transgender students that play sports in any public school. During a 9 October interview on CNN, Governor Youngkin stated that this policy is to “protect girls” and ensure fairness in female sports. This is divisive language pushed by The Heritage Foundation, a self-identified conservative lobby that has pushed numerous misinformed articles about gender identity in recent years. I’ve raised five children who attended public schools in Virginia over the past 20 years and know unequivocally that transgender kids are not what put our girls or female sports at risk

The Updated Model Policy is Unnecessary and Unconstitutional

The bottom line: “Being transgender or gender variant implies no impairment in judgment, stability, reliability, or general social or vocational capabilities; however, these individuals often experience discrimination due to a lack of civil rights protections for their gender identity or expression.… [Such] discrimination and lack of equal civil rights is damaging to the mental health of transgender and gender variant individuals.”[vii] The Virginia governor is forcibly discriminating against a targeted group of vulnerable children as a sword, and using the public school system and the guise of parental rights as a shield.

[i] AMA Policysearch: https://policysearch.ama-assn.org/policyfinder/detail/medical%20spectrum%20of%20gender?uri=%2FAMADoc%2Fdirectives.xml-D-295.312.xml

[ii] School of Medicine: https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/what-do-we-mean-by-sex-and-gender/

[iii] Aydin BK, Saka N, Bas F, et al. Frequency of ambiguous genitalia in 14,177 newborns in Turkey. J Endocrine Soc. 2019 Jun;3(6):1185-95. doi:10.1210/js.2018-00408

[iv] Blackless M, Charuvastra A, Derryck A, Fausto-Sterling A, Lauzanne K, Lee E. How sexually dimorphic are we? Review and synthesis. Am J Hum Biol. 2000:12:151-66. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1520-6300(200003/04)12:2<151::AID-AJHB1>3.0.CO;2-F

[v] National Institute of Health (NIH). Medline Health Medical Encyclopedia: Intersex. n.d.

[vi] Forcier M, Schalkwkyk, GV, Turban J. Pediatric Gender Identity. 2022. doi=10.1007/978-3-030-38909-3_8

[vii] Drescher J, Haller E; American Psychiatric Association Caucus of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Psychiatrists. Position Statement on Discrimination Against Transgender and Gender Variant Individuals. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2012 Google Scholar


Reasonable, compassionate, and respectful - approve

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Reasonable, compassionate, and respectful of the personhood of all children and parents. I support this version.
Thank you


I support

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As a parent of several teens and young adults I 100% support Governor Youngkin’s new regulations requiring parental approval for any accommodations for transgender students.  This is no different than requiring parental approval for any number of activities for their children who are minors.  These minors, transgender or not, are in a volatile and confusing  stage of their development and are bombarded with differing opinions from all directions.  Their parents have raised them to this point and are the ones best suited to do what is best for them.  Not a doctor, principals, social media “influencer” or anyone else.


Safeguards for Transgender Students

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As a former teacher and one who was once a closeted, gay high school student,  I personally know how schools can be both a “safe space” and an intimidating environment for students that identify as LGBTQIA.  There are many students who are coming to terms with their sexual identities and orientations that do not have immediate support from their parents or guardians.  This makes it tougher to understand, accept, and embrace who they are. That’s where schools oftentimes form a shelter and safe haven where students can openly express themselves.  Peers, staff mentors, and school organizations provide opportunities for these students to express their feelings, hopes, and concerns regarding their journeys of coming to terms with and unapologetically embracing their sexual identities.

While I do not identify as transgender, I know the sadness and shame that can come with not having parents and family who embrace who you are.  The new 2022 policy on transgender students would only exacerbate the pain felt by students who do not have parents that embrace their child’s preference of gender identity.  By requiring formal parental permission for changes in a student’s name or pronoun preference, this policy would alienate those students whose parents have no desire in trying to understand their child’s process of coming to terms with their identity.  Students that identify as LGBTQIA are already at a higher risk for bullying, depression, substance abuse, and even suicide.  This policy would only further the sense of seclusion and “otherness” felt by this population.

Additionally, requiring legal documentation for any official changes in a student’s name or sex on their official record disproportionately and negatively impacts students who are economically and socially disadvantaged.  Students from lower-income, single parent, or non-traditional (raised by grandparent, foster parents, etc.) backgrounds oftentimes have fewer resources to pursue legal action in order to simply be recognized and addressed by their preferred name or gender.

While parental involvement is an integral part of any student’s education, not all families are the same and not all families take an active interest in their child’s education.  Sadly, some parents do not always have their child’s best interest at heart, especially if they refuse to understand and accept their child who does not conform to conventional norms regarding sex, gender, or sexual orientation.  In those circumstances, which are fairly common for LGBTQIA students, this proposed policy would only further damage these students sense of self-worth and self-esteem.  Thus, I strongly believe that the proposed 2022 VA DOE policy on transgender students should be dismantled.  Furthermore, any future policies should encompass a much wider tent of stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators, parents, counselors, social workers, etc.) in order to more accurately and authentically represent all perspectives regarding this important issue.


I support Parental Rights

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 Parents are the first teachers of their children and have an irreplaceable role in guiding them and ensuring their well-being. Transgender issues are significant,  and shouldn’t be hidden from the parents.  While I understand there may be some parents that may not react well to such an announcement from their child, legislation should address that root cause issue instead of trying to avoid it.  The government, both federal and state, have interfered with too many off the parents rights , hence resulting in parents abdicating their responsibility and expecting the government to raise their children.  Hold the parents accountable and give them the opportunity to step up and do the right thing.  The state and federal government should use funds to help educate parents in how to handle the stress of parenthood as opposed to trying to do the parenting for them.

Please restore and retain parental rights.


Support For Gov Younkin

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I support Gov Younkins changes to the transgender guidance.


Strongly opposed:  Exposes trans youth to bullying and abuse

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Laws must be based on evidence and best practices and should have the best interests of ALL students in mind - and that includes trans.  There are more than 3000   trans teens in Virginia; more than half of transgender males attemlt suicide.

Youngkin's proposal does nothing to improve the health, safety or well being of any students in Virginia.

And on the use of restrooms:

It would be an enforcement nightmare.  Are there going to be Bathroom Police?  Paid for by our taxes?

 It's an "I am Sparticus" movement waiting to happen.


Transgender proposal

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I support Gov Youngkins proposal on transgender issues.


I support trans kids


Discrimination, not Rights

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The new policy is beyond appalling. It discriminates against children and does them harm. It has nothing to do with parental rights or safety. Transgender children already face bullying and discrimination, sometimes from their own parents. Now, the Governor puts pressure on them to hide who they are, risk abuse, or risk not being able to use the bathroom. The prior policies protected these children and defended their rights. These policies do nothing to help anyone.


These policies are harmful to our children

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These policies were meant to be in support of our trans youth, but the policies put forth by the governor are in fact harmful and potentially dangerous. They are written from a perspective of fear and lack of understanding. We must do better as these policies could in fact have life or death consequences for a group of young people who are at high risk for suicide. Nobody in the school system is trying to convince kids that they are trans. This is a fear mongering tactic and these kinds of policies are feeding into that narrative. Please stop fear mongering and start trying to help our kids.


Support for Gov

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<p>Speaking to the policy on  transgendered students. 100% in support of this. Parents have the right to protect their kids. I also think we need to consider how we can protect our kids who think they are trans because it has become trendy. Ignoring their calls for help would be negligent. We need to protect all of our children from bullies and make sure they get the support they need, but I am all for this new policy. </p>
<p> </p>
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Oppose the model policy

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This model policy should be rescinded for several reasons.  First, the policy is in consistent in its message.  While the policy states (and the Governor talks about publicly) that parents' wishes should be respected regarding gender identification, the policy also clearly states that schools and teachers can choose to disregard the parents' wishes.  Therefore, the policy does exactly the opposite of allowing parents to determine how their child's gender identity is addressed by the schools.

Second, this is a public health issue.  According to the National Institutes of Health, "...82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth."  (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345113/)  Removing protections for transgender students increases the danger to the mental and physical health of transgender students.  This model policy does just that.

Third, at no time in American history has the removal of protections resulted in positive changes.  We've made so much progress in the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens over the last decade.  Going backwards by removing protections makes us weaker as a state and a nation.


Gov Youngkin Stop Fear Mongering I Oppose The New Revision Transgender Policy

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<p>I oppose what Gov. Youngkin is doing with the revision of the Transgender Policy. He is already hurting the school system with the Tip line to snitch on teacher and look how that went!! Even the people in Spotsylvania VA are regretting voting far right conservatives on the school board since they voted a superintendent with no child education or experience. It’s time for Gov Youngkin to stop fear mongering and misleading the people of Virginia and It’s time to oppose the new revision of the Transgender Sexual Education Policy. </p>


Strongly Support

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I strongly support the 2022 policy because it places parents in the legally and morally correct place regarding their children.  The new policy respects parental rights in raising their children and is consistent with the U.S. and Virginia Constitutions.  It also allows for compassion with those children diagnosed with gender dysphoria.  School officials and teachers are not certified nor is it their role to diagnose anyone with gender dysphoria.

The previous policy put the state government and schools against parents, making them the enemy if they disagreed with transgender advocates.  In addition, the old policy pushed an ideological agenda on parents in the name of compassion.  These are the characteristics of a totalitarian motive.  Finally, children have no agency under the law unless they are removed from their parents custody only after the state proves parents are unfit.


AMA response for Karl


AMA for Gov


AMA response


AMA

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Here for the next 30 minutes, ready to answer your questions folks. Ask Me Anything.


Parents' Rights

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I support our Govenor's stand and policy regarding the rights and responsibilities to guide their children in all moral, social and religious education.  It is not the responsibility of a bunch of strangers who decide to become a member of a school board somewhere.  Teach Reading, Writing, Math and Science and leave the character development to the parents.


Support Trans Kids


Oppose: Why are fixating on the genitalia of literal CHILDREN?

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Since there seems to be some misunderstanding about the protections granted by the first amendment, here's a link to the actual text and background information to understand it a bit better: https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-1/

In no way are Americans guaranteed the right to the following under the first amendment:

Disrespecting other people or their ability to determine who they are as individuals

Bullying others into living in a way that is more palatable for their narrow-minded sensitivities

Fixating on the genitalia of literal children to the point of saying that it is a determining factor of what that child can and cannot do

Denying children their right to education in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Encouraging a brain drain out of Virginia schools (and thereby hurting the state economy) through the denial of basic human decency to an entire demographic of young people

Prioritizing the wishes of a vocal minority of religious extremists over the needs of actual children (in a system that should prioritize children)

Promoting open discrimination (based on birth circumstances) in the home, in public spaces, and in schools

Teaching cisgender children that it's perfectly acceptable to bully, harass, and terrorize their peers for any percieved lack of conformity to strict Eurocentric gender roles and how they should be determined by biological sex

Profiting financially from incorporating hate into political platforms and educational policies

Read the Constitution. Use actual common sense. Stop weaponizing the education system against children for the sake of conformity.

And for the love of every god that's ever been worshipped, stop fixating on the genitalia of children! It's disgusting and makes it clear that a depressing number of you think that state-sanctioned ped0philia (intentionally misspelled in case of censorship) is totally acceptable as long as it's in the name of Jesus.

Jesus didn't preach hate, y'all do. And it's telling.


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<p>The 2022 Model Policies should remain in effect.  Unlike the flawed policies they replaced, the 2022 Policies are consistent with U.S. and Virginia law.  The 2022 Policies uphold the legal and moral authority of parents to raise, protect, and oversee the education of their children, as well as the First Amendment rights of teachers and other school employees.  In so doing, these policies will improve our schools and protect the rights of all students to privacy and security.   The policies recognize that some students lack the maturity and judgment to make important decisions without parental guidance, and that school employees should not usurp or undermine the proper roll of parents. </p>


Support and Protect Trans Students

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I strongly oppose Gov. Youngkin’s proposals, which will harm the vulnerable youth who are prone to suicide, depression, and mistreatment.


Gov. Youngkin Transgender Students Policy-Strongly Support

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As a lifelong Virginia resident, I strongly support Governor Youngkin’s thoughtful, rational and common sense policy proposal for managing the safety of all students and respecting the rights of those students who identify as transgender.  It is a pragmatic way forward that respects parents and children throughout Virginia.  I commend him and the Virginia Department of Education for developing this policy approach.


I fully support the governor's policy

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Government over reach into parents rights regarding their children will destroy the family unit


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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.

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


Parental Rights... UNLESS you accept and love your transgender child

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This administration gleefully promotes prejudice, discrimination and harm towards our children different from theirs, because that's what the proposed model policy will do. My child will not be safe. Where's my "parental rights?"

That's it. That's the comment.


Strongly Oppose

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I do not support this legislation.


Strongly support the Governor's common-sense transgender policy.

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<p>Gov. Youngkin's policy is reasonable, logical, includes parents and very importantly, protects the rights of  non-transgenders who can feel anxious and threatened  , such as a "male" in a girls locker room or bathroom - yet their rights and genuine fears are ignored.   All rights must be respected for all. </p>


I fully support the Governor in protecting children and parental rights.

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<p>I fully support Governor Youngkin in his revision of the transgender model policy. The policies passed by the Virginia state legislature in recent years endanger students and assume the worst of parents, allowing for the withholding of information from parents and the violation of parental rights. Children belong to parents, not the state, and it is the role of parents and not institutions to shape their child’s character, worldview, ideology, and identity. Anything that shifts the school’s focus from teaching reading, writing, arithmetic, and other legitimate educational pursuits (music, arts, life skills, etc.) is an overstep on the part of our government and educational institutions. I fully support the Governor in this step to ensure the safety of our students and the protection of parental rights. </p>


Parent’s rights for our precious children

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<p>Parents have the right to make the decisions for their children. The school system and the government are run for The People not for the agenda of the government that works for us. Our government was wisely created to have the government serve the people of the US not for the people to serve the government. Our children, our say.  </p>


School transgender policy

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I am in favor of the Governor's revision to the school's transgender policy.


Strongly Oppose.

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Appalling policies to even consider. Support and respect the rights of all children, transphobic policies like these could result in countless deaths.


I support our Governor and parents rights

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<p>I feel this is wrong and only help to confuse our children. Why would anyone support changing what sex you have been given by our creator. Just an attack from Satan. Thank you Governor </p>


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<p>I support parents rights and oppose the teachers union. </p>


Strongly support this change

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Strongly support acknowledging parental rights


I support Parent rights

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I believe Parents should be informed about pronouns used by their children.  Parents are the primary educators of their children.


Support the Youngkin’s Changes.

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I support the responsibility of parents to work with educators to educate and protect children.


Strongly oppose

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<p>As a product of the Virginia public school system and a practicing licensed mental health professional, I strongly oppose this proposal. Studies consistently show that policies such as this one increase youth homelessness and suicide rates among trans youth. This would harm students immensely. </p>


Discriminatory Policy that Harms Children Written by Hateful Adults Who Bully Vulnerable Children

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As educators, it is our job to welcome each child with respect and dignity. Furthermore, we know that children are more successful academically and emotionally when they feel safe and respected. The proposed policies go against that very basic notion. We have always allowed “straight” students to be called by their preferred names. It a long-standing practice which shows respect and helps to foster a trusting relationship. The new policy would discriminate against ONLY transgender students. Don’t they deserve the very same amount of respect and dignity that their non-LGBTQIA+ peers receive? WHAT ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS? WHAT ABOUT THEIR SAFETY? This has been made into an absolutely political issue that demonstrates the discriminatory nature of your cruel administration. If you and your administration really cared about parental rights, then you would also listen to the parents who worry that your obviously politically motivated policy will endanger their child’s well being and access to a learning environment where they feel safe and respected. By proposing this policy, you have shown that you do not actually care about children, their safety or their academic success. You have shown that your administration bullies those who are vulnerable and governs with intolerance for those who are different. You are the leaders, who should be modeling tolerance. Data shows us that LGBTQIA+ students are significantly at risk of self-harm or suicide when they are not fully supported by adults. You cannot pretend this is not a well know fact. Your policy will HARM CHILDREN, not protect adults. Do not implement this policy. You should be working to protect youth, especially the most vulnerable youth. Teachers and school staff MUST protect youth and that means we must oppose this discriminatory and dangerous policy. Calling a child by their preferred name and pronoun is no threat to others. Allowing children to use the bathroom where they feel safe and secure has been PROVEN to be their right and no threat to others. Outing children to their parents will put them at risk and is an unacceptable move for any decent human being. If you proceed with this proposed policy, you will be forcing KNOWN and PROVEN HARMFUL PRACTICES on the children of our state to satisfy the hateful ideologies and beliefs of the Christian minority.  Keep politics and religion OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT. Instead, include inclusive practices that will result in positive learning climates and the safety well-being of all children.


No Thanks

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<p>Protect trans and lgtbq students by protecting their privacy and right to acsafe soace in schools. </p>


Support Governor Youngkin's policy

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Support Governor Youngkin's policy.


Parents are first teachers

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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.

Children need proper guidance and it is the responsibility of a mother and father to provide it. Every aspect of the raising of a child comes, first; from the parents and their family.


Mental health concerns

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This proposal will, frankly, kill kids. As a trans person myself, knowing that life would be that much more dangerous for me would probably have made growing up so, so much harder than it already was. Please do not pass this.


Pro parent policies

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Parents are and always will be the primary educators of their children. Our teachers role is to educate our children, not indoctrinate them with "woke" philosophy. I fully support the Youngkin administration proposed overhaul. The new policies honor the sacred role of parents in the care of their children during all school activities.


Oppose: knock knock at your front door, it's the morality police

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<p>The christian nationalist agenda underlying the proposed policy change is one step closer to a society with state enforced morality, as exercised in religious fundamentalist countries around the world. Religion dictates how they think and judge other people, and the new model policy moves towards imposing that rigid viewpoint upon us all. In a free society individuals should have a right to use the bathroom of their choice and be addressed as they prefer. That this is perceived as a threat is a characteristic of religious intolerance. More generally, educational policy should be informed by science, not religious doctrine that has consistently opposed enlightenment across history. I oppose the new model policy as a small but dangerous step towards an intolerant society that has at its roots religious fundamentalism by any other name. </p>


Restore Parents' Rights in Education!

Dear Virginia Department of Education Officials,

Policies for transgender students implemented in states and school districts across the United States have sought to exclude parents from vital conversations about their child's education and wellbeing.

Former Governor Ralph Northam's administration chipped away at the rights of Virginia parents with its 2021 model policies for transgender students. Those policies explicitly stated that school officials were not always required to tell parents about their child's decision to use a new name and pronouns at school.

I'm writing in support of the Youngkin administration's new model policies, "On the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents In Virginia's Public Schools," which enshrine the rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their child while respecting all students across the Commonwealth.

Thank you for your commitment to parents' rights in education. I urge you to implement the policies as written and restore the right and responsibility of parents to make the best decisions for their child.

Regards,
Jill Whitescarver
17206 Silver Maple Terrace
Moseley, VA 23120

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Dear Virginia Department of Education Officials,<br /><br />Policies for transgender students implemented in states and school districts across the United States have sought to exclude parents from vital conversations about their child's education and wellbeing. <br /><br />Former Governor Ralph Northam's administration chipped away at the rights of Virginia parents with its 2021 model policies for transgender students. Those policies explicitly stated that school officials were not always required to tell parents about their child's decision to use a new name and pronouns at school. <br /><br />I'm writing in support of the Youngkin administration's new model policies, "On the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents In Virginia's Public Schools," which enshrine the rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their child while respecting all students across the Commonwealth. <br /><br />Thank you for your commitment to parents' rights in education. I urge you to implement the policies as written and restore the right and responsibility of parents to make the best decisions for their child.<br /><br />Regards,
<br />Jill Whitescarver
<br />17206 Silver Maple Terrace<br />Moseley, VA 23120<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657466/148209819" width="1" height="1" />


I support this new policy.

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<p>As a catholic man considering a profession in teaching, I am very relieved that the public schools are not mandating that staff go against their religious convictions and conform to transgender ideology. I am very happy to hear that the new policy would get parents back in the loop about what’s going on in their children’s life. I am reconsidering teaching in a public school setting, whereas before, I knew I could not teach in a public setting because I could not in good conscience do what I knew was contrary to my beliefs about the human person with regard to sexuality. </p>


Restore Parental Rights

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

Parents know their children's needs better than anyone.  If children are suffering with gender dysphoria, they need guidance and emotional support from parents.  Under the new policies, school officials must keep the parents fully informed and require schools to follow the laws.

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


Restore Parental Rights

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We must restore parental rights, particularly in public education. VDOE’s newly proposed Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents uphold parents’ inherent and constitutional right to guide their child’s development.

- The new policies honor the paramount role of parents in the care of their children which does not cease during school, athletics and other school-sponsored activities.

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

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

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

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


Support Governor Youngkin 100%

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Restore Parental Rights.


Why are you so concerned with what’s under a child's pants?

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What does a child’s gender vs biological sex have to do with you? Why do you care what is under a child’s pants? What are you planning to do? Is there any political purpose of this policy? Anything that doesn’t have to do with your beliefs or thoughts? If not, then why did you bother us with this and start stripping away children’s rights because of the decisions they make about their own lives? How about you try doing something that actually involves politics? Rather than going after innocent people who are just trying to live their lives, of which you are destroying, thank you very much (that was complete and total sarcasm, if you didn’t pick it up). Stop focusing on your own agenda and focus on the state’s and people’s agendas to make Virginia a better place, rather than a place that everyone has departed from because of you. If this policy passes, I’ll let you know right now that there will be many people committing suicide, or attempting it at the very least, all because of you. Their lives and their blood will be on your hands, governor. Do you want that? No you don’t. You don’t want it, either. You just don’t care is what you’re telling everyone. You don’t care how many young children you stripped of their lives, after you took away their rights. You don’t care about their family and friends who will mourn them forever. You don’t care about the tears cried or the helpless thoughts running through their heads. You don’t care about the well of grief that they will most surely feel. You don’t care how much you will ruin their lives. You don’t care. You don’t care. You don’t care about anyone but yourself. Think about this, day and night, as you go through your life. Every action you make, think about this. Ponder this. Whenever you pass a bill into a law, or when you put out a new policy, think: is this going to be right for Virginia? Will this keep everyone happy in their own lives or will it destroy them bit by bit until there’s nothing left? Think, governor, just think. Then once you come to the right decision, the decision that benefits the state, not just yourself, make that right decision. Make it after you’ve thought about every life in Virginia and how you will affect them. Make the right decision.


Yes I have a client with body identify integration disorder, I helped schedule his arm amputation

Not a disorder just trying to get the body he feels comfortable with


Supporting the Revision

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I support Youngkin 100% and believe revisions are needed.


I do therapy w anorexic girls. I realize their bravery and now help align their body w their belief

Thank u trans for showing me- don’t treat mental illness celebrate it

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Yes why have we tried to address mental illness for so long by correcting thinking and working through irrational beliefs. Trans has taught me we need to celebrate this and make everyone accept an individual’s reality no matter how bizarre. And we need to go as for as permanent surgical procedure to make a body the way someone thinks it should be. I also have a client scheduled to cut off their leg


Protect Trans Kids

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<p dir="ltr">This policy is unfair and a violation of human rights. Trans kids are repeatedly being targeted just for being who they are. These students are at serious risk for increased harm, bullying and harassment if this cruel policy goes into effect. Let’s make sure trans kids have the same rights as all kids and keep the current policy in place. </p>
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I support pro parent policies

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I support pro parent policies


Oppose this guidance completely

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<p>We have a collective responsibility to treat transgender students with necessary compassion, and we must demonstrate respect for all students. </p>
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Spoiler aler! The majority is sick of the extreme misguided agenda and won’t have it anymore

Voting and policy will show this and we’ll gay back to reality

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No one wants this garbage


Reading math writing competency catastrophic lows. Wait let’s focus on changing boys to girls

It’s not real it’s a mental health disorder encouraged by sick  adults


Opposition to policy

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<p>My two boys attend Fairfax County Public Schools and I think it’s incredibly important that every student feels safe and welcome.  Allowing students that are are trans gender the ability to make choices that reflect who they view themselves as sends a message that they are okay in society’s eyes.  Making these children- whom are already struggling with figuring out their identity - is inexcusable.  We need to be moving forward not backwards in our society.  Please do not impose this policy on our school district or our children. </p>


Youngkin's Trans Policy

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It is a well-known fact that trans students suffer from higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality than heteronormal students.  It is also documented that school systems that enforce more inclusive policies see a reduction in these issues.  Why would Virginia choose to go backwards? Why would we select a policy that is counter to ALL of the research on this issue?  This new policy is NOT the will of Virginians.  This policy is going to HURT students. This new policy actually has nothing to do with Virginians. Rather, it is Glenn Youngkin using Virginia as a guinea pig to see to build his conservative bona fides. Don't fall for it, Virginia!  This is regressive policy and is against the will of the people.


Parents supporting this nonsense should be ashamed.

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Adults are lying to these kids. New pronouns aren’t going to make it all better. If kids are hurting inside, then they need to get mental health care. Requiring other kids and adults to play your fantasy game along with you is a liberal power struggle. Play your fantasy games at home and allow my kids to stay the hell out of it. They are there for an education.


Absolutely not

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<p>This policy is a crime towards the safety of children. I agree totally with parental rights, but those are removed when a child is at risk, this policy puts them at risk. The infrastructure is not available to ensure the safety of these children in every home in the Commonwealth therefore, we cannot simply put them at risk by making it a requirement that teachers out them to potentially unsafe parents. It is easy to say all parents love their children and want the best for them, but sadly we know this not to be the truth in all cases. We cannot guarantee the safety of all, and should not pass this policy to appease some. Do NOT give support for this policy. </p>


Unwavering Support

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I whole heartedly support the new transgender model policy.

Parents must be front and center on this issue.  We need to ensure that schools stick to the job of teaching reading, writing, history, math, science, etc.

They have no business or right to inflict an ideology of this nature upon our children without the knowledge of their parents.

Thank you for taking on this fight and for standing firm.


OPPOSE - REMOVE YOUR LENSE OF INHUMANITY

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Trans rights are human rights! Schools should have NO SAY in what pronoun, name, or restroom a student uses. This is literally killing or LGBTQI youth. Where is the humanity you’ve removed; where are your hearts?? Trans kids are living, breathing humans with feelings just like everyone else.

Parents that support this - Teach your kids whatever you want about the world, but my children will support and love all humans, not just those who fit your ideological box!

There was no issue using my “nickname” in Augusta Co schools growing up; as I don’t go by my legal name. So kids who don’t go by legal names will now HAVE to?

Please take a moment and educate yourselves: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/


This Democrat 200% supports this policy to keep boys out of girls locker rooms and bathrooms.

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I’ll vote for you next time if you change this craziness going on in our schools.


High School parent

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<p>Every child should feel welcomed at school.   This bill can make a child's home life more difficult and/or abusive for them.  It's not the county or states place to out a student to their guardian. Would you like to also out a student because they aren't practicing the same religion as their guardian?  Would you like to take the one place away from a  student where they may feel comfortable and excepted to be themselves.   The school may be the reason that student hasn't killed themselves and is giving them enough motivation to keep going.   This bill has nothing to do with parents rights.  As a parent I hope that I am understanding and open enough with my student that I can be a safe space,  however if that wasn't the case I would want school to be a safe place.   This bill doesn't unite people it devides and we will take steps back in time. </p>


Support to end discrimination against girls

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Girls have lost their sports to boys along with their bathrooms and locker rooms…stop the discrimination!


Protect our Kids

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Thank you Governor  Youngkin and staff we’re protecting our children from Miss information an indoctrination and thank you for supporting parental rights. God be with you.


These kids need to be protected

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These students deserve respect. These policies will get some of them hurt or even killed!


School policy

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Even when the truth hurts its still truth...there are only male and female!!! I agree100% with the policy


Support - Restore Parental Rights In Education

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<p>I support the change to the proposed Guiding Principles document, that is in the best interest of “all children” and restores the rights of parents to provide input on the education of their children and the environment in which they are educated.   This policy takes into consideration the rights and protection of “all children” and not focusing on policies that favor different sub-groups of kids without consideration for the adverse impact to numerous others. </p>


Supporting Parental rights in VA Schools

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I strongly support the proposed updated Tansgender guidance suggested by teh VDOE.

Parents have the important responsibility of guiding their children through many different phases of development befor they reach adulthood. This policy reinforces the fact that parents are the ultimnate infuencer and dicision maker in a childs life.


Haven't they been hurt enough already? Let them live.

     Why would you do this? This is so unnecessarily cruel. Why do you think suicide rates among transgender people is so high? It will only increase parental abuse as well. I doubt you folks have ever really talked with a trans kid, but I hope you are aware that policies like this can put our lives at risk. Speaking from experience, forcefully outing students to their parents leads to abuse and trauma, misgendering them worsens depression, and not being safe to be themselves or even use the bathroom causes anxiety. Besides, I was assigned female at birth, but when I had to use the girls' bathroom in school, people would freeze, stare uncomfortably, and tell me I was in the wrong bathroom. We can't go anywhere. People worry about cisgender people not being safe or comfortable with trans people in the same space but why does the safety of trans people not matter? It's ok for them to be bullied, harassed, or assaulted? We're the minority and we are the ones who are afraid.
     Using someone's preferred pronouns does not hurt you; not doing so can hurt them, however. If their home life is already potentially hostile, which it frequently is because of all the parents like the people supporting this policy, it is a poor choice to make school hostile as well. Somewhere they spend 8 hours a day should be safe. School is already an awful experience, but it should at least try, and indubitably should not actively make things worse. School should be able to be an escape from the rest of their life, where they get enough of this garbage. Where can we go? We have nowhere to run, no one to turn to. Parents shouldn't have so much control. Let the poor kids have a say in their own lives, they're the ones who are affected. School causes students enough distress. There's no need to foster more bigotry and abuse as well. Clearly, you don't actually care about the feelings or well-being of the children you're supposed to help.

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<p>     Why would you do this? This is so unnecessarily cruel. Why do you think suicide rates among transgender people is so high? It will only increase parental abuse as well. I doubt you folks have ever really talked with a trans kid, but I hope you are aware that policies like this can put our lives at risk. Speaking from experience, forcefully outing students to their parents leads to abuse and trauma, misgendering them worsens depression, and not being safe to be themselves or even use the bathroom causes anxiety. Besides, I was assigned female at birth, but when I had to use the girls' bathroom in school, people would freeze, stare uncomfortably, and tell me I was in the wrong bathroom. We can't go anywhere. People worry about cisgender people not being safe or comfortable with trans people in the same space but why does the safety of trans people not matter? It's ok for them to be bullied, harassed, or assaulted? We're the minority and we are the ones who are afraid. </p>
<p>     Using someone's preferred pronouns does not hurt you; not doing so can hurt them, however. If their home life is already potentially hostile, which it frequently is because of all the parents like the people supporting this policy, it is a poor choice to make school hostile as well. Somewhere they spend 8 hours a day should be safe. School is already an awful experience, but it should at least try, and indubitably should not actively make things worse. School should be able to be an escape from the rest of their life, where they get enough of this garbage. Where can we go? We have nowhere to run, no one to turn to. Parents shouldn't have so much control. Let the poor kids have a say in their own lives, they're the ones who are affected. School causes students enough distress. There's no need to foster more bigotry and abuse as well. Clearly, you don't actually care about the feelings or well-being of the children you're supposed to help. </p>


Government overreach. New guidelines infringe upon right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness

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I believe that these policies constitute government overreach and infringe upon the rights of students’ rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nowhere in the United States Constitution does it say that harassment is free speech. What logical reason is there for there for a parent to need to know about the decision of their child in regards to something as simple as pronouns? It’s government overreach. Students in many other states are also allowed to pursue sporting activities that align with their identity. This should be the case in Virginia as well. States should be revising their policies to reflect the guidances of the American Psychological Association, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics—that people who identify as a gender different than theirs assigned at birth *are* whatever gender they identify as.


Support


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School Counselor Admits To Sex With Trans Student In Virginia District Rocked By Bathroom Rape