I strongly oppose!

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Please, treat ALL people like people, not an inconvenience to your beliefs.

How will it help school children to have their classmates continuing to commit suicide, self harm, or be bullied if we go backwards on this!!

These are all someone’s child!! They are a person!! They can’t even vote yet! Leave medical decisions to doctors and patients and support the people of our state!!


Disgraceful policy proposal on lgbtq students

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I do not support the administration’s proposed policy to formalize abuse and intimidation of lgbtq students.  The Governor’s primary interest is clearly pandering to the worst instincts of trumpist republicans. Most Virginians find this proposal to be morally repugnant, dangerous, and quite likely illegal. If implemented the proposals will result in abuse and injury to some of the most vulnerable of our youth.  It ‘outs’ vulnerable kids to parents and teachers that they do not trust, and blocks critically needed support for the students confronting a very sensitive and personal issue.  Politicizing this is beneath contempt. Back off, Glenn.


Oppose- VA Parent for LGBTQ Rights

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LGBTQ students deserve to feel safe and respected in VA public schools. This law denies students their agency, identity, and personhood. As a Virginia parent (and spouse to a VA educator), I want my child and his peers to be able to show up authentically and as their full self at school, whether they are LGBTQ or not. This will enable them to be better students, friends, humans, and citizens.


Approve 100%


Strong Support for this Reform

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This is a common sense bill that is badly needed in the current public school setting.


Support

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<p> The rights of a few shouldnt overpower the majority and we live in a world where this appears to be happening daily. Schools shouldn’t be a political venue rather a safe place to be educated. Treat everyone the same.  </p>


strongly oppose this policy

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according to a study, 45% of LBGTQ youth have seriously considered suicide in the past year, but having just one accepting adult greatly lowers that number. For those kids whose parents aren't accepting, many times they turn to a teacher for support. By requiring teachers to follow the wishes of the parents in regards to gender identity/ preferred pronouns/chosen name, you are not only taking away the social emotional support system of LBGTQ students, but also demonstrating to the rest of the students that only straight/binary students are deserving of respect.

The unsupportive parents aren't the ones who have to endure the bullying or humiliation that comes with not being accepted. Let the students decide who they are and where they belong.

Choosing to prioritize the wishes of the parents over student's autonomy is dangerous and irresponsible. It puts the teachers in a no-win situation and this proposed policy is doing a disservice to literally everybody.


Save the suicide of kids and support this policy


Approve!


Strongly SUPPORT Youngkin’s policy!

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<p> Fully support Youngkin’s policy!  </p>


This is literally going to kill children. Trans rights are humans rights.

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This is literally going to kill children. Trans rights are human rights.


Doesn't make sense.

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This policy isn't enforceable, or at least not without substantial violations of people's right to privacy. Is there gonna be a check at the door? Maybe against some ID which most kids don't have? What about HIPAA compliance? Cameras in the bathroom? Are parents supposed to fill out a "junk" card saying what private parts their children have and what bathroom they need to use? Are employees going to get trained on how to identify noncompliance - and if so, how?

The commonwealth is bleeding teachers and staff but somehow you're creating the need for even MORE staff.

And what is the need for this? How many ACTUAL incidents have occured that this would have prevented? 0.

PS - Governor Youngkin, I thought you cared about the children? Or I guess since they can't vote yet they don't matter? Stop wasting government time and money on this new policy which doesn't make sense and does nothing but cause confusion for schools.


Transgender

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<p> I strongly oppose the Governor’s transgender proposal. It is demeaning and hurtful to all people to think you can demand legislation to advance YOUR very wrong and right wing extreme perverted legislation.  We all have the right to be who WE are and not who YOU think we should be. Just leave us alone!!! </p>


Support ALL students

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<p> Stop discriminating against our students. Trans students deserve the rights and protections that every other student is afforded. Who are you to decide?  </p>


Bullied Today at FCPS School

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Some students at FCPS school who chose to walk out in protest were bullied by others, for exercising their right to use their one day of protest.

This "Model Policy" encourages bullying.  It happens.  It continues to happen.


Privacy, Dignity and Respect for NONE!

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I am writing to express my distress at the current iteration of the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools, developed by the current VDOE Board and Governor's Office.

I am unclear if in its current iteration any LGBTQIA+ youth or adults were involved.

The board was to incorporate best practices into this policy, but they seem to be ignoring the guidance of health organizations on the treatment of LGBTQIA+ youth.

While case law does support parents rights under the 14th amendment, it also supports that those rights are not upheld when parent behavior causes harm to the child.

Additionally, case law is bearing out that policies can not be made requiring staff to use preferred names and pronouns as it infringes on first amendment rights. Applying that same logic, a policy can not be made requiring staff to use only a student's name and gender assigned at birth.

Please support trans youth by stopping this policy from damaging our youth through this uninformed approach. All stakeholders must be included when developing these policies. A balanced approach must incorporate the concerns of all stakeholders.

This policy does not support the social, emotional, and psychological health of transgender youth.

The Journal of Adolescent Health, March 2018:

Using a transgender student's chosen name at school, work, with friends, or in the home reduces depression by 71%, reduces suicide attempts by 65%, and reduces thoughts of suicide by 34%.

I do not support the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.


Strongly Support

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<p>It's time to dismantle Ralph's destructive policies to families!  Thank you Governor for the courage to put children and their parents FIRST, support parents and defend ALL children's rights to freedom from indoctrination. Parents love their kids far more than any school system, and are THE ones called to raise their kids - NOT the State and NOT teachers or principals. </p>


Strongly support!!

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<p> Parents should definitely be the ones giving permission for this kind of major change.  </p>


Strongly opposed

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Maybe more focus should be on teaching our children tolerance instead of feeding them hate. This rollback harms children, opens LGBTQ students to harassment and discrimination. Hate Has No Home In Virginia

You may have been able to fool NoVa with your fake CRT crap (American History is NOT CRT and CRT is taught at Masters/Doctorate levels in college) but our children will not be fooled. The are more welcoming and accepting and will not tolerate hate.


Strongly opposed-its about the kids, all of the kids

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Opposed. Support the kids, each kid. They all deserve to be safe and feel accepted.


Oppose

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Like everything Youngkin does this is WRONG. As a teacher I know that school needs to be a safe space for all students. I am strongly against this policy.


I SUPPORT WAR WITH FRANCE

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I believe as a country we should take action against the real enemies of our parental rights, THE FRENCH. enough is enough!


Strongly support Guidance Document

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<p>We need to stop this insane globalist ideology that is destroying the families and poisoning the children's minds.    </p>


Support of the states new K-12 modell

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I am in agreement with the new proposal policy guidelines  for K-12


Strongly Opposed

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To appeal to the anti trans rhetoric of a minority of parents is to directly infringe on the civil right of access to safe and unhindered education promised to every American child. Regardless of how other students are taught at home to believe, that belief cannot infringe on the civil rights of another student. Have we learned nothing from integration? Do not back this policy change if you believe in equal rights for all students.   Sincerely a concerned parent.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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The Majority Is in STRONG FAVOR!

Paremts are the authority and we are thankful for an administration that understands this.  Anyone opposed is on a mission to indoctrinate other people’s children.


Strongly support this common sense guideline

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<p> Since we already KNOW that at least one child was raped in a school bathroom</p>


Oppose policy that discriminate trans kids

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<p>These new policy proposals violate trans Children’s civil rights and autonomy.  It is shameful to marginalize a group of children to score political points. Excellent data favors supporting and honoring gender choices for children. Do better. </p>


I am opposed to this

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Trans kids are just as normal as cisgender kids and deserve the same rights as them. Any regulations/policies that are targeted at attacking these rights will only serve to harm them.


Transgender Policies

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Although our children are adults and have their own families, my wife and I are still strongly opposed to any policies that would undermine the structure of the home. Our Governor's policies need to stay in place.


Strongly support (common sense and applicable to all students)

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<p> This is excellent and helps all parents fulfill their duties.  </p>


Strongly Appose

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I strongly appose this measure as it will cause grievous harm to children, and will result in many deaths. My brother would not survive this.


Strongly oppose Younkins harmful policy

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<p>Respect, dignity, and privacy for trans individuals is being denied by this policy.  Perpetuating hostile rhetoric towards an already vulnerable marginalized group is taking us back instead of moving us forward.  Equity and inclusion brings every single person into the same space to freely engage in their education.  </p>


Protect children


Ridiculous! Backwards

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This is uncalled for! Politics aside, this will undo years of progress in our state and harm so many innocent kids.

Please take a listen before it’s too late!

Amanda Nemade


K-12 Policies

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STRONGLY SUPPORT THESE POLICIES!!


New Policy

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i strongly oppose this new policy


Protect kids no matter what

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<p>Strongly oppose any legislation that will make it harder for marginalized kids to feel safe. We must make sure our commonwealth ensures fair ground for everyone to thrive. </p>


Finally, support for parents!

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I am not sure how aware the American public is about the child/tween/teen LGBTQ+ world right now.  At first glance, it seems that LGBTQ+ kids, LGBTQ books and school clubs are “under attack” for no reason other than right-wing small mindedness. I honestly was appalled and thought the same thing - until my daughter claimed to be a trans male out of the blue.

There were no signs whatsoever before she declared one day in November 2021 (at 10 years old) that she didn’t “feel comfortable being a girl.” When we asked why, she just would say that she didn’t know why.  She insisted that she is now a boy, wanted a short hair cut, a new name and a new wardrobe as soon as possible. She asked for these things so that nobody would call her “she” because all of a sudden it made her “too uncomfortable”.  The week before COVID shut down, she was happily flouncing in pink tutus in ballet class and playing with her American Girl dolls in her room.

After being completely isolated starting in March 2020, and only communicating with kids via online games and chat rooms, she let us know that she was a lesbian (she was nine). Her dad and I jumped on board and gave her our support 100%. We told her that we loved her and would be there for her for whatever she needed.

I looked everywhere for ways to support her - clubs, mental health professionals, activities, etc. My first mistake was connecting her with an online LGBTQ+ club that was supposedly for kids.

After hearing what these kids had to say, watching LQBTQ videos telling her if she’s uncomfortable in her body that she must be trans (ALL girls starting puberty are uncomfortable in their own bodies!), she convinced herself that she was trans.

She then decided that she was not a lesbian, but let us know that she was non binary, and wanted us to use “they/them” pronouns. Again, we jumped in with our support 100%.  Two weeks later, she declared that she was gender fluid and decided that she must not have “minded being a girl all those years” due to her gender fluid status. All of these delusional concepts started taking her away from her female body and mind, and started filling it with escapism ideals.

Again, before this, she never gave any indication whatsoever that she was unhappy being a girl. We never forced or guided her towards stereotypical girl clothes or things - she did that all on her own. Something just seemed very off, and that is when I began researching everything I could about Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD).  I was blown away by what I found.

I discovered a huge community of parents (in the thousands) with kids going through the same exact thing (about 90% of them being girls, which historically trans kids are normally boys at birth). They also all suffered from anxiety and/or depression. It’s almost as if all of these girls were reading from the same playbook.

History of anxiety? Check. Completely isolated during COVID? Wide-open access to the internet during shut down?  Access to social media platforms like Discord and You Tube?  Friends doing the same exact thing? Never questioning their gender before COVID? All of a sudden going through several different gender identities and ending at trans? Check on them all.

Most of the parents that I have met with ROGD daughters are extremely liberal parents (not to say that some of them are also just close-minded people, because some definitely are). In fact, some of the parents are gay or trans themselves.

They all see that this is more of a social contagion spurred by trans ideology that is now represented in shows, books, and everywhere online thanks to people like the Pritzkers familt and George Soros.  All of this messaging has had potentially drastic negative outcomes (especially if their kids medically transition) and being pushed by a certain narrative. This “movement” is absolutely tearing families apart everywhere. They feel that their kids are not true transgender kids based on their current and past behaviors and are doing the best they can to support them.

Aside from research, I started looking for help from the medical and mental health worlds to support her. I found out that I was left completely on my own.  The medical and mental health worlds have turned their backs on these girls and their families. Instead of researching why these girls are uncomfortable in their bodies, they simply affirm their new genders and dole out gender-affirming drugs like it’s candy. I myself have experienced this with my own child.

The first thing a doctor that I contacted did was call her “they” and then “he”. No questions asked, and then asked why she is not on puberty blockers.  When I listed all of the irreversible, horrible side effects of puberty blockers, I was met with, “well, wouldn’t you rather have a child who chooses to stay alive, even if they do suffer severe side effects?” The threat of kids committing suicide over not being fully supported in their gender transition is another scare tactic being used on parents (obviously it does tragically happen but the numbers are incredibly low and correspond with true transgender people).

If you look into it, it is printed over and over again that the effects of puberty blockers are completely reversible. That is another absolute lie being fed to these kids so that they’ll pressure their parents into letting them have them.  There is a reason countries outside of the US are banning these types of practices! This “blind medicalization” will go down as the biggest form of mass medical malpractice this country has ever seen.

The medical professionals in the US are too afraid  that they will be “canceled” or called out as transphobes-and lose their patient base or their jobs. These kids have no where to turn for honest, true help except for their parents who are fighting for them.

These are all of the reasons that some parents are asking to take a deeper look at these social clubs,  what is happening at the schools, the books, etc. Please, from a former journalist, to a current one, I beg you to dig much deeper into this for the sake of every child in this country.

Honestly, some members of a FB group page (Concerned Parents of Transgender, Non Binary Kids) that I am on are teachers. They let everyone know how disturbed they are that they have to blindly affirm these kids and are not allowed to tell their parents. They know that kids that are truly transgender are rare and are a very low percentage of the population. Yet, the only thing that they are allowed to do is affirm (and not tell parents).

They see friend groups with five out of six girls declaring that they were “born in the wrong body”. They hear them discussing “cutting off their breasts” like it’s no big deal. They see these groups all declaring that they are boys or gender fluid -  and it is statistically just not possible.

By the way, another lie that is being pushed is that the desistance rates are very low.  In fact, I see posts about girls “desisting” on FB and Reddit subgroups weekly. These girls readily admit that they were convinced by people on social media and their friend groups that they are transgender (many are very embarrassed after the fact, and their parents are there to support them).

Many of the studies that are published on desistance rates only track kids until the age of 12 and then stop. That makes zero sense - that’s pretty much the age when this newest generation of “transgender“ kids start saying that they’re trans! So, these studies are not appropriate to be cited when talking about this generation of “trans” kids.

Unfortunately, because of this “trendy trans” movement, traditional GSA clubs are not as supported as they once were. Although originally created to provide a safe space for kids to explore their sexuality and for support, they now are known as a space to encourage already extremely anxious and confused kids. There is a reason that the “LGB” is trying to separate themselves from the “TQ+”. GaysAgainstGroomers on Instagram is a good example of this.


Strongly Support Amended policies

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<p>Strongly support the Governor and the Amended policies. </p>


I fully support the new policy

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<p> I fully support this policy. Parental rights and input are critical</p>


Backwards thinking and dangerous for kids

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<p>once again, another bigoted response that ultimately harms children. Stop the ignorance and hatred. We are living in 2022 not 1952. </p>


Against new policy - I don't need Christian/religious dogma in school policy

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As a parent of two children attending public schools, I'm against this policy per it potentially discriminating against my children if they decide they're LGBTQ or whatever they want to be. They don't need to be stigmatized if they choose to not follow Christian dogma (nor whatever religion's dogma) on what they should be. Having other parents force their values on my children is horrible guidance.


Fully Support - there are options

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<p>I fully support Governor Youngkin's changes to the policy.  He's giving parents their rights back. It's important to note that the policy states that the schools shall defer to the parents. Therefore, if there is a transgender student, then it's up the family - student and parents - to change their gender/name/nicknames.  It is not prohibited, it's just limited to doing so with parent involvement, as it should be.  The bathroom issue is extremely important.  My child has the right not to share a bathroom, locker room, or other space where she should have personal privacy with someone of a different biological gender.   That's a basic right of privacy.  Awarding one group rights should not take rights away from another group. </p>


Our students are dying.

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While Youngkin is campaigning in New Hampshire, Arizona, and Georgia, our trans students are dying.  It happened last week.  At an FCPS school.

This is not political fodder.

This is our kids' lives.


Hunter strongly opposes we strongly support


Stop this unfair treatment of LGBTQ youth

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<p>ALL students should feel safe and secure in their own skin. School should be a place where they can feel accepted and be themselves. These ridiculous proposals only serve to single out children and make them feel bad about who they are. Let’s teach our children to accept and support each other  </p>


I Support the 2022 Model Policy

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<p> I support this Model Policy. It uses traditional values to help address a new social concern</p>


Trans rights are human rights

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Governor Youngkin,

As you undoubtedly already know, LGBTQIA+ children are 4x more likely than their peers to attempt suicide. As a subgroup, trans and nonbinary are more than 2x likely than their LGBTQIA+ peers to attempt suicide. Many of these kids face abuse and rejection in their own homes -- and as a result, outing kids to parents who may not accept them is traumatizing at best, and leads to death at worst.

Your job is to protect your constituents. This legislation is corrosive to a healthy society, and it is directly traumatizing to a vulnerable population of CHILDREN. Your legislation helps absolutely no one. It only does harm.

I went to Loudoun Valley High School, in Purcellville, from 1984 - 1988. That was a time when you couldn't openly talk about being LGBTQIA+ at a Virginia high school without fear of being mocked and abused by your classmates. There were some extraordinary, caring teachers who paid attention, asked insightful questions, and created a safe space for kids who were struggling, so that they could be witnessed, and know they were cared for and accepted for who they were. Thank God for those empathetic, intelligent educators.

And thank God for the kids walking out today. They know right from wrong, they are the embodiment of "love thy neighborhood," and they are not going to sit tight while your abusive practices are enacted. They will create a safe space for their peers, no matter what  authority you try to lord over them.

This mom -- and yes, I look like one of your own: white, cisgender, healthy, educated, happy in my marriage of two decades, a successful entrepreneur, wealthy, and with two of my own blue-eyed cisgender kids -- asks you to do your job as a steward for the wellbeing of ALL Virginians. I hope I bump into you in Middleburg or Great Falls one day (both places my family has called home), and can share my feelings with you person to person. It will be my pleasure to try to engage a reasonable discussion about this, but if you pretend this policymaking is anything but a dog whistle to your hateful base, I will be happy to tell you how I feel today: you can go  yourself.

Know that your discrimination not only without care or empathy, but morally wrong. Shame on you. You call yourself a Christian. Think about redemption.

Sincerely,

Elyse Napolitano


Gods will be done

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It is stated in the Bible that "God knows you before you are even created." So if by design you are male or female, to try and change that design is an act of SATAN. I strongly agree with giving parents their God given rights back and doing away with the transgender policies designed by the devil himself. God bless the parents fighting the good fight, and God bless USA!


The liberal conservative youth will not stand for this.

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I am A liberal conservative, a high schooler at Osbourn Park, and a (former) strong republican. So I mean it when I say this, I and the liberal conservative youth, oppose this bill and it's consequences on the individual freedoms of the LGBTQ people and, by proxy, the very ideals this country is found on. If this bill is anything to go by, then it seems the Republicans have become infected by the scourge of Dixiecratism once again. I encourage all liberal conservatives to withdraw your support for the republican party, and focus on the creation of a new party, one that will not be poisoned by the disease of the south. Let it be known that our truth is marching on, and it will not be silenced by the disease of the confederacy.


Fully Support!!

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<p> This is needs to pass.  </p>


Strongly oppose!

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Trans and nonbinary children could face discrimination, bullying, abuse, and even homelessness if these policies are adopted. I strongly oppose this!


K-12 Policies

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We strongly support the state's new K-12 model policies!!!


Lack of support for proposed changes to the treatment of transgender youth in schools

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<p>As a retired VA public high school counselor, I am once again extremely disappointed in Governor Youngkins’s complete misunderstanding of the mental and social health needs of youth in the public schools who identify as transgendered. Or perhaps he is only bowing to political pressure from ultra-conservative pretend Christians who believe they have all of the answers to this situation. Just experiencing public school on a daily basis in such a divided world presents so many challenges to our children. They have been dealing with Covid since early 2020, with food shortages, with single parents, with unemployed parents, with social isolation, and with incredible worries about their futures. All of our young people need all of our support to navigate these unprecedented issues. To call out and further humiliate children and teens who struggle because they firmly believe they are in the wrong body and force them to identify as a gender that they have known for many years is incorrect is to drive them toward isolation, major depression and regression. Often this leads to suicidal ideation and even successful suicide.  What is the Governor’s goal in putting vulnerable young people into this situation? Where is his compassion for their internal suffering as well as their receipt of bullying and discrimination? I have lost all respect for a Governor who chooses policies that bully children. </p>


Transgender kids

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<p>As a Republican and a mother of an LGBTQ, transgender child shame on you, Governor Youngkin! These kids are human beings, who deserve to live the life and protections of who they are. I was hoping the Maga lies and conspiracy theories wouldn’t infect Virginia as a beginning of destroying our democracy for these children’s future. I was wrong! When are people going to educate themselves and know when to call out inaccurate information and religious zealots and politicians. Stop with the parents rights and ask yourself what about children’s rights to live who they are without adults going after them! </p>


Eat , Glenn


OPPOSE!

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I oppose the policy. Kids need our support, not mean-spirited guidelines


Support for this policy

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<p> It seems like everyone feels this will cause suicide rates among trans students to increase. Suicide is the result of a mental health problem. Sane rational people do not commit suicide. Perhaps get mental health help for these students. But keep this nonsense out of the schools!  </p>


2022 Model policies on the privacy dignity respect for all students & parents of VA public schools

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<p>I am AGREEMENT with the new proposed policy guidance  </p>
<p> </p>


Mental, Physical Harm to Children Will Result from These Proposals, say NASW VA Social Workers

Virginia Chapter, National Association of Social Workers

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The Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) strongly opposes the proposed policies released September 16 by Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Education (DOE) that would reverse current policies protecting Virginia’s estimated 4,000-plus transgender students. Trans students have done nothing wrong and shouldn’t be treated as if they have.

The proposed policies include

an immediate requirement that trans students in kindergarten through grade 12 use school bathrooms matching their birth-assigned sex;

a ban on trans students from sport teams and programs based on their preferred—rather than biological—sex; and

a student privacy infringement and school administrative burden of obtaining parental approval for any name changes by a student such as pronouns or nicknames.

The proposals fly in the face of actions taken by the Virginia General Assembly only two years ago that required VDOE to develop model policies protecting the rights of transgender students. VDOE released these new policies in 2021, reiterating that school divisions must adopt policies that are equal to or stronger than those of the department.

However, the rights of transgender students have continued to be attacked even before the governor’s surprise move September 16 to roll back these policies. While NASW Virginia Chapter respects a parent’s desire to be kept updated on important academic issues of their children, we as social workers do not support forced “outing” of transgender students due to the high risks to mental health and physical safety.

According to a 2017 State Survey of the National Center for Transgender Equality, 80% of responding Virginia trans students reported they had “experienced some form of mistreatment such as being verbally harassed, prohibited from dressing according to their gender identity, disciplined more harshly, or physically or sexually assaulted due to their transgender status.” Specifically, 51% of trans students who were out or considered transgender in grades kindergarten to 12 were verbally harassed, 21% were attacked physically, and 12% were sexually assaulted.

Why don’t trans students turn more for help from school resource officers? Because police harassment is a frequent complaint. The Virginia study found that in the past year, of those trans youth who interacted with law enforcement, 47% “experienced some form of mistreatment,” leading nearly half of trans youth overall to say they would be “uncomfortable” asking for police assistance.

Trans students are especially fearful of potential physical harm in bathrooms. The Virginia survey noted that more than half (52%) of respondents “avoided using a public restroom in the past year because of fear of confrontations or other problems they might experience,” and 23% of respondents limit the amount they drink or eat to avoid using the restroom.

Research from the Centers for Disease Control confirms the fallout from such violence and trauma: Trans students experience higher rates of depression, suicide, high school dropout, and teenage homelessness. This leads to more school absences and higher levels of adverse educational and health outcomes that persist into adulthood, according to NASW. Trans youth already are disproportionately more likely to be diagnosed with depression and substance abuse compared to those who are heterosexual, according to the Institute of Medicine.

These poor academic and mental health outcomes are often further exacerbated by reactions of unsupportive families. An NASW policy for social workers working with LGBTQ individuals, including children and adolescents, cites data showing that many trans minors who are out—either by choice or force—"become homeless due to family abuse, neglect, conflict over their identity, or being forced to leave a foster or group home because of mistreatment or harassment.” Indeed, in 2012, the Federal Bureau of Investigation attributed 21% of all hate crimes by strangers or people known to the victims to sexual orientation bias.

The pain caused by policies that continue to systematize discrimination are especially true for minority trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer youth and can lead to drastic actions. Research released in August by the Trevor Project, the largest LGBTQ suicide prevention organization in America, found that one in five multiracial LGBTQ youth attempted suicide in the past year.

Multiracial trans students, in particular, reported a 10% higher rate of suicide ideation and 30% more suicide attempts than their peers. Overall, a heartbreaking 48% of multiracial LGBTQ youth said they seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Social workers, including those in schools, operate under an NASW Code of Ethics that demands we advocate against discrimination of all types. We witness firsthand the daily impacts of harassment, violence, and familial rejection on youth, especially those who are LGBTQ, and we advocate for more, not fewer, protections for all trans youth, in addition to adults.

We hope that, if adopted, Youngkin’s extreme policies will be challenged in court and by the Virginia General Assembly, as many predict. NASW Virginia will support those challenges. It is disconcerting that the Youngkin administration would take such action when the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia already ruled in favor of protecting the transgender student rights in the 2020 Gavin Grimm case, which covered use of bathrooms and facilities that align with gender identity. That ruling was affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in August 2020. Must we repeat a battle to have all children respected, taught, and protected equally?

Schools should not be hostile environments for trans students, nor should the lives and safety of transgender youths and adults be pawns in political games and personal ambitions. As the largest behavioral health group in Virginia and the nation, we social workers see the lifelong outcomes that can follow such antics and infringement on personal rights. If parents truly want to support and protect their children, they will unite to stop these shenanigans now.

As submitted for Executive Director Debra Riggs, CAE, Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, driggs.naswva@socialworkers.org


This is a step backwards and does not support the LGBTQIA+ community

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<p> I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and two of my closet friends identify as non-binary. I am writing this for them and all non-binary and trans people in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Please do not move forward with enacting this policy. Not only is it dehumanizing and cruel but invokes unnecessary fear and bias in a place that is already plagued by the constant fear of shootings. School should always be a safe place for everyone and enacting this policy will not make it so for so many children. Everyone deserves the freedom to be who they are</p>


This is shameful.

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This is a shameful and vile policy. I am humiliated to be from a state where something like this can even be proposed. Under no circumstances can this kind of hate and genuine lunacy be allowed to rip apart the lives, hopes, and dreams of children— or anyone. Glenn Youngkin, shame on you. Do not pass this policy.


Strongly oppose

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Governor Youngkin’s proposed policy is in direct conflict with pediatric and mental health advice. Qualified medical and mental health experts are unequivocal in their recommendation that children be affirmed and respected for their gender identity. I would encourage the Governor to further his education on LGBTQI+ issues before developing policies in that space, and to focus in the meantime on areas where he has adequate knowledge to appropriately govern.


Finally!!! Support Common Sense

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100% support this attempt to restore normalcy and safety for all children . Thank you Gov Younkin


100% Support

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<p> Schools should not be allowed to keep secrets from parents. Girls should always be protected. These common sense policies are long overdue. Advocating for trans kids should not come at the expense of girls.  </p>


Don’t pass this bill

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<p>We need and want America to be a place where EVERYONE can feel safe, happy, and like they belong here and this bill is not the way to do that. Make sure you talk to people when you need it, it’s really important, and never think there’s nobody you can talk to, there always is. </p>


I strongly oppose this, If school is not a safe place, where is?

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If this is to take place, it threatens the safety and well-being of all trans people and the entire LGTBQ+ community. Even though I am in NC, what stops other states from doing the same if this law takes place? I recently came out as Bisexual to my parents, but before that, I was out to my classmates. why? because they had little to no communication with my parents and were respectful and members of the LGTBQ community as well. when I came out as BI, I told myself that I wouldn't get involved in politics, though this is TO MUCH.

I strongly oppose this, and even though I respect those who don't, I hope you will reconsider your options

Love is Love

        -anonymous


Strongly Oppose

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If you're using the government to help control your children, you've already lost them. Support them, learn with them, grow with them. Don't condemn who they are and get the Commonwealth to back you up. That's ludicrous.


Transgender children

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<p>There are only two genders and that is whichever we are born with. This entire movement is extremely harmful to children and adults. I oppose any measure that furthers the harm caused to confused children. </p>


WTF is wrong with Youngkin?

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Did someone beat him as a child? Seriously, when did he lose all ability to relate to humanity in a positive manner?

I STRONGLY OPPOSE this cruel document that guides people to believe that there are ANY kind of 'lesser people', and I look forward to the day when Youngkin is in the trash bin of history.


I Fully Support the Proposal

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<p> As a parent of two school-age children who attend public school</p>


Yes!  Thank you Gov Youngkin!

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Strongly support Gov Youngkin in his efforts!


Youngkin's abuse of transgender kids

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I vehemently oppose any action taken by the government over any citizen's body. To deny transgender is to deny anyone else. Where does it end? Stop.


Oppose the new guidelines. Protect trans kids.

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I don’t know what Leave It To Beaver world the Governor lives in but — sad but true — not all parents have their kids’ best interests at heart. Not all parents will unconditionally love and support their kids. Some are homophobic. Some are transphobic. A government mandate that outs kids to their parents may mean kids get kicked out of their homes, or get physically abused, or may ruin already-fragile relationships between conservative parents and their queer kids.

People get to decide when they come out and to whom. Even kids -- because kids are people too! It’s not the state’s place, or school admin's, or a teacher’s, to force kids to come out to their families before they’re ready.

“Parents’ rights” do not supersede a young person’s right to self-expression at school or privacy at home.


Strongly oppose anti-trans policy

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Leave the trans children alone! It's hard enough for them.


Strongly in favor of policy

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Young children should not be making life altering decisions at a young age.  (They can't marry, vote, etc.)  Just because they think it feels good or the right thing to do, doesn't mean it is.  Parents have responsibilities to raise the child according to their set of values.  The child will not always be happy.  It is difficult.  Not everyone will agree.

It is not the school's place to affirm and support.


I am in support of the state new K-12 Guidelines

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<p>I am in support of the new state guidelines for K-12.  </p>


Support

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<p> I fully support this.  </p>


Strongly disagree

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The endangerment of others will never be something I Lobby for and even if you don’t realize it this will endanger people namely trans and gender non conforming people and I truly hope that this doesn’t happen


Support Strongly Gender Identity is a Lie

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Gender Identity is a lie, it does not exist. Gender dysphoria must be treated with mental health initiatives to rehabilitate our mentally ill. It is sad to see individuals lost and encouraged to damage their bodies, minds and souls to the point of suicide. People who are supported and unsupported are statistically even to commit suicide when going through the transition that mutilates their bodies and minds. A government should be denouncing falsehoods and encouraging safety and well being. Any support for transitions is detrimental to one’s health. We must improve our states mental health system more institutions for rehabilitation, and more laws discouraging the savage practice of transitioning to a new “gender.” Criminal charges to doctors who administer these procedures.


Strongly oppose


ABSOLUTELY NOT

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The GOP needs to stop acting like this is about “protecting parents’ rights” when it has absolutely NOTHING to do with that. This is legislation that targets the LGBTQ community and its right tio exist. The framework enacted last year was absolutely congruous with best practices based on research and established fact. Overturning that framework with a baseless one does nothing but put children in harm’s way. These children just want a safe place to exist, and school is critical to providing thay. Telling them they should not exist through legislation like this is why their suicide rates are significantly higher than any other demographic of their peers. Republicans need to stop touting “pro life” sentiments when they have a chance to help save lives that already exist by supporting trans kids, snd are actively choosing to do the opposite.

DO NOT PASS THIS LEGISLATION!!!


Back to the Dark Agwes

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The Governor and others with similar, outdated views should go quietly away into the night.


trans support

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Governor Youngkin,

The policy you have proposed is in no way respectful of or helpful to Virginia's parents, students or families. It is uninformed and will immediately and irreparably harm ALL students, particularly those who identify as LGBTQIA+. I urge you to immediately educate yourself and your staff on the needs of these students and ensure that they are permitted a public education that is safe and nurturing as they grow into adulthood. Virginia's students deserve no less.

A young LGBTQ person attempts suicide every 45 seconds in America.

This is not because the young person is LGBTQ - it is because of the intolerance, bullying and bigotry that these young people face on a daily basis - often in their own homes and from their own family members. Research is quite clear about the importance of nurturing and accepting adults in the lives of LGBTQ youth. Please work to ensure that schools continue to be this type of environment instead of institutionalizing bullying and discrimination against our students.


Support

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<p> Let’s get back to STEM. Allow parents to raise their children.  </p>


Our Family Supports the New K-12 Model Policies!

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Our family supports the new 2022 Model Policies. The policy will focus on keeping parents involved in major decisions for their children. Information should not be concealed from parents!


Oppose.

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<p>Deadnaming and exposing children is modern corporal punishment and has no place in the community. </p>


Guidance Doc

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<p>Please pass this!!  Protect our children. </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT Amended Model Policies 2022

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Restore the rights of parents. Require School Board compliance or remove state funding to the district. Further, enact legislation in the Commonwealth that makes gender-altering surgery or chemical treatment, performed on a minor, a felony for a participating provider. Enough of these radical trans-centric policies which cater to a few. In no world should students of different biological genders be sharing locker rooms, hotel rooms, and bathrooms or participating as equals in the same sports.  Have we lost all common sense???


Strongly oppose this new policy!

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I strongly oppose this policy change. This change will negatively affect my family and many others, not only in Virginia, but other states as well. You claim you want to protect children, but all you are doing is using already marginalized youth as political pawns. Transgender youth deserve to feel safe in their schools, be respected by their teachers and classmates, and be allowed to be their true selves. And they should be allowed to decide what name they want to be called! Transgender students, like ALL students, deserve to have a safe space in school.

According to a new study by the Trevor Project, “the data suggest taking steps to create an affirming home or school environments could be crucial suicide-prevention tools. The report found that fewer than 1 in 3 trans and nonbinary youth felt affirmed in their gender at home, and LGBTQ youth who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support. The survey found that LGBTQ youth who reported their school to be LGBTQ-affirming also reported lower rates of attempting suicide.” I believe you should focus on supporting teachers and ALL students as well as fully funding the public school system.


Strongly support

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<p> Let parents to parent their children! Teachers should stick to academics  </p>


Support

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Completely support the new model policy, thank you for listening Governor Youngkin!


No Transgender preferences in our Schools

I think it is sad that this would even be considered, children are being coached and perverted by activist so called parents, it is sad any educational system would allow such to happen in a school environment, it is beyond sick.It is none the less wrong to allow any other sex in a bathroom or shower other than that which is biological, it is dangerous, it is perverted.I am not sure how anyone could be in a school system or employed by a school that supports this destructive perversion openly.And the fact that you would even consider this, to subject a child to this is even more disturbing, who are you concerned about, the children, or the voice of the few that want to normalize this perversion.I do not know how you could even sleep at night allowing this kind of politically twisted driven perversion to even be considered.

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I think it is sad that this would even be considered, children are being coached and perverted by activist so called parents, it is sad any educational system would allow such to happen in a school environment, it is beyond sick.
It is none the less wrong to allow any other sex in a bathroom or shower other than that which is biological, it is dangerous, it is perverted.
I am not sure how anyone could be in a school system or employed by a school that supports this destructive perversion openly.
And the fact that you would even consider this, to subject a child to this is even more disturbing, who are you concerned about, the children, or the voice of the few that want to normalize this perversion.
I do not know how you could even sleep at night allowing this kind of politically twisted driven perversion to even be considered.


Oppose these

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You know these are wrong and violate human rights of trans youth. You do not get to harm kids from your ivory towers. Shameful!


I Strongly OPPOSE Any Anti-Hate Policies

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Trans rights are human rights. I stand in solidarity with every Trans individual and the LGBTQ+ community. It is time we stop policing other individuals' bodies and eradicate the stigmas and hate culture that is prevalent in today's society. Education and open dialogues in safe spaces is key to protecting human rights over personal wishes. This isn't about political ideologies or religious theologies that have gone awry, but rather human beings. We must remove the hate rhetoric that spreads toxic words, ideas, viewpoints and only serves to harm Trans individuals. Fear and bullying should not be a cause to persecute anyone or strip any individual of their rights, nor should it be used to target Trans individuals. We must evolve, not step backwards out of antiquated ways that have shown to be nothing, but harmful and self-serving. Trans individuals deserve to have their rights upheld. They deserve to live in peace without the fear of threats and judgment. The Constitution is not meant for just the few, but all. A body belonging to someone else is more regulated by the government and church than guns built to kill and I am pro regulated 2A. Parents do not choose the gender of a child, nor do they decide the traits that make a person who they are and they do not have the right to hold another human hostage to their whims and wants. I've seen countless hate from the same parents on social media sites and mainstream media outlets targeting and ostracizing the few with vile memes and words. It's time to be adults whether we fully understand or need more education on human equality. We should be looking out for all children and embracing their beautiful qualities as a society in a safe, welcoming and protected environment.


Strongly support protecting children


Vehemently Oppose

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<p>I vehemently oppose this, as do the majority of Virginians. There is no room for hate or bigotry in our commonwealth. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE ANTI TRANS POLICY


I support this very strongly!!!I

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<p> I believe this is what we need. Makes good common sense. Parents need to be aware of what is being taught to our children.  </p>


I STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>This will harm young people. Please don’t do this! </p>


Senator Barbara Favola's Public Comment on New Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

On behalf of my constituents in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties and transgender school children throughout the Commonwealth, I register my intense opposition to this proposed policy. In addition to potentially violating both the Virginia Human Rights Act and Sections 22.1-23.3. of the Code of Virginia that directs school districts to adopt policies that are respectful and inclusive of transgender students, this proposed policy is hurtful and cruel.Our schools should be places where students can learn and socialize in an environment that encourages them to be their authentic selves. Forcing teachers to out students to parents who may not accept them puts those children at higher risk of emotional and physical abuse. Moreover, we know from research that students experience better mental health outcomes when teachers and school officials respect their gender and use their chosen names. We also know that prohibiting transgender students from using the bathrooms of their choice can lead to embarrassment and negative health consequences.Virginia’s education policies should be both compassionate and evidenced-based, this proposed policy is neither. I strongly encourage the Department of Education to rescind it.

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On behalf of my constituents in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties and transgender school children throughout the Commonwealth, I register my intense opposition to this proposed policy. In addition to potentially violating both the Virginia Human Rights Act and Sections 22.1-23.3. of the Code of Virginia that directs school districts to adopt policies that are respectful and inclusive of transgender students, this proposed policy is hurtful and cruel.

Our schools should be places where students can learn and socialize in an environment that encourages them to be their authentic selves. Forcing teachers to out students to parents who may not accept them puts those children at higher risk of emotional and physical abuse. Moreover, we know from research that students experience better mental health outcomes when teachers and school officials respect their gender and use their chosen names. We also know that prohibiting transgender students from using the bathrooms of their choice can lead to embarrassment and negative health consequences.

Virginia’s education policies should be both compassionate and evidenced-based, this proposed policy is neither. I strongly encourage the Department of Education to rescind it.


New school policy

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Strongly support this common sense policy.


Oppose


Don't Discriminate, same rule for all students

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The rule should be the same for ALL students. If a name change requires parent approval for 1 it should be required for all. There needs to be an easy way for the parents to indicate how the student is to be addressed. If the parent doesn't make the change, all students should go by their full legal name. All Matthews would be called Matthew unless the parent assigns Matt as an acceptable alternative. The effort must be on the parent and student, NOT on the teachers.


Strongly oppose this hateful and harmful agenda

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As someone who has taught in Virginia schools for over 20 years, I strongly oppose this hateful and harmful agenda. I have witnessed transgender children struggle with bullying, hate speech, and physical and emotional attacks. What is to be gained from preventing them from living life as their truest self? I am disgusted by this governor's policies and proposals. It's a clear sign that he is not an educator, has not worked with children, and does not understand the obstacles that transgender people face every single day. For this to come from the government and be forced upon Virginia educators is a huge step back for the state. Every person is entitled to their own opinion but to introduce an agenda that so negatively impacts another person's well-being is heinous. If you don't identify as transgender - fine. But you have no right to put a transgender person in danger, both physically and mentally. As educators, we are entrusted to love, protect, and serve our students, whether or not we agree with who they are, what they say, or what they do. We are here to support them as they grow. Don't take that away from us.


Strongly support!!

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<p> Parents should definitely be the ones giving permission for this kind of major change.  </p>


Model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia public schools

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We strongly support this new policy.


Transgender Policy Proposal

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<p>As a parent with children in a Va. school system, I fully support the policy proposed by the Youngkin Administration regarding transgender students in our schools!! </p>


Strongly support

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<p> I support this.  </p>


Voicing STRONG opposition to this IGNORANT policy

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Youngkin appears to be trying to flex his 'muscles' as a petty tyrant in trying to pass a 'law' that would alienate thousands of students, their own schools, based on their chosen gender identity. It's no secret that Youngkin doesn't give damn about these students rights, he's only interested in portraying himself a another self-centered authoritarian in the mold of Donald Trump. This so-called 'law' of his would only put a target on the backs of transgender students and make it harder for them to attend schools where they could be openly bullied. I believe that Virginia school systems should do everything in their power to oppose this ignorant move by this petty tyrant who wants nothing more than to seek 'higher office'.


Oppose

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Transgender people deserve to be who they are. Why are you controlling who they are. Do we not have the first amendment.


Children will suffer because of this

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As a parent with a child in the FCPS system I am deeply troubled by this proposal.

You state

"The United States Constitution, Fourteenth Amendment, provides that parents have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children, as the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly explained. See Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57, 65 (2000) (this right is “perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.”); Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205, 232 (1972) (“This primary role of the parents in the upbringing of their children is now established beyond debate”); Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510, 534-35 (1925) (the state may not interfere with “the liberty of parents and guardians to direct the upbringing and education of children under their control.”)"

This idea that parents know best is not always true. while there are a good number of parents who love, encourage, and nurture their children, there are a large number who do not.

There are a lot of parents who will think that this new model is great, they will be able to have complete insight into their child's life. However there are a lot who won't even care because they don't care about their children. It is the children with neglectful, abusive, and frankly evil parents that will suffer.

This idea that children can not confide in school counselors, teachers, coaches is absolutely absurd. You say that it's because of transgender policies but what about all the other things children need to tell school officials about. When I was growing up my parents were on drugs and never around, they hid my college applications, and purposely tried to keep me from attending higher education. If I had not had teachers, counselors and school admins who were there to help me, who knows were I might be. They let me use the school address for my college applications, they let me stay after school to study and gave me rides home, they helped me get to my SAT test. If they had been forced to tell my parents everything then where would I be, what would have happened to me?

What if these polices were in place then, what if I didn't have teaches and school staff help me? I would be no where, I might be dead; teachers and school officials are the reason I was able to thrive, the reason I am able to take the time to fill this out.

If you allow this model to go forward you will be dooming some children to a life that they cannot control, the vocal minority of parents who support this more than likely did not suffer through the same things myself and others like me have. This plan does not take into encounter the most vulnerable children, you will leave so many children helpless, lost, and needing support. Do not move forward with this.


Finally!!! Support

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Parents are raising their children yet if the parents are being undermined - where does it leave them as parents? And does this duplicity by schools then imply the school are assuming all legal responsibilty too?  Even the UK and Sweden have strengthened their transgender policies to reflect the fact that children under 18 ( although medically it is 24) are IMMATURE !!

Praise the Heavens for some common sense entering the schools - long overdue


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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<p>This will cause irreparable harm to young people for years to come. If parents need to control their children's minds to such an extent they should home school them, not force thier beliefs on others. </p>


I support the Dept. of Education's transgender student guidelines

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<p> The Virginia Department of Education will issue guidelines for schools in dealing with transgender students that are common-sense guidelines and will keep students of both sexes safe at school. I believe this to be a fad and not one to destroy every precept just to make one or two students happy. As a mother</p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This bill only hurts students, putting them in spaces where they feel uncomfortable. We need to protect our children, and that includes affirming their identities. </p>


Stop using children as political pawns in your culture war

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The new proposed policies under the Youngkin administration go against the best understanding of how to protect trans children from bullying, harassment, physical violence, and abusive homes. This policy would be a step backwards for Virginia from the guidelines under the Northam administration and result in more harm to children than protection. As a citizen who truly cares about our children being safe and protected, I disagree with this proposed policy.


Strongly Support

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<p> I strongly support this  </p>


New K-12 model policies

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I am writing to affirm my agreement with the new K-12 model policies allow parents to have rights over their children's well being


Excellent Policy with supporting rationale and legal guidance

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<p> Thank you to the Youngkin administration for a rational policy that protects the rights of parents in this sensitive area. Parents need to be informed and involved in decision making regarding their transgender student. School personnel should not have exclusive power in this area.I fully support the direction and guidance this policy brings to the school setting.  </p>


More potential for harm then good

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Governor, I am STRONGLY opposed to this proposed policy and fail to see what problem it solves.  As a parent of 2, I never once felt that my parent rights were invalidated by the previous policy.  While I want my home to be a safe space for my children, I understand that this is not the case for all kids.  Schools NEED to be safe for them when home is not.  I also fail to see how calling someone by their preferred name is a violation of anyone's free speech.  Just ask anyone with a nickname.

This is a policy based on fear, designed to pander to a vocal minority full of hate.  Our most important task is to protect our kids and this policy will do much more harm than good.


THIS is why parents should not have the final say in public education policies

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transgender policy: This right here is why parents should not have the final say in public education policies. In many cases, school is a safe space for children who come from hostile homes.  I know of many children who have felt comfortable sharing things with their teacher that they felt like they could not share with their parents.  Now students know that whatever they confide in with their teacher will go right back to the parents they want to keep this information from.  Where will they turn?  They will have no where to turn.  I am a parent and I know that if my child is going through something and they don’t feel comfortable talking to me, I’d rather them talk to a responsible adult who can help them through a difficult time.  I am not so proud and sure of myself that I am unwilling to let others step in and help my children. As long as my children get the help that they need, I don’t care where it comes from.  It is better than having a child who is considering suicide because they have nowhere to turn and you should be ashamed of yourself for putting children in that situation.


I support the new guidelines that are proposed.

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We as adults and educators first of all must provide age appropriate information to children.  To not provide age appropriate information can be harmful and detrimental.Our motto should be, "When  in doubt, leave it out".  We must also protect children's innocence.  What we are talking about is a very small minority of children that identify as trans, etc.  Their problems can be addressed by educators when and IF they arise.

Parents rights when and if to tell their children about homosexuality and transgender etc issues should be recognized by School Boards and Classroom teachers alike.Some of the proposed curriculum  about these issues is even before children know what male and female is much less what homosexuality is.  My question to you is 'WHY'?  It doesn't make sense from a child development viewpoint.

Come on Educators go back to Child development 101 and learn what it is to be a child and what they need to be learning to thrive and grow healthy without adults pushing an agenda on them.


Oppose this HARMFUL Policy

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Initiating such policies sends a clear message to our youth that they can only be accepted if they check all the boxes that YOUR political party deems 'appropriate'. Shame on you for pandering to the least common denominator instead of PROTECTING our youth (OUR FUTURE) from families who won't accept them. Try supporting them and let them be recognized for the people they ARE, not who you think they're 'supposed' to be and let schools be a safe space for all students. Learn some science and give up the ghost- biological sex is much more than your perceived binary.


FULLY SUPPORT!!!

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<p> FULLY SUPPORT!!!  </p>


Strongly agree

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<p>I strongly agree with Governor Youngkin‘s new policy. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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Fully Oppose the proposal. Invasive and hurts our most vulnerable youth


STRONGLY SUPPORT! THANK YOU FOR PRESERVING PARENTAL RIGHTS!

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STRONGLY SUPPORT! THANK YOU!!


OPPOSE!!! THIS HURTS STUDENTS!

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<p>Trans students deserve respect and dignity </p>


Fully support!

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As a parent I fully support parental rights! One of the main reasons I voted for Governor Youngkin. Additionally, save women's sports!  Now get the CRT out of the classrooms & stop the VEA from pushing sex & grooming of our youth! Get rid of the politics in schools. More efforts should be made to address learning loss from the Covid nightmare!


HS Volunteer - Strongly Opposed

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As a long term HS volunteer who works with students, most of which belong to the LGBTQ+ Community, I see the direct impact that these types of laws have on students, teachers, faculty, AND parents.  This guidance tries to have it both ways.. not allowing students to choose how they're named and styled ... AND lets others make that choice for them based on nebulous non-binding assumptions.  As a volunteer in a somewhat closed community, this will strongly negatively impact those kids who need the most support.


The Gov looks inbred

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I bet he is. I also oppose these changes.


I do not support these policies

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<p> By allowing policies such as these to pass</p>


Strongly AGREE with PROPOSED POLICY

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Thank you for this opportunity to comment.

I am in strong agreement with these policy proposals.  I believe the PARENTS and FAMILY should be first and foremost in such issues.  Institutions exist to support the family and not the other way around.  The NUCLEAR FAMILY is the first building block of society, and should not be superceded or secretly sabotaged by any other agency.  Such precedent can only further erode stability and security most needed by children.


Strongly oppose; protect trans kids

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Transgender children deserve the same protection and rights as cisgender children.

Not talking about and not acknowledging transgender children doesn't make them not exist, but it does make them more likely to die by suicide.

STRONGLY OPPOSE TO SAVE LIVES

From Prince William County


I strongly oppose these policies

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How are children supposed to focus on math or history when they're living in fear (of mental, emotional, and physical violence) and their teachers are forced to disrespect them?

I think all people want to protect children from harm-- but so much harm comes from being denied the chance to understand your honest identity. It's also devastating to know who you are, and to be constantly invalidated and belittled by the people around you.

These policies wouldn't change anyone's identity, but they would teach more children how to be hateful.

Shouldn't school be a place where all children are excited to learn? Where you can love who you are, you can love and learn from your classmates, and you can get really good at math? Education and acceptance are not mutually exclusive-- they are deeply connected.

Where has hatred and fear ever gotten us? When has legislation denying an entire group's existence ever worked out well? These are not rhetorical questions.


Kids

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Just let children’s be  children that’s all they need to worry about. Not to mention they want. To hold. The parents accountable for everything that do as children, so let them be children and when they get a they can decide whatever is in their heart to do


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

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<p>I oppose the proposed new model policies for the treatment of transgender students and Virginia's public schools. </p>


Kids


Oppose

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I oppose this new regulation. Transgender people deserve to be who they are. Stop playing this vicious game with peoples lives!


Strongly Oppose

It is very disheartening to know that my home state is continuing to divert away from progress. If this new piece of legislation comes into effect, it will severely damage so many young lives who just want their basic human rights. Trans students have a right to have complete agency of their identity as well. Additionally, for a number of students, especially members of the LGBTQ+ community, school to them is a space where they can have some room for freedom in fully expressing themselves. If the school environment also serves as a space for students to socialize while being their true selves, then why can't trans students have that same right in being their true selves amongst their peers as well?Furthermore, back when I was in high school, there were some students who felt safe enough to be open about their sexuality and/or trans identity with educators because meanwhile, when with family, they had to remain silent about their queer identity. Imagine if these educators went behind their back by reporting it to their parents, most especially the ones with strong conservative beliefs? The consequences would have been dangerous, most especially since statistically the risk of suicide is the highest amongst LGBTQ+ youth who have zero support. All in all, I just hope that this legislation can be rescinded. This would be a violation of human rights for it would only create more harm and damage for countless of communities in the public schools of Virginia. Therefore, I strongly oppose this and I hope that Youngkin can reconsider and revoke this piece of legislation.

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It is very disheartening to know that my home state is continuing to divert away from progress. If this new piece of legislation comes into effect, it will severely damage so many young lives who just want their basic human rights. Trans students have a right to have complete agency of their identity as well. Additionally, for a number of students, especially members of the LGBTQ+ community, school to them is a space where they can have some room for freedom in fully expressing themselves. If the school environment also serves as a space for students to socialize while being their true selves, then why can't trans students have that same right in being their true selves amongst their peers as well?

Furthermore, back when I was in high school, there were some students who felt safe enough to be open about their sexuality and/or trans identity with educators because meanwhile, when with family, they had to remain silent about their queer identity. Imagine if these educators went behind their back by reporting it to their parents, most especially the ones with strong conservative beliefs? The consequences would have been dangerous, most especially since statistically the risk of suicide is the highest amongst LGBTQ+ youth who have zero support.

All in all, I just hope that this legislation can be rescinded. This would be a violation of human rights for it would only create more harm and damage for countless of communities in the public schools of Virginia. Therefore, I strongly oppose this and I hope that Youngkin can reconsider and revoke this piece of legislation.


Strongly Support Governor's Policy on Transgender status and treatment.

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<p>We have had three sons go through Fairfax County Schools 15 years apart. We have been progressively pushed away from any involvement in their academic programs. For the oldest we actually spoke as subject matter experts to his classes, for the youngest our phone calls and emails were never answered, and requests for appointments were too inconvenient. In fact, our youngest managed to graduate without having written a paper over his four years in high school! But he sure knew his transgender friends' pronouns and was an expert on sexual deviations we were too ashamed to discuss. Governor Youngkin is absolutely correct to take these matters out of the hands of the education union and teachers and return them to the parents. Parents are legally liable for their minors, they ARE minors, and should not be treated as consenting adults by the school indoctrinators. </p>


Strongly Support Younkin

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Thank God some common sense has entered into the schools. Please understand parents have every right to know wheat is going on with the child they love, and support in all ways . Hiding information is unjustified and wrong

Also these are CHILDREN - with immature brains and underdeveloped grey matter!!!!!!

I totally support these common sense moves by Governor Younkin


Wonderful changes

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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—parents need to be involved in order to help guide their children into being strong adults.

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.


Why would you do this?

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<p>It's hard to be a teen. And while most teens are straight and CIS, some are trans or gay or questioning, and they need room to try out just being themselves without having to deal with THE GOVERNOR OF THEIR OWN STATE sending them the message that they are less than. And all of us at one point have known a crazy, cruel Christian (ha) who punishes their child for being different. This is going to empower bullies and put kids' well being, maybe even their lives, in danger. Shame. </p>


Immoral.

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<p>This legislation will do no good. It will lead to the death of many trans kids. It’s absolutely disgusting! </p>


Fully support the Governor

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<p> Thank you Governor!  </p>


Strongly Support Younking


Supports Gov. Youngkin’s 2022 Model Policies

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I Strongly support Gov. Youngkin’s policies to keep parents in charge of their underage children.


A violation of human rights and right to privacy

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I can't begin to convey how wrong this is. What, are our kids going to have to start dropping their drawers for a teacher to prove their gender? Make HIPAA only valid for straight white males? Restrict piercings and tattoos?

Sarcasm aside, this is a violation of personal privacy and human rights. Why is it, that the same people who are advocating for their rights and against the government meddling are pushing to deny others the same rights? Policing the bathroom/locker rooms does NO ONE any good, and these stupid rules aren't going to stop violence in bathrooms or anywhere, it's going to make it WORSE. It's going to cause so much more emotional harm than good for these students forcing them to either be outed or stay in the closet and drown in dysphoria.

You want to protect children, Governor? VA lawmakers? Protect their right to freedom of expression and stop this nonsense! Why can't you let people live their own damn lives? Why does it matter, if they aren't hurting anyone?


Don’t do this

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You all are a bunch of no good bigots. Leave trans kids alone. These changes are inhumane.


Oppose! This hurts kids and puts them in danger!!!!

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<p>this is dangerous and will endanger kids. </p>


Glenn youngkin should be more concerned with his son's illegal voting

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Maybe, since Glenn youngkin was head of the Carlyle group, with its ties to Osama bin laden and he's used to dealing with Saudis, but we don't follow sharia law here in Virginia, even when it's wrapped in a white hooded robe, but I formally oppose this, and anything else from youngkin


I support this policy-

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<p> I am in support for this policy because it is right in line with Code of Virginia 1-240.1 Rights of Parents: A parent has the fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing</p>


Strongly Oppose

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This transphobic policy change threatens the safety of children in Virginia, and I strongly opposite every part of it.

Like all kids, trans children have a right to decide what they're called by friends and teachers. In fact, the attempt of this guidance document to draw lines between types of nicknames ("any nickname commonly associated with the name that appears in the student’s official record" is permitted) is so patently unserious that whichever scintillating legal genius actually wrote that down with a straight face should be ashamed of themselves. It's an impossible and illogical distinction to make, which can therefore ONLY be applied in inconsistent and discriminatory ways. Which, of course, is the point: to single out trans kids for onerous, sometimes dangerous requirements that I can guarantee won't apply equally to cis kids who go by "uncommon" nicknames.

Protecting children isn't the same as controlling them. Children aren't objects for parents to possess. Children have a right to share personal details about themselves on their own timelines, and to keep themselves safe if these disclosures would put them in danger. They have a right to be treated with respect by adults whose "personal or religious beliefs" somehow demand they bully children under their care. They have a right to use school bathrooms safely.

If the governor of Virginia really wants to "respect children," he would prioritize government initiatives that would materially benefit children and their parents. But it's a lot easier and less expensive to bully kids and call it "respect." It's a lot easier to ride the wave of a national moral panic that lies about science, calls in bomb threats to hospitals, yells death threats at school board meetings, investigates loving parents for child abuse, and then shrugs its shoulders when children are actually abused by homophobic and transphobic parents. Maybe do something about all the homeless queer kids in Virginia before you start talking about "parents' rights."

I sincerely hope that this dangerous, discriminatory, logically incoherent, gleefully cruel, and probably illegal guidance document never goes into effect. I hope every trans and cis kid in Virginia stays safe and supported, no thanks to this administration. I also sincerely hope that Virginia's voters see this cynical nonsense for what it is. If only Glenn Youngkin fought for actual Virginians half as much as he fights for national exposure.


New school policy

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I strongly support!!! Thank you! We'll done, Governor! The majority of Virginia's parents want to be involved and have their parental rights preserved. Finally a Governor who actually represents his constituents!  inst


I fully support this

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<p> I am in support of this.  </p>


Strongly Oppose!

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<p>This decision is cruel and puts our youth at serious risk. Please don't repeal the rights and protections for these children. </p>


Approval of the Governor

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I am grateful that Mr. Youngkin is delivering the promise of his campaign. The Governor is right on this one. Some of these progressive policies, hurt children.
Parents have the RIGHT to know what is going on with their children in school. I do NOT want CRT in classrooms nor I do NOT want segregation by color in schools: There is No Black America or White America or Asian America; There is ONLY the United States of America. Virginia MUST lead in the U.S. with policies to unite Americans.


Oppose

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How many adults are out there?  These are children, who need to use a bathroom, let them go wherever. If I grew up as trans I would  in the floor if someone didn’t let me use the bathroom I wanted. Whatever it’s a moot point anyways, also the same as the don’t say gay bill Florida did. Also if my kid wants to come out to me that’s them not anyone else’s info to give out.  Kids aren’t fully developed until 18 right?  So how about I pull my kid out of school and homeschool, I know a lot of people don’t have that option but whatever.


Support for parental rights

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<p> My support for this new policy primarily based on the fact that schools must not be diminishing or restricting parents’ rights and undermining the parent-child relationship. It’s time we get back to basic school’s role -- teaching Math</p>


This is an appalling attack on children who deserve to live the life they choose

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<p>You cannot claim to care about children and enact such a horrid piece of legislation. Trans youth deserve to be treated with respect and dignity AND have equal access to education. This creates such such a hostile environment inside of schools it effectively bars trans youth from the classroom. No matter what policies you enact, you will NEVER legislate trans people out of existence you just put them in harms way for political gain. Any politician comfortable with harming their constituents, children no less, has no place in public office. I just hope Virginians come together to help protect our youth because it's clear the general assembly has placed a target on their backs... </p>


thoughts on the 2022 Model Policy

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I am writing in opposition to the 2022 Model policy.

I believe that while parents are allowed to raise their children at home, they should not have complete jurisdiction and control over the public school system. The inclusion of policies that make life easier and safer for transgender students is not impacting the fundamental right of a parent to raise their child.The school system should be allowed to treat students as they would like to be treated (by respecting their identity and privacy), without written permission from a parent or guardian.

The claim of religious freedom also is not applicable here: this merely states people are free to believe what they wish, but subscribing to a certain religion does not give a free pass for causing harm by discriminating against transgender and nonbinary kids, who are some of the most vulnerable students.

Section II, 2. clearly indicates a lack of regard for children's right to privacy and safety. Parents do not have the right to know everything about their children's gender identity as it is represented at school- the enactment of this policy would very directly endanger students. Transgender and nonbinary youth are frequently kicked out of their homes and abused by parents who find out about their identity and are not accepting of it. Outing these kids to their parents against their will & without their consent would clearly put them at risk of these behaviors.

Additionally, students who are transgender should not be required to submit a parent's or doctor's note in order to have their identity and personal autonomy respected. There are virtually no cases of students claiming to be transgender as a joke or with predatory intentions. Coming out as transgender is a difficult, vulnerable, and very personal choice (to be clear: it's a choice to come out, not to identify this way). It is the student's right, and NO ONE ELSE'S, to decide who to share this incredibly private information with. Sharing it places them at a much higher risk for discrimination, bullying, and often abuse, from other students and staff. After making the choice to come out, a student deserves to be supported and affirmed by the teachers & general staff of their school. Not only is it their right to be treated with dignity by others, but this support can serve to mitigate the negative treatment by fellow students.

Furthermore, there is no harm coming to the cisgender (non transgender) students based on the previous policy. Allowing students to be recognized as the gender their identify with does not negatively impact other students. The only problems arise when students experience a baseless fear due to their discriminatory and prejudiced outlook towards trans students. Transgender students should be allowed to have access to the locker room, bathroom, and athletics team that matches their gender identity.

I attended a Virginia public school a few years ago, and I can attest that our transgender students need MORE SUPPORT from staff, not increased hoops to jump through like requiring doctor and/or parent permission to be treated like themselves at school. I strongly oppose the enactment of the 2022 Model Policy, and I implore the VDOE to keep


ABSOLUTELY NOT

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<p>Stop threatening the safety of students.  </p>


What percent of trangender children have supportive parents?

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It is common for students whose gender identity does not match their biological sex to have parents that are not well versed in this psychological reality.  Often the relationship these students have with their parents is as damaging or more damaging than not being supported at school.

These students are very high risk of mental health disorder (depression, anxiety, suicide) both during their school age years and down the line.

I believe society is better off caring for these children based on the child's preferences.

There should be an avenue for these students to communicate their gender preferences and be treated by their school with the respect they deserve if they do not have supportive parents.


Strongly Oppose. If parents don't know who their children are, don't place the burden on teachers.

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This is a step backwards and won't work. Teens rarely allow themselves to be forced into anything. All this will do is frighten teachers. It is a publicity stunt.


I support this bill

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<p>I support this parental rights bill, parents have every right to understand what is going on with their minor child in the classroom! </p>


Strongly support

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<p> Let parents to parent their children! Teachers should stick to academics  </p>


Strongly oppose because I support our children!

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<p>Coming out is an extremely difficult thing to do and it is made harder when you don't have the support of your parents/family. Policies like this will keep children from getting the support they need and can lead to depression, bullying, or even worse. Mom and dad do not have the right to tell a child who they are and how they feel. It won't change the child, just force them to hide it and feel alone. </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>Support queer children and do not bow to  bigoted demands </p>


Strongly support

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<p>  strongly support the Governor  </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose the proposed revisions to this policy. The wishes and privacy of the students in this regard should be paramount. The new policy is hurting children to score political points. </p>


Fully Oppose

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<p>I oppose the changes as they are discriminatory. Stop playing God. </p>


Oppose Big Government Overreach like this policy


Is some compromise possible?

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Hello,

I am a Virginia resident with children in public school.  I think the goal when creating policy is the appropriate level of give and take.  It's a purple state, right?  So, let's work together.

Here are some middle-of-the-road ideas...

Do all sports have to be sex segregated?  Would it be possible to introduce co-ed or team sports that all genders can play?  It's very important that young men and women learn to work together fairly and productively, because it's required in the working world.

A 7 year-old and a 17 year-old aren't the same.  Let's re-affirm that councilors and maybe teachers at school are impartial, confidential and accessible for teens.  Meanwhile, young children should probably not be making gender decisions without parental input.

Bathrooms.  My workplace does both sex segregated and gender neutral bathrooms.  Would that be possible in a school?  Perhaps older students should have access to at least one "all gender" restroom?  I'd convert one conventional bathroom and leave the rest a lone.


Support New Policy

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<p> I support the new policy that keeps parental rights intact!  </p>


2022 Model Policy Re Students and Parents

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I oppose the proposed policy.


2022 Model Policies for Virginia’s Public Schools

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Thank you! I am in agreement with the new proposed policy guidance.

Sincerely,

Patricia Hammersley

Virginia Beach, VA


Yes! Strongly Support

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<p> This policy empowers parents. Fully support.  </p>


Strongly Oppose This Policy

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<p>This policy removes the safe spaces that some of our most vulnerable children have in their lives. Many LGBTQIA students don't have the support of their families and without the safety and support of their schools, I fear this will lead to an increase in student self harming. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS

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This change in policy will hurt, and perhaps lead to the suicides of young people who are in need of support. Parents may not support them, as I have personally seen in my own family. Younkin, back off!  What is your end goal????  This is a threat to every LBGTQ member of our society. Stop imposing your prejudices and bias on others.


Support this policy


This does not align with our “Virginia is for lovers” slogan. Protect our Trans kids

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This is absolutely disgraceful that the basic human rights of and respect for our Trans kids are being debated, especially by people who have been elected to protect and serve them. Limiting the rights of Trans kids who are simply trying to live their authentic lives and survive in a society that does not view them as full humans will only lead to more harm. This is not about increasing the rights of parents. It is about control and usurping power based on the opinions of a few. Much of those opinions relate back to religion, which brings up the incredibly important concept of the separation of church and state.

We are already seeing higher suicide rates in non-cisgendered teens who feel they have no place in the world. Do not choose to be one of the reasons we lose another kid to suicide. Be one of the reasons they feel seen, heard, respected, and loved, as you would your own children. No one should want to have Trans suicide on their conscience, but that is where we are headed with grotesque policies like this that treat kids like political pawns rather than what they are: kids.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Strongly oppose </p>


Strongly Oppose This Policy

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy, it will put trans kids in danger. This shouldn't be about a parents right to know everything about their child, its should be about a minors right to their privacy. If a kid hasn't told their parents, there is likely a reason, such as their parents being transphobic. Being outted will have negative effects on them mentally, not even mentioning the teens who might be kicked out, abused, shunned, or have their parents try and "fix" them. You can't claim you are protecting kids when this would actively put them in danger. The fact so many public schools have had walk outs over this shows how against this the kids you are claiming to protect don't want this. </p>


Strongly Agree with Governor


Opposite of Pro-Life Agenda!

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Strongly oppose Youngkin's transgender student policy! It is harmful to a group of students who are already at high risk of harassment and suicide. We MUST protect ALL children, and not demand everyone fit the binary mold that the majority dictates.


Shame on Youngkin

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<p>All the studies that have been done by reputable outlets have shown that these intolerant laws actively harm living, breathing children. You are not protecting anyone. You are not worried about parental rights. All you are doing is allowing bigots to cruelly harm children. On the last day, Jesus will say to you "I do not know you" for the harm you are doing. </p>


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


Saying YES to family

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<p>Thank you Governor Youngkin for fighting for parental rights! These issues come with decisions that are irreversible and life changing. To say parents should not be involved is wrong and dangerous. We do care about Trans kids. They deserve love and support and a family to help guide them. This is just one more ploy to destroy the family core. It MUST be stopped. </p>


100% opposed.

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This is awful.  Do not implement.


This poilcy is anti-Christian


I do not support these changes

Trans kids lives are hard enough, why are you trying to make things worse?
There is no data to support any of your nonsense and LOTS of data to support our side. But you have a bunch of gullible idiots that you've fed lies to for YEARS all up in arms about problems that don't exist.Your mob is harassing CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS for God's sake. This is what you've created and what you are continuing to foster.
If nothing else, look at all the school walkouts protesting your changes. These are the kids you are trying to 'protect' and then want nothing to do with you.With luck, we'll roll VA back to blue where she belongs and we can start to recover from this pointless witch hunt against children.

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Trans kids lives are hard enough, why are you trying to make things worse?

There is no data to support any of your nonsense and LOTS of data to support our side. But you have a bunch of gullible idiots that you've fed lies to for YEARS all up in arms about problems that don't exist.

Your mob is harassing CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS for God's sake. This is what you've created and what you are continuing to foster.

If nothing else, look at all the school walkouts protesting your changes. These are the kids you are trying to 'protect' and then want nothing to do with you.

With luck, we'll roll VA back to blue where she belongs and we can start to recover from this pointless witch hunt against children.


Strongly opposed to this policy.

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Cruel and punitive policy, solves no problem and will only harm kids.


Strongly Support

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Of course parents are the primary care giver.

Of course parents must be advised and their permission should be granted prior to any gender fluidity conversations with school teachers/counselors.

Parental permission for non-birth sexual identity pronouns is basic and essential. The alternative should have never even come up, nor be addressed by the Public School systems.,


Harmful, Hateful Policy

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This guidance does nothing to improve the wellbeing, safety, or health of any student or teacher in the state. It targets the most marginalized and vulnerable, and advances a hateful, intolerant, Puritan worldview.


Yes, thank you for fighting for parental rights!!

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<p>Yes! THANK YOU for preserving parental rights! </p>


Fully Support


Fully support

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<p>I fully support the governor's new policy. First of all, women's sports is in danger of biological men unfairly competing against women. Secondly, why are we catering to such a small percentage of our population. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE the guidance

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I strongly oppose the guidance. I am a father of two young children who will soon enter VA public schools. We should be expanding care, access, and protection for everyone. Our society should be capable of providing quality education in a safe environment without sacrificing the respect and self-determination of some individuals and families.