I strongly oppose

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<p>This is a terrible policy decision that comes from hate and fear of issues that do not actually exist. Our schools are the best in the nation for a reason and allowing this gibberish will destroy the educational process. If parents don’t like that their children are learning actual facts then they can homeschool them. </p>


Strongly oppose this

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<p>Strongly oppose this. Nothing but harm will come of this. </p>


Do not do this.


Strongly oppose.


I fully oppose this.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Against policy!!!!!

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All children should be treated equally!


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Concerned

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Children are people; they possess thoughts and feelings and control over their own actions. Though, as adults, we often limit the expression of these things for a variety of reasons; so much of our kids' lives are already so thoroughly regimented and controlled by the world they live in. Why do we punish them for asking for respect and autonomy concerning matters of personal expression/autonomy that do not  inherently hurt themselves nor others?

Being openly transgender and/or gender non-conforming involves a person offering a certain amount of trust and vulnerability to those around them. I am sad to see actions that do not recognize, or, recognize and reject, the opportunity to help and protect these people -- these children.

How we treat people systemically influences how individuals view and treat groups, as well as how people view and treat themselves. Being trans is not inherently a spectacle or shock (certainly not for the people who have lived with themselves their whole life); it's our choice to turn it into one. So far, this reaction of treating transness as unusual and unprecedented has bred an environment of intense scrutiny surrounding gender expression, appearance, and interests. This not only hurts trans people, it hurts everyone.

Even if you fear and do not understand transness, you likely understand that forcing children into prescribed ways of living, thinking, playing, and, dressing, and enjoying based solely on gender is a bit silly. What about being a girl inherently means you can't or shouldn't like traditionally "boy" things, e.g. playing with toy cars, or, being a doctor? What about being a boy inherently means you can't or shouldn't like traditionally "girl" things, e.g. wearing pink, or, styling hair? Gender roles, expectations, and presentation change constantly and consistently throughout time and place.

Why do we feel the need to hurt and alienate children -- people -- in order to avoid listening to those we might not immediately understand? Transgender kids will not stop being trans due to being ignored and mistreated, they will only stop feeling safe enough to be open about their existence. When trans kids cease to exist under these sorts of systems, it's generally due to harm inflicted by self, others, and/or the environment they live in.

In summary, I would like for kids to grow up in a world that's safe; where they can be honest and respected without hurting themselves for others. When we foster an environment where kids feel confident in their autonomy and ability to express themselves, then we as adults can more easily and effectively help them if and when children encounter difficulty. Kids are not our enemies, they are people learning how to function in the world we've created and maintain. Do we want kids to grow up being told, implicitly or explicitly, that they deserve respect, basic hygienic facilities, to be heard -- to live -- only when they pretend to be what adults say they must be?

Please reconsider.


I oppose this fully.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


I strongly oppose this guidance

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I strongly oppose this guidance


I am strongly opposed.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


THIS WILL KILL CHILDREN

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You only care about children until they’re born


Strongly oppose

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<p>Every part of this change is solely to make the lives of children harder. Not only will this demonize trans kids, but it will also lead to cis/trans children alike being sexually inspected for nothing more than assumptions. </p>


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Guidance on trans kids

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<p>I have a trans kid. OPPOSED. </p>


This is not a credible thread AS YOU CAN COMMENT AS MANY TIMES UNDER FALLS NAMES. POLICY STANDS!


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I support the revised policy

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<p>I support your his reboot. I feel like the previous document supported & promoted one group over all others. As an educator it put me in a very tenuous position between some children & their parents’ rights. I do not feel as a teacher that it is appropriate for me to step in between a teenager & their parents. When individual situations of that kind come up social services should handle that outside of the classroom & school. </p>


Vehemently Oppose

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This policy will kill children.  Statistics show that 86% of trans children contemplate suicide, and 56% of them will attempt to take their own lives.  With support, that number drops to 4%.  I have personally had more students than I can count tell me that they are not safe at home in their identities.  Children are people and it is vital that we take their needs--what THEY state as their needs, not their parents--into account when ensuring our schools are safe havens.


School should be a safe place

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The model policies targeting trans students will make school a less safe place for many students. I recognize that parents want to know what is happening with their children, but students also want and need to be comfortable and accepted at school. Turning teachers and other students into informers will create conflicts that will ultimately make school a stressful environment for many students.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I don’t think this law is actually informed about transgender identities or children. It is gravely misinformed and will get children abused or worse if outed to their parents. It will also cause adverse mental health in the children themselves. If you actually cared about children you should not pass this. </p>


Strongly oppose.


I fully oppose this.


I am completely opposed.


Strongly oppose the new guidelines

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If a kid wants to test out going by a different name or trying out a different haircut, what harm does that cause society at large?  We are focusing too much on what parents want their kids to be and not enough on how their kids feel. If the parents won't support them at home, the kid should be able to at least have some reprieve from their control at school where they can be themselves.

Trans people have a hard enough time as-is without all this effort being spent on attacking them by a national political party. There are many other issues that need attention that could actually do some good for Virginia, but instead these new guidelines are focused on bullying some LGBTQ kids for clout.

Keep the old guidelines, they were fine. These new ones will only cause harm to kids.


I oppose this fully.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Your evil anti-trans policies

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I can't imagine how cruel & corrupt an organization has to become to even think that any of this  is ok. Without self-determination, no one if free. Leave gay people, trans, bi, & all other queer folk alone. Stop banning books, stop trying to tell people what to wear or whom to live, just stop all of this discriminatory, predatory nonsense. Just effing stop. We won't tolerate these repressive policies any longer.


Youngkin’s Policy Against Trans Youth is a Violation of Human Rights

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The policies that Youngkin sets forth to implement against LGBTQ students is a violation of human rights, and is a threat against the livelihood of these children. Outing a student for being Gay, Bi, Trans, Nonbinary. etc opens up the student for the possibility of physical violence, as well as various forms of assault and discriminatory practices. These students have the right to live life how they wish without having to worry for their safety and without dealing with the trauma involved with public scrutiny and violence by those that object.


I am strongly opposed.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


This will end in more suicides.

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It's hard enough for these kids, why make it more difficult.  Might as well have them wear a scarlet "T" for transgender, because that's what the governor is doing with this policy.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Do not do this.


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Proposed 2022 model grooms the real bullies. Stop it.

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Whose liberties and rights really need protection here?  Not the bad old mainstream's.  The 2021 policy was a welcome step in the right direction.  Rescinding it will immiserate an already deeply marginalized population of trans students (and insult their parents).  The proposed move will also ill serve the straight kids in the class, who must learn, not only to deal with sexual dissidence, but to accept it and practice the arts of friendship and support that our society at large so desperately needs to cultivate.


I strongly support this new policy

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I strongly support this new policy


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


Strongly oppose.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Strongly opposed. This will hurt all children. Equity and openness is important to experience

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<p>Children accept others as they find them. They learn to hate if we adults teach it to them. Children questioning their gender identity have enough to deal with   Don’t pile on adult prejudice to their problems. Our job as adults is to support and help children understand their true and authentic selves. And learn to live in the world they will encounter as an adult.  We can do that with empathy and understanding and allowances for all they are trying to sort out about themselves. </p>


strongly oppose this

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<p>these policies will harm trans children. </p>


I oppose this fully.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!! Protect trans kids by voting NO

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Strongly opposed to these proposed policies—requiring trans students to get parental permission is dangerous and invites the possibility for extreme familial abuse. We all know a kid from high school who came from a “bad home,” who had to protect themselves from physical/mental/emotional/etc. abuse!! Trans kids don’t owe anyone anything. Let them grow up to be healthy trans adults in charge or their own destiny! These proposed policies are a gross violation of rights on behalf of students everywhere.


Support all of Virginia's Youth

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<p>These policy choices address a fictionalized problem and do actual harm to Virginia's youth. I strongly oppose. </p>


Oppose this policy

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Trans youth deserve to be treated like human beings. Stop this blatant discrimination and hate. Thank you for your time.


I am strongly opposed.


I oppose this policy

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I oppose Governor Youngkin's policy on transgender youth. Our young people have a lot of issues with mental health since COVID and I believe this will endanger trans youth and single them out for discrimination.


Denying transgender students' identities is abuse.

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The idea of denying transgender students' identities or denying them human rights is abuse and is shameful. When they tell you who they are, believe them, respect them, and protect their ability to feel safe. Don't let your own feelings cause you to try to force yourself on them.


Absolutely opposed

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I believe that this policy is for ghouls in human flesh to carry out their wickedness in virginia as a virtue signal to everyone who is just like them and want everyone to be as natu and terrible as their pathetic selves. Trans people are fine, leave schools and parents alone.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Please do not do this

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ALL our children deserve to feel safe in their schools and homes. Please do not attack our most vulnerable children with hateful and harmful policies. Politicians have a duty to represent our community, which will be broken with these anti-trans policies.


Support -- Affirming the rights of every child in the Commonwealth

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<p>As a parent in Virginia, I strongly support the Privacy, Dignity and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools model policies. These affirm and protect the rights of every public school student in the Commonwealth. I'm grateful for the commitment Governor Youngkin made to restore excellence in education and the promises he's keeping to parents, children, teachers and all Virginians in his first year in office.  </p>


Strongly oppose


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<p>I strongly  oppose the new model policies for Virginia schools. This is a step backwards to a harsher, more violent time. Studies have shown again and again that honoring the name and identity of transgender youth is measurable suicide prevention. These policies are not evidence based, as they are mandated to be, and so should be ineligible for presentation or adoption. Trans students are not dominating tournaments or harming the opportunities or their cis peers. Trans students are not a threat to student safety, yet they do face bullying and violence themselves. These policies could out students in unsafe living environments, adding dangers to them not only within the school grounds, but at home as well. The cynical culture wars this administration are engaging in for their own political gain, will lead to very real harm, harm against some of those most vulnerable in society at large. It is leveraging the pain and humiliation of children for power, and it is unquestionably wrong. </p>


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Strongly oppose this

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<p>This is a horrible backwards step in policy that, if enacted, will surely make life incredibly unsafe for many children in Virginia. Please allow people to be themselves and stop these cruel and hurtful policies. </p>


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Strongly oppose.


I am completely opposed.


Vehemently Oppose- You could be next

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<p>Once one person's privacy is called into question, ANYONE'S privacy could be called into question. Do you really want all of your dirty laundry aired out publicly, legally? It is not a coincidence that the ghouls of the republican party always target the most vulnerable among us: Trans Children. Protecting Trans Futures is imperative, and the best way to start would be to keep Glenn Youngkin out of our schools. As co-CEO of the Carlyle Group (primary shareholders of Accelerate Learning, the "personalized online learning" curriculum) Youngkin only wants to set himself up to profit heavily from the way we structure our schools in VA. Virginians do not accept you lining your pockets with Trans Lives glenn. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


As a student, he is not welcome

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As a student and resident of Virginia I strongly oppose. My family and I came here to escape the political ideals of republicans. However the past election brought Youngkin here. I have had no sense inclusivity of from him and his ideas therefore I do not welcome him. Yet he still has the audacity to force his policies and his ideals on us. No way shape or form does he show that we can be different and happy. Many children including myself have to grow up upon the idea that there is only one way to be truly happy. A white, cisgender, straight, rich, christian man. However I am very different from that. I am a someone who doesn't identify with man nor woman, I am attracted to more than one gender, I am not financially stable, and I am atheist. I am tired of being silenced just because of that. I have a voice and I sure as hell will use it. Politicians have no right with my identity. I dream of a world where I have more rights than a gun.


Gays Against Groomers

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gaysagainstgroomers.com


I fully oppose this.


Fully Oppose for the safety of all children

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This document is written through a guise of hate and ignorance.  Children have a natural right to figure out their own identity, express it how they wish, and to have that identity treated as valid by their community and those that love and care for them.  But many parents don't understand that yet and believe they should be able to dictate how their children feel.  These children need to be guaranteed privacy and protection from those that would harm them should they be outed by their school.  It is the job of a school to educate and protect the children that go there.  Outing a child to a potentially abusive parent is not protecting them.  It is a dereliction of duty.  "Parent's rights" are just a smokescreen that fascists and religious extremists hide behind, using the most vulnerable as political footballs.  Do not enact this terrible guidance.  Protect trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming children from ANYONE who would do them harm - even if that is their own ignorant, misguided families.


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Strongly oppose the proposed model policies. I stand with the lgbtq community


Strongly support

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<p>Bringing some sanity back to our school system. </p>


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose the policies proposed by the governor that will greatly affect trans and non binary students in a negative way.  Please do not impose these horrific policies! </p>


This will bring harm to trans kids.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


A dangerous disgrace

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The forced outing of trans and non binary kids to parents is an action that can only end badly. This runs the serious and real risk of an abusive parent harming their child or worse due to their gender identity, if this goes through there will be blood on your administrations hands, if you even care that is.

You people sicken me, there’s a special place in hell for those who use children to further their political ambitions, May none of you ever serve in office again


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Stop abusing vulnerable children to advance your hateful politics!


I am strongly opposed.


Strongly oppose; this will hurt trans kids

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Transgender children should have the freedom to explore their gender as they see fit, even while young. It is the responsibility of those around them to be accommodating and respectful of these freedoms  or else risk doing real mental damage to them. To this extent, it is imperative that transgender students be able to request a preferred name and pronouns that differ from their biological sex. It is also imperative that they be allowed to use the same bathrooms as others of the gender they identify with. This proposed policy will ostracize trans gender children and is explicitly not respectful  of transgender children’s needs and panders to the unfounded feelings of cisgender people and parents. Trans kids deserve protections at school  that allow them to be their whole selves without being outed or ostracized  by their teachers and peers. Disallowing preferred pronouns and names will lead to outing and ostracizing of trans kids; this goes against the stated purpose of this document. Talk to some trans people about treating trans people respectfully prior to making policy around them.


Do not do this.


I am completely opposed.


Transgender Children

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Please stop bullying trans children with your proposed laws.  We oppose what you, Governor Youngkin, are trying to do with these poor children.

Be a leader in Virginia’s commerce & education with kindness & compassion.  ?? stop using otherness for political gain.

Respectfully,

Kathy and Mark Shupe


2022 Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students

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I strongly support the 2022 model language that empowers parents while ensuring compassion and respect for all students.


Strongly Support This Legislation

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<p>I strongly support this Legislation.  It not only protects trans kids, it also respects the beliefs and rights of parents and teachers.  </p>


I fully oppose this.


Strongly oppose

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As an educator, I strongly oppose the proposed guidance. These measures are unnecessary and cruel. Children cannot learn when they feel afraid -- it's really as simple as that. No child should have to fear their teacher betraying them. Educators need the freedom to support their students as these young people are discovering who they are and how they want to live their lives.


This change will kill children

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The document currently in effect specifies that transgender children are at a drastically increased risk of homelessness due to abusive families. Therefore, school personnel are to treat a child's gender identity as private information, even from the child's parents. The proposed new document reverses this, and actively encourages teachers to tell parents about their children's gender identity. This will result in more children being abused and abandoned by their families, which will lead to more children dying of starvation, exposure, or suicide.

Anyone who votes in favor of this proposal is voting in favor of killing children. The least you could do is be honest about that, instead of lying about wanting to protect them.


Vehemently opposed

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This policy is cruel, unjust and will kill trans nonbinary and GNC youth. Parents rights is just a transphobic dog whistle


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Strongly oppose.


Nota credible comment thread. NOT VETTED AND YOU CAN COMMENT UNDER ANY NAM. THIS IS HILLARIOUS


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Fully support change in transgender policies.

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<p>My youngest daughter just started middle school, and she should not be forced to be “fully exposed” to transgender demands or policies that violate her God given rights. Why should her rights be violated in bathrooms or locker rooms by way of allowing biologically born males in the same place at the same time?  Neither should they see her undressed, nor should she be forced to see them undressed. (The first time it happens, we are going to have a problem).  Her rights as an innocent child should be protected and promoted by way of limiting her exposure and forced participation in gender dysphoria.  Furthermore, the promotion of gender dysphoria behind the backs of parents is an absolute affront to parental rights. If children are confused about their gender, that is something their parents should be directly involved in and have full oversight over. Our children are not wards of the state. It’s sad that grown adults are peddling falsehoods to influence our children behind our backs…secretly and covertly, and without our express approval are willing participation. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Transgender is a made up term to destroy children

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<p>Thank you for protecting our youth </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Do not do this.


This policy is harmful to the youth of the future

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Its astonishing how belligerent adults are once they find success themselves and separate their humanity from once ebing a child. So much so that the tradition of making kids unhappy with the things they discover about themselves continues in the modern day.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


I am completely opposed.


I am strongly opposed.


These proposed policies enshrine treating students poorly and should not be implemented

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These proposed policies (2022 Model Policies on the privacy, dignity, and respect for all students and parents in Virginia's public schools) are lousy and predicated on several poor assumptions. They use disingenuous language to enshrine bad choices and completely ignore the reality of marginalized populations and what their family lives are often like, all in the service of letting adults who should know better to treat them as less than their fellow students.

The claim that this is somehow necessary in order to align with the statement that a “parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child” is a deliberately obtuse reading. A parent absolutely has "a fundamental right to make decisions concerning" their child. This in no way requires that a parent be involved in making every decision regarding their child, and our schools would crumble if this policy was actually implemented across the board.

We would laugh out loud at the idea that it would be necessary to get a parent's explicit permission to use whatever "name [or] nickname" a child might request. I would comfortably bet that a teacher has sent home a form requesting permission to call their student, named "Elisabeth," by the name of "Peggy" or "Liz" exactly zero times in the history of the Commonwealth. At the age of fifty-two I have had exactly zero authority figures argue with my request to be called "Don" rather than my legal name of "Donald." Not one teacher has ever refused because it's not the name on my birth certificate.

I would also wager that no student who commonly goes by their middle name rather than their first name has ever been asked to provide parental permission. I believe without reservation that the Skips and Trips and Juniors walk free through school halls. Unless all of these situations are now going to require paperwork it seems clear that this claim that parents must be involved in these decisions is a fig leaf for enabling the targeting of a specific group of people.

Similarly this claim that the engaging of common courtesy - addressing people by the name they request, rather than insisting that a birth certificate is somehow sacrosanct - is too much to ask of our civil servants is ridiculous. I doubt a person would last one minute in Jeff Goettman's office if they insisted they must only address him as Jeffery. It certainly seems like it's okay for official publications. So please spare me the claim that asking that same basic courtesy for our transgendered youth is too much. Anyone who finds the application of manners towards the students entrusted into the state's care to be too great a lift should find other employment, assuming they can find somewhere that would employ someone who won't address a person with basic respect.

More briefly: the claim in II. C that this act will be implemented so that "no student is discriminated against or harassed on the basis of his or her sex" is simply incompatible with the ridiculous assertion in in V. C. that "compelling others to use preferred pronouns" is a First Amendment violation. Any number of other basic human behaviours could be thrown out with this ridiculous claim. Many kinds of racist behaviour could be excused by this. None of it belongs in our schools. People who cannot muster up this common courtesy because of their own gender bigotry should seek other employment and not be sheltered by State policy.

These kids come into schools with the expectation of basic courtesy and respect and they are even legally compelled to do so. To then refuse to grant them basic courtesy and autonomy over their own identities is abhorrent.


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


I oppose this fully.


I fully oppose this.


Oppose this harmful policy

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This policy will result in measurable harms to an already marginalized community. Studies have repeatedly shown that gender-affirming policies reduce suicides and improve quality of life for trans kids. Policies like this will also increase bullying of trans kids.


Save the Girls


Strongly oppose.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


I strongly oppose this


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Thank you for saving our children


I strongly oppose this action. This will harm trans children. Do not do this.

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<p>Any and all actions that force a child to out themselves is dangerous. Protecting trans childrens’ rights to their names, pronouns, and how they identify is not only the bare minimum when it comes to respecting human beings and their autonomy, but it is suicide prevention. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Please focus on education.  </p>


Great policy decision

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<p>I fully support </p>


Strongly Opposed - The Kids Matter Too

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This model has its priorities incredibly backwards. Children aren't just property of their parents, they're their own human beings. By requiring parent's permission for the correct pronouns to be used, you're robbing thousands of students the only chance they'll get at validation for the first 18 years of their life. Many students don't have the luxury of supportive parents, and school is the only chance they get to live as their true selves.

Governor Youngkin, imagine if you needed a parent's permission to be called a boy. What would that do to you mentally? Suicide is already the leading cause of death in people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018), and when the person is LGBTQ+ with unsupportive family, they are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020).

Remember; The people of Virginia includes the children of Virginia, and this model explicitly endangers countless transgender kids who just want to live their life with support from teachers and peers. Parents aren't in any danger if their kids are using different pronouns at school than at home, but their children will be at a much higher risk of suicide if you take away the one place they can be themselves if their home isn't safe.

Sources:

Johns, M. M., Lowry, R., Andrzejewski, J., Barrios, L. C., Zewditu, D., McManus, T., et al. (2019). Transgender identity and experiences of violence victimization, substance use, suicide risk, and sexual risk behaviors among high school student–19 states and large urban school districts, 2017. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(3), 65-71.

Hedegaard, H., Curtin, S.C., & Warner, M. (2018). Suicide mortality in the United States, 1999–2017. National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief, 330, Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.


Do not do this.


Strongly OPPOSE

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I oppose the guidance. The mere idea that it will improve children's lives to allow others to harass, bully, intimidate, and traumatize them is asinine. They don't hurt anyone, but they're surrounded by people who want to hurt them mentally and physically. The VDOE should support the students more than anyone else. School should be a place children want to go, where they can feel supported, and they won't want to go somewhere that's encouraged to harm them.


I oppose this fully.


VDOE Model Policies in re:transgender students

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<p>I strongly and whole-heartedly disagree with the policies set forth in regards to our gay and transgender students. This policy is essentially forcing schools, staff, coaches and admin to out students who do not feel safe or affirmed in their homes. These students are not the property of their parents. They are living, breathing human beings with rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution. Their rights do not end at the schoolhouse doors. These students deserve a quality education and a safe environment to learn free from discrimination. I am a parent of an LGBTQ student. Fortunately for him, he has a loving and affirming family surrounding him where he did feel safe, but he still chose when HE was ready to confide in me and his father. I am aware some of his friends do not have that luxury. If a child does not feel safe coming out to their parents, that burden to bear is on the parents. It is not the job of the school system to notify a parent of a student's change in name, pronouns, gender or sex. Do not force our public schools to put our most vulnerable students in harms way for the sake of politics and religion. </p>


I fully oppose this.


I object wholeheartedly to this policy, motivated solely by political tomfoolery and bigotry

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<p>This will lead to the abuse of trans children and their further ostracizing amongst peers and staff at a time when children need the most support. School is for learning, not for the policing of a student’s gender expression to win political points. You will turn teachers, counselors, support staff and administrators into an unwilling gestapo, a band of reluctant informers who no trans children can turn to as a confidante the way all of their other schoolmates are able to do. As an educator I would resign before I would be forced to shame my students for their gender expression and possibly cause them great harm by outing them against their will. The blood of children will be on your hands and I am many other educators and staff will never be a part of it. </p>


Fully Oppose

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<p>This proposed policy benefits no one other than bullies (student and adult alike), while putting our most vulnerable student populations directly in harm's way. I fully oppose this measure. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Strongly oppose.


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

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I firmly oppose this 2022 guidance in all respects, because it institutionalizes an ideology that opposes the civic rights of transgendered people and would allow, even encourage, genuine cruelty by school teachers, principals, and administrators to such students and their families. Furthermore, it would foster and institutionalize prejudice against children and their families who do not conform to the rigid (and unspecified Christian sectarian) policies proposed by this guidance. As a long-time Charlottesville resident, I say that whoever wrote this guidance should be ashamed.


Suicide on the rise

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Suicide is on the rise because of the conflict “educators” have caused in the classroom with their transgender agenda.  Child abuse, plain and simple. DEFUND and ABOLISH the teachers union in VA and DC


Strongly Oppose

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I vehemently oppose this proposal. It is  disgusting and the result of a concerningly unsound viewpoint that has no basis in fact.


I am completely opposed.


OPPOSED - the proposed changes will endanger transgender students

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This comment is in response to "2022 MODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT FOR ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS."

As written, implementation of the guidelines will contribute to harassment and discrimination of transgender students, and will result in higher prevalences of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The guidance specifically allows for teachers and other school staff to engage in behavior that has been empirically shown to be harmful to transgender students, including "deadnaming" them and refusing to use their preferred pronouns.

Many students - regardless of gender identity - do not feel safe in their homes, and this is especially true for transgender students who are not fortunate enough to live in homes with family members who support them. For those students, schools often represent a place for safe self-expression. The proposed guidance would remove that safety, leaving them with no outlet for being themselves. In addition to formally educating the students of the Commonwealth, schools provide opportunities for social and emotional learning, and we all owe it to every student to continue to provide those opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment. Giving teachers - who signed up for the job to presumably help shepherd students through their childhood and adolescence with care and support - the leeway to impose their own personal anti-transgender ideology on students by refusing to acknowledge their identity is counter to the positive role that school should play in students' lives.

I conduct research on depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The empirical evidence clearly indicates that, among transgender students, having supportive teachers and schools can lead to reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality; it can also lead to lower levels of substance use. Also, having supporting adult role models who respect transgender students' pronouns and name preferences sets the standard for students' peers, making them less likely to engage in bullying of transgender students.

In contrast, the discriminatory behavior that will be enabled by the proposed guidance is likely to increase bullying by peers, because the teachers themselves will be able to engage in bullying! By stifling students' free expression of their identity, members of the school system who disregard name and pronoun preferences will directly contribute to negative mental health outcomes among these students. The guidelines will subject transgender students to the anguish that attends being forced to use bathrooms inconsistent with their identity - imagine being a 14-year-old transgender girl who is forced to use the men's bathroom with 18-year-old male students! Furthermore, the provision that single-use bathroom be available is a pie-in-the-sky idea: Given how little this administration cares about providing resources for schools in general, coupled with Youngkin's clear antipathy toward transgender students, the notion that there would be sufficient funds made available for schools to install these new bathroom is ridiculous. There are schools in the Richmond Public School system that don't have enough money for paper - do you think they can afford to install a new bathroom?

These new guidelines are written in such bad faith. It's framed as being a "parents' rights" policy, but even in cases where parents are supportive of their transgender children, the new guidance would make it possible for teachers to discriminate against transgender kids. The text is clearly all written to make things more difficult for transgender students and their supportive parents, while making it easier for hateful anti-trans teachers and school staff to bully students and refuse to acknowledge their identity.

This is so disappointing and so transparent. If implemented, please know that everyone who makes these policies a reality will be responsible for the negative mental health outcomes - including suicidal behavior among trans students - that ensue.


Oppose


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I am strongly opposed.


Do not do this.


A tragic mistake

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<p>Do not do this.  If you fully understood the heightened suicide risk of LGBTQIA youth, and trans youth especially, you would not promote this policy.  It is lack of acceptance, forcing youth to live inauthentic lives, and demanding conformity to traditional norms that drives trans youth to suicide.  This policy will lead to more dead children.  This is an avoidable mistake.  I urge you to reconsider.  </p>
<p> </p>


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


I oppose this fully.


I fully oppose this.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


This is a horrible and dagerous idea, stroggly oppose.

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This is an dangerous and reactionary policy that will do more harm than any good it could even hope to achive.


Strongly opposed

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<p>I strongly oppose this document. </p>


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Transgender policy

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As a teacher in Virginia, I will make it my personal mission to convince every teacher and school staff member in my school and across the state to ONLY address students by the official name that appears on my roll. The student named Thomas James will no longer be allowed to be addressed as TJ--because that is not the official name on his birth certificate. Nathaniel will not be Nate, and K'Shawn will not be K.

I will call the Governor's tip line every time the morning announcements or school newspaper celebrates Maddie's field hockey success. Her name is Madeline.

I will also flood parents' emails with requests to have the permission to respect their child's identity by calling them by nicknames that are NOT their official birth certificate names, and explain to them the process of filing the paperwork to accommodate that name change in the school setting.

I will tell them that it is a GOVERNMENT LAW.

I will spend every day doing that, while referring to students only in the third person in order to avoid gendered pronouns.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Strongly Oppose Targeting Trans Kids

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I strongly oppose Gov. Youngkin’s attempt to target trans kids and force them into dangerous situations. I will organize and pull everyone I know to combat this fascist policy.


Strongly oppose.


I oppose this fully, transgender kids deserve protection and safety

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<p>As a transgender adult, I was once a transgender kid. These policies will hurt transgender kids for political clout, without any regard to actual science and data. Transgender kids deserve to be respected and protected. </p>


I am completely opposed.


Causing suicidality and homelessness among teens

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I have read the draft policy and I am appalled. As there parent of a teen who is gender non-conforming I am distressed at how this policy might affect their ability to feel comfortable and safe in school. They have already said it is too hard to come out there.

I also run a group practice that provides therapy to trans teens. There is a huge incidence of depression and suicidality in trans teens and adults and that is worsened when they are not supported by the community around them. This policy will literally kill children.

Please do not enact this policy.


Strongly opposed

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<p>I'm a trans adult living in Virginia, and I know this policy will lead to more mental illness and deaths among trans children in Virginia. Having supportive adults reduces the risk of suicide, but this legislation keeps that out of reach for trans youth in unsupportive homes. I didn't transition until adulthood because of my unsupportive family, and in that time I had many many suicide attempts, and developed mental health issues that still plague me to this day. My friends who experienced familial support are, comparatively much healthier both physically and mentally. </p>


Do not do this.


Strongly OPPOSE

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These proposed policies to “protect” parents and staff rights will directly impact our family and thousands of others. While our child feels safe enough to be themself at home, many children do not have the same support from their parents. Current school policies in VA have allowed schools to be a place where many queer/trans kids can feel safe to be themselves, be relaxed and ready to learn, and not suffer repercussions at home. Taking away that sanctuary will have direct negative social, emotional AND educational impacts on too many students, including students who are cisgender who will watch the impact thirst change have on their peers.

Under the current policy, we, as parents, were permitted to submit written instructions to the school to change our student’s name and gender on official school records, WITHOUT legal documentation. The new policy would require us to get a court order and legal name and gender change in order to maintain that. That is a process we would like to take when we are ready, not because the department of education requires it. What about our parent rights?!

I implore you to reject this new policy in Virginia.


Strongly Opposed

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Since this guidance will regulate names, nicknames, and pronouns, it begs the question if non trans students will be allowed to go by nicknames unless explicit permission is given by parent's that their child can go by that nickname.  Must Bill go by William or Jon go by Jonathan?  I doubt it.  This is clearly targetting trans children and unfortunately will hurt those whose parents already do not support them.  It is shameful, unnecessary, and detrimental to those children.  Believe people are who they say they are.  If a child born as raised as a gender aliging with their birth sex would like to go by another gender, believe that there is something valid to that claim.

It shouldn't be a matter of asking permission.  Would we ask parents of gay student to give permission that their children can be gay?  Why not have checklist at the beginning of the school year each parent must fill out to specify who their children can date?  If a heterosexual white student wants to date a black student, do they need their parent's permission?

Trans students already face many hurdles in their day to day lives.  This guidance would simply reaffirm to them that there is something wrong with them, and it is so grievously abnormal that they must get permission to be who they are.  It's absolutely ridiculous that the government is wasting time, policing individuals just trying to live their lives.  Why not spend time of housing, affordability, infrastructure, and leave trans children alone.  Enacting this policy is foolish on many levels.  I am strongly opposed and embarrassed this is even up for debate in 2022.


I fully oppose this.


Strongly Oppose!

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Parents “rights” are not more important than our children’s lives. This policy will hurt kids. Transgender students are already a population with high risk factors. The 2022 policy is not based on evidence or research. In fact, the evidence and research runs contrary to the 2022 policy:

56% of transgender youth reported a previous suicide attempt and 86% reported suicidality. School belongingness mitigates these risks and is a significant predictor variable for reducing suicidal ideation and attempts among transgender youth (Austin et al., 2020).

Transgender and nonbinary youth whose schools prevent them from using the restrooms/locker rooms that best matched their gender identities were significantly more likely to be sexually assaulted, 26% for transgender males and 149% for transgender females (Murchison et al., 2019).

28% of transgender youth whose pronouns are not affirmed attempted suicide in the past year. In fact, when pronouns are respected, transgender youth attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected (Trevor Project, 2020).

Transgender adolescents experience significantly disproportionate levels of childhood abuse compared to cisgender adolescents and experience greater levels of homelessness as a result of being kicked out or abused (Thoma, 2021).

Thank you for your time and consideration.


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Strongly opposed to these policies that will kill kids.

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<p>Trans kids cannot help who they are. We as adults need to be supporting them and uplifting them, not making their lives EVEN harder through petty bureaucracy and fascist lawmaking. These kids will end up killing themselves, and their blood is on the hands of Youngkin & all of his supporters. </p>


Opposed to new model policies

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Having thoroughly read the new model transgender policies, I find the governor's public statements in support of parent rights to be misleading at best. Parent rights are hampered under this new policy, by requiring them to provide additional evidence and documentation to have their wishes followed in school beyond what current policies require. This policy is simply making it more difficult for kids to transition socially, rather than involving parents more deeply. In addition, it allows greater freedom of speech to members of school staff if their views are in alignment with the governor, instead of allowing equal rights to all educators. Finally, despite lip service to providing safe and secure environment to all children, it is endangering the mental health and safety of some of our most vulnerable students.  It is a terrible policy that should not be enforced in any school system.


Do not let Youngkin dupe you

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The proposed guidance is based on a fundamental and willful misunderstanding of what it means to be transgender. Being trans is not an ideology anymore than being cis is. I'm living proof: cisgender and opposed to this guidance, which as written, will only serve to cut off trans students from one of the dwindling number of public spaces that take steps to affirm their existence.

Many students cannot rely on their parents to provide a safe environment in which to navigate their gender identity, and if we are to continue with the assumption that schools are meant to serve every student, we cannot in good conscience blunt our schools' ability to actively assist a specific underserved demographic. Make no mistake: that is what this guidance is designed to do. It is hiding behind the anxieties of misinformed parents to normalize the erasure of transgender students.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Strongly oppose this policy guidance

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This policy is thinly veiled as a policy that addresses the topics and things, such as treatment of transgendered students with necessary, compassion, and respect for all students, and yet, functionally, it does just the opposite. This is a horrific step backwards, and I absolutely oppose withdrawing the 2001 model policies.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


I oppose this fully.


Absolutely Not

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<p>Keep your hatred of those that are different out of schools. Trans kids have higher rates of bullying and suicide as is. They should be supported in schools. The US used to be celebrated for being a melting pot, but now it seems politicians are just trying to distract from real issues. </p>


I am completely opposed.


I am strongly opposed.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


Strongly OPPOSE

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This is extremely harmful to LGBTQ+ kids, who have a right to learn in a safe environment.  This isn't about your religious beliefs or comfort.  These are people's lives.  ENOUGH.  Keep your religion out of our government!!


Trans Rights Now

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<p>Trans rights = Human rights </p>


Strongly opposed and disgusted

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I am a young adult in Hampton Roads who attended public schools here. I did not have a safe and supportive environment to be myself at home. Teachers who loved, supported, and encouraged me to love myself no matter my identity were what kept me not only able to study and learn, but what kept me ALIVE. Trans youth deserve safety and respect. I attempted suicide at age 17; these guidelines are going to result in a huge increase in depressed and suicidal LGBT youth, and Virginia's teen suicide rate is already higher than the national average.

The science shows LGBT youth are at an increased risk of suicide, particularly Transgender youth as they are unwillingly dragged into the public eye to have their humanity debated. Meanwhile the same studies also show using Trans youth's chosen names and correct pronouns significantly lowers that suicide risk. Again, this policy is going to scar and kill children.

I have a lot of friends who are teachers, and if these guidelines pass they aren't going to follow them because they have no interest in harming their beloved students. Our state has a deeply concerning teacher shortage and this is going to exacerbate that as well.


Do not do this.


I fully oppose this.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


The new anti trans laws are unconstitutional

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This is disgusting discrimination. If you are not trans you have no right making laws for trans people and guess what, if your not trans, trans peoples pronouns have absolutely no effect on you. Grow up and move on with your life. Use tax money for something actually needed.


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Trans rights are human rights.

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I deserve to be respected. Trans kids across Virginia deserve to be respected. If this law passes, we will see suicide rates go up, bullying and harassment go up, self harm go up, because you limit and rip away privacy, protection, and support for trans kids. You are actively hurting a vulnerable community. You should be ashamed of yourself.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I support the parents

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Great bill to keep parents involved in parenting!


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose these revisions.  These revisions will do noting to protect these vulnerable students,


oppose this regressive policy for trans students

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This regressive policy aimed at trans students is not about best practice for the students. This is about fulfilling a campaign promise that was grounded in fear and prejudice. Our students deserve better. They deserve policies that support their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth. They do not need or deserve policies that put them in harms way. If parents want total control of their children's educational experience, they have the choice and right to home school their children or send them to private schools. The government, schools, MUST create and follow policies that support ALL students, not the students of the radical and regressive few. This is bad for kids, this is a bad policy.


Oppose

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Please treat all Virginia students with the respect and dignity that they deserve.  This bill doesn't do that.


Y’ALL MEANS ALL

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<p>Protect Transgender youth.  </p>


I oppose.

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<p>If this policy is passed we will see a significant rise in student deaths by suicide. ALL students deserve to feel like they belong in school. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


I oppose this fully.


Strongly oppose.


NO to discriminatory policy against trans students

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Say NO to this discriminatory policy that singles out and discriminates agains trans students; such a policy will do great harm to those students at a most vulnerable period in their lives, and be an ugly lesson to all students who are trying to learn about good citizenship.


Do not do this.


I am strongly opposed.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


I OPPOSE the guidance.

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<p>This guidance is heartless and cruel. Every student should feel safe at school and this guidance puts trans and nonbinary students at risk. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I know the important role schools serve as a safe environment for LGBTQ youth. If enacted, this guidance would remove an important safety net for many LGBTQ youth. The VDOE must reject this guidance. </p>


I fully oppose this.


Freedom

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People should be free to be happy, to be free to be loved, to be free to be who they are. Limiting people to live a life they can't stand will do nothing but harm everyone. The harmless act of being yourself shouldn't be punished no. It just doesn't make any sense.


Involve the Parents when it comes to Minors! I support fully


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Virginian Majority APPROVES


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


I am completely opposed.


Concerned Parents voted for this governor for this eventual policy

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<p>We appreciate you listening to those who voted for this governor </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.


I oppose this fully.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


Trolls are here


Oppose

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<p>I strongly strongly oppose this </p>


Oppose

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I oppose marginalizing and endangering transgender students


I am strongly opposed.


Oppose


I fully oppose this.


Strongly oppose.


Do not do this.


Completely opposed to this.

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Do not pass this. This is very harmful and dangerous for students.


Stand strong Youngkin

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<p>Don’t let the sickos intimidate you </p>


I stand with the LGBTQ community

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This new policy proposed for how to handle transgender students is harmful to trans children and as such, I vehemently oppose it.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Government overreach

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<p>The state should not be involved in medical or personal decisions. Oppose the proposed policy. </p>


Strongly Oppose VA Fascist Surveillance State

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<p>Until you can guarantee that parents aren't going to harm, disown, or otherwise create a dangerous living environment for LGBTQ children there will be blood on your hands. Youngkin's generation will die out and we will plant flowers over your graves that bring hope to the future. Disgusting, selfish generation can't die fast enough. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Leave OUR rights alone!


I oppose this fully.


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Stop girls from being raped

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<p>If liberal women really cared about women, they wouldn’t want men in the locker rooms with them. </p>


A child's right to feel safe at school and at home supersedes a parent's rights

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We accept that there are limits on people's rights when they result in the injury of others.  Hence the oft cited quote, "Your right to swing your fist ends at my nose."  We use this principal to protect children from corporal punishment at school (Virginia Code 22.1-279.1) and from sexual assault anywhere (Virginia Code 18.2-370).  (Maslow cited the need for safety as one of the basic needs for human development.)

Transgender students have the right to feel safe in their bodily and mental integrity as does every child.  Anything that endangers that sense of safety should not be tolerated.  Transgender children have a suicide risk of 2.5 times greater than the norm.  (Price-Feeney, Myeshia et al. "Understanding the Mental Health of Transgender and Nonbinary Youth" Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 66, Issue 6, June 1, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.11.314) Therefore, teachers should not be compelled to tell parents if their child is transgender.  Everyone should respect the pronouns that a person chooses for themselves.  A fundamental part of our common humanity is our ability to say who we are.  Ensuring that people can do that safely no matter what their age is not granting them special rights but affirming their equal rights.


Child Mutilation Must Be stopped

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Telling children they can be a different gender is the same thing as telling them they can be a different ethnicity. Cutting off childrens body parts is demonic. How would you respond to a child who said he or she felt like he or she was meant to only have one arm and that their body feels wrong to them with two. Would you allow them to cut that painful arm off


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I support Gov Youngkin's policy and strongly believe that the school systems and government do not need to be making decisions for my children without my involvement. Shame on all the people who are willing to hand their children and other people's children over to the evil one. God gave those children to you, not the schools! Do your job - raise your children properly - get involved and stop looking to others to take your place.


Strongly oppose.


Do not do this.


I fully oppose this.


SUPPORT PARENTS’ RIGHTS

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Thank you for supporting parent’s rights and control over their children’s education as well as protecting them from influences contrary to their values. I have love for all people. Giving parents a say in their children’s education is in no way racist or hateful. For uninformed people to make this to be something “nazi” or ugly, or anti-trans, is a complete lie. Remember it was the Nazis and Communists who said the government knows better how to raise children and barred parents from having input or influence!


Finally a step in the right direction

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I believe that the language in this is inclusive and sensitive to the rights of parents, and the transgender youth. We as a society have to stop pandering to what amounts to a very small minority at the expense of the majority. This proposal does not take any rights away from transgender people. It simply states that parents have a right to know what their children are up to at school. It will put the decision in the hands of parents and local school officials rather than the state. I fully support this and think that it's about time the Commonwealth took a step back from these policies that take parents out of the process.


Liberals have a lot to say on this topic

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Why are the liberals so offended by this! Because they are sick.
They write paragraphs upon paragraphs trying to justify the sexualization of children.
Why?


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


14th amendment

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If these “protections“ are already in place in the 14th amendment, and there are no cases being brought to challenge this, what purpose is this policy change serving?

 Grown adults have plenty of recourse, while underage trans kids have almost nothing to fall back on.

stronly opposed to this proposal.


I am completely opposed.


I am strongly opposed.


Younkin's anti-trans policies are a stain on Virginia

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As a citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am adamantly against the Governor's model policies concerning trans students. These policies are vindictive, intended to trap queer children and chain them to the whims of their parents—in the face of decades of evidence that queer children often suffer much of the worst abuse from their own families. The trans community at large faces some of the highest rates of violence, depression, and suicide within the queer community, making these rules especially pernicious and cruel.

Glenn Youngkin is just another in a long line of weak, feeble men willing to accumulate personal power and political capital by beating on a group of people with little say in their own affairs.

The good people of Virginia have fought and defeated men like him in the past. My ancestor, a Virginian, did as much when we knocked the British out of the colonies. I have every confidence that we shall do so again. The trans and other queer children growing up under this regime will never forget what Republicans have tried to do with their lives.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Fully support - protect children and parental rights

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Thank you for supporting parental rights. School administrators and officials have gone too far in staking a claim on our children’s minds and bodies. Hands off our kids!


This is a terrible policy decision.


Oppose this guidance

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I strongly opposed this proposed guidance. I am a parent of multiple children in the public school system. Forcing teachers and staff to report on students' gender identity is antithetical to student safety. This is political hackery masquerading as policy. Calling this guidance as supportive of "parents rights" is baloney and is clearly intended to target students who may fear for their safety in their unsupportive homes. This proposed guidance has nothing to do with children's well-being and everything to do with attempts to threaten and punish gender non-conformity. This guidance is actively harmful and must be revised to protect students safety by reverting to the previous standards.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Strongly oppose.


Do not do this.


Disgusting Policy!

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This is a disgusting policy and will cause irreparable to our kids! I strongly OPPOSE this!


I firmly oppose this

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I am a teacher; there can be no education in an environment in which students are made to feel unsafe. Please, respect their right to self-determination.


Strongly OPPOSE

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<p>I am begging you to please NOT pass this.  There is so much evidence that explicitely shows that our beloved transgender and nonbinary students/people will suffer mightedly.  This is not necessary.  </p>


Strongly opposed to this measure

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<p>The government should not causing sex/gender discrimination. </p>


Um, no. Fully oppose.

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This is a horrible policy.


I fully oppose this.


Opposed

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<p>As a Charlottesville City teacher, and parent, I strongly oppose the governor’s recent decision to remove rights and protections from transgender students in VA public schools. The measure is cruel and dangerous and will undoubtedly lead to tragic outcomes, including abuse towards these students both in school and at home, as well as increased rates of suicide. The idiotic governor’s determination to tear down the public school system has already led to distrust between parents and educators based on fear rather than truth, and vulnerable students will pay the price for this latest political stunt based purely in discriminatory hate. Virginians will not stand for this. </p>


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


I am strongly opposed.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Strongly oppose.

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Children are people, not property or political pawns. Respect their privacy and their personal expression. Let's not pretend that terrible parents don't exist in the world--adults are absolutely capable of harming their own children if they don't align with their beliefs. Outing trans kids puts them in danger. Supporting them helps them thrive and grow up to be productive members of society.


STRONGLY SUPPORT


Stongly Oppose this.

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I am a former FCPS employee and an MSW. I am horrified by this proposed guidance.

Public schools may be the first and in some cases the only places where trans students can safely by out. This guidance would take away that safety and literally put students' physical safety at risk.

Also - deadnaming (using a trans student's birth name) and misgendering (using the incorrect pronouns) causes emotional harm.

This proposed guidance is dangerous and unacceptable. I cannot express how essential it is that these proposals are not accepted and do not move forward.


This administration is not working for ALL Virginia kids.

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<p>This school policy removing protections for trans and nonbinary students flies in the face of evidence based best practices. </p>


Stop abusing children

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<p>stop abusing and encouraging children to mutilate their bodies </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I am completely opposed.


Im 100% against grooming our children!!

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Government funded schools are responsible for health, safety and education. Pro nouns, LGBQT etc is NOT HEALTHY...ITS NOT SAFE...and it is NOT EDUCATIONAL!. GET THIS SATANIC CRAP OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS..

WWG1WGA


Trans rights


Protect Trans Students in Schools

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I strongly oppose the forced outing of trans students to their parents. Teachers are custodians of Virginia children's learning environments, and should not be forced to expose children to potential abuse from parents. To transphobes and similar who would force teachers and educators into a nonsensical culture war to boost Trumpkin's poll numbers, I say "nuts!"


I support this document

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I believe we need to protect children who believe their sexual identity is different from the basic male/female identity.


Totally In Favor

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<p>We need to protect children and the people who do that best are their parents. People who argue that parents shouldn’t know what their kids are doing in school should ask themselves if they’d be ok being kept out of decisions about their childrens regarding other issues </p>


Opposed

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While much of the proposed policy seems reasonable and well-balanced to support parents, I oppose the proposed policy. Outing trans and/or LGBT+ students to their parents without their consent will result in increased homelessness and suicide. How do schools intend to support the very students they will assuredly make homeless and/or suicidal? Please see: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/homelessness-and-housing-instability-among-lgbtq-youth-feb-2022/.

Additionally, the proposed policy is vague in addressing trans students with their preferred pronouns using parental consent as guidance. How do schools intend to address students whose parents are divorced or were never married, share equal custody, but disagree on how their child should be addressed at school?

Whatsmore, how do schools intend to enforce how trans students are addressed by teachers, administrators, and staff? If a parent instructs their child's school to address them with their preferred name and pronouns, will school staff face consequences for refusing to do so? It would seem not, based on this proposed policy.

This proposed policy does little to protect trans students in the care of Virginia schools. It should be opposed and, at a minimum, revised to address the above concerns.


I oppose this fully.


Do not do this.


STRONGLY SUPPORT YOUNGKIN'S POLICY

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I have 4 children and strongly believe that the school systems and government do not need to be making decisions for my children without my involvement. Shame on all the people who are willing to hand their children and other people's children over to the evil one. God gave those children to you, not the schools! Do your job - raise your children properly - get involved and stop looking to others to take your place.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Protect Trans Kids

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I strongly oppose this policy. This policy is anti-children. This administration claims they want to empower parents to have a say in their child's education, but they clearly only want to empower straight cis children & parents. ALL children, including trans and lgbtq+ children, have a right to life, liberty, and happiness. I will not sit by and let hatred be a part of my state.


The anti-trans model policies do not protect children. They only hurt them.

Matt Royer, Virginia Young Democrats Executive Vice President

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Trans students matter. Parents of trans students matter too. With this policy, you force them to endure bigotry and force their identities under the microscope to be picked apart by society and their peers. Where is the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect in that?

These model policies are rooted in transphobia and only seek to further harm trans and non-binary kids. They create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment for those same students as they require teachers and staff to “forcibly out” students to their parents against the student’s will, even in cases where students seek counseling for abusive at home environments.

By not allowing teachers to use students' gender affirming names and gender affirming pronouns, you subject them to mental anguish, torment, and bullying at the hands of their peers, and in some cases, downright violence. These students will undoubtedly be physically hurt by other students out of lack of understanding and intolerance, but unfortunately, statistics point to these students dying by suicide because of the toxic and unsafe environments that they are put into.

These policies claim to protect students from “forced social transitioning.” Ironically, these policies are what is forcing kids to accept genders that aren’t their own. None of this seems to emphasize "privacy, respect, and dignity" in Virginia Public Schools.

The harm to students and their families aside, these policies are pretty much illegal in the eye of state law and also go against legal precedent ruled on by the highest courts in the United States based on cases from right here in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Gavin Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board was ruled in favor of Gavin Grimm, not once but TWICE, which made a sweeping declaration that trans students should not be forced to use the bathrooms of the genders they were assigned at birth. These policies would go against the rulings of the nations' highest courts.

In 2021, Governor Ralph Northam signed the Virginia Values Act into law after it was passed through the General Assembly. This law sweepingly, effectively prohibited discrimination in public and private employment, credit, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, among other additional protected categories. The protections in this act have been extended to protect LGBTQ+ youth in Virginia public schools throughout the Commonwealth to prohibit discrimination, harassment, and violence in against these students.

This anti-trans campaign and policy has real life consequences for many people and it’s taken out on children who are trying to find their identity, like any kid should be able to do in their own experience and on their own time. This is a blatant and egregious attack on trans students in the Commonwealth and puts innocent children under harsh and brutal scrutiny for just trying to live their lives as who they truly are.

We have to show that trans kids matter, trans people matter, and that they should be uplifted and supported, not persecuted and oppressed.

As a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I urge you to do away with this policy and get back to supporting ALL of our Virginia public school students.


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Strongly oppose.


I fully oppose this.


treatment of trans students in schools


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Strongly oppose

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<p>Transgender/non-binary children are just trying to go to school and receive an education. Please don't make it more stressful for them. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Disgusting removal or rights and protections

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<p>2022 guidance is a disgusting 180 about face from the 2021 guidance document.  2022 makes no effort to explain how gender is a religious issue and would affect anyone of any faith.  How a person identifies themselves is not affected by anyone elses beliefs.  It is harmful, fascisit, transparent and ultimately damaging to these young people and virginia.  The 2022 guidance document should be tossed in the trash heap along with whichever idiot wrote it.  </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Stop the abuse

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<p>The leftist, Marxist’s attack on our children is political and evil. School is for learning math, English, science, and history. NOT the destruction of innocence through the sexualization and lie of the transgender directive from the sick individuals that want to promote their agenda to innocent children. Thank you Glenn Youngkin for fighting for the lives of our children.    </p>


Vehemently oppose!

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<p>Stop picking on children.  They deserve so much better. Teachers should not be told what to say or do in their classrooms. Schools should not be political. Your proposal is nasty and hateful. </p>


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


I Strongly Oppose.

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Parental rights and transgender rights can both be satisfied while still maintaining the safety and dignity of trans people. We seem to be so hung up on what happens to children and rightfully so, but in some ways we treat them as independent individuals and in some ways we do not. School is a place where they are defined by their individuality and not their family/parents, therefore, they should feel empowered to be treated as they are, individuals who have a right to their bodies and identities. Advocating for respect as the Model Documents of 2021 did is nothing but reasonable. Why do we let parents' fear overpower the rights of young people?


Strongly opposed

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I am in favor of retaining the March 2021 model policies and not in favor of implementing the 2022 model policies at all. I was a transgender student in Virginia public schools in the early to mid-2000's. Bullying was rampant at the school where I attended and understanding of and compassion for transgender issues was virtually non-existent. As a student, I would have benefitted under the 2021 model policies and been actively harmed by the 2022 model policies.

It is striking that the title of the 2021 model policies includes the word transgender, but the 2022 model policies do not. That change is transphobic through distancing the policy from the very group the policy covers. The 2021 model also begins by defining terms related to gender identity which serves to ground the policy and demonstrates a knowledge of the issues. The 2022 policy by contrast, is bereft of any definitions for the terminology it uses.

I was sexually assaulted in school by a classmate who presumed I was gay. My parents were informed about the sexual assault by the principal of the school but not the reason why. My parents were homophobic and transphobic. If they had been informed about the reason at the time, I may have ended up being homeless. The greatest flaw that I see in the 2022 model policies is the belief that parents will be willing to partner with schools and that informing a parent about a child's gender identity or sexuality is always in the child's best interest. Some of us came from broken homes and had to be our own parents. I would go so far as to state that I might not have survived my own childhood had the 2022 model guidance been in place at the time.


I am completely opposed.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


Protect Trans Kids!

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This legislation is harmful and counterproductive. It completely discounts the mountain of existing evidence-based guidance put forth by experts in the fields of child psychology and behavior.

Rather than spending taxpayer dollars on genital- centric policies that strip children of their rights to privacy and the pursuit of happiness, focus on updating our public schools with gender-neutral facilities and programs. This way all students can go about their day without having to publicly announce their sex to gain entry.

Before this trans hysteria began, where I'm from, it's common for teachers to ask students if they have a nickname they would like to use in class. I don't recall that ever needing to be parent-approved. This should be no different. Refer to kids the way they would prefer. It harms no one but does a world of good for the kids. Please understand that "outing" a student to their parents over a name or a pronoun could lead directly to abuse, abandonment, or worse.

I'll also say that sex-segregated sports should be a thing of the past. I'd challenge anyone to look at the roster for any U8-U12 league and tell me the teams are "fair" to all players. I constantly hear outrage about trans kids having an advantage over their teammates, especially trans girls. Next time you're on the sports field, look at the height/weight differences among the players of those ages. Girls that are 4' 75lbs could easily be on the same team as girls 5'3" 130lbs. However, because they're assigned female at birth, that's considered fair. You can't argue that trans girls are bigger/faster/stronger when statistically, girls assigned female at birth are all over the spectrum of weight and height too!

Stop these harmful dehumanizing policies. Stop worrying about what's in our kids' pants and start working on legislation that will make everyone welcome and comfortable in their own skin.


Protect trans kids - DO NOT enact this policy.

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This is a horrible decision that flies in the face of all medical and psychological research findings. Far from protecting children, it is incredibly harmful to them. For transgender or gender non-conforming children in unsupportive households, school may be the only place where they are free to be themselves — destroying that freedom puts them at massively increased risk of self-harm and suicide.

As a Virginia voter, DO NOT enact this awful policy.


I am strongly opposed.


I am absolutely opposed to this

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I am completely and totally opposed to the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools Guidance Document.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Protect ALL kids

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<p>Thank you for doing just that.  Good work. Those who don’t see that this protects everyone don’t really want to protect children but rather want to protect an agenda </p>


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Strongly Opposed!

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So just because a trans kid's parents don't support who their children are, teachers will be forced to treat them with that same disrespect? How is mandating a hostile schooling environment going to make anything better for anyone?

"The gender-affirming model of care affirms diversity in gender identity and assists individuals in defining, exploring, and actualizing their gender identity, allowing for exploration without judgments or assumptions. This does not mean that all youth need to undergo medical transition; indeed, this is often not the case. Gender-affirming care is highly individualized and focuses on the needs of each individual by including psychoeducation about gender and sexuality (appropriate to age and developmental level), parental and family support, social interventions, and gender-affirming medical interventions.

It is well documented that TGNB adolescents and young adults experience anxiety and depression, as well as suicidal ideation, at a much higher rate than their cisgender peers. According to The Trevor Project’s 2020 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 54 percent of young people who identified as transgender or nonbinary reported having seriously considered suicide in the last year, and 29 percent have made an attempt to end their lives. In contrast, numerous research studies have found that gender-affirming care leads to improved mental health among TGNB youth."

https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/gender-affirming-care-saves-lives


Do not do this.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I oppose this fully.


Protect Trans Children

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The governor’s policies will cause the deaths of trans children. There is no mistaking it. When queer and and trans children are forbidden from being who they are, and are treated with state-sanctioned contempt and harm, they will die. This guidance is clearly meant to serve as a fascist dogwhistle to continue to oppress those that conservatives deem undesirable.

The central framing of this guidance is also wrong; children are humans who are deserving of autonomy. This guidance places the right of parents to control their children over the rights of children to exist as individuals. The fact that “schools shall respect all children” is the LAST principle speaks volumes to what Gov Youngkin thinks the purpose of school is.

Furthermore, how can we trust Gov Youngkin to have the interests of all children in the state of Virginia when his proposed policies regarding harassment in schools fail to provide safeguards against harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression? When many students, both LGBTQ+ and not, face harassment in this way, and in some cases face harassment so extreme it causes withdrawing from school, moving, great physical and or emotional harm, or even death? The answer is that we cannot trust the governor, as he does not care. He has told us who he sees as human. LGBTQ+ children are not human to him.


I strongly oppose.

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I strongly oppose this!


Oppose

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<p>Schools should be welcoming for all students, no matter their background. Outting kids to their parents can put them directly into an unsafe situation at home. It's insane that Youngkin's administration and the Republican Party is still using horrible and antiquated tropes to demonize LGBTQ+ students and create hostile school environments. Schools are stressful places already, why make it harder on them when all these are kids trying to be is themselves? Other kids are uncomfortable? That sounds like a teachable moment to me. The world is diverse. Virginia is more diverse than ever before, and people just need to make peace with that. Trans kids have always been here and demonizing won't change that. It'll only hurt kids. </p>


Transgender Policy

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Strongly oppose the policy as proposed by Youngkin. It is hateful and cruel.


I Oppose!

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<p>As a parent of two teens, I find it appalling that this guidance takes back protections of trans youth.  It is our responsibility to lead by example, and I want my children to know that they will be safe at school no matter who they are.  </p>


strongly oppose

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This policy will bring nothing but harm to trans children and I vehemently oppose it.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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<p>I strongly support parents' rights regarding their children. While I sympathize with Transkids, they need to look to their parents for support, not the school systems. The schools are leading these misguided kids in to deeper waters. </p>


Strongly support!

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Thankful this bill is protecting our children and the rights of parents.


PROTECT TRAN KIDS

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<p>I strongly oppose this. It will harm so many trans kids and sets a dangerous precedent. </p>


you've gotta be a nazi to support this

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This bill not only destroys children's already very overstepped right to privacy, this will result in the breakage of the school system using a scapegoat as a catalyst, we see through your political agenda, Virginia Republicans. WE see your attempts to break up families and destroy the lives of kids unborn for a simple party race. I fully believe that were the burning of the library of sexualwiszencraft were to happen today, Virginia Republicans would celebrate such genocidal action. If this is going to be a part of the neo-civil war Era, Virginia Republicans are on the absolute worst side of it. That much is clear.


Oppose

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These drafted policies would essentially force school counselors to out trans students to their parents before they are ready. As school counselors, we don't bring up conversations about gender with kids in individual counseling, but kids will often bring it up themselves. We have to talk to them in an affirming and safe environment. It is essential for LGBTQ+ youth to come out to their families themselves, when and if they feel safe to do so.

The primary reason it is so important to affirm, protect, and create safe spaces at school for LGBTQ+ children is because LGBT adolescents are more likely than other kids their age to attempt suicide. Overall, sexual minority youth were 3.5 times as likely to attempt suicide as heterosexual peers. Transgender adolescents were 5.87 times more likely, gay and lesbian adolescents were 3.71 times more likely and bisexual youth were 3.69 times more likely than heterosexual peers to attempt suicide. (Reuters 2018)


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


I fully oppose this.


Strongly oppose


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


I oppose this fully.


I am strongly opposed.


Do not bully our children

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I strongly oppose this measure by Gov. Youngkin.   Do not bully our children, this behavior is unacceptable.  Do not try and climb the political ladder by standing on the backs of trans students.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Guidance Document

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I support parents rights!


Do not do this.


Transgender

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Why is this necessary ?

just more politics ?

let’s get on with making Virginia a better place for all

leave this up to families to decide we don’t need big government interfering with personal matters


Strongly oppose.


This is a hateful and dangerous policy. Oppose!

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<p>While Youngkin panders to his base, children will be at higher risk for mental health issues and suicidal ideation. The pro-life crowd isn't so pro-life when it comes to welcoming and accepting transgender students. Please reconsider this dangerous policy change for the sake of Virginia's children.   </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose the new transgender/non-binary student policy proposed by the governor. It is our role as adults to protect children from discrimination and abuse. This policy is definitely not supporting vulnerable students. Gender identity and sexual orientation are hard wired at birth. It’s biology, not choice. We must allow our children to live as their authentic selves. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


This is a terrible policy decision.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Strongly oppose, this policy is hypocritical.

Sunny Furches, nonbinary educator and born and raised Virginian

I'm going to begin with a quote taken from the guidance document that was provided. "All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying." ALL students have the right to attend school free from discrimination. You can not say that all students have a right to attend school free from discrimination while actively trying to release a policy that discriminates against trans students. You think you're protecting the students, but really, you're harming them. For some students, it may be safe to get parental approval. But for some students, it's not safe to do so. So they are forced to be uncomfortable in their own skin both at home and in school, or put themselves in danger. I can say, at 22, I'm still not out to my parents in any regard, for this reason. I spent all of high school hiding who I was just so I could be safe, and that made me absolutely miserable. The only reason I'm not dead is because I cared too much about my friends. Now that I'm out of college and living on my own, I'm able to be myself, away from my family, and I am so much happier for it.      I hear the argument frequently of "it's just a phase, they'll grow out of it". So what if it's just a phase? Children should feel supported and encouraged, not stifled. When I was a kid I wanted to be a princess when I grew up. That was obviously a phase, yet nobody batted an eye or complained in the slightest. I think our priority should be making sure students feel safe and encouraged, and we can coddle the parents later.

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<p>     I'm going to begin with a quote taken from the guidance document that was provided. "All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying." ALL students have the right to attend school free from discrimination. You can not say that all students have a right to attend school free from discrimination while actively trying to release a policy that discriminates against trans students. You think you're protecting the students, but really, you're harming them. For some students, it may be safe to get parental approval. But for some students, it's not safe to do so. So they are forced to be uncomfortable in their own skin both at home and in school, or put themselves in danger. I can say, at 22, I'm still not out to my parents in any regard, for this reason. I spent all of high school hiding who I was just so I could be safe, and that made me absolutely miserable. The only reason I'm not dead is because I cared too much about my friends. Now that I'm out of college and living on my own, I'm able to be myself, away from my family, and I am so much happier for it. <br/>     I hear the argument frequently of "it's just a phase, they'll grow out of it". So what if it's just a phase? Children should feel supported and encouraged, not stifled. When I was a kid I wanted to be a princess when I grew up. That was obviously a phase, yet nobody batted an eye or complained in the slightest. I think our priority should be making sure students feel safe and encouraged, and we can coddle the parents later. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS CRUELTY TO TRANS YOUTH

Nancy D Hall, EdD, 4 Public Education (4PE)

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The level of cynicism we have come to expect from Glenn Youngkin and his party is on full display with this Model Policies proposal. It is not for him and his Cabinet of Cronies to decide if a child is safe coming out to their parents. The rapport and trust a student has in their teacher should be regarded as almost sacred, not as weaponized political pawns. These are our most vulnerable children, least able to protect themselves against bullying, which can lead to harm and suicidal ideation. These monsters should stop using fear to aggravate the families. Gender dysphoria has never been proven to be a cause of predatory behavior. This cabal should be ashamed or themselves for exposing our students to harm just because they can.

Their thought process in no way represents the preponderance of the Commonwealth of Virginia citizens. We understand the ultimate goal: to arouse sufficient fear that discredits our fine public education system. Privatizing education has never helped families, it merely lines the pockets of the "buy, gut, and sell" privateers. Charter schools have a lifespan of about five years.

WE ALL KNOW THE END GOAL of this. Public education has historically been a soft constituency. We are organized, focused, and fearless. We fight for our public school system and its families.


Is Virginia for Lovers or Haters?

Patrick Compton - Grandparent of VA Transchild

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For Years Virginia’s motto has been

Virginia is for Lovers

Don’t make it, Virginia is for Haters


I fully oppose this.


Support trans youth!

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<p>Respecting childrens’ rights to self identify does absolutely nothing to hinder education. In fact, it only hinders the education of trans kids, as it is unnecessary trauma to be forced to be something they are not. PROTECT TRANS RIGHTS. </p>


Strongly Oppose These Irresponsible Policies

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This new policy will undoubtedly lead to increased harassment and bullying of trans students.

The weak language that schools should "attempt" and "make every effort" to respect a student's identity/pronouns are completely undermined by the rest of the policy -- specifically, the direction to separate athletics programs, locker rooms, and other school events/facilities by biological sex; forcing schools to out trans students to their parents even when it puts them in harm's way (when not all parents are good parents, a safe school environment is all the more important!); and a lack of any consequences for, or resources to address, any teachers or students that disrespect a trans student's identity. It also fails to acknowledge or address intersex or nonbinary students.

This policy regards trans students as second-class citizens, with limited rights.

This policy endangers trans students, in violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act.

This policy does not treat trans students with the respect and care that they deserve.

We can be better than this.


I am strongly opposed.


Yes!!

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<p>Amen. Good work </p>


I am completely opposed.


Strongly OPPOSE

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<p>I am a concerned community member and I strongly oppose this guidance. From my experience as a student, I’ve seen trans students struggle to focus on their studies because they need to spend time worrying about trivial things such as where to use the bathroom instead. This guidance will make it harder for trans students to get the support they need in order to succeed in school. Our main priority should be to make sure students are in a comfortable environment where they can focus on their studies, not worry about their safety </p>


Strongly oppose!

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I strongly oppose the new propose model guidance policy and oppose any enforcement on school division who do not adopt the propose guidelines. The policy is discrimintory towards Transgender individuals who are a protected class by title XI.


I oppose this fully.


Strongly oppose.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Strong Oppose

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<p>This policy will kill kids. All children deserve to feel safe and comfortable at school and all children deserve a fair education. Putting this policy in place puts trans kids in harm and creates a space for harm to be done. Support trans youth and OPPOSE THIS POLICY!  </p>


So Impressed by this Reasonable Policy

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<p>This is a good solution. Thank you </p>