Strongly Oppose- this does nothing

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<p>I think this is a terrible idea. It goes against all the rights that we should have. Trans kids are the same and are no different then anyone else. So let them be and thrive as people who are so helpful. I know people who are trans and they are some of my best friends. They bring such good opinions so please let them be. </p>


It's just a name

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<p>I'm disheartened by all these comments acting like calling a child by a name that makes them comfortable is somehow negatively effecting the other kids. If my name were Catherine and I asked the teacher to call me Katie but my family called me Cathy, why is that anyone else's business but my and my teacher's? </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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WHAT THE  WHY WOULD YOU CONSIDER THIS


PROTECT TRANS & NON-BINARY KIDS

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<p>I vehemently oppose the VA proposed policy to walk back trans and non-binary kids rights and protection. As a voter in Charlottesville and the state of Virginia, I stand with the ACLU in Virginia and I will fight against this. This is not the message I want to send  our children about the future of our country. We should protect progress and acceptance  in their name. I oppose any policy that does not support and welcome all citizens. </p>


I support the Governor

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Parents deserve the right to decide.


RESCIND THESE MODEL POLICIES

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<p>As a graduate of a Fairfax Country Public School -These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Protect trans and nonbinary kids. RESCIND these model policies. I used to be so proud of the school system I went through now it’s embarrassing. </p>


Opposed

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<p>I am opposed to this model policy as it is currently written. </p>


Strongly oppose dangerous model policies

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I am an advocate and community educator supporting survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. I am also a survivor of gender-based violence, like many others who work in this field. We know that people who have been victimized -- and often blamed for their own victimization -- want and deserve to be appreciated in the fullness of their humanity.

Trans and queer people have always existed, even if people didn't use these terms or concepts to describe gender and sexuality. When governments and schools enact policies that humiliate, shame, and ostracize young people for simply for being who they are, youth are taught to diminish themselves. Instead of schools being safe places where children learn how to care for themselves and each other, these model policies would only create environments where trans and queer children are taught that they are disposable and unworthy of respect. Bullying and harassment and rape and objectification and abuse -- and even self-injury and suicidal behavior -- don't happen in a vacuum. These patterns of behavior are all learned from what is modeled in the world around us. If we truly care about our future, we should not perpetuate this destructiveness.

It is almost impossible to learn when people are in crisis and unsafe. The model policies constitute direct violations of state and federal law and will place children in harm's way. We cannot teach young people about being responsible and accountable to themselves and their communities if school is a dangerous place to be.


OPPOSED

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this evil policy will harm trans youth. trans people just want to exist without people like glenn attacking them. keep trans people safe


I Support This Bill


Support for overturning Northam policies

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Transgender -ism is a false reality; it is an ideology not based in reality. We fully support the governor’s overhaul of these ridiculous laws that put parents in last place, ignore their God given rigtt he s to be the first ones to educate their children and advocate for them. Protect our kids. Keep them safe. Thank you Governor.


Support

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<p>I will advocate for my children and my family. The school can give input but they do not have the right to make Hess decisions. School psychologists aren’t even allowed to confirm my child has ADHD! They can Only say child behaves in an ADHD-like manner in certain situations and contexts. </p>


Opposed to Removal of Existing Gender Affirming Policies in VA Public Schools

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Believe children when they tell you what their gender is. Treat them equitably and with respect and preserve their rights to be treated with dignity and respect- especially in public schools and other public venues.

As a long-time, active Virginia registered voter, I oppose any legislation that does not affirm respecting children’s self-stated genders, and I oppose gatekeeping recognition of children’s genders by adults. Requiring parental approval of gender recognition could be dangerous if a child has unsafe parents.

There wouldn’t be such a high number of children- especially teenagers- in Virginia foster care if parents were always trustworthy caretakers capable of truly discerning their children’s best interests. I don’t blanket trust parents, and neither does Virginia and federal government, which is why we put legal protections in place for children to protect them both from bad actor adults in their community and from their own parents when they are harmful- regardless of the adults’ stated intents.

The authoritarian policies of the proposed walk back of protections for trans children in Virginia public schools fly in the face of formal guidance by the American Medical Association, (AMA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Psychological Association, the Endocrine Society, as well as to existing, peer-reviewed research. The proposed gender gatekeeping measures are counter to the guidelines of the professional organizations listed above and harmful, discriminatory nonsense. Any politician or political party that rests their platform on discrimination against or control of any minority will not receive my votes.


AGREE!!! AGREE!!! GO GOVERNOR!!!

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STRONGLY AGREE WITH THE GOVERNOR!!! If a so called parent were being true to the child in my opinion, the parent would raise the child to whichever gender they were born and tell that child if they want to be Trans or bi, gay whatever then that is something they can discuss when they are older and of age. This topic does not belong in any school period!!! We are male and female!!! People should be ashamed!!! As far as this will lead to deaths and suicide and whatever else people are crying...stop....children get bullied and picked on every day for some reason or another. Maybe they're closed aren't the latest fashion or they wear glasses or they're too fat or too skinny or they don't live in the best house on the Block or their mom or dad don't work at the best company and make the most money I mean please give me a break there is bullying going on every day in every school about something has been for years and it is never ever going to stop unfortunately I wish it could but it will not it would be a great world that we live in if it did!!!!


Support trans kids; oppose this

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<p>Trans kids need support from school systems that the previous model policies attempted to provide. This would be a huge step backwards and lead to increased mental health crises and trauma for trans students. Stop playing politics with children's’ lives and focus on providing safety and support for them. </p>


I Wholehearted Support Gov. Youngkin

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As a parent, I support Gov. Youngkin's proposal. People who do not suffer the lifelong consequences of their family members being indoctrinated by dysfunctional strangers have no business guiding children through what is certainly a difficult adjustment into adulthood. This attempt by school districts and government to become surrogate parents over children is really child trafficking by Big Pharma.


Harmful Bill

Mental Health Counselor with Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates

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Virginia is contributing to the United States’ attack on trans people. As a mental health counselor who serves trans clients, I absolutely oppose this deadly bill which will lead to detrimental consequences for so many queer youth of Virginia.


Transgender guidelines

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<p>I support Gov.Younkin’s policy. </p>


Oppose

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<p>I love people the way they are. We should all be nice to each other. </p>


Department of Education- Guidance Document

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<p>Thank you for this policy that respects all students and supports parental rights. </p>
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Strongly oppose the changes to VDOE policies on transgender youth

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I am strongly opposed to the proposed changes to VDOE policies on transgender youth. As a relative of one who’s transitioning, and a friend to families of others, I understand that our trans and non-binary community deserves our full and compassionate support, including in our schools.


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

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<p>I oppose this policy change. I don't see why teachers can't just refer to students by the name and pronouns of the student's choice. I really don't understand why that should be so difficult. Requiring permission from a parent to simply treat a student with respect should be unnecessary and could be dangerous to the student. It's really that simple. Just treat people as they wish to be treated. </p>


Trans kids are still humans

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Just simply don't make trans kids go through more and more struggle it takes a very small amount of effort and it can save many life's of kids, it doesn't hurt anyone to call a kid what they want to be called but it can cost so many amazing kids their lives.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I am a Trans person who lives in a relatively conservative community. This is absolutely despicable and incredibly disrespectful, not to mention it physically puts children and teens in danger.

This isn’t “free speech”, this is blatant transphobia that will hurt people. There isn’t any “oh, if this…” or “well it’ll only be bad if…” no. It is a will. It will be bad. In the end, everyone is human and deserves basic human rights. The least you can do is show basic respect to people. These laws/policies will only cause harm, it’s only restricting peoples basic rights.

Vote against these laws and policies.

We all deserve basic respect we’re all humans after all.


Youngkin's VDOE Proposed Policy Regarding Transgender Students

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Simply stated, I do not support Youngkin's proposed VDOE policy regarding transgender and nonbinary students. I do support those students and feel they deserve a safe and welcoming environment as they attend VA schools.


Why would someone oppose this common sense return to parent/child preservation?

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Everyone is saying trans kids are in danger and suicidal but the point is for parents to be informed and know what is happening in their child’s life. How can we help if we aren’t informed?!  Why do people think secrets is a good thing? All we seem to want is to k ow because we are beat situated to help walk our kids through it. A one year teacher doesn’t love my child more than I do


Let kids be kids period

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I strongly oppose Gov. Youngkin’s Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. One of my son’s friends in elementary school came out as transgender. He casually announced in the Google classroom that he would prefer to be addressed as he/him going forward and by the name Hayden. The kids said ok and everyone moved on to learning and the normal day to day of being a kid. If his classmates and other school mates found nothing to be concerned about and were able to accept him as him and get back to life then why can’t Youngkin and these other grownups do the same. Trans kids are not a threat to your children or anyone else. They are just kids learning and growing and trying to figure out this thing called life. Throwing additional hurdles in their way is shameful and cruel. Just let them be.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Strongly Oppose </p>


Strongly oppose

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


I completely 100% support ALL of Youngkin's updated policies.

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All discussion of sex should be prohibited in the schools. The NEA has allowed activists to rule.

Outside activists and objectionable groups have been for years allowed free reign in our public schools.  Groomers have infiltrated our public schools and our kids are in danger.

All schools should just be teaching academics....not CRT, not sex ed, not gender change, nothing that veers off into objectionable topics.

Restrooms, locker rooms and the entire school campus must be safe for students.

The only reason students know about everything sexual and deviant is from adults in the schools indoctrinating them.


OPPOSED - Strongly! Trans Kids Deserve Better!

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As a trans teenager myself, this legislation can only hurt people like me. It takes away our freedom to be who we want to be. Even though my parents are amazing and extremely supportive, I know kids whose parents aren’t. This guidance takes away their safe space and makes it harder for them to exist alongside their peers. Please don’t let this go through.


Strongly Oppose for the health and well-being of our students

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<p>I strongly oppose the proposed policy reversal as it threatens the health and well-being of trans and non-binary students. Students should feel safe and affirmed in their school environment. </p>


Evidence Base is to Protect Females in Sports Bathrooms & Locker Rooms from Males aka Transgender

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OPPOSE

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I am a parent and a graduate student in clinical mental health counseling. I am writing to oppose the 2022 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools as they are currently written. I am concerned about the negative impacts these policies will have on the mental health and safety of our state’s children. I urge policymakers to review recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which outline the importance of support and care for transgender children. Instead of the 2022 Model, I would encourage the policies to align more closely with the 2021 Model Policies, which centered student safety.


Transgender Equity

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I am a Fairfax County Public School educator. I am inclusive and value inclusivity.  It is paramount that I build relationships with students and this begins by building mutual trust.  I am against Governor Youngkin's "model policies" on transgender youth.

Younkin's "model policies" on transgender youth are in direct violation of several laws in place to protect transgender people.  I'd challenge that they go against the current interpretation of Title IX and contradict FERPA, which states that educators are fully with their rights to use names and pronouns that differ from legal ones and are in fact protected from sharing that information unless explicitly asked.  Below I have referred to several recent federal court decisions that have upheld protections for transgendered people. Youngkin's "model policies are illegal and in direct violation of these laws and policies.

-A 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision determined that civil rights law barring sex discrimination covers transgender people.

-In 2020, a U.S. Supreme Court of Appeals ruled that a transgender student could not be barred from using a boys' bathroom.  The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of that ruling last year.

-The Virginia Human Rights Act bars discrimination in schools based on gender identity.

-All Virginia public high schools are members of the Virginia High School League, which has had its own trans-inclusive policy since 2014 and is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that does not answer to the governor's office or the Virginia state legislature.

These policies are harmful to the LGBTQ+ community youth, who are already at high risk for self-hate and self-harm (Trevor Project).  School is meant to be a safe place where children can feel safe and free to be themselves so that they can focus on their studies and pursue their passions.


this a child abuse

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children are being cut up by you supporting perverts

this isnt something they can go back from


TRANSGENDER RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

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As someone who was bullied and harassed as a child in grade school for identifying as LGBTQ+, I find this proposal by Youngkin concerning and disturbing. Even with the representation we see nowadays, our society still demonizes gay and transgender people. That is difficult enough as it is. It is already scary enough for children growing up and developing into an individual, do not make it any harder than it needs to be. This will not protect children. It will only create more division and harm.


STRONGLY OPOSE


Strongly opposed

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<p>The fear mongering about inclusion of trans children in sports aligning with their identity is a waste of everyone’s time. Let’s trans kids play. Nobody has been hurt by allowing trans kids to play. Trans kids have only been helped. Stop wasting everyone’s  time with this political posturing  and start writing policies that actually matter. </p>


Strongly opposed

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My sibling is non binary, and had to go through a vary hard time transitioning at home, but they found that school was a place that didn’t seem to care and always supported them. I really hope this dosent get passed so more kids can feel safe being themselves.


Transgenderism

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I think it’s absolutely disgusting that this subject is given a thought. I oppose any discussion at all of transgender issues, and I don’t think homosexual issues should be mentioned either. I don’t even think if parents want the schools to mention, much less teach, morally about sex in school, it should not happen. Parents should be embarrassed for allowing their children to get brain washed by the evil faction of lunacy that has been invading schools since the 60’s. Schools need to turn back to God and repent of their behavior. Schools should be shut down and private Christian based schools should be instituted. This country has gotten out of hand and has been infiltrated by the left, anti-God, communistic culture. Purge our schools systems and turn back to God. Please!

Joseph Nelson

Centreville, Va


I oppose the new guidance

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I oppose the new guidance.


I OPPOSE THIS

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I fully oppose this. you need to protect all students


Concerned Student

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This proposed Guidance Document is one very needed in our time to protect the freedoms of religion, thought, and expression. I believe strongly that as the primary educators of their children, parents have the right to be involved in their education. I also believe that the strong promotion of one viewpoint, while actively silencing all other opinions, is a grave constitutional wrong. While wrong everywhere, it is especially wrong in the schools because of their formational nature and the vulnerability of children's minds. When a child learns in school to silence ideas and views which are contrary to those of their surroundings, democracy is in mortal danger and true diversity is killed.


these girls will be raped

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boys will go into their bathrooms and rape them this is not a joke


Opposition to proposed policies

Greta Gordon, Alexandria PTA Council DEI Committee Co-Chair

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As members of Alexandria’s PTA Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, we write in staunch opposition to Governor Youngkin’s so-called “model policies.” It is clear that these “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools” will, if implemented, endanger the health, safety, and well-being of transgender students, especially those who live in unsafe or unsupportive households.

The PTA Council’s mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. The proposed policies are not in line with our mission. Not only do they seek to erase transgender and non-binary youth from the classrooms, these policies target them in ways that create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment.

The proposed policies state that “the Virginia Department of Education (the ‘Department’) recognizes that each child is a unique individual with distinctive abilities and characteristics that should be valued and respected. All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying.”

These policies are written purposefully to exclude some of our children, and will not create a learning environment that is safe for all students. Instead, they will result in school district policies that threaten transgender students’ identity and basic humanity, ostracize them, and deprive them of the same opportunities afforded to cisgender students.

The proposed policies:

Require teachers and school staff to forcibly "out" students to their parents against their will, such as when a student seeks gender related counseling; and allows teachers and school staff to refuse to provide counseling.

Prohibit teachers and school staff from supporting transgender and non-binary students, such as using a student's affirming name and pronouns; and outright prevents the use of gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them.

Create bathroom and sports policies that prohibit access to and/or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity.

We stand with our school division, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), as they continue their commitment to both implement and develop gender affirming policies for all ACPS students. They agree that these proposed “model policies” do not align with their mission, vision and core values to support all students and staff, in particular, their core value of ensuring they provide a welcoming environment for everyone in our shared school community. We support their commitment and will continue to work together to provide a safe, welcome and inclusive school environment for all of our children.

Our school division is committed to the fulfillment of its ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan: Equity for All adopted by the School Board in June 2020. These “model policies” seek to undermine this vital work and set the clock back on the gains our school division has accomplished to place racial equity at the heart of our work.

All of our children deserve basic humanity. Transgender rights are human rights. Our children - all of our children - deserve respect, and a safe environment in which to learn.

The PTAC Council of Alexandria’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee vehemently opposes the 2022 Model Policies in their entirety and demands the VDOE rescinds them and leaves the 2021 Model Policies in place. We PTA for all kids.

PTA COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE


Strongly oppose this dreadful, dangerous policy that hurts children

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<p>I strongly oppose this set of dangerous policies that hurt children. Let trans kids be kids. They are not hurting anyone.  These policies will cause great harm to our kids. </p>


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


Support Governor Youngkin

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<p>Go Gov. Youngkin: thank you for defending our children, whose rights have been diminished in this entire conversation: the public schools cannot foist upon our otherwise healthy children, unsound, unhealthy and unwise learning without their parents' consent. Bravo Gov. </p>


School should be a safe place for kids

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Disregarding a child’s expression and identity in sends a message to youth that they do not have agency over their bodies and minds. This is a mental and physical health risk for all children, especially those who are struggling. School should be a place that accepts and embraces children.


PROTECT ALL THE CHILDREN

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We need to protect children. Trans kids are just kids and deserve happiness and support. Being trans is NOT a mental illness, it's not wrong, it's not bad, PROTECT TRANS CHILDREN


Oppose the 2022 Proposed Policies and Support the Evidence-based 2021 Policies

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Public Comment on the Proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools (“proposed 2022 policies”)

I strongly oppose Governor Youngkin’s VDOE proposed 2022 policies pertaining to the treatment of our transgender and nonbinary students. VDOE must return to working with school boards throughout the state to implement the 2021 Model Policies.

My 2020 legislation, passed with bipartisan support, sought to eliminate the confusing and often harmful patchwork of responses for handling the needs of transgender students in classrooms throughout Virginia. At a time when medical understanding of gender is readily available, and supported by the majority of clinical professionals, clinging to a belief that gender is a political or liberal ideology results in cruel treatment of students. Spreading misinformation for political gain is always wrong and in this case has life-threatening consequences. According to a 2021 Forbes article, 52% of all transgender and nonbinary young people in the U.S. seriously contemplated killing themselves in 2020. In a study presented to the American Academy of Pediatrics, research showed a 60% decrease in moderate and severe depression in people who received gender-affirming care.

The Governor’s 2022 proposed policies are harmful to the population of students my legislation, now the law in Virginia,  intended to address. The 2021 Model Policies serve as a resource for parents, students, teachers, school counselors and nurses, school administrators, and school board members because they are evidence-based and contain recognized best-practices.  Many parents, teachers, students, and people with lived experience were involved in the research, writing, and review of the 2021 Model Policies.  In June 2020, an advisory committee was formed to review model policies, local policies throughout the nation, and resources pertaining to the treatment of transgender students in public schools. The committee included school-based personnel representing diverse Superintendent’s Regions and disciplines, representatives from state professional associations, parent representatives, student representatives, representatives from advocacy organizations, and specialists from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The development of the 2021 model policies is a result of consultation and collaboration with multiple stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth with a variety of backgrounds and expertise. I was a part of the advisory committee. We held meetings for stakeholders who live across Virginia.

The 2021 Model Policies is a resource that includes background information including definitions, a review of the relevant laws, and model policies on bullying, discrimination, harassment, privacy, identification, records, dress code, access to activities and facilities, professional development and training plus an extensive list of resources for school divisions, professional development, parents, and students. The goal of all involved was to ensure that all students are treated fairly and to support an understanding of gender and student needs.

The 2022 policies indicate that the Virginia Department of Education “embarked on a thorough review” of the 2021 Model Policies, finding that,”[t]he 2021 Model Policies promoted a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools.” The 2022 policies also refer to “ideological beliefs” and read as a political treatise and attack on what the authors see as a culture war. This is not how we help our most vulnerable students or make schools safe for all students.

There is much wrong with the proposed 2022 policies - perhaps the best example is their definition of transgender student:

“The phrase “transgender student” shall mean a public school student whose

parent has requested in writing, due to their child’s persistent and sincere belief

that his or her gender differs with his or her sex, that their child be so identified

while at school.”

Contrast that with the informative, respectful and nonpolitical definition in the 2021 Model Policies:

“Transgender: A self-identifying term that describes a person whose gender identity is different from their sex assigned at birth. A transgender girl is a girl who was presumed to be male when she was born, and a transgender boy is a boy who was presumed to be female when he was born. Note that there is a wide range of gender identities in addition to transgender male and transgender female, such as nonbinary.”

I strongly oppose the proposed 2022 policies and support working with school boards throughout the state to implement the 2021 Model Policies. As policy makers we are charged to choose information over misinformation. We should not be playing games with our children’s lives. We are better when all of our children can focus on learning at school and make the most of their gifts. Our students understand this and are accepting of their peers. It is time for the adults to listen and learn and do right by our young people.

Senator Jennifer B. Boysko


Support! Trans athlete severely injures female volleyball player in NC with spike in face

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Support Youngkin! New study shows physical differences in transgender female athletes

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Thank you Governor Youngkin!


Stop playing with our children's lives

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Stop playing your political games at the cost of our children. I am a parent. Listen to ME! Self harm is what happens when juveniles do not feel safe. Schools should be safe. Teachers should respect children not be required to disrespect them based on a really specifically targeted name or gender rule. Teachers want to teach and don't really care if the kid is a boy or girl that goes by Sally or Johnny. If Jonathan can be Jack what difference does it make if Sally wants to be called John? These kids are figuring themselves out. Targeting them doesn't help it actually does more harm by further isolating them and leaving them no place to feel safe.  I never cared that Phuc Do went by Jon Do so why should I or anyone else care if it wasn't a nickname commonly derived from his birth name. These policies are disgusting political stunts and I as a parent want them to end. Keep your politics away from my kids.


I oppose these measures!

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<p>I support Transgender and non-binary youth in Virginia! </p>


I Strongly Oppose Youngkin’s Trans Policies

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<p>I oppose Youngkin’s policies on trans youth. His personal belief system should not be imposed on others. His policies will hurt the youth. </p>


Y'all mother ers are filthy


Strongly oppose/ protect trans youth

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Trans youth are often not accepted by their parents and are vulnerable to being kicked out of the house. Some youth feel they must stay closeted because they are dependent on their families for food, housing, and other living expenses. We need to protect these youth. Data indicate that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth. .https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345113/.nih.gov/32345113/


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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

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

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


Support!

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It is creepy and predatory to groom kids into distrusting their parents so they can be spoon fed trans ideology. We cannot have a society without the family.


Protect Trans Kids

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This model policy is rooted in transphobia, and will create a hostile and potentially dangerous environment in schools for trans and non-binary kids. I strongly oppose this model policy.


Fully support this. Parents have right too to make decisions for their children.

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Parents should have a say in what their children are being taught. They are our children,  not the state or county.


OPPOSE -- proposal does not protect MY parental rights, and it codifies state-sponsored bullying

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As a VA public school parents of two kids, I OPPOSE this policy. First, while purporting to protect parents' rights, it does not protect mine. I have the right to expect a safe and supportive public school environment for my transgender child. I also should have the right to direct the school and its staff to respect and support my child by using the name and pronouns that reflect their identity. As written, even with the parents' consent, the school could not use those names without legal name change documents. Effectively, the policy will actually ENCOURAGE transgender kids who have socially transitioned to take immediate legal steps (steps they might otherwise defer) in order to receive the most basic level of respect from the school. But even then, apparently the personal preferences of a teacher can STILL trump the legal documents and PARENTAL decision to use a chosen name and pronouns. Why should one teacher's personal feelings be worth more protection than my parental rights and the preferences (and well-being) of my child? Second, the policy seems quite explicitly drafted to deny the existence of nonbinary children. Third, for transgender students who do not feel safe at home, this policy weaponizes teachers against the most vulnerable among them by mandating that they out closeted students. For these and other reasons, the policy is a thinly-veiled cover for state-sponsored bullying of transgender students -- notwithstanding the window dressing in the policy document trying to claim this isn't so. Transgender children will be directly harmed by this policy. Transgender children will end up bullied by their peers and by some school teachers/staff because of this policy. Transgender children will end up in hospitals (or worse, morgues) because of this policy. Are those life-and-death consequences trivial compared to, for example, protecting the "right" of a teacher to misgender a student based on that teacher's personal beliefs?! This policy suggests so. If parents want their kids to attend a school with policies that prioritize the views of parents who are hostile to transgender individuals, there are private schools available with policies consistent with those beliefs. Public schools should strive for inclusion, respect, and support for ALL children, rather than mandate (from above, no less) that schools and local school districts explicitly discourage respect, support, and inclusion. Please do not implement this policy.


In support of transgender kids

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I support all kids in Virginia, and all kids includes transgender kids. I do not support the Governor’s policy.


I strongly oppose this model policy.

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Trans rights are human rights.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose. This policy will kill trans kids.

Trans kids deserve to learn & grow in classrooms where they are respected, cared for, & protected.

As someone who attended public school in Southwest Virginia their entire lives, I am shocked that we could potentially take LEAPS back from the progress we've made. How are we supposed to prepare future generations of American citizens to be caring, compassionate, & thoughtful people if they grow up in classrooms where their trans classmates were not treated with the same dignity as cis kids?


Approve


NO! STRONGLY OPPOSED

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<p>I’m a student and would feel greatly UNSAFE and ISOLATED if this were to pass. </p>


Kids have the right to be who they are

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I strongly oppose the Governor's proposed policy changes. This will cause harm. Irreparable harm. LGBTQ youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. School and parents are society.

Thetrevorproject.org


Educator opposing plan

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<p>As an educator and most recently a counselor, I strongly oppose the proposed plan. This proposal is extremely harmful to all trans, non-binary and LGBTQ+ students. I cannot imagine the pain this will cause an already vulnerable population. This plan is not evidence based and should not be implemented. </p>


Opposed to Proposed Guidance

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These model policies are harmful to kids and to education communities. Parents can teach bigotry at home. The state shouldn’t attempt to compel teachers to teach it for them.


Addendum: Support Policy, have suggestion for Appendix 1of Policy

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I support this policy, however I am concerned about some parts of Appendix 1 in the policy.

I believe Appendix 1 provides some suggested guidelines for individual schools or school boards to use as a template. I am concerned with parts of the suggested guidelines which appear to allow schools to change the gender of a child in his/her school records as long as the parents/guardians of the child consent to that change and can provide documentation that the child's gender was legally changed.

I believe the original gender (birth gender) of the child should remain on their school records, even if their gender is changed on the documents themselves. There should be some record available of the child's born gender.

I am worried that if students have their birth gender stricken from their records, this could lead to issues later for the child, other students, or school staff.

One example is the transgender student who sexually assaulted a cisgender girl in a Loudoun County Public School. It would have caused issues in the police investigation had the transgender student's birth gender been totally missing from their student records.


Extremely and vehemently opposed!

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It is a child’s decision what they want to be called. Full stop. If the child wants to be called Rocket Ship, you call them Rocket Ship. Kids deserve autonomy and to have a voice regardless of age. They are people. Their opinion matters too! The odds of a transgender child being abused at home by their own parent(s) is extremely high and this policy will only further the abuse and the state will be part and party to that abuse.

Would the governor like it if we refuse to call him by his chosen name? He may call himself Glenn Youngkin, but what if I chose to not honor his autonomy and wish as a huma being and want to call him Junkin’ Youngkin the Tiny Lap Dog For Adolf Trumpler instead? How would he feel?


Oppose Proposed Policy for LGTBTQ Youth

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The proposed model policies involving LGBTQ youth in schools are an atrocious misstep of care, education, and safety that educators provide many students in Virginia schools. It is clear by the many comments voiced under this forum, that several have never served youth or worked in the education system. I have been working with adolescents for the past 9 years, ranging in roles from support staff, residential advisor, social work, school counselor, and now mental health counselor. I have served a variety roles, and have become quite familiar with what's "appropriate" and my "duties" to serve youth. The truth is that no matter the role you serve with youth, you are a role model. You are protecting them, and serving as safety and refuge from outside of school. School is the haven of safety for most youth aged 5-18. For students who are bullied, for students who are abused, and for students who cannot express themselves freely without the fear of being ostracized or threatened for who they are. Schools provide safety from this, whether its a teacher or counselor who simply accepts them for who they are. When you force educators to report students who express questioning their identity, or confirming LGTBQ identities, you ARE endangering them. Students know their parents best-- and the hard truth is is that if a child/teen does not feel safe to express this identity to their parents, there is a valid reason. I have never known a child/teen who expresses this to me, who doesn't desperately wish they could tell their parent without fear of repercussions or disowning or harm. Exploring one's gender identity or sexuality is not a crime, nor is it a punishable offense. In fact, it is quite developmentally appropriate. My true hope one day is that every single child will feel comfortable to tell their guardian of any questioning or confirmed LGTBQ identities, and the guardian has surrounded them with love and safety so that suicide, abuse, or abandonment are NEVER a concern.

But we do not live in this idealized world. We live in reality, and until you can guarantee that EVERY child is in a loving home and cared for and is not at a risk of suicidality, then these proposed policies is a fatal act, and you are actively endangering the lives of these children and teenagers. If you've ever worked in a school, you know that questioning, skepticism, and learning about one's self is the most healthy and understood development an adolescent goes through. By removing safety, you actively endanger them and open the door to options that people pursue only when they feel trapped, abandoned, and a burden (ex: suicide, running away, etc.).

You don't know what you are doing. This will kill children and teenagers. LISTEN to the mental health professionals-- do not do this, and lean in, and figure out how to ensure safety of every child. Have you spoken with social services lately? Perhaps instead of penalizing and endangering the lives of these children and teenagers, you can instead work to provide RESOURCES to rural high-needs areas that you ignore with NO mental health resources available to them (looking at you, Ruckersville VA). Enough is enough.


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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<p>I strongly oppose the proposed new VDOE policy.  Trans students have civil rights, which are being tossed aside by this administration.   This policy needs to be changed to support these children, not placing more hardships on them. Governor Youngkin is placing these children at risk for the sake of his own political agenda. </p>


Protect ALL kids

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Questioning "are you feminine enough" or bringing a child's gender into question will not only harm those children who are/potentially are trans gender or gender queer, but all children. This policy will try to uphold a standard of what feminine and masculine look like - which are antiquated, christian in nature and do not include all types of children (even those who choose to identify with their birth gender). These policies of questioning and outing children are NOT okay!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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PROTECT TRANS KIDS NOT TRANSPHOBES


This is a disgrace

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The fact that Virginia legislators are even considering adding this is a monstrosity. amongst many students there is vehement opposition to this bill, as it would affect many of the people that i know and love. the whole point of a school is to make children feel loved and welcome, yet somehow this manages to do the exact opposite. its not a "choice" or a "desicion" to be trans, you just are. If any of the legislators need a definition, God made a mistake and gave a boy a girl body, or a girl a boy body. One of the contributing factors for the high suicide rates of trans children is quite literally what is being done here, with a denial and refusal of acceptance where what is needed is just kindness. Finally, it would be beneficial for the DOE  to change the policy, for not only the lives of trans children, but also for the reaffirmation of the ideals and standards that this beautiful commonwealth that we live in was based upon.


PROTECT CHILDREN

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THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TRANS KIDS. THERE IS EVERYTHING WRONG WITH POLITICIANS WHO WANT TO OPPOSE THESE CHILDRENS' EXSISTENCE.


Oppose this regressive policy

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<p>The policy is well written and well argued, but ultimately it is a cover for regression in minority student rights and a sop to a select group of parents. The policy is hypocritical (supporting freedom of expression and religious freedom…but only for some), slippery (a slope for prejudiced parents to limit what other parents’ children can be taught), and contradictory (parents who approve of a different pronoun can nevertheless have their rights denied by an educator who still refuses to respect that decision). </p>


Support our trans students

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I believe that the guidance document proposed is a mistake.  I understand parent's rights but I also understand that each child is an individual, that can not be made into something a parent wants or expects.  We are at a point where it is apparent that LGBT youth being unrecognized and unaccepted by their parents does not benefit the child in anyway, and infact is harmful to the child's well being.  A parent can not, and should not, attempt to define their child but should love them for who they are.  Who the child is, is up to that individual child, despite the parents religion or expectations. Sometimes school is the only safe space for the child to feel supported.  That support can help foster growth between parents and children even if they don't see eye to eye about LGBT issues.  Otherwise, LGBT kids are just in hiding, feeling unaccepted, unloved, and unsupported and waiting to get out so they can be free to be themselves.  If you truly want to support families growing and unconditionally loving than you will not pass this purposal.

Sincerely,

Misty Sherman


OPPOSE

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Trans rights are human rights.


Transgender Policies are going backwards

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These new policies are inhumane and encourage violence and continued discrimination of our LGBTQ+ children, parents, teachers and administrators. No one is less than anyone else. We moved from a state where schools kept similar harmful policies in place and we saw firsthand how harmful these policies can be. Children (and parents, teachers etc) are simply trying to live their lives and exist as rightfully as anyone else. LGBTQ+ youth are much more likely to attempt or commit suicide. Research and anecdotal evidence clearly demonstrate that when LGBTQ+ youth are afforded the same respect as other children, they thrive. Why is Virginia moving backwards into the closet? Is this administration continuing to show its residents that respect only pertains to heterosexual citizens? LGBTQ+ youth (and adults) don’t want more rights than others, they just want the same rights. Please remove these new policies. Virginia needs to progress, not move backwards.


Protect Trans and Nonbinary kids!

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


Allow Parents to make decisions about/with their kids

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I support the new policies’ removal of language that encouraged school officials to follow procedures to essentially deceive parents when their children are making potentially life-altering decisions regarding their gender identity in a school setting.


Trans rights are human rights!

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<p>Trans rights human rights! </p>


Death

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So many trans students are abused and if a parent finds out they could be killed or commit suicide. You want the deaths of minors to go down? Then stop endangering them.


Support Parents

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I support the fundamental right of parents in the upbringing of their sons and daughters. Children can be influenced in various ways. They need caring adults to guide and oversee their development and choices until they are mature and responsible enough to make their own life-impacting decisions. I want to see our schools provide an environment for learning practical subjects that will help prepare them to be productive citizens throughout their lives. I do not believe gender identity promotes this purpose. Placing such an emphasis on gender identity divides us. Whereas the goal of a quality education for all students could unite us.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective and concern.


Strongly Opposed- learning about Trans people won’t turn people Trans

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There’s a difference between respecting parent’s rights and destroying a child’s life. If a child will not be safe in the care of their parents with the knowledge that they are trans, the parent doesn’t need to know. You’ll end up needing to pull the kid out of that home using CPS anyway. And forcing a child to bend to the will of their parent on something like this is cruel. Gender isn’t something you’re born with. You’re born with genitalia. Women and men who are infertile aren’t any less women and men because they can’t reproduce.

Also, “respecting the parents wishes” is just short for “force the kids to be what the parents want, we don’t care about fetuses after they leave the womb until they can pay taxes.”

At the end of the day, Trans acceptance is just allowing the people who are Trans to come out before they move out of their parents house, before they’re much later in life and regretting not being themselves sooner. It never changed the number of Trans people in the world, it just allows them to be open and themselves for longer and more of their lives.

Let the kids be who they are, Trans or Cis.


Trans rights are human rights. Protect trans kids.

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<p>The only thing that will be accomplished by denying the rights of trans children is more deaths and suicides. There are statistics about this, and yet we still have to have the same tired debate because politicians don’t actually care about the lives of children unless those children fit into their antiquated beliefs. We are not a theocratic nation. Stop trying to run our country as if we are. </p>


Protect trans kids

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<p>PROTECT TRANS CHILDREN. TRANS CHILDREN ARE NOT BROKEN THEY ARE JUST CHILDREN. </p>


Parents deserve to know

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<p>Parents deserve to be kept abreast of important information pertaining to their children. How can they help a struggling child if schools keep them in the dark? This isn't the same as choosing to go by a nickname. A child who is experiencing gender dysphoria needs support from their parents and from mental health professionals. </p>


Let Trans kids be. They are no different then anyone else.

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<p>Tran's kids are the same as everyone else. Let them be. They should feel save like everyone else. </p>


Strongly oppose

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These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Protect trans and nonbinary kids. RESCIND these model policies.  Thank you!


Trans Rights are Human Rights

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By forcing this new policy upon kids, not only are you making sure that they have no safe space to be themselves (raising their rates of suicide and self-harm), but you are teaching them that there is nowhere that they can be themselves.

Isn't that what you were trying to teach them all those years ago? That they need to be themselves, to not care what anyone thinks, to pursuit happiness, life, and liberty?

This new law would hurt them so, so much. Please, think of the children.


I Support the 2022 Policy

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Children need the support of their parents during their growth and development. This is especially important if they are exploring  transgenderism or are experiencing gender dysphoria. It is adverse to their mental health if the school system teaches children to hide these issues from their parents, and it is damaging to the family unit if the school system fails to disclose information regarding a child's mental health to the parents or changes the child's records regarding name or gender without consulting the parents.

The school system should be working with the parents in order to nurture and protect children. The 2022 Model Policy does this.


Strongly oppose the new proposed policy

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<p>I do not agree with new proposed policy </p>


Strongly support

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Thank you for supporting parents!


Oppose


Comment


Could not support more!!

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This policy is common sense and provides alternatives while safeguarding ALL children.


Support for trans rights

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<p>School should be a safe place for trans and cis kids. Kids should be able to safely learn and grow in these spaces, and that includes understanding their identities and having these identities respected by staff. The fear of trans students is driving this policy, and for that reason, I oppose it. </p>


I Support Parents rights and teachers to not go against their beliefs, sports separated by sex

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I support parents deciding how they want their child raised and educated. Parents should be notified if a child displays transgender preference at school. Teachers and Parents should not be forced to go against their beliefs to promote a transgender agenda.

Sports, bathrooms and locker rooms should be separated by biological sex.

Transgender in children is not a disability, it is a social construct being promoted to developing children. Sex reassignment surgery and puberty blockers cause long term damage to the child. This decision should never be made until a person is at least 18 years old.

It would be refreshing to see such fervor in the community to foster acceptance, promote understanding, compassion, and a lack of tolerance in bullying toward the autistic children in public school, which is a far greater population than the “transgender”, or rather, gender confused population.

Stop promoting early sexual activity in children and teens, let them develop naturally and not feel incited to engage in activity that they are not mature enough to handle.

No Drag Queen story time or pornography in libraries or sex ed.

No to indocrinating children and teens to be accepting and tolerant of every world religion EXCEPT Christianity and Judaism.

No to CRT, every student should feel valued and accepted and be taught equally regardless of race, gender or religion. CRT violates that right.


Disappointed VA Resident

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Yes, people are different and have different experiences, beliefs, values, skin color, cultures, customs, families and friends than you do. And guess what? IT'S OKAY!!!! Just because someone's existence makes you uncomfortable does not give you the right to deny their humanity. It really is that simple. Trans rights === human rights.


Guidance Document

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<p>Fully support Governor Youngkin’s policy’s 100%! </p>


Support 100%

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We support this policy 100%.  The first responsibility of public schools is the educate children in reading, writing, math, science, history, civics, finance and economics.  Sex education, gender theory, etc is under the guidance of parents.  Schools have overstepped their boundaries and it’s time for those boundaries to be enforced.


Protect trans kids

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Reject This ENTIRE Harmful proposal

The 2020 legislation to protect the rights of marginalized and endangered LGBTQ+ students was intended to be adjusted based on scientific and evidence based grounds. The 2022 proposal is the opposite of that. It actively violates the human rights of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming students, because it:

X Allows people to maliciously deadname and misgender students.

X Prevents students from using their correct name, unless they get parental consent and get it legally changed.

X Lets parents opt a student out of counseling, regardless of the student’s will.

X Require schools to out any transgender and gender non-conforming student, and may allow schools to out all LGBTQ+ students

X Requires parents to control a student’s name, pronoun, and gender expression, regardless of what the student thinks.

X Prohibits schools from recognizing non-binary pronouns.

X Bans transgender athletes

X Bans transgender and gender non-conforming students from using bathrooms that align with their gender identities.

LGBTQ+ youth are at a higher risk of suicide and self-harm than their peers. This proposal further harms their mental well-being and increases institutional discrimination against them. I implore you to reject these proposals and protect these at-risk youth.


Trans children deserve support

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<p>Kids know who they are. Kids are smart and trans kids have the same worth as cis kids. Trans kids aren't broken, being trans is not a mental illness. </p>


Another attempt to strip individual rights!

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I disagree with the "model policies" espoused by Glenn Youngkin.  Many students cannot express their feelings and needs to parents without fear of disapproval and extreme attempts to force their conformity to parental belief systems.  So many people suffer to claim their true identities until they reach adulthood because they wish to avoid potential backlash and retribution from family members. For some students, school is their "safe place" where, among their peers, they may feel comfortable and accepted in expressing who they truly are without parental censorship.  The proposed "model" is another attempt by the current administration to force unnecessary restrictions on human rights.  The idea of having the state and local school boards determine whether and to what extent students are "allowed" the authentic expression of gender identity is preposterous and akin to restricting students from expressing cultural background, native language, unique talents and personalities on school property.  The need to conform to social constructs without regard to individual identity runs counter to the educational process and often leads students to dangerous behaviors with tragic outcomes.  Contrary to the belief of supporters of this nonsensical approach to public education, this proposed policy will undermine the education of young people to the realities of life and continue to clone bigots who will perpetuate repression of human and civil rights.  Children should enter school with the expectation that they will emerge as enlightened and informed citizens able to coexist with others by respecting differences and embracing the rights and dignity of all.  I would expect and hope for my children to graduate as "new and improved" versions of themselves as a result of their experience in the public school system, not as identical copies of their parents. What is the purpose of education, after all?


Please

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Please don’t make any rules against trans people


Proposed policy is discriminatory and dangerous

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Proposed policy: "Schools shall respect parents’ values and beliefs." Schools must also respect students' values and beliefs, even and especially when they may differ from their parents' and may put those students at risk. Students are autonomous human beings. Transgender identification is not "ideology" – policies that force transgender or discerning students to discuss their identity against their wishes places transgender children at risk.

Proposed policy: "Schools shall serve the needs of all students... Each student’s individual needs should be taken into consideration by their school, and divisions should develop policies that encourage schools to account for these individual needs, with due sensitivity to the needs of other students..." All students means all students. You are making a vulnerable minority even more vulnerable - this is similar to saying "all lives matter" in response to "black lives matter." The needs of non-marginalized students ARE addressed by systems that heretofore have been built around the needs and lives of cisgendered, straight, white students, and have not adequately acknowledged, respected and protected transgender students (and other vulnerable or minority groups).

"School division policies shall therefore implement the requirements of the Act in a manner that ensures no student is discriminated against or harassed on the basis of his or her sex." By not giving transgender students the respect and protection of autonomy, you are NOT ensuring that students are not discriminated against or harassed - you are, in fact, discriminating against and harassing them.

Yes, parents should have some say in how their children are raised and educated. So should their children. This proposal is based in ideology, hatred and a lack of understanding or an attempt at understanding. You are putting young people in danger and increasing ignorance, not nourishing learning.


We can’t go back

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I am not a trans student however I strongly appose taking away right. Tans kids aren’t like bad or anything. Just let them live their life as the same way as straight people. I am gay so I partially know what this feels like. I will never be someone who truly understands the struggle of trans people. That doesn’t mean I can’t fight for them. In the end, there is no reason to take people’s rights away if they aren’t doing anything to hurt your life.


I support pro-parent policy proposals for Virginia Department of Education

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Parents are the primary authority over their children and ultimately responsible for their well being. Parents have a right to know and, if necessary, limit the content of learning material.  They must also be able to determine the extent to which the entire school environment meets parents’ expectations for mental and physical safety.


Strong Opposition of Proposed Transgender/Non-Binary School Proposals

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This statement is being made in STRONG OPPOSITION of the draconian proposals being put forth by Gov Youngkin and The Dept of Education regarding VA Transgender and Non-Binary Students in our public schools. These proposed changes would be harmful and even cruel for these students who are members of the LBQTQ+ community. Many studies have shown that a good number of these young people are NOT supported in their home environments simply due to choices of gender identification; the are shunned, disowned abandoned. For many school has been a safe place - somewhere they can be their true selves - called the names they truly identify with and to operate otherwise with that gender alignment if these so choose. CHOICE! It’s one of the inalienable rights that’s supposed to be a given in the US. Let stay away from government supported BULLYING and shut these proposals down now and possibly save some very vulnerable yet valuable lives.


Strongly Support Parental Rights for Children

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<p>Parents have the right for any decisions regarding transgender changes and issues for their minor children.  Teachers, school administrators, and the national teacher unions have an agenda and need to keep out of family matters.  They should be teaching STEM, reading, and writing skills.  They should stick to their jobs of teaching and not attempt to be social workers indoctrinating minors to woke policies.  </p>


Support our youth

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I strongly support LGBTQ+ youth


Strongly oppose

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<p>Strongly oppose the policy. The world is changing get used to it. </p>


Strongly agree

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<p>I strongly agree with the proposed change </p>


Strongly Oppose

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My name is Skyler Bauman and I am Master’s Student studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling in VA. I am writing to oppose the 2022 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools as they are currently written. Specifically, I am concerned about how these policies will put trans and non-binary children in harms way when implemented. Forcing children to get permission to go by their chosen name only takes away from the safe space that should be created in schools. Implementing this policy will lead children to be less trusting of educational systems and thus, lead to isolation and fear. I hope you consider children’s well-being when going over this policy.


Oppose

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I strongly oppose this new guidance. Respecting students and their personal agency is NOT a hinderance to learning. School is supposed to be an environment where a student feels safe, seen, and appreciated so that they may achieve their full potential. Trans and non-binary kids exist and they they're not harming anyone, but if you change this policy, you're harming them.


Treatment of Transgender Students

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Your suggestions are foul. You are the most bigoted people imaginable.  all of you.


Oppose


This is a disregard for basic human rights.

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I vehemently oppose the transphobic policies that have been suggested to be implemented in schools.


Say No to These Policies

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These policies are incredibly transphobic and create a hostile environment for trans students. To be blunt, this will kill kids. Students will lose their lives due to these transphobic policies and the effect on their environment. No student should feel unsafe in school, and yet this policy will do just that. This also affects non-transgender students and straight students. This will infringe on privacy and all it does is give more power to the parents and less to the student. Students know what they need better than parents, and it’s time that our education system reflects that. Reject these horrible policies now.


Strongly Oppose Proposed Model Policies

RE: 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools
The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) writes in strong opposition to the proposed 2022 Model Policies. The proposed Model Policies represent a rolling back of essential protections for transgender and nonbinary students, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination, bullying, and mistreatment in public schools. These changes undermine the right of every child in our schools to learn, free from discrimination, by creating a hostile environment that is at odds with student well-being and success.
COSF believes that every child deserves an inclusive, meaningful education that supports their health, learning, and success in life. An excellent K-12 education, inclusive of and accessible to all, is the foundation of a healthy multi-racial democracy. COSF fights for equitable, anti-racist programs, practices, and policies that sustain schools and ensure opportunity for every child. COSF’s work is grounded in deep experience and knowledge of the education sector, and of the school-based interventions that benefit all members of a learning community. It is clear that securing the civil rights of every single student, no matter who they are, in every single public school, is both the foundation of true individual opportunity and a sine qua non for education in a healthy multi-racial democracy.
It is particularly urgent that the civil rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) students be clearly defined and upheld at this difficult time for K-12 education in our country. It has long been clear that LGBTQ+ youth commonly experience discriminatory policies and practices, bullying, and harassment in K-12 schools that impede their equal access and opportunity. Data collected in the CDC’s 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey confirmed that LGB students were more likely than their heterosexual peers to have missed school because of safety concerns, twice as likely to have felt persistently sad or hopeless, and more than three times more likely to have made a suicide plan.
Findings from the GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey illustrate that Virginia schools were unsafe for a majority of LGBTQ middle and high school students. In 2019, 59% of LGBTQ students in Virginia reported experiencing at least one form of anti-LGBTQ discrimination at school. Further, 68% of transgender students in Virginia were unable to use the school bathroom aligned with their gender identity and 46% of transgender students were prevented from using their chosen name and pronouns in school. The proposed 2022 Model Policies will result in even fewer transgender students in the Commonwealth receiving gender-affirming treatment that has been shown to improve overall outcomes and save lives.
The proposed Model Policies are part of an alarming uptick in legislative efforts to further undermine the educational opportunities of LGBTQ+ students. Similar attacks have come in the form of erasure from school curriculum, denial of access to facilities that match their gender identity, exclusion from participation on athletic teams that align with gender identity, and the stripping away of key mental health supports. Across the country, 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions saw a record-breaking 151 and 162 state bills respectively introduced that aimed to curtail the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
Though many of these hateful legislative proposals failed, the impact of their introduction cannot be overlooked. The mere consideration of discriminatory policies like the Virginia proposal creates an unwelcoming climate for LGBTQ+ people by normalizing differential treatment and furthering poor mental health, internalized stigma, and expectations for adverse treatment. The proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools are yet another example of the ongoing assault on the rights of LGBQT individuals, particularly transgender and nonbinary youth.
The Campaign for Our Shared Future implores the Virginia Department of Education to reconsider the proposed 2022 Model Policies, and instead reinstate the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students. If you have questions or would like to discuss the contents of this comment, please contact us at info@campaignsharedfuture.org.
Sincerely,
Heather Harding, Ed.D.Executive DirectorCampaign for Our Shared Future

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RE: 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools

The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) writes in strong opposition to the proposed 2022 Model Policies. The proposed Model Policies represent a rolling back of essential protections for transgender and nonbinary students, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination, bullying, and mistreatment in public schools. These changes undermine the right of every child in our schools to learn, free from discrimination, by creating a hostile environment that is at odds with student well-being and success.

COSF believes that every child deserves an inclusive, meaningful education that supports their health, learning, and success in life. An excellent K-12 education, inclusive of and accessible to all, is the foundation of a healthy multi-racial democracy. COSF fights for equitable, anti-racist programs, practices, and policies that sustain schools and ensure opportunity for every child. COSF’s work is grounded in deep experience and knowledge of the education sector, and of the school-based interventions that benefit all members of a learning community. It is clear that securing the civil rights of every single student, no matter who they are, in every single public school, is both the foundation of true individual opportunity and a sine qua non for education in a healthy multi-racial democracy.

It is particularly urgent that the civil rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) students be clearly defined and upheld at this difficult time for K-12 education in our country. It has long been clear that LGBTQ+ youth commonly experience discriminatory policies and practices, bullying, and harassment in K-12 schools that impede their equal access and opportunity. Data collected in the CDC’s 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey confirmed that LGB students were more likely than their heterosexual peers to have missed school because of safety concerns, twice as likely to have felt persistently sad or hopeless, and more than three times more likely to have made a suicide plan.

Findings from the GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey illustrate that Virginia schools were unsafe for a majority of LGBTQ middle and high school students. In 2019, 59% of LGBTQ students in Virginia reported experiencing at least one form of anti-LGBTQ discrimination at school. Further, 68% of transgender students in Virginia were unable to use the school bathroom aligned with their gender identity and 46% of transgender students were prevented from using their chosen name and pronouns in school. The proposed 2022 Model Policies will result in even fewer transgender students in the Commonwealth receiving gender-affirming treatment that has been shown to improve overall outcomes and save lives.

The proposed Model Policies are part of an alarming uptick in legislative efforts to further undermine the educational opportunities of LGBTQ+ students. Similar attacks have come in the form of erasure from school curriculum, denial of access to facilities that match their gender identity, exclusion from participation on athletic teams that align with gender identity, and the stripping away of key mental health supports. Across the country, 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions saw a record-breaking 151 and 162 state bills respectively introduced that aimed to curtail the rights of LGBTQ+ people.

Though many of these hateful legislative proposals failed, the impact of their introduction cannot be overlooked. The mere consideration of discriminatory policies like the Virginia proposal creates an unwelcoming climate for LGBTQ+ people by normalizing differential treatment and furthering poor mental health, internalized stigma, and expectations for adverse treatment. The proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools are yet another example of the ongoing assault on the rights of LGBQT individuals, particularly transgender and nonbinary youth.

The Campaign for Our Shared Future implores the Virginia Department of Education to reconsider the proposed 2022 Model Policies, and instead reinstate the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students. If you have questions or would like to discuss the contents of this comment, please contact us at info@campaignsharedfuture.org.

Sincerely,

Heather Harding, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Campaign for Our Shared Future


Protect Trans Youth

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The role of a school is to educate and support kids. It is not to decide who they are and what level of respect they deserve.

Trans and non-binary youth are at a much higher risk of academic failure, suicidal thoughts, homelessness (due to parents not accepting them), and drug use. They are at a higher risk because of how society treats them NOT because of who they are.

Just ONE supportive, affirming adult reduces the risk of suicide by 48%. Forty. Eight. Percent.

Trans and non-binary people have always existed. They may not have had a defined term for their identity but they existed.

These policies are not based on hard evidence. It based on fear of the unfamiliar and lack of willingness to educate self.

Who someone is isn't a pass to treat them horribly. It is not a pass to judge or decide someone else's identity to make you feel more comfortable.

Need more stats? Go look at the studies by The Trevor Project, GLSEN, HRC, or ACLU.

Need stories? Reach out to local organizations like He, She, Ze, and We or Equality Va or Side By Side.

Do I believe you want to protect kids with this new "model?" No. Do I believe trans kids will end up homeless, closeted, or dead because of these policies? YES. And you will have their names known and blood on your hands.

LASTLY: To the trans and non-binary community: YOU ARE LOVED. YOU DESERVE TO BE SEEN AS YOU ARE. YOU MATTER. YOUR LIFE MATTERS. HATE IS A HORRIBLE THING TO BEAR BUT THERE IS LOVE AND A COMMUNITY FOR YOU. I LOVE YOU AND FIGHT WITH YOU.


Inclusion and Respect

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We need leaders who respect the people who they are supposed to represent.  This policy does the contrary and does not represent the values of those who recognize, respect and value people as they are and want to be.  I would and will not support this measure in any way.  It is morally corrupt way to treat our youth.


Strongly Opposed to Proposed Policies Against LGBTQ Students

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<p>The proposal of revised school policies to harm LGBTQ students is so disrespectful, invasive and small minded.  We need leaders who will advance our educational system with honor and an appreciation of individual rights and family.   </p>


I oppose the 2022 Model Policies

I oppose the 2022 model policies, and here are some of the reasons why.
The 2022 model policies, as written, seem to be a political reaction to current events, not a well reasoned approach towards providing a healthy and safe educational environment for the students, teachers, and the parents of those students.
For example, the sample policy notes that "Parents must be informed and given an opportunity to object before counseling services pertaining to gender are given." Is this only true for counseling services pertaining to gender? If so, why?
Further down in the sample policy, I note that on the subject of bullying, there is a statement that "Intervening immediately to stop bullying on the spot can help ensure a safer school environment for all students." Why is this added as a mention, instead of being a requirement like informing parents before counseling services are given?
In section D2 about identification of students amd nicknames, the sample policy indicates that [School Division] personnel must either use the legal name or a common nickname, if the student prefers. That places our teachers in a position of determining whether or not a nickname qualifies as being "commonly associated" with the legal name. For a student named Richard, does that include Rick and Ricky, or just Dick like Dick Van Dyke? For Bartholomew, is Bart the only option?For students named Ekaakshara, Vindhyavasini, Ryunosuke, what is the harm in letting the student ask to be called by a nickname of their choice?Teachers have been making their own decisions about reasonable nicknames for decades; restricting that ability seems likely to force some students to hear their name mispronounced on a regular basis, which is in direct opposition to the stated goals to create an environment where "students thrive" or where students and parents feel respected.
Section D4 seems to say that a nickname or alternate name is only an option if a parent notes in writing that the student's gender differs from their sex assigned at birth. This is another case where the new policy seems so focused on reacting to political events that it doesn't make sense -- while creating a rule and a policy for trans students, it also adds a rule without exception for cis students.
Section D7 reinforces the guiding principle of deferring to parents. Does it conflict with policies and procedures for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to appropriate state authorities?
All of the above is what I see having spent a few minutes using my education from Fairfax County Public Schools to review and proofread the policy; I expect that a few of my old English teachers could find more issues.
That all being said, I am of the opinion that the primary goals of this policy are misguided. I believe that the number of students and parents who will be negatively affected by this policy is likely to be an order of magnitude or two higher than the number of students and parents who will be positively affected. Several things in this policy -- like calling someone by the wrong name and forcing them into the wrong locker rooms -- are known to have damaging emotional effects on a child, and therefore on that child's parent as well.I am concerned that this policy is harmful to all Virginia students, and that it prioritizes politics over students, parents, and teachers.
I oppose the 2022 model policies as they currently exist, and would request that we step back from letting politics interfere with education.
Thank you.

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I oppose the 2022 model policies, and here are some of the reasons why.

The 2022 model policies, as written, seem to be a political reaction to current events, not a well reasoned approach towards providing a healthy and safe educational environment for the students, teachers, and the parents of those students.

For example, the sample policy notes that "Parents must be informed and given an opportunity to object before counseling services pertaining to gender are given." Is this only true for counseling services pertaining to gender? If so, why?

Further down in the sample policy, I note that on the subject of bullying, there is a statement that "Intervening immediately to stop bullying on the spot can help ensure a safer school environment for all students." Why is this added as a mention, instead of being a requirement like informing parents before counseling services are given?

In section D2 about identification of students amd nicknames, the sample policy indicates that [School Division] personnel must either use the legal name or a common nickname, if the student prefers. That places our teachers in a position of determining whether or not a nickname qualifies as being "commonly associated" with the legal name. For a student named Richard, does that include Rick and Ricky, or just Dick like Dick Van Dyke? For Bartholomew, is Bart the only option?
For students named Ekaakshara, Vindhyavasini, Ryunosuke, what is the harm in letting the student ask to be called by a nickname of their choice?
Teachers have been making their own decisions about reasonable nicknames for decades; restricting that ability seems likely to force some students to hear their name mispronounced on a regular basis, which is in direct opposition to the stated goals to create an environment where "students thrive" or where students and parents feel respected.

Section D4 seems to say that a nickname or alternate name is only an option if a parent notes in writing that the student's gender differs from their sex assigned at birth. This is another case where the new policy seems so focused on reacting to political events that it doesn't make sense -- while creating a rule and a policy for trans students, it also adds a rule without exception for cis students.

Section D7 reinforces the guiding principle of deferring to parents. Does it conflict with policies and procedures for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to appropriate state authorities?

All of the above is what I see having spent a few minutes using my education from Fairfax County Public Schools to review and proofread the policy; I expect that a few of my old English teachers could find more issues.

That all being said, I am of the opinion that the primary goals of this policy are misguided. I believe that the number of students and parents who will be negatively affected by this policy is likely to be an order of magnitude or two higher than the number of students and parents who will be positively affected. Several things in this policy -- like calling someone by the wrong name and forcing them into the wrong locker rooms -- are known to have damaging emotional effects on a child, and therefore on that child's parent as well.
I am concerned that this policy is harmful to all Virginia students, and that it prioritizes politics over students, parents, and teachers.

I oppose the 2022 model policies as they currently exist, and would request that we step back from letting politics interfere with education.

Thank you.


Trans kids matter

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Trans kids deserve to have their identities upheld and respected.


Oppose

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I'm a parent of a middle school child who identifies as transgender.  This policy will negatively impact my child and other children's education.

Our schools should be a place where students feel comfortable to be themselves in an environment that is most conducive to education.  This policy will directly harm many students under the false name of parental control.


100% Agree

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<p>Totally Support You Governor 100%. Keep up the good work!! </p>


Transgender

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Forcing children to recognize abhorrent behavior as normal, as part of curriculum is in itself abhorrent.


As a human being I Strongly disagree

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These policies are extremely dangerous and will be detrimental to gender non-conforming students. I am not okay with this and I do not accept that these policies could be implemented in our schools very shortly. I am disgusted, outraged, and terrified for our trans and non-binary students. The damage these policies will have on youth will be irreparable. Do you want children to live or die? I choose live and so should VDOE. People advocating these policies are hateful bigots who think they are important enough in this world to tell other people how to live their lives.


Opposed!

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As a parent of non-binary children in public school I’m horrified by the proposed changes in the transgender policy.  I truly believe these proposed changes will lead to an increase in suicide attempts by these kids, hospitalizations, domestic abuse toward these kids, and deny them the right to a safe education. Please do not allow this to happen.


Strongly Support Parent Rights

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<p>This is just common sense to require parents to be involved. Schools wouldn’t take disciplinary or legal action against a student without the parent involved. If a child destroys property the parents are responsible. If a student does something illegal the parents are responsible. If a student wants to go on a field trip the parents are responsible for providing permission.  People objecting probably haven’t even read the document, they are just responding to liberal propaganda. </p>


This policy harms children

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The existing policy from Northam is a fair even handed approach to protecting children and parents. These new guidelines do nothing but harm children. The governor claims to listen to parents but is ignoring us to follow his political "anti-woke" agenda.


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose the draft model policies. These policies should be rejected.


Strongly opposed. This is not evidence based.

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<p>This comment is on the suggested change in model policies for the treatment of transgender students. This suggested change is NOT evidence based. It does NOT have the best interest of students in mind. Do NOT move forward with this change. </p>


AGAINST TRANSPHOBIC POLICIES

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<p>I am AGAINST the transphobic policies that have been suggested to be implemented in schools. Denying kids of experiencing their full identities is cruel. Children have a right to privacy and to discover who they are without fear of being ridiculed and outed by people who are supposed to be mentors. We need to encourage school employees to make their spaces a safe environment for all kids of all backgrounds and futures, and talk about acceptance of all, no matter how they may identify. Politicians have no right to tell teachers how to run their classrooms. </p>


What about my rights?

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Hello, I am a 13 year old transgender boy. This bill is hurtful to me and other people that feel the same way. To the people who support this bill: grow up cause it's 2022. Things change and you're going to have to deal with transgender people. How does it affect you? It's not boys going into girls bathrooms. Its girls going into girls bodies and vice versa. I'm a transgender teenager and I don't seem to be bothering anybody by going into my preferred bathroom. So what are you so worried about? I am not harming anybody just because I'm happy. This bill should not pass because it's harmful to everyone and I'm sure many would agree with me.


School policy

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<p>As a parent I strongly support his new policy.  With student test scores falling year after year, the focus should be on education, not on this distracting topic. </p>


Strongly opposed

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<p>Let Trans kids be themselves! Strongly opposed to this new guidelines </p>


Support trans students!

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Strongly oppose! Support trans students everyday!


STRONGLY OPPOSE POLICY

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy. Children will die as a result. All kids deserve respect </p>


SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS!

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All children deserve genuine safety in being themselves and exploring their identities free of hate, discrimination, or the threat of violence.

The notion that it is okay for parents to abuse their children based on their identity is absurd and horrifying. Last year, ONE IN FOUR trans kids attempted suicide. ONE IN FOUR. The current environment is difficult enough for most LGBTQ+ youth, we don't need policies like this allowing parents to hurt children. Protect the freedom and safety of trans youth!


Support Youngkin! New study shows physical differences in transgender female athletes

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Support Youngkin! FACT new study shows physical differences in transgender female athletes


Unconstitutional and Undue burden

This policy seeks to suppress some religious beliefs in favor the beliefs of the members of the governmental entity of the Virginia State Board of Education . It is saying that the rules of one religion are the legal default over other religions. And yes, it is absolutely clear that this policy is based on religious beliefs.The objective of this policy is to satisfy the tenets of one specific religion (the governor's and those that support it) as the default over the tenets of all other religions thereby crossing the boundary of church and state establishing a religion in law.Finally, this policy would place and undue burden on parents who would have to take time off of work to come into the school to defend a personal position that is no business of the school or the government.

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This policy seeks to suppress some religious beliefs in favor the beliefs of the members of the governmental entity of the Virginia State Board of Education . It is saying that the rules of one religion are the legal default over other religions. And yes, it is absolutely clear that this policy is based on religious beliefs.

The objective of this policy is to satisfy the tenets of one specific religion (the governor's and those that support it) as the default over the tenets of all other religions thereby crossing the boundary of church and state establishing a religion in law.

Finally, this policy would place and undue burden on parents who would have to take time off of work to come into the school to defend a personal position that is no business of the school or the government.


Trans rights are human rights


Strongly oppose the harmful 2022 proposal.

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I strongly oppose the harmful proposed "2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents at Virginia's Public Schools."

It forces teachers, administrators, and students to adhere to a binary outlook on sex and gender, even if they know it is untrue based on what science and medicine has revealed.

It ignores that trans and nonbinary students often face harm if they are outed to parents or guardians at home. If the students haven't told their families or guardians, they likely don't feel safe to. Don't make school another place they have to hide themselves, be rejected, and feel scared. And don't force teachers to put them in harm's way by outing them.

The mental and emotional energy that having your identity rejected takes is determental to learning, feeling safe, and happiness. Even just the debate around policies like these is causing turmoil in LGBTQ+ students and people, with some polls indicating that 85% of trans youth feel their mental health has been harmed by it. Imagine what passing these policies will do. Trans and nonbinary kids aren't up for debate. They deserve to be themselves and learn in an environment that respects them.

These policies try to erase trans people's existence by making it more difficult for them to be themselves. They promote bullying and harrasment through intentional rejection of the children's identities.

Please oppose the 2022 proposed policies.


Protect all kids!

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<p>All kids includes transgender kids, one of the most bullied and underserved youth populations.  Gov Youngkin’s policies which will repeal the thoughtful bi-partisan policy currently in effect, is harmful to transgender kids and completely disregards the mental health of human beings. Telling someone that who they are, their truth, is not in fact who they are, is abusive and very harmful.  All people are unique, and Gov Younkin does not want to protect people, children no less, that do not look, act and think like him and his values. We had come so far before the past few years of aggressive intolerance, hate and  unapologetic bigotry, which Gov Youngkin’s policy is a stark example of.  We cannot let our Governor do this to our kids, they will suffer greatly at the expense of politics. Human rights should not be political. </p>


Oppose

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This proposal denies the existence of intersex or nonbinary or trans people, defining “sex” as biological sex, with no allowance for discrepancies between gender identity and sex assigned at birth.

This proposal requires school officials to address trans students by the name and pronoun in their official record, with no allowance for people whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth.

Section D.6 allows school officials to use the name/pronoun differing from the gender identity of the student.

Section D.7 requires school officials to report the trans status of students to their parents, even when the student has not accepted this risk.

This proposal acts against the best interest of humans.  It is literally inhumane.


Strongly Support the New Policy

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Parents have the God-given right to protect and guide their children, not public school administrators and counselors with agendas.  Strongly support parental rights, and support the policy that parents have a voice and final say in any transgender decisions or exposures for minors.


Don’t be a nazi

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Isn’t this the same  hitler did? Like, the whole “let’s force people to report people as jews so we can all be super violent to them specifically.” Is that what you’re trying to do here?? Literal nazi ?? How is this any different?


Governor Youngkin Has My 100% Support

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<p>Straight to the point, I support Governor Youngkin 100% on this matter.  As he has stated countless times "parents have every right to make decisions with respect to their children".  Leaving children to make adult decisions when they haven't passed the state SOL testing or even completed school makes no sense.  Passing Governor Youngkin's model policy will prevent state taxpaying dollars from going to the parents of a young girl who was assaulted in her school bathroom by someone claiming to be female when they are biologically male in a lawsuit.  It will protect young girls from being taken advantage of.   </p>
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Support! Women fought so hard for decades to ensure equality in sports, esp at the collegiate level.

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<p>Support! Women fought so hard for decades to ensure equality in sports, esp. at the collegiate level. </p>


Parents have rights about their kids.

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Parents have a say in what is going on with their children at school.


Strongly Oppose

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I don’t think this, or any action you take, will ever stop kids from being trans. Stuff like this never has.