Strongly support language in the 2022 model policies

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I fully support the updated policies.  Parents have both the right and the responsibility to raise their children and instill their values.  The role of schools should be to educate -- (reading, writing, math, science).  The updated policies clearly stipulate the rights of parents and remove language that encouraged school officials to essentially deceive parents when their children are making potentially life-altering decisions regarding their gender identity in a school setting.

I support the updated language that acknowledges students and teachers can’t be forced into compelled speech that violates their constitutional rights, including First Amendment and religious freedom protections.

I support the updated language that empowers schools to make their own decisions on how to best protect kids—especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable students in a state of undress in locker rooms or overnight sleeping quarters for school field trips.

Middle and High School years can be very challenging, so I’m glad we already have comprehensive bullying policies to ensure a safe environment, while still respecting the rights of all students. That’s why it’s important schools have the freedom—as this updated policy allows— to address bathroom/privacy issues on a case by case basis with parents—and not through a one-size-fits-all pressure tool that treats all districts/communities the same.

Please finalize these updated 2022 model policies as written without removing any of the key protections to restore parental involvement in the process and protect children’s privacy and safety rights.


2022 Model Policies on the Privacy Dignity etc for all students and parents in Virginia schools

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<p>I am opposed to the change in policies.  Each student transgender or not should be treated in accordance with their owned identity.  A human being's identity belongs to him/her/their self and only their self has the God given right to determine it.  The rest of us must support them and help them realize their selves.  Especially the education institution must not judge, condemn or create unequal classes of human beings as this model policy so sadly attempts to do.   </p>


I support parents!

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Schools should be responsible for academics.  Parents are responsible for the rest.  Thanks Gov. Youngkin for taking this step to ensure the rights of families.  We don't allow young kids to buy alcohol or cigarettes or make other decisions about their health that can be far less detrimental than issues of sex and gender.  Guidance counselors and school psychologists should discuss with individual children and their parents when dealing with these issues or any others that do not affect the majority of students.  Why create problems for the entire student body or penalize kids for not remembering to call one or another by a specific pronoun?  Teach kids to read and write and do math, for Pete's sake, and let parents do the rest.


waste of taxpayers' money

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This morally bankrupt "policy" is yet another example of Youngkin's pandering.  Quit wasting taxpayers' money on this junk and focus on governing!


I fully support this policy

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This policy change affirms the rights of parents to be the ones primarily responsible for their children's upbringing.


Strongly Opposed

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There seem to be a lot of parents who think that pretending transgender people don't exist will somehow "protect the children". It's a ludicrous argument made by folks who have likely never encountered a transgender person in their life.

Rolling back the 2021 legislation is a step backwards for social progress, a waste of tax dollars, and does nothing to "keep kids safe" - at worst, it will make school a less safe or comfortable place for the students directly impacted by these policy changes.

And parents, keep in mind that you can't shelter your kids forever by preventing schools from talking to them about real people who exist in the world. From what I've seen, most of Gen Z is much more comfortable talking about people of non-normal gender identity, so to see their parents in an outrage like this is probably pretty embarrassing for them!


transgender policy

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I support the Governor's new transgender policy to protect kids from permanent harm to their bodies before they are old enough to make such a decision.  Most all kids grow out of this by the time they are in their early 20's if not sooner and are glad that they didn't go thru with mutilating their bodies.  And parents need to know what is going on with their kid as well.  Parents should be and need to be informed of what their child is trying to do that will cause permanent damage to their body as well as to their psyche.


Strongly Support Youngkin’s Policy

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Strongly Support Youngkin’s Policy


Strongly Oppose - this is backwards

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As a parent and clinical psychologist, I strong support LGBTQA+ students in living their true identity and using whatever bathrooms and/or names and/or pronouns they prefer. In order for children to BE safe, they need to be fully seen and heard, *especially* when their parents are unable to do so. We know that LGBTQA+ students have a much higher rate of mental health issues, including suicidal ideation, because they are marginalized, teased, closeted, and/or not accepted. There is nothing about the proposed legislation that protects any child. In fact, it threatens to make schools in Virginia much LESS SAFE for LGBTQA+ students.


Withdraw the deadly 2022 Model Policies on Virginia Schools re: LGBTQ+ kids

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Please quickly withdraw and correct the poorly written "2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools."  This guidance's authors' misunderstandings of the issues are not only obvious but dangerous.  Please consult professionals who help non-binary children as part of their profession when writing policies and guidance like this document.  There are multiple problematic parts of the document, e.g., citing litigation to infer that body dysphoria is a disability.  However, the worst part of the document is the requirement that both parents approve of name changes, pronoun changes, etc.  Many parents are hateful toward nonbinary people and do not create a safe space for their children to come out to them.  Therefore, children need to be able to petition for name and pronoun changes without either of their parents' consent.  As a parent of a child in an FCPS school in Virginia, I fully understand the concerns that parents and children have.  The fact is that the drafted 2022 Model Policies are not theoretically dangerous, but have already led to the death of one or more students.  A student at Lake Braddock Secondary School took her own life in a school bathroom because she was afraid the 2022 Model Policies would force the school to out her to her hateful parents.  This is unacceptable.  Don't fail our kids and drive them to suicide!  Withdraw and correct the misguided 2022 Model Policies as soon as possible.  Thank you.


Code of VA says: If risk relates to parental abuse or neglect contact shall not be made to parent

Sometimes the parent is the problem and school should be a safe haven

Many trans children are subject to emotional or psychological child abuse, which is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth.When children are told they are inherently bad, that they will be punished and potentially lose their family, if they do not adhere to a certain ideological or theological belief, they lose their sense of self-worth. For children who have a home life where adults and often siblings degrade and emotionally or psychologically harm them, it is vital to have a safe place to go where they can be lifted up and restored. School should be there for them. School will benefit from this action with increased academic performance.

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Many trans children are subject to emotional or psychological child abuse, which is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth.
When children are told they are inherently bad, that they will be punished and potentially lose their family, if they do not adhere to a certain ideological or theological belief, they lose their sense of self-worth. For children who have a home life where adults and often siblings degrade and emotionally or psychologically harm them, it is vital to have a safe place to go where they can be lifted up and restored. School should be there for them. School will benefit from this action with increased academic performance.


Oppose. A step backwards

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<p>Proposed new guidance is a step back with no science or medical facts taken into account. Consult medical journals and learn the science instead of bringing religious views into our school with trans and homophobic regulation. </p>


School boards are expected to include bullying as prohibited behavior in student codes of conduct.

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In addition to being against the law in Virginia, bullying reduces the student's ability to keep up with academics and decreases their mental health outcomes.
Just as doxing a teacher would be stressful and put them in fear for their well being, so is doxing a child.
The 2022 Model Policies document should not be implemented due to the increase in bullying that it would spur.


Former student in strong opposition

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As a transgender person who grew up in Virginia public schools (Taylor Elementary, Williamsburg Middle, and Yorktown High), I strongly oppose this guidance document and and urge the Department of Education to retain the 2021 guidance document. I know many people will have personal disagreements with who we as former and current transgender students are, but I would like to remind the Department that these feelings cannot be weaponized to dictate the lives and choices of young people. The job of our schools is to make sure all students are safe, supported, and educated, and these new guidelines are going to strip many children and teens of their opportunity to access those basic tenants. These guidelines are hurtful, discriminatory, and ill-informed. They target young people already facing hateful attitudes for a part of themselves that they cannot and should not have to change, and send a clear message that Virginia schools are not on their side. The disincentive this gives children to utilise school resources, trust teachers and counsellors with need-to-know information about their mental health or home lives, or even invest in their academics is going to cause real risk and harm. I can attest to the real detriment facing discrimination from adults in school causes a student, and to the immense growth and stability that comes from finding acceptance and support in your teachers.

Transgender students under 18 are already subject to the exact same legal limitations of all other minors in the Commonwealth. There is no legitimate reason for extra protections of specific parents dictating what their trans child does or how their child is treated while on school grounds. We are denying young people one of the most important opportunities given by socialising with peers and adults during these formative years: the right and ability to articulate the person you are and want to be.


New Policy on supporting parents

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<p>Thank you for supporting the parents right to know if their child is struggling with gender dysphoria. The media talks about the school's involvemnet all the time trying to "help" these students. When the child graduates and has altered his/her appearance, it will not be the school there to pick up the pieces, it will be the parents. The school administration will only be involved in the child's life for a few years, the parents for the rest of the child's life. They need to know. </p>


APPLAUD Policy Change to Give Parents' Rights Back!

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Parents have the right to know everything about their children. No ifs, ands or buts. Parents have the right to be the primary guide and protector of their children. The fact that schools are allowed to keep information from parents to me is illegal. Thank you, Gov. Youngkin!


STRONGLY SUPPORT


OK, I am out of state, but my comment shows I care about human rights.

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Deeply opposed to this proposed action!


Strongly oppose. Keep 2021 Model Policies

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As a parent of a transgender student in Virginia, I strongly oppose this new policy.

Please keep the 2021 VDOE Model Policy!!


Opposed - Can be Abused by Caregiver

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I'm personally opposed to this. I feel like leaving something as simple as pronouns and respecting students identity up to the parents can be used in a manner akin to abuse. As someone who grew up in the Virginia Public School System (Fairfax County, Elementary through HS), my parents definitely would've tried to do this as leverage. I would much prefer if the school system left things like this up to the individual rather than the parent.


Oppose- Allow youth to tell you who they are

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We cannot allow this Governor to waste tax dollars undermining work that's already been decided and done. Instead of getting more money for our schools and teachers the Governor has wasted money trying to over turn work that protects the rights and wellness of transgender youth. It's offensive on so many levels including wasting our money and time - while targeting children.  Using power to target children is wrong. The Governor has made it a priority to go after children. Youth need to be encouraged and empowered. Trans youth need to be encouraged to be one the healthiest version of THEM


Strongly oppose

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Stand up for basic human rights! Don't play god, you are not the judge.


Opposed to VDOE Transgender and Non-binary policy

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<p>As a former teacher and as a voting citizen in the Commonwealth, I am opposed to the VDOE’s discriminatory policy towards transgender and non-binary students. </p>


In support of change

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I don’t want my daughters to be forced to share bathrooms with boys pretending to be girls.   It is a very vulnerable space and they should be able to go there without fear.  It should be a safe space for them.   And if you don’t think there are boys who will pretend, no back the the news over the past couple years and find that story of the boy who did it not once, but TWICE!

the whole overarching question is ridiculous to start with. Why are we teaching our children to hate themselves and want to be something different?  Why can’t we just teach them to accept themselves how they were born?   Parents who go along with this and have their children mutilated for so-called gender reassignment should be charged with child abuse!

thanks for listening.


Strongly support and approve!!!

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<p>Thank you, Governor Youngkin, for protecting our girls from bathroom dangers, unfair athletic competition from biological males,  and for supporting parents to make decisions for the children they love and are responsible for. Keep up the good work. Many thanks. </p>


No one is suggesting that the school change a child's name

a minor can only change his or her name upon the application of a parent

Calling a student by their preferred name denotes respect, just as teachers request students call them by a certain name. Maybe a teacher was recently married or divorced, hasn't gotten their name officially changed, they would also have a preference.Students who feel respected do better academically and have better mental health outcomes.Why would you want to deny children that? Unless this change is not about children's academic and mental health. Unless the 2022 Model Policies document is a political ploy.

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Calling a student by their preferred name denotes respect, just as teachers request students call them by a certain name. Maybe a teacher was recently married or divorced, hasn't gotten their name officially changed, they would also have a preference.
Students who feel respected do better academically and have better mental health outcomes.
Why would you want to deny children that? Unless this change is not about children's academic and mental health. Unless the 2022 Model Policies document is a political ploy.


Strongly Oppose.

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We must stand up for basic human rights and dignity by opposing this.


Oppose- Allow you to tell you who they are

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We cannot allow Governor's to water tax dollars

on decisions that we the taxing paying people have already spent our tax dollars on to decide. Youngkin could have spent the time and money on new initiatives such as education budgets that include the art, stem, raises for teachers. Instead he has wasted the time and money by using the state apparatuses to try to over turn the work that has already been complete. Allow youth to tell you who they and don't used time and money this way


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose the Virginia Department of Education's 2022 Model Policies. Students should have agency over what personal pronouns they prefer, how they are addressed, and their gender identity. Leaving it up to parents to inform schools and teachers of gender identity and personal pronouns does not ensure that students will have agency over this information. Unfortunately, not all parents are accepting or understanding of the fluidity of gender. Further, not all students are being raised by their biological parents. Did the Department evaluate how this would affect children who are adopted, children of kinship adoption, and children in Foster Care? The 2022 Model Policies endanger students and create a hostile learning environment. It is criminal to allow teachers to call a student by something other than the students preferred pronoun or gender.


OPPOSE

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This is horrifying and the opposite of trying to protect our children.


Thank you Governor!!

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Thank you so much! Our schools need to back off and let parents make decisions for THEIR children. They are not to be raised by the schools. This madness has got to stop! It is is nothing more than a genuine mental illness that is being embraced and encouraged for very sick reasons. It has become trendy now to fake mental illness, which is incredibly disturbing. A boy is a boy and a girl is a girl. 20 years ago I was a "tomboy", and it's awful to know that if I had grown up in this decade I may have been coerced or encouraged to be "trans". I would have been nothing more than a girl with a mutilated body full of dangerous pharmaceuticals that I would trapped on for years, if not permanently. I would not be the mother I am today because I likely would be sterile. Listen to the many "detransitioners", they're stories are heartbreaking. Special needs children are in serious danger. Look at the statistics. Children with disabilities such as autism and adhd are at a very high risk of being coerced into this perversion.


Thank you Governor Youngkin for keeping Parents involved in their students' lives

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Thank you Gov Youngkin for being a voice of reason.  Thank you for fighting to keep parents involved in the public schools in all aspects.  Taking parents out of the equation in raising their children is asking for higher rates of suicide, depression, identity confusion, bullying and more.  Children need their parents!


ALREADY HARMING CHILDREN - VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED

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The kids affected by these proposed rules are scared and struggling to focus on academics. If this proposal passes into practice, it will be even worse. PROTECT KIDS' RIGHT TO EDUCATION AND LET THEM GET BACK TO STUDYING.


Fight for our kids

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I strongly oppose this legislation!!!


OPPOSE - Trans children are SACRED

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<p>I fully, wholeheartedly, vehemently and with great righteous anger oppose this change. Being transgender is NOT an ideology. Trans people are ancient and natural and we have been on this planet just as long as everyone else. Nature is queer. Trans people have always existed. Your religious beliefs are only 2000 years old. Quite childish and ill developed really... Not to mention all the pedophilia and rape that Christianity has enabled throughout the centuries.  RELIGION; GOVERNMENT; LEGISLATION; HIERARCHY; COERCION; POLITICAL VIOLENCE; CISSEXISM; TRANSPHOBIA: these are the real poisons that we must combat and destroy. Liberation for all! Down with oppressive governments! Trans kids deserve to live their REAL NATURAL BEAUTIFUL LIVES without oppression and interference from cis scum. Decolonize yourselves. Otherwise you'll have blood on your hands from the kids who kill themselves because of your demonic and hegemonic practices. </p>


Protect our youth

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<p>I am strongly opposed to these policies. I have felt pride and satisfaction over the past few years knowing that kids at my children's’ schools were free to be themselves and express themselves. As my daughter entered high school, I was impressed with how aware she was of the needs of other people,, which was in large part because she saw LGBTQ+ children comfortable in their own skin and, most importantly, happy. I don’t see any rationale these changes.  </p>


Strongly opposed


Strongly oppose

Part of successfully educating students is creating an environment where they feel supported and able to achieve their potential. The proposed policy is designed to do exactly the opposite. Although it is framed in terms of parental rights, the policy will ultimately ensure that young people in the Commonwealth are not protected, which should be exactly what every caring parent should want to avoid.Imagine a policy where a student who was the victim of abuse at the hands of a parent or guardian could not tell a trusted teacher about that abuse without first getting written permission from that parent or guardian. That is the kind of risk that this policy creates for vulnerable students. Now imagine that such a policy was defended on the grounds of parental rights.

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Part of successfully educating students is creating an environment where they feel supported and able to achieve their potential. The proposed policy is designed to do exactly the opposite. Although it is framed in terms of parental rights, the policy will ultimately ensure that young people in the Commonwealth are not protected, which should be exactly what every caring parent should want to avoid.

Imagine a policy where a student who was the victim of abuse at the hands of a parent or guardian could not tell a trusted teacher about that abuse without first getting written permission from that parent or guardian. That is the kind of risk that this policy creates for vulnerable students. Now imagine that such a policy was defended on the grounds of parental rights.


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<p>Fully support. Parents', they are your children, not the State or Schools. </p>


New transgender kids law is a farce...

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Terrible legislation regarding transgender kids.

Yes, we all know Loudoun county made missteps.  However, blaming all transgender kids for what happened there is simply lazy and wrong.

See you on election day.


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose the guidance. I am the parent of two students in Virginia public schools. The changes that are proposed here are draconian and cruel. The ruse that this is about "parental choice" is manipulative and misleading. Youngkin is scoring political points at the expense of actual children. Providing a safe space that engages youth is to the benefit of all of us. I want the VDOE to reject this terrible policy.


NO - Youngkin Weaponizing Childrens Rights & Targeting LGBT for His Presidential Bid is Wrong

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People do not choose how they are born.  Black, white, male, female, gay, straight, transgender.  These are not "lifestyle choices."  They are not clubs that "recruit" new members.  People are how they are.  Our laws and policies need to reflect fairness and respect no matter what a person's background.  They need to made blind to class, race, economic status, gender or sexual orientation.

By singling out young people who are trying to understand their own identities, Youngkin's policy starts a dangerous slippery slope, where kids are forced into conformity.  It also endorses and even encourages others, including kids, to discriminate against people with characteristics that certain political groups find "undesirable."

Youngkin is clearly preparing for his presidential bid.  Leveraging Virginia's children and schools for his own political ambitions is just wrong.  As a parent of two kids that went through the Virginia public education system, I expect our governor to do what is right for all kids and parents, not just the ones he thinks will vote for him in a presidential primary.


Fantastic step in the right direction

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I was horrified to find our state (Vermont) has polices in place directing schools to lie to parents. It is the responsibility of schools to teach academics, not to raise our children for us. Such policies drive a wedge between children and parents. I whole-heartedly support this change. (And I'm a liberal!)


Support

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<p>In full support of this proposal because it seems like common sense to me. A lot of these responses are just knee jerk political hysteria. It’s not the government, school system’s job to raise our children. </p>


Simple Math!  Parents>Schools

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<p>It’s common sense to follow the law. Parents are the ultimate authority of their children’s lives, not schools, not the teachers, other staff.  Nobody loves kids like parents do so don’t go singing your own praises, school boards, Teachers associations, etc. You are public stewards, not guardians!  Don’t have private conversations about sexual topics with any child. Just don’t. </p>


Totally support Gov. Youngkin

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I totally support Governor Youngkin.


Strongly Support

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As an academic who has witnessed firsthand the concerted effort within educational institutions to undermine "heteronormativity," as it is fashionably called, I am very much in favor of Youngkin's proposal to reinstate parental rights. Traditional families are viewed in leftist circles as foundational to heteronormativity and therefore must be dismantled.

It goes without saying that all people should be granted protections under the law; however, we do not let adolescents enter the military, vote, or even declare legal independence until they are at least 18. It is commonly accepted in medical circles that the brain has not fully matured until 25. Why on earth, then, would we support middle schoolers or even high schoolers, who are certainly not known for temperate behavior or emotions, to declare themselves "trans" without parental knowledge or supervision? Why would teachers and schools want to abet this behavior, which in turn leaves the students vulnerable to medical interventions, ranging from dangerous hormones being used off label to physical mutilation? Look at the spate of lawsuits sweeping the UK and Europe by young people who felt they were misled or unduly influenced by teachers and counselors who secretly advised them towards transitioning. In many cases, the adolescents in questions were depressed, suffering from ADHD, or bipolar. And overwhelmingly many were gay but reluctant to admit it, which is why so many gay organizations are increasingly opposed to the untoward influence of woke teachers and social media.

Parents should be involved in any medical or psychological issue affecting their children. An erstwhile Democrat, I voted for Youngkin because I no longer recognize the Democratic Party, which has become repellant in the extreme. His proposed change to the law reminds me of why I altered my party affiliation. Good job, Governor!


parental rights and child safety.

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Hi very strongly Support parental rights and child safety in our schools and elsewhere.


Common sense solution

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This policy poses reasonable accommodations. Parents are no longer EXCLUDED from communication regarding their children and have a way to advocate for their child. A written notification of an alternate name and different pronouns is not a hardship to provide. It also makes it clear what the family's wishes are. Great compromise!


Disregard that comment, I can't read


Full-throated support for this document

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As transgender identities have become more of a media spectacle, a backlash against them has been whipped up by hateful, disingenuous, and ignorant reactionaries. Trans children need to be protected now more than ever.


Strongly opposed

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Strongly opposed. I support trans kids.


Strongly support - this is Right!!!  Thank you Youngkin!

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<p>None of the changing pronouns and sharing bathrooms!  Don’t forget the sports issue - girls cannot compete against boys in most of the sports!  </p>


This is why you were elected!

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<p>This is why parents voted for Gov Youngkin! why is this even an issue??? Parents are in charge until 18. Adults are free to do as they wish. At this rate, we’ll have the state raising all kids. Thank you, Gov Youngkin!!!! </p>


I support this policy.

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<p>I am a 68 year old, white female. These are three things I cannot magically change about myself.  I cannot pretend to be 35 years old. I cannot pretend to be Hispanic or Asian or African.  I cannot pretend to be male.  There are no Y chromosones in my body.  If I say I feel like any of these, I am indoctrinated, a liar or mentally unstable.  The model policies stand the test of logic, reason, and sanity.  No adult or child should ever be required/forced to accept and pretend something is - when it is NOT reality. </p>


Support Governor’s Revision

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Parents should guide the education of their children. I support Governor Youngkin and the proposed revisions.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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I am vehemently opposed to Gov Youngkin’s proposal!
My grandchild is non binary .  If we had more people in the world as kind, sweet & considerate as they, it would be a better place to live.

It feels like the Gov & those who think like him are trying to cause  hate & intolerance in others.  LGBTQ folks are simply people made , in my opinion, by God, the same as me.  Who am I or you to judge them?   Over my 79 yrs I have know a number of people in that community.  ALL of them were outstanding individuals who I feel fortunate to have known!

I only pray that this policy does NOT go into effect as it will cause a great deal of harm to so many.


In support

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I am in support Gov. Youngkin's revision regarding the transgender policies in schools.


Support of Parental Rights

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I support Governor Youngkin. Parents should be involved in the education of their children and protect them from information that they are opposed to.


In Support of Gov Youngkin’s Revision

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<p>I am in support of Gov. Youngkin’s revision of the transgender policy for our schools. </p>


New policy protects parent AND student rights

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<p>I support the new policy because it protects the rights of parents students </p>


Respect transgender students

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The model policy states "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. The Department supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students. Thus, we have a collective responsibility to address topics such as the treatment of transgender students with necessary compassion and respect for all students."

In addition, there are these bullet points:

Maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students;

Prevention of and response to bullying and harassment;

Protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information;

These are worthy goals that would promote a well-rounded, quality education for all students.

However, the fact that teachers would not be required to use a transgender student's preferred name and pronouns, students would be required to use the bathroom facilities corresponding to their sex assigned at birth, schools would be required to report transgender students to their parents flies in the face of those goals.

Transgender identity is not a "phase" that students will grow out of. There are many studies showing that, along with the greater risk of mental health problems, including suicide, among transgender people who are not permitted to live their lives as their true selves.

Misgendering students does NOT treat them with respect or prevent bullying and harassment. Quite the opposite.

Finally, part of a good education is exposing students to people who are not like them. That is how students learn to become functioning adults in a multicultural society.

I urge you to reconsider implementing these policies for the good of the transgender students, other students, Virginia's reputation, and society at large.


Sex and gender are not the same. Oppose this guidance document.

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<p>As a parent, person of faith, and social worker in the field of mental health, I urge the Department of Education to reject this guidance document. Instead, retain the 2021 guidance document and use this moment as a means of educating Virginians - parents, teachers, and students - about the ways in which our collective understanding of sex and gender have changed. Many fields of inquiry have advanced our understanding of sex (our reproductive organs and biological characteristics that derive from XX or XY chromosomes, typically) and gender (our self-representation and formation within culture and social institutions). For many adults, having been taught that sex and gender are synonymous or that one determines the other, it is a challenging shift to understand that sex and gender are not the same. However, this shift is needed; it enables us to recognize and celebrate the diversity and sacredness of the human experience and to advance the well-being of all people, regardless of their sex or gender. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>Strongly oppose of this --- being transgender is not a choice. </p>


Thank toj GOV!!!

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Thank you. This will finally stop the confusion of actual biology. This will also stop the pedophiles and rapist from doing what they want to do in schools. We must focus on real education and keep parents well informed of everything that our children are learning. Not manipulation. Thank you Gov. Youngkin.


Strongly support

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The only diagnosis of transgenderism comes from the mouths of adolescents talking about their "feelings."  There is no medical empirical evidence.  If adolescents still feel this way ten years from now, as adults, they can pay $40,000 to cut themselves up in any manner they choose and buy public airtime to tell us all about it.  But until then, do no harm.  Anyone involved in a child's education should stick strictly to elemental scholastic subjects (if they can muster the skill and fortitude) and keep their opinions on matters of students' gender, morality and sexuality to themselves.  Teachers and staff are not loco parentis.


Guidance for Transgender students

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I strongly oppose Gov. Younkin's interpretation of guidance for the Va public schools.  All students should be treated with respect, especially those dealing with gender issues and other issues of development and self expression and privacy rights.  The students affected have ehough challenges to deal with; it takes extraordinary gumption to dare to be themselves as they are coming to know who they are meant to be in their families, in their social circles and in the world.  They need all the support they can get.


Parental Rights

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I strongly support Gov. Youngkin’s proposal regarding the Parental Rights of school aged children. It is the parent’s responsibility and not the schools on the teaching of these issues.


Opposed to Youngkin's 2022 proposed model policies

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Virginians should respect and uphold every individual for who they are. Public schools are places where all students should feel safe and protected, and not at risk for discrimination. We must affirm the right to a safe public school education for each student. I wholeheartedly oppose the 2022 proposed changes to the treatment of transgender students.


School Policy Change

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<p>I wholly support Gov. Youngkin’s policy change!!  Public schools one and only role is teaching our children.  Get politics and ideology out of the classroom. </p>


Support new policy

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The new policy clearly advocates for non-discrimination for all students and makes accommodations for transgender students. Parents should be involved in decisions for minor children.

Single use bathrooms can be used if child is uncomfortable in the one designated for their sex. Males in the girls restroom is not a safe environment. Girls have already been victimized in schools where a rule allowing biological males in the restroom was in place. Allowing biological males on female sports teams is DISCRIMINATORY toward biological females.

Please read the scientific evidence and actual cases, not the inflammatory headlines. To those who oppose this provision, when did you stop caring about the rights of girls? All students should be protected, valued, and respected. It seems that the trendy thing to do is prioritize everyone else above those who stay the sex they were born.


Strongly OPPOSE

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All students deserve a safe, supportive environment in which to learn. Outing kids to parents who will not receive the news well will do long-term damage to their mental health, and LGBTQ kids are already more likely to harm themselves. Leave the current model policies in place and drop this effort.


Strongly support Parental Rights

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Strongly support Parental Rights


Parental Rights

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Strongly support parental rights.


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy--you are putting children in a dangerous situation where they are in danger.  My child is non-binary and they have dealt with being misgendered in spite of my support it has caused them lots of mental distress.  By implementing these policies you will cause children to be harmed by unsupportive parents and you will increase the risk of children committing suicide.  Anyone who is in agreement of this policy is not pro-life.


Transgender policy


Parental rights in schools and name change.

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I fully support Governor Youngkin policies.


Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

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<p>I oppose the new guidelines proposal. It does not protect students' rights, nor does it consider the rights of parents who fully support their children. </p>


Strongly oppose 2022 policy

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I strongly oppose the passage of the 2022 Model Policies.  Transgender youth are among the most vulnerable members of our society, suffering from higher rates of suicide resulting from the discrimination they face, including from those who should love them unconditionally. These new policies create an unwelcoming environment for trans and nonbinary students in the school system and will cause significant damage to their wellbeing. The 2021 policies currently in place provide reasonable protections and a safe space for students while still honoring parents’ rights regarding their children.


Policy change opposition

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While parents may indeed choose to raise and teach their children as they wish, this should never impede on the rights and safety of others. Especially students who are exceptionally vulnerable and at times in greater danger because of the transgender identity. VA department of education has as just as much, if not more, responsibility for the safety of trans students who are significantly more likely to face actual discrimination and danger than cisgender students. Protect all our students.


Strongly approve and appreciate!  Would add other restrictions!  Thank you, Governor Youngkin!

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<p>Very strongly appreciate!  I have been worried about this for years!  </p>


Strongly OPPOSE

Suzanne Cassidy, parent, retired pediatric provider

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I strongly OPPOSE this new model policy. The policy is discriminatory and does not support the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for ALL students.  I support diversity and inclusion in Virginia public schools. The policy puts undue pressure on already stressed teachers and guidance counselors.  Implementing the policy would harm trans kids by putting them at risk of psychological and physical abuse/harm.  School is supposed to be a safe, supportive environment for student well-being and learning.  The policy is not rooted in pediatric medicine or science, but rather in political grandstanding by the governor.  Youngkin's political ambitions should have no bearing on Virginia public education policy.


I Oppose the Proposed Guidelines

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I strongly opposed these guidelines and urge the VDOE to not adopt these transphobic and homophobic guidelines. Schools should be an environment where children are respected and safe. All children deserve to be acknowledged and accepted at school, and these guidelines do the opposite of that. If implemented they would endanger the safety and wellbeing of trans and nonbinary students.

At the center of this conversation should be the mental health and wellness of all children in Virginia. The proposed guidelines would put the LGBTQIA youth in our state at risk. Please do not implement these changes that would harm these children and youth.


OPPOSE - They don't choose non-binary, the choice was made for them. Support them,

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OPPOSE - They don't choose non-binary. The choice was made for them.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>I cannot support Youngkin's vitriolic attacks on transgender students. This proposed rule would undermine decades of progress in supporting one of our most marginalized communities and it is anyone who claims to support all students cannot in good conscience support this legislation. </p>


Oppose.Support transgender youth


strongly OPPOSE

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This policy puts children in danger. I have friends who will experience extreme mental distress if teachers are allowed to stop using their correct name and pronouns. There are people who say they will be beaten if school outs them as transgender to their family at home. Although I’ve transitioned now to legally change my sex and name on every document at 16, I know how it felt to be consistently misgendered by teachers when I was younger. With this proposal by Youngkin, I wouldn’t even have a case when I went to administration and asked them to talk to the teachers. The teachers came around for me, but the idea of them simply ignoring the well-being of their students in the future makes me nauseous. Do. Not. Pass. This. Policy. More children will harm themselves, attempt suicide, and be pulled out of schools for homeschooling. Our schools will be a dangerous place for these kids.


Youngkin's proposed rule changes/ schools /transgender youth

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The age of cruelty, bigoted, and biased thinking has been ushered in by the last administration in Washington DC.  We have always known that people of low character would be at times elected to office, but the checks on their power were always confronted by the people, questioned, and put to a vote.

Ignorance reigns when education is stifled and we have a whole political party that not only does not believe in truth, but spreads hate and deception to win over the people.  Youngkin has decided that only straight, white, males know what is best for the state and the country.  His policy changes not only put our youth in danger, but send a message to the rest of us that he is willing to take rights away from ALL of us if he gets his way.

Stand up for our youth and make your voices heard to stop the bully from enacting hurtful and cruel policies in our education environments.


22 years of teaching experience

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I have been a teacher for a long time. Over a 22 year career, I have taught every age group. Over two decades ago, my mentor teacher told me that the MOST important thing you can do on the first day of school was learn EVERY student’s name. It is the best way to show respect, build trust, and recognize them as individuals. Some kids had two names. Jonathan Templeton, III would like to be called Johnny. Samantha wants to be called Sam. Meredith wants to be called Mare, Chienszu wants to be called Jason, Adetowalle wants to be called Wally. There are many reasons that a child might want to go by a name other than the one on their birth certificate. They are asserting who they are and who they want to be today.
I shifted careers and stopped teaching high school and middle school age students before claiming pronouns became a thing. If I were to return to the classroom, with no knowledge of this recent “controversy,” I really would not think it was a big deal. You wanna try on another gender? Great. Perhaps it’s a good thing to see the world from a different perspective. It builds empathy. If teachers and parents are against encouraging empathy…we are all in big trouble. Forcing an identity on young people will only cause trauma and/or rebellion. Come on…you were a kid once, right? Just because your parents broke you and shoved you in a box doesn’t mean that’s what you should do. If you are shoving your kid in a box, perhaps you are the one who is broken.

I work with adults right now, and I see a lifetime of trauma being healed by adults finally asserting who they are. Why should we put children through trauma until they are “old enough” to tell us who they are?


Support Common Sense

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I support Gov. Youngkin’s policy because it protects the rights of all the students as well as the parents. Parents love their children and have a right to be involved in the decisions made by them. It is wrong for a school system to put a barrier between the parents and their children. Schools do not have a right to indoctrinate their students. Schools need to focus on educating students reading, writing, math, science, history, and classes that the students are enrolled in.


Fully Support this. Thank you Youngkin for protecting our youth.

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<p>Fully support this proposed bill. Our children deserve to feel safe in schools. They need to be focused on education and not be exposed to so many adult topics. Please get our schools back to basics and stop focusing on all of this nonsense. </p>


All People Deserve Rights

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Trans people were the first group targeted by the Nazis. How are you gonna be on the wrong side of history when it's repeating?


It’s science, not politics

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I fully support our Governor, and believe most Virginians do too!  It has to say something about how radical the left became that after many years of being blue… VA finally went red!


Fully support and would include other restrictions

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I fully support the measure.  I would also add that teachers should not be required to use the preferred pronouns that transgender students and condescending parents stipulate.  Many arguments for teachers avoiding using these pronouns are made based on religious beliefs, but they don't need to justify their use of pronouns on religious beliefs when it is simply a matter of a person's free speech rights.

If parents want their transgender kid to use a bathroom then they can pay for a seperate bathroom/lockeroom to be built for transgender son or daughter.  Transgender kids should not be able to participate in boys and girls sports.  They should participate in a sperate transgender sports category.


Strongly oppose!


We need to support transgender students

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I oppose the draft model guidelines and support retaining the 2021 guidelines.

Our education system needs to model respect and kindness.  The 2021 model guidelines provides a safe space for transgender youth in our schools.  Transgender youth are particularly at risk for bullying and suicide.

Recognizing that another individual has different beliefs than your own and respecting that difference is the foundation of society.  It also does no damage to one's own beliefs.  Using preferred names or pronouns in no way means that the speaker must go against his or her own beliefs.  Requiring school staff to treat students with respect is not a First Amendment issue.  There are a large number of things that staff would be disciplined for saying to students under existing guidelines, insulting students, making racial slurs, or advocating a specific religion in class.  Staff remain free to say these things but must bear the disciplinary consequences.  Refusing to use students' preferred names and pronouns should be no different.

Students identifying as a different gender than their birth sex is not a threat to other students or school staff.  Rather such students are vulnerable and at increased threat themselves.  Kindness toward and acceptance of such students violate no moral code that I've encountered.  Such codes govern the actions of the believers and do not require shaming or shunning those who feel differently.

The proposed draft does nothing to enhance the safety and learning opportunities for our students but does leave open pathways to harm and discriminate specific groups of students.  We should retain the protections in the 2021 guidelines.


New Model Policies Violate Fundamental Religious Principles

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In my faith community we are taught that scripture calls us to welcome all people as members of God's family. We are also taught that the ultimate justness of our society is measured by how we treat "the least of these who are members of my family." Transgender youth are among the most vulnerable members of our society, suffering from higher rates of suicide and homelessness due to the discrimination they face, including from those who should love them unconditionally. These new policies create a unwelcoming environment for trans and nonbinary students in the school system and cause significant damage to their wellbeing. As a Virginian and as a Christian, I strongly oppose the hostility to trans youth and the bullying mentality embodied in these new model policies.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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I strongly opposed these guidelines and URGE the Virginia BOE and Virginia to NOT adopt these transphobic and homophobic guidelines!!!

Our kids, ALL kids, deserve to have a safe space at school and be accepted. These guidelines do the OPPOSITE of that.

If you don't like it, or if you are transphobic/homophobic, then perhaps you (or your kids) shouldn't be involved in public school. Public School is for ALL kids. Not as a place for your to push your restrictive, conservative views. Perhaps a religious school would be better.

A child has a right to be recognized and accepted. Not shamed.

My child has a right to have their pronouns used correctly. And it's NOT the school's choice for what their pronouns are.

Again, I STRONGLY OPPOSE these guidelines and URGE/BEG the VDOE to not adopt these guidelines. Please tell Youngkin to take his transphobic viewpoints and keep them to himself. The rest of Virginia wants our schools to be accepting of ALL students!!


I support Youngkin

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I support Jim Youngkin!!!!


Fully support Glenn Youngkin‘s policy change for our children

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If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14.
The great and unique thing about our Constitution is that it acknowledges that man and the state get their laws from a higher source, not vice versa.  Until we as a nation acknowledge and return to our spiritual heritage, and act upon it, we will have to live with this darkness that is creeping into every facet of our American culture.
May God help us.


Strongly Opposed

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The transphobic model policies proposed by the Youngkin administration are contrary to state law and dangerous.  Transgender and non-binary youth have the right to exist and identify without justification.  Genetics or God (your choice!) determines who and what we are.  As parents and as a society, we are obligated to care for all our children and provide whatever they need to be safe and thrive.  These children are our future.


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I am For the Governor's changes on the Transgender Issues at School. Parents not Bureaucrats should determine their child,s future.


Support youngkin

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<p>I support Governor Youngkin </p>


Strongly opposed

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I am strongly opposed to the new guidance. As a teacher who works with trans and non-binary youth in Virginia, I know how important it is for children and teenagers to be able to be themselves at school and in the community. We need school policies that create an environment where all students feel safe, including those who identify as trans or non-binary.

Trans and non-binary youth are already at higher risk for suicide and depression. The job of our schools is to support these youth and keep them safe, not to create harmful environments that promote discrimination. This new policy threatens the students whose duty it is to protect and should not be implemented.


Strongly opposed - allow kids to safely be themselves

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I strongly oppose the guidance. As a trans and nonbinary adult who works with youth in Virginia, I know how important it is for children and teenagers to be able to be themselves at school and in the community. Trans-affirming school policy creates an environment where all students feel safe, including those who identify as trans or gender expansive, as well as those who do not. School policy that explictly affirms the rights of trans students to state their own identities without facing threat of harm simply reiterates the right of all kids to feel safe and protected while attending a public institution. This guidance would do the opposite and expose students who are already at risk of violence and suicide to unnecessary discrimination and harm. Trans-affirming school policy does not force anyone, adult or child, to take up values they do not agree with. It merely affirms the right to a safe public education for every student.


All people deserve rights

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Hello, I know it seems parents should have the child’s best and well being in mind- it’s been said the parents know best. This is a misconception. Parents should be the nurturing caring person to teach their children everything but in my life I have experienced parents can hinder a child’s growth and development based on their own opinion or upbringing. This makes some children not understand they can be themselves or even speak up. It can be a toxic environment that no one will decipher for years later or at all. Children should be able able to speak to parents about sensitive topics openly and be safely heard. By taking this right out of the hands of the individual then it can kill them in many ways. It could be a religious family that opposes the fact the child isn’t a boy or girl. It could be a political family that shuns it’s child due to the eyes on them to be “perfect”. It could be an alcoholic dad that abuses his son for wearing makeup. It can be a mom whom only wanted a daughter and  they feel strongly they are a boy. It happens in so many different ways and places- we can not make it a written or enforced law that children young or old don’t have CHOICE


Adamantly Opposed

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?I am adamantly opposed to these "guidance policies".  ?The position of multiple medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association, who actually work directly with these students (unlike the policy makers who have written the guidelines), is that students need to have adults in their lives in whom they can confide, especially if they fear rejection by their family.  Without this, these students are prone to depression, self-harm, and dropping out--educational outcomes that we should all strive against.  It is the job of school personnel to support students.  In this case, that means keeping a confidence.

As to the issue of teachers who misgender students as part of their "free speech rights", does this mean that teachers can also address students by racial slurs?  Or any other demeaning language?  The first amendment protects the right to criticize the government, not to humiliate students in the classroom.


strongly opposed

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<p>Youngkin proposal does not support equality and does not represent the American vision of support and equality.  I do not support of this proposal </p>


Fully support

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I am a parent of three in Henrico children age 5 and under and I wanted to express full support to governor Youngkin plan to roll back some of the Trans polices. Youngkin plan ensure, we parents and legal custodian of our children are indeed the most valuable stakeholders to our children wellbeing. Governor Youngkin plan recognizes children as vulnerable population and ensures they are not subjected to manipulation of the gender theory promoters without parents involvement.
L


Support!

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Parents should be the ones teaching their children not schools! This should not be pushed in schools!


Listen to those Wounded by Northam's policy

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<p>Gender dysphoria is real; what is not honest or scientific is the manipulation of so-called 'educators' with a political agenda. Effective help can only come from informed,  loving parents. That is all this policy seeks to provide. </p>


Strongly Oppose New Policies

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As a mother and a teacher, I am extremely concerned that Youngkin's new model policies will create a dangerous environment for gender diverse youth.

One of my children is gender diverse, and being able to participate in sports and having the grown-ups at school call him by his preferred name and pronouns has allowed him to focus on being a kid, learning, doing homework....all of the things we want our children to focus on.

The new model policies make kids like mine feel "less than" or like something is wrong with them.  Calling someone by a preferred name and pronoun is one way we can be respectful and "love thy neighbor."  Let's choose to be kind and inclusive in Virginia.

Students should be able to use the bathrooms/locker rooms and play sports consistent with their gender identity.

Students should be called their preferred name and pronouns.  It is not an educators job to judge and decide whether to call a child their preferred name and pronouns.  If someone asks for a preferred name and pronouns it must be honored.  Let's respect all students, Virginia.


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<p>Gender dysphoria is a real; what is not honest or scientific is the manipulation of so-called 'educators' with a political agenda. Effective help can only come from informed,  loving parents. That is all this policy seeks to provide. </p>


I support Youngkin’s transgender bill

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<p>I can’t believe that parents would want this taught and pushed on young children. My daughter was a total tomboy all through elementary school now she is a total lady. Kids aren’t developed enough to know their bodies and they change rapidly. This is against nature and a small percentage of our society should not be calling or forcing their views! Boys being able to go in the girls bathroom is a dangerous game, more rapes and inappropriate behavior will be rampant! </p>


Trans rights are human rights

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Trans kids are wonderful gems to this world. They need just as much love and support as the cis gender kids. Just because people don’t understand the nuances of gender doesn’t mean trans people are evil. They’re just people trying to live happy lives like everyone else. Written by a closeted trans young adult.


Transgender policies

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We would love for you to focus on actual policies that make our state a safe space for those that are trying to live their lives. Transgender people are people too. They need us to help protect them not make their lives harder. IF you are a Christian you would really focus on helping those that are under served and discriminated against.


Strongly Opposed

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Rescinding the meager crumbs of autonomy that children have been granted over their own identities in some places and in recent years is vile. Children need as much autonomy as they can get in order to determine for themselves who they are and what they aim to do with their lives, and those decisions are ultimately theirs and theirs alone. Nobody, not even their parents, has the right to make those decisions for them, and any parent who claims that right to make decisions about their child's identity for them, frankly, does not have their child's best interests in mind. Such parents are more interested in controlling their child than supporting them, and policy should be oriented towards the needs of the child, *not* such selfish and zealously possessive parents.

Such policies that disregard the autonomy and basic needs of children will merely torment children and get many of them killed, and *that* is what policymakers who push such policies will ultimately be remembered for.


Strongly oppose: protect ALL students equally

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Bullying is bullying even when it is state sanctioned.

I strongly oppose the proposed policies because children should be loved, supported, and heard, not shamed or forced into the shadows. Schools must have the freedom to listen to and honor the needs of all of their students.


Strongly Oppose

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<div>I strongly oppose this policy.  Children need school to be a safe haven, in some cases, it’s their only safe haven. This policy will endanger children who are already at risk for suicide. Children’s rights must be protected and their lives and choices, respected. </div>
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Strongly support!

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<p>Parents, their faith and beliefs should raise children, not educators personal politics.  Than you Governor for this badly needed decision. </p>


Strongly oppose these policies: Eveyone should be safe at school

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I believe that it is the job of all adults to raise the children and youth around us in a safe and loving environment. After all, it takes a village to raise a child. This should be no different for transgender children. They deserve the same love and safety, because they are just kids.

Transgender children are at a high risk of self harm and sucide because they frequently don't have space to be their full selves. Studies have shown that having just one adult in their lives affirm their identity drastically reduces the likelihood of self harm. The new guidance from the DOE is directly harming transgender youth. It is making it harder for them to find adults they trust. It makes school, where kids are required to spend at least 35 hours per week, an unsafe space. Requiring teachers to "out" kids to their parents could in turn make their home unsafe.

Trans youth need safe places. Just like all youth do. With these new policies, the Department of Education is not looking out for all youth. They are enacting blatantly harmful policies that will put Trans youth in danger. Schools and the DOE are part of the village that helps raise our kids. They need to help make it a safe village. This is why I oppose the proposed policies


The New 2022 Trans Policy by The Board of Education

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<p>If FCPS truly wants to keep the students best interests at heart FCPS wouldn’t follow this policy. For so long school has been a safe space for trans kids. If we tell teachers you have to contact home when a student comes out to them you are taking away that safe space. Every situation is different, you don’t know if parents will be supportive of their child or not. If they aren’t this could lead to negative consequences of FCPS’ actions. Suicide rates, kids on the streets, and so much more will rise if this is policy is taken into effect. This is a very dangerous policy and FCPS should say we will not be implementing this is the classroom. </p>


TRANS RIGHTS


Transgender guidence

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<p>I greatly support the Governor’s plan for transgender </p>


The proposed model policies on treatment for transgender studets.

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The proposed policy is an obscenity.


I fully support the proposed policies

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<p>I fully support the proposed policies for 2022 and a thankful that Gov. Youngkin and his current administration have made these proposed changes!! I hope and pray they succeed. </p>
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Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose the 2022 draft policy and want to see VDOE reject the changes. The critical issue at stake is the safety of our youth and there is strong evidence that policies like the draft proposal would be harmful to children. Transgender and non-binary children who experience gender identity non-acceptance and discrimination have significantly higher odds of attempting suicide. Please keep the 2021 model policy that is backed by evidence as the best way to protect our children.


Uphold Parental Rights

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Please restore and uphold traditional parental authority.


Strongly Oppose Changes to Model Policies

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I am a current educator in a Virginia public school and I am also a co-sponsor of a queers and allies club at that school. For a variety of reasons, the proposed changes to model policies regarding transgender students hurts. It hurts my students more than me, and since they are minors, I represent them. In the proposed change to this legislation, these lines stick out to me as contradictory to their intent:

"All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. The Department supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students. Thus, we have a collective responsibility to address topics such as the treatment of transgender students with necessary compassion and respect for all students."

Looking at the first statement in this direct quote, I don't see how getting rid of evidence-based best practices to support and to affirm students of differing gender identities allows for a school without discrimination, harassment, or bullying. Supporting students, regardless of whether we agree with their identities or not, is the job of educators. Why wouldn't we want students to be their best selves and why wouldn't we want to be educated on ways to support their best selves? To me, this learning about best practices to support students is just like professional development about any other topic, like supporting students with special education protections. By faculty and staff actively supporting students with differences, others learn to respect and to tolerate those differences. Conversely, if they are not acknowledged or are actively dismissed, students learn that being dismissive is allowed and accepted. Why are we permitting some differences and not others? Would the Department of Education allow for teachers to not acknowledge the differences of students of color? Would the VDOE allow for teachers to not acknowledge the differences of students with disabilities? Lastly on this point, would the VDOE allow any group of students to be discriminated against? If these new changes happen, they will--they will be allowing discrimination and prejudice to be acceptable. Both the second and third statements from the above direct quote will be addressed in our behavior as education professionals if we acknowledge how there are necessary differences in all students that need to be addressed properly to ensure a safe and comforting school environment for all.

Taking a look at another statement from the new proposed legislation, I feel conflicted about it in regards to the safety of our trans youth: "The Code of Virginia reaffirms the rights of parents to determine how their children will be raised and educated." We, as educators of a free and appropriate public education, one that the Commonwealth continues to tout highly, as it should, we have no right to conform to religious or personal feelings about what is considered appropriate material when it comes to supporting a child mentally, physically, and emotionally. Parents have every right to be involved in their child's education, and they should. However, this right does not extend into the rights of others, like trans students feeling affirmed in their identities in school and on the school sports fields, for example. We, as Virginia educators, are here to affirm all children, not just those parents and families feel are appropriate to affirm.

I will always teach the student first and support them in whoever they are. I hope the VDOE feels the same, or else the VDOE will allow willing discrimination to happen.


Strongly support

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I strongly support the  Governor of VA in this change.  It is up to the parents and guardians of our children on how they should be raised and to to their education.  ALL  children should have a good education.  There should not be a special group that has say so in how our children are brought up.  Boys are boys and girls are girls.


I support the 2022 policy! Thank you Gov. Youngkin!

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I urge, as a teacher and as a mom, the repeal of the 2021 Model Policies. We want ALL of our children in the state to be treated as the unique person they are. However, under this 2021 policy I am obligated to LIE to parents when communicating to them about their child. This is unconscionable. Parents need to know what is going on with their children, especially in the difficult teen years. The 2021 policy put a terrible wedge into the parent-child-family relationship, not to mention the school's stated mission to forge a home/school connection for the benefit of each child. Please continue to protect parents' rights to know exactly what their children are being taught (so we can stress our own family's values) and to be included in honest conversations about problems or struggles our child is having. In the rare situations when the parent/child relationship is fractured, the schools do have ways to protect the child, and we do not need a blanket policy that will do more harm than good to families.

I have experienced heartache with the racial divisions the CRT curriculum brings to our schools. Please let us teach math, reading, science, technology and social studies instead of the 1619 Project and CRT curriculums. Race relations in Virginia have been set back years with these programs which sow racial discord, anger, shame and divisions. We live in the greatest Commonwealth and Nation in the world!


STRONGLY FAVOR PARENTAL RIGHTS & THE MODEL YOUNGKIN POLICY CHANGES

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The Model Youngkin Policy requires parents to be informed and to be involved.  The policy cites, among other things, a Virginia statute that affirms a parent’s “fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.”  Va. Code §1-240.1.

The Model Youngkin Policy states that the staff shall refer to the student only by the name on the student’s official record or a nickname commonly associated with that name, unless the student’s parents provide different instructions in writing.

The Model Youngkin Policy states that locker room usage will be based on biological gender, unless otherwise required by federal law, as well as sex segregated school activities and overnight travel hotel accommodations.

The Model Youngkin Policy is similar to its predecessor is some respects.  For example, both address discrimination and bullying, and require transgender students to be treated with dignity and respect; and both provide for counseling services for students with gender dysphoria.

Parents must be the final arbiter in their child's health and well being, and not up to the school system to intervene and eliminate parental input.  That's the final word.


Can I give you a dollar for my thoughts and prayers?

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The founding principles of this country specify the separation of church and state for a reason. Using your religious beliefs as justification for government policy is in contrast to this most basic of constitutional rights.

Freedom OF religion is just as important as freedom FROM religion.

Some of you are illiterate at best and hopeless morons at worst. The Internet gave some of you a platform that you misinterpreted to mean that your uneducated opinions are of inherent value--that to speak something into existence is to give it the same weight as science-backed research, lived-experience, and expertise--and that is among the greatest shortcomings of the Information Age.

Take your religion--and your worthless discourse--and put it where your toilet paper sticks.

Trans rights are human rights.


Oppose DOE 22-23 Model Policies

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LGBT kids suffer from higher rates of suicide and depression than their straight peers. When there is a supportive and safe school environment, those rates drop significantly, and more kids survive to adulthood. When support and safety are taken away, the rates go up, and more kids die.

Governor Youngkin knows this. So the only conclusion I can draw is that he wants more children to die by suicide. He wants my child to die. That is sick and completely unacceptable.


Strongly opposed

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Changes being hate towards a specific group of children


Strongly opposed


Fully Support

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I fully support this.   Parents are entrusted with the care, nurturing, support and instruction of their children.  Parents have invested in the well being and growth of their children.  They, the parents are the ones fully and wholly responsible for developing and preparing their child for society. Parents parent.  Teachers teach.  Genderism is not a curriculum.


Very Strongly Oppose

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As a parent, I very strongly oppose this proposed policy. It will be harmful to the most vulnerable children in our schools.  This proposed policy does not protect them from bullying, harrassment, and discrimination.?  School should be a safe haven for all children.  How a child identifies themselves should be accepted and supported, and then the schools should remember their primary purpose:  to educate all students. Let's focus on ensuring children in Virginia get a high quality education instead of worrying about the name a child wants to be called or the bathroom they choose to use.


Alright and ONE MORE THING

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This policy, by design, is constructed to intimidate and silence transgender and nonbinary students. It doesn't matter how many times the policy reiterates "intolerance" for bullying or harassment when the legislature itself is hostile to these students, and emboldens ignorance and bigotry among staff, parents, and the general student body.

Furthermore, there is nothing "grooming" about respecting a student's pronouns and name. Nor is there anything "life-altering" or "permanent"--when contrasted with actual medical procedures such as surgeries or hormone replacement therapy--about socially transitioning. No decisions are being made about a student's healthcare in a school setting. This is a shallow argument and shows how little some of you are willing educate yourselves or take the time to learn about and empathize with trans students.

Trust is earned, not freely given. If you want your children to trust you enough to come to you about their gender identity, then prove to your children that you can be trusted. But I don't think think that most people on these forums voicing outrage over "parental rights" are as concerned about their relationship with their children as they are about silencing a population that they dislike.

Trans people are here, they are visible, they are not going away, and they will not be forced to the fringes of society to make cisgender people more comfortable.

Also, there's nothing in the Bible that justifies condemning trans people. "Religious freedom" is a flimsy shield for your bigotry, and there is nothing Christlike in this behavior.

Sincerely,

-- A Christian-raised, cisgender citizen concerned for my transgender family members, friends, and community at large


Eat Shi?

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IM ANTIFUH AND ILL SHOOT UP YOUR HOME TMMRW

BE READY


Strongly Oppose Proposed Changes

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I strongly object to these proposed policies. Survey data indicates that 1.2% of high school-age children in Virginia are transgender (about 6,200 children). We have the responsibility to keep these children safe. The proposed policies would require a note of parental approval before a student can change their name or pronouns they go by at school; they wouldn’t allow a student to participate in the gendered sports of their choice or use the gendered facilities like bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice without a legal change of sex; and they also state that school divisions can’t force teachers or other students to “refer to students in any manner that would violate their constitutionally protected rights.” None of these policies keep transgender children safe.

Supporting the needs of transgender kids means supporting their mental health. Studies have shown that:  30% to 50% of transgender adolescents have attempted suicide in their lifetime, compared to about 10-15% of cisgendered adolescents; using a kid’s chosen name and pronouns is shown to reduce suicidal thoughts by 60%; letting kids use the bathroom without stigma and participate in sports of their choosing also helps reduce suicidal thoughts; and transgender kids are also more likely to get urinary tract infections when they’re denied access to a bathroom that corresponds with their identity.

No scientific studies have been cited which support that the proposed changes would be beneficial for the mental health of transgender children. I am particularly concerned about the provision that requires the schools to inform the parents when their child wants to change his/her gender identity. The existing March 2021 policies note that “Privacy and confidentiality are critical for transgender students who do not have supportive families” and that “Disclosing a student’s gender identity can pose imminent safety risks, such as losing family support or housing.” Furthermore, it is noted that “Studies have shown that LGBT youth have a 120% increased risk of experiencing homelessness compared to youth who identified as heterosexual and cisgender.” The proposed new policies do not even address this issue.

On p.9 of the proposed policies the case of Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board is cited. This Decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit held that transgender students must be allowed to use restroom facilities that correspond to their gender. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review this decision on June 28, 2021 and it remains settled law in Virginia. Therefore these proposed restroom policies are not legal in Virginia and the motivation for including them has the appearance of being punitive.


To the comments about "mutilation" What policy are you reading?

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<p>Literally none of this policy has to do with anything to do with surgery. I don't think you should call these surgeries "mutilation," but either way, that's not what we're are talking about. The policy doesn't do this. It's about names and pronouns and stuff. Public schools don't have operating rooms. </p>


Strongly opposed - Protect Trans Youth


Support for the Policy Changes

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<p>I wanted to communicate my support for the changes Gov. Youngkin is proposing.  The information being pushed by activists is incorrect and harmful.  I should note that I did not vote for Gov. Youngkin, have historically been a Democrat and am a member of the gay community.  The current policies in place are not for the benefit of transgender students, but are intended to push gender ideology that cause harm to such students, as well as women and the actual gay community.  </p>


Speak for many who Support the Bill

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<p>Thank you Governor for taking what seems to be an unpopular view to those who are completely misinformed. Many parents are too afraid to publicly support you for fear of backlash. Please keep our children safe. </p>
<p> </p>


the pro-trans policies harm all children.  Thank you Gov. Youngkin for a first step in stopping this

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Let sanity return to our schools and children.  Keep them safe from the pro-trans ideologues, who wish to destroy their innocense and their lives.  No matter how much one wishes, one cannot become something they are not.  If they are confused, get them the mental health help they need to understand who they are.  Don't encourage their delusions.


Oppose this policy

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This policy falsely claims to give parent power. It does not. If parents want more involvement in their child's education, they should volunteer in the school, speak with school staff, join the PTA, and do the research on what is actually happening before supporting policies such as this. This is a fear tactic and does more harm than good.


Those who advance these policies will be viewed like the racists who harassed the Little Rock Nine

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It is completely disgusting that policymakers in Virginia are trampling the rights of children in their quest to stomp out all social change they do not like. May they be met with the most horrific punishments imaginable in the fires of Hell for their evil oppression of trans children, who should be allowed to express their gender as they choose.


Thank you Governor Youngkin

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Thank you, Governor Youngkin for this new model policy.

I support - Sports being separated by sex, bathrooms being separated by sex, parents being told by the school immediately if there is an issue of gender confusion, pronouns not being forced on staff within schools.

Parents have the fundamental right to be able to be able to make decisions for our children in all aspects. Thank you for this new proposed policy. This transgender stuff is a fad that never was a problem 10 years ago until Liberals started putting a seed of confusion into the minds of children. Shame of them!


protect all children from harm by pro-trans policies

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Vulnerable children are being groomed into thinking they are transgender.  This harms both them and the children who have not falllen for the grooming - yet.  Keep these dangerous policies out of the schools.  Support Gov. Younkin in this policy.


Support 100%

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I support the updated policy to ensure that parents are fully engaged in the development of their children. The parents are responsible for their children’s development and accountable for their conduct.  I am the father of three and I support the Governor’s updated policy.


all decent parents pl protect your children from predators mutilating your innocent children

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ask yourself who loves your children the most


Parents Rights are paramount

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We cannot allow the school system and government to override the family and the roles of the parent and child.  Fostering secretive relationships behind the backs of parents is immoral and should be illegal; it's grooming behavior.

The principles of parents having ultimate authority over the education of their child is what Governor Youngkin ran and won on.  This change is exactly what the voters chose in the last election.


Parent Rights?

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To begin, this policy is purposely discriminatory and attempting to enforce religious convictions of a few people on all of us. If you feel that LGBTQ+ people pose a threat to your religion and you would like your children educated to be bigots, remove them from public schools and privately educate them yourself. This policy has no place in a public school system where diversity is not only present, but celebrated. Secondly, if this policy is to give parents rights over their child's education and safety, then what about MY right as a parent of a transgender child? I send my child to school where I expect tolerance and safety for my child. This dumb policy will only cause anxiety and fear at the place where they are supposed to feel appreciated and respected. Childhood is already fraught with challenges and further causing LGBTQ+ kids to navigate other people's discomfort over anything "different" will inevitably cause even more mental health issues than these kids are already experiencing. So if we want to talk about "parental rights", keep in mind ALL parents' rights.


Just No

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Govenor ,Don't you have more important things to do?

This just pandering to the Republican base.


Support Proposed Policy

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<p>I fully support the proposed guidance policy to re-align parents' authority over public school (taxpayer funded) policies. </p>


anyone says support trans children are giving license to predators to harm innocent children

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all decent parents pl protect your children


Power back to the Parents!

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<p>The new proposed model policy is amazing. It puts back control in the hands of the parents,  where it should be. Parents are not supposed to "affirm" whatever a child wants to do, and the schools have no business usurping the authority of parents. Our children are not property of the state, and a child must abide by the rules of their own family when it comes to moral behavior. If a child has gender confusion and distress, the school should always point the child back to the family to get help with mental issues. Also, this new model policy is in line with the first Amendment of the Constitution. You cannot compel speech! Thank you, Governor Youngkin for bringing common sense back into our classrooms at school. </p>


anyone opposing the policy is either with evil intent or not thinking

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<p>common sense tells us that children are not capable to make such decisions as mutilating their bodies and many did have since regretted it. anyone who says otherwise is either with evil intent or not thinking </p>


Strongly oppose. Ensure that schools WILL respect and support transgender children.

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<p>If we are to genuinely protect children from harm, please know that trans kids’ mental health is at stake when they aren’t allowed to be themselves. </p>


Oppose Regressive Policy Agenda and Political Grandstanding Fueled by Youngkin's Personal Ambitions

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Every individual, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation merits equal rights and protection under the law, across our county and in our home state. This includes the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, who have suffered discrimination, bullying, and marginalization--at times intentionally sorted out, harassed and systematically put to death during World War II. Do we not learn from history's hateful and bigoted mistakes?

Identifying as LGBTQ+ is not a choice.  Would you choose a self-identity that promises a path of alienation, confusion, discomfort, one that carries threat to your own health and well-being? LGBTQ+ are vulnerable to bullying, self-harm, and suicide because we, as a society, can't accept them as they were made. That speaks to our own faults, not theirs.

Let's hang up ignorance, hatred, bigotry and bullying and do better for our children. Please set aside your own fears about conformity and fitting in, and focus on offering respect and dignity to every individual, equal to the way you would like to be treated yourself. Trans individuals are most at risk in our society, and we are more a danger to their well-being than they are to our own.

For a moment, stand in the shoes and imagine what it must feel like, and find ways to protect, not further threaten, children that most need our support in our community and our state.

And for the powerful, educated men that should know better and weaponize these arguments for their own political gain, deep shame on you.


2022 Model Policies

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<p style="padding-left: 40px;">I support Governor Youngkin’s policies to put children’s upbringing back into the hands of their parents. </p>


Thank you Gov Youngkin

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<p>Fully support this proposal. Parental rights should be upheld. Sports should be biologically played. Bathrooms, locker rooms, showers should be based on sex.  Accommodations should be made for trans individuals. </p>


I support parental rights and child safety!

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Thank you for updating these policies to restore protections for basic parental rights and ensuring that parents are no longer cut out of the process—especially when it concerns how gender and sexuality issues are handled with our kids at school.

• 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.

• The original policy had language that created a wedge between parents and their child, at a time when they need to have more communication—and I support the new update that removes this barrier.

• I support the updated language that acknowledges students and teachers can’t be forced into compelled speech that violates their constitutional rights, including First Amendment and religious freedom protections.

• I support the updated language that empowers schools to make their own decisions on how to best protect kids—especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable students in a state of undress in locker rooms or overnight sleeping quarters for school field trips.


no one loves their children more than parents

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those who advocate "no parent's consent" are wolves in sheep's skin, they try to harm your children for their own gain


Discriminatory and Harmful

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<p>Transgender youth report significantly increased rates of depression, suicidality, and victimization compared to their cisgender peers. In he past year, one in three transgender youth reported attempting suicide, almost one-third reported being a victim of sexual violence, and more than half reported a two-week period of depression. These high numbers undoubtedly come from harmful policies like this one where kids cannot be themselves. In places like schools which are supposed to be safe and welcoming environments, we should protect trans students and make sure they grow up to be fully formed, thriving, contributing adults. Oppose this policy for it is discriminatory and hateful. </p>


no

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OPPOSED. LEAVE US ALONE. SUCH A HATEFUL THING TO DO


1000% support to protect the innocent children

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the trans establishment tries to get a license to mutilate innocent children


support the policy to protect children being groomed

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the medical establishment, trans movement, and politicians are manipulating innocent children for their own benefit


SUPPORT!  Parents are responsible for these MINORS!

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Parents have the right to be involved, know, and give their blessing for policies directly affecting their children.

These kids are not adults until they are 18 - their parents/guardians are responsible for their physical and MENTAL wellbeing until then.  IS THIS NO LONGER TRUE?

Once they turn 18, they can identify as a can of mineral oil and use whatever pronouns they want.  This generational fad of pronouns like "paint" and frog" is a grammatical abomination, and children - impressionable and rebellious - are gravitating to this trend like illiterate moths to a flame.

I fully support both student pronouns being cleared by parents as well as for biological males (for example, and to be clear, students with male genitalia) to keep to male bathrooms and not bring that around biological females in the female bathrooms.


support

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I don't disagree with a student being transgender, but I think that families should not hide secrets from one another. Unless, of course, a child's parents are abusive. However, if your parents are accepting and loving, there is no need to hide.


model policy

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<p>I support the Governor’s model policy! </p>


former teacher opposed to these policies

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As former educator with more than a decade of experience teaching in one of Virginia’s largest public high schools, I am writing to express my opposition to the Department of Education’s 2022 model policies regarding the privacy, dignity, and respect for all students.

While I agree that parents play a critical role in a child’s upbringing, let us not forget that some parents present a real danger to their children.  This is why Virginia Code 63.2-1509 mandates teachers and other school personnel to report suspected instances of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services.

As much as I wish all transgender youth had parents deserving of the confidence placed in them by the model policies, the reality is that not all do.  Many LGBTQ youth who come out to their family face rejection that sets off a cascade of additional risk factors including an increased likelihood to use drugs or alcohol, greater potential to attempt suicide, and an increased chance of becoming homeless.

In some cases a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, or other school official presents a child with a safer alternative for discussing sensitive, personal information.  Kids who are not willing or able to confide in their parents – for whatever reason - should know that school truly is a safe space for them.  Implementation of these model policies will cause unnecessary harm to an already vulnerable population, and I am strongly opposed to them.


Strongly opposed!!! Thank you governor Youngkin

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<p>Strongly opposed!!! Do not do this evil to our innocent children </p>


I support the revision by Governor Youngkin

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There are two genders created by God and it is no one’s right to alter that.


Fully suppory

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<p>I fully support the proposal by Governor Youngkin! </p>


Vicious and hateful

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It's quite clear that like most right wing policies aimed at children this is about causing as much harm and pain as possible. Actions like this will lead to nothing but harmed children, as for many the only refuge they have from non accepting family is school. Considering the rates of suicide for trans youth, due entirely to violence and hatred directed queer people by society, it is clear what the intention of the Youngkin administration is. The level of pettiness is quite stunning with something as simple as forcing teachers to use assigned at birth pronouns is something so hilariously invasive, this is just coercing basic social interactions. If someone asks you to refer to them in a certain way it is simple basic politeness to respect that request. This is simply part and parcel with the genocidal ideology of the right wing in this country.


If Kenneth can be Kenny - strongly oppose this policy

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For decades, teachers have kindly honored the wishes of students to be addressed by their preferred names. If Kenneth can ask to be called “Kenny”, Judith - “Judy”, or Thomas David Williams III - “Trey”, where are you proposing to draw the lines?

if a “masculine looking” girl, or an “effeminate boy” want to play sports, are you proposing genital inspections? Where will you draw your lines?

But tell me again of any cases where the previous model policies protecting trans kids have hurt anyone?


Yes, Thank you, Governor Youngkin.

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Thank you for a rational policy that upholds parental rights.

I support this revised policy.


Oppose this bigoted anti transgender policy

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I strongly and firmly OPPOSE this policy. Transgender and intersex people have always existed, and will always exist. This policy discriminates against them. This policy goes one step further and prioritizes unfounded and arbitrary religious beliefs over individual freedoms and the right to exist free of hate and harassment. Legislating some hypothetical person's made up, religious beliefs over another person's own existence and choice of pronouns is discriminatory. Freedom OF religion in this country must ALWAYS also mean freedom FROM religion. I say NO to this harmful policy. This is DANGEROUS for vulnerable kids struggling to be themselves. Do not make it harder for them!


Males and females should not share a bathroom!  Fully Support!

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No sharing bathrooms!  Thank you Governor Youngkin!  Parent.


oppose new guidelines

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<p>I strongly oppose the new guidelines. Your statement about what is behind current policies is completely wrong. You say: "Practices such as compelling others to use preferred pronouns is premised on the ideological belief that gender is a matter of personal choice or subjective experience, not sex." The whole point is that we have become increasingly aware that gender and sex are both much more complicated that we have allowed for. There have always been and will always be folks who do not fit the standard dual male/female categories - not as matter of belief but as a matter of science, including biology and genetics. We are still developing our understanding of underlying factors, but there is no question they exist, in humans as across other animal groups. Your failure to understand this and adequately protect the rights of these individuals is a big step backward, for everybody. It's born of ignorance and fear, and passing the new guidelines sends exactly the wrong message.  </p>


Reinstate parental rights

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Parents do not leave their rights and responsibilities as a parent at the doors of the school building.  Teachers are employed to teach academic subject matter, not sexual indoctrination. Parents have the right to know what is being taught in schools and how. And any school that refuses to comply with that,  should be closed down.