Avoiding Child Suicide Is More Important Than Parental "Rights"

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I am writing today to strongly oppose the adoption of the 2022 DOE Model Policies. While I support some parts of this guidance, including Guiding Principle B. "Schools should attempt to accommodate students with distinctive needs..." I believe that the enactment of these policies overall will cause irreparable harm to many children.

Schools exist to serve the children that attend them, not their parents. Public schools should be a safe space for all students, and efforts must be made to support transgender children given the astronomical rate of mental health issues in this community: almost half of trans youth attempt suicide. All research points to societal influences as the source of these mental health problems. Let's not add to them. The adoption of the 2022 policies as proposed will disempower trans children and cause increased harm.

Thank you,

Daniel


Transgender Policy

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<p>Am totally in favor of the revamped policy regarding students, students' parents.  Parents should be active participants in their children's total lives....which would include their education, the time spent in school, and have active engagement with school personnel.  No educator should have priority decision making without parent consent or knowledge of such. </p>


Voting -18. Drinking - 21. Renting a car - 25. Changing gender - 10 years old???

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<p>Adults should be free to live whatever lifestyle feels right to them. This is NOT any trans or anti LGBQT+. It’s pro childhood and pro parental responsibility. </p>


Support Parents to make decisions about their children

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As a Virginia resident, I fully support the 2022 Model Policies.  Parents, not school employees, should be the only ones discussing sexuality with their child.  No school employee should ever seek to undermine a parent's right to decide what is best for their child, especially not to push harmful Gender Confusion Theory on an underage student.  Furthermore, it is unfair and wrong to allow biologically male athletes to compete as and against female athletes.  Not only does this create an unfair advantage that discourages female athletes from even competing, but it forces female athletes to share private facilities like locker rooms and showers with males.  This is a gross violation of their right to privacy.  It is always wrong and harmful to push lies upon young students.  Gender is based in biology, not mental confusion or preference.


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We strongly SUPPORT PARENTAL RIGHTS AND GOV. Youngkin’s proposal!


Gov Youngkin’s Parental Rights Guidelines

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Strongly support parental rights!


Oppose Alienation and Dehumanization of Trans Kids and Stripping Parents Right to Protect Them!!!

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I strongly oppose this proposal. This will limit the ability of schools and teachers to work with parents and students to create a safe, supportive, and affirming environment for all. Childhood is a challenging time and we ask much of our kids. It is particularly hard for kids who struggle with their identity, mental health, or any such hardship. Schools need to create a safe environment in which kids can work through their issues in a safe and supportive way. This proposal strips school, teachers, parents, and students of the ability to create a safe and supportive environment. Instead, it tells trans students that you are WRONG, your feelings are WRONG, we will only call you by a name you feel is WRONG, we will only use pronouns that feel WRONG, and we only seek to make you feel alien, other, and less than human.

Here are my specific objections to the document 2022 MODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT FOR ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

III.C.2 - Requiring legal documentation of name change or sex change creates an undue burden on a under 18 kids under the protection of parent, who do not have the resources or ability to effect such change. Instead, students should be allowed to registered preferred gender and name in addition to sex and name at birth.

III.D.2 - Students should be able to request to be addressed by names other than their given name if it is not obscene. When I went to high school in Texas, there were many students with non-english names and preferred a more common name, e.g. "Xu" preferred to be called "John". This rule is intended to force trans students to be referred by their "dead name", stripping them of respect, compassion, and dignity, as prescribed by III.D.1

III.G-H - Students should be able to participate in sports and use facilities based on their chosen gender identity for a variety of reasons:

The idea that all people are born either male or female is not backed up by science. Sex is based on several physiological factors.

Inclusion of trans athletes will not harm cis athletes. Doing so will create gender policing and will hurt everyone

Inclusion of trans people encourages inclusion and allows everyone to enjoy the benefits of sports

Being trans does not create an unfair advantage. There are many physiological factors that might boost performance - do we need to exclude tall basketball players or large linebackers?

In the case of locker rooms, bathrooms, and other facilities, it makes sense to provide single-user facilities, but trans students should not be forced to use them. A cis gender student can use them if they feel uncomfortable around a trans student or vice-versa. Forcing the trans population to use single user facilities alienates and separates them, creating more opportunity for bullying


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<p>We strongly support Gov. Youngkin’s policy to restore rights back to parents.  Parents with their children are quite capable of making these decisions.  </p>


Strongly support Gov Youngkin's proposal

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I strongly support Gov. Youngkin's Model for the Virginia Public Schools.

Parents need to be involved in their children's education.


transphobic violence

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I strongly oppose these transphobic policy updates. These will greatly harm trans youth already potentially facing harmful home situations. It's hard enough to be a young person, let alone a young trans person in a transphobic world. If you gave a damn about kids this would never have been written


I strongly SUPPORT the 2022 Model Policies

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I fully support the 2022 Model Policies! Parents, not school employees, have the absolute right to guide and support their child's emotional and sexual development. Too many children (now adults) have deeply regretted their lasting and permanent decision to transition by physically and chemically mutilating their bodies over transient and emotional issues. Gender Dysphoria is a valid psychological disorder listed in the DSM-5, and its the objective standard that parents make these decisions. Its time to stop the social insanity and the evil attempt to drive a wedge between parents and their children!


Guidance Document

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I strongly support the new Guidance Document. Parents have the rights and the responsibility to make decisions for their own children.


2022 Model Policies

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“As a Virginian citizen, I fully support the 2022 Model Policies. Parents – not school employees – should be the only ones discussing sexuality and any gender-confusion with their child. No school employee should ever seek to undermine a parent’s right to decide what is best for their child – especially not to push harmful Gender Confusion Theory on an underage student. Furthermore, it is unfair and wrong to allow biologically male athletes to compete as and against female athletes. Not only does this create an unfair advantage that discourages female athletes from even competing, but it forces female athletes to share private facilities like locker rooms and showers with males. This is a gross violation of their right to privacy. On top of which, in such situations female students are forced to endorse the lie that the male athletes have actually changed their gender. It is always wrong and harmful to push lies upon young students. Gender is based in biology, not mental confusion or preference.”


SUPPORT!  It just makes SENSE!

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<p>Parents should know what their kids are doing! </p>


OPPOSED for DISCRIMINATIING against one group of students who happen to be a minotiry

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I am a retired parent of three and hold a PhD in Higher Education. I put three children through public school. I volunteer as a mentor with Richmond PUblic Schools. I attended two universities and worked at three other universities. During these years to the present I became acquainted with many good people who presented themselves as gay, bi and trans. I cannot think of anyone harmed by these individuals, although I know for certain that some of my students were harmed by others. Students in high school are even more vulnerable to harassment for perceived differences. My firsthand knowledge gives me great concerns about the proposed new guidance.

Making rules such as teacher and staff responsibility for “outing” trans students for pronouns, names and dress is discriminatory. The Equal Protection Clause has promoted equal treatment for different groups under the law. The laws of a state must treat an individual in the same manner as other people in similar conditions and circumstances.[i]

The Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." The court found that the First Amendment applied to public schools, and school officials could not censor student speech unless it disrupted the educational process. LGBT, transgender and gender non-conforming students have a right to be who they are and express themselves at school. Schools have a responsibility to create safe learning environments and to limit harassment. Students’ transgender status and gender assigned at birth are confidential information protected by federal privacy law.[ii]

[i] https://www.getlegal.com/legal-info-center/14th-amendment-equal-protection-clause/

[ii] https://www.aclu.org/other/tinker-v-des-moines-landmark-supreme-court-ruling-behalf-student-expression#:~:text=of%20Student%20Expression-,Tinker%20v.,free%20speech%20in%20public%20schools.


SUPPORT!  It just makes SENSE!


OPPOSE!!

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Get with the times! This is regressive and harmful. OPPOSE this horrible policy!


I oppose


You are choosing to perpetrate harm.

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In a time of increased suicide risk among adolescents, too few mental health resources to serve them inside and outside of schools, and teachers and support staffs stretched thin, replacing the 2021 guidelines will exacerbate risks for trans and non-binary students. Your new guidelines leave teachers - whose job it is to keep ALL their students safe - unable to protect trans students from harassment and hate by their peers.

To do so under the title of "parents' rights" begs the question, WHICH parents' rights? The parents of trans and non-binary students have a right to their child's safety in their place of learning. Meanwhile, the specter of some imagined harm to other students is insufficient to impinge on the right of ALL students to be able to attend school, feel safe, and be treated with dignity.

The evidence regarding the positive impact gender-affirming behavior has on adolescents is abundant and known. You are choosing to perpetrate harm.


Strongly support the 2022 Model Policies.  They should be adopted by public schools in all states.

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<p>Governor Youngkin's policies regarding transgender indoctrination in our public schools make it clear that he intends to follow the will of the people (Virginia voters) in this matter.  Parents should be the ONLY ones guiding their children in these matters and they should not be directed by the board of education or other school administrators, PERIOD.  The issue of biological males participating in biological female sports is a simple matter of science and should not be entertained , or tolerated,  in any level of athletics.  </p>


Undocumented Name Changes = Future Problems

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Those 2021 changes were only about the feelings of a small group. As a person who has changed her name, and has multiple family members who have changed theirs, I fully support people changing their name LEGALLY. You can call yourself whatever you want socially - such as a person who is First Middle Last, III and is called "Trip" (short for triple). Nicknames aren't normally deliberately kept secret. That is very different from a Legal Name Change, and what those rules seem to promote is troublingly close to a legal name change, without the bother of actually changing ones name.

Parents know their children, but the medical and educational establishments seem hell-bent on keeping them from helping their children. Parents know things teachers and other school staff don't, things the kids might not share. They know if a loved family member or friend - or more than one - has died or had serious health problems recently. They know if an anniversary of a past trauma could be causing them distress. They may have seen a pattern in the past that has led to what is happening now. Whether you think transgenderism is a mental health problem or perfectly natural, I think everyone agrees that transgender kids are experiencing mental and emotional distress when they decide to change their name, gender, and physical bodies. Why on earth would anyone think that cutting off the very people who know them best and have been with them their entire lives is a good idea? And where do school administrators get the right to assume the parents wouldn't support their kids, even if that's what the kids think? What adult hasn't experienced receiving support for something difficult from an unexpected quarter?


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I, as a parent, deserve the right to send my children to a school where trans children receive equal treatment and are respected like all of the children attending Virginia public school. Therefore as a reasonable adult I strongly oppose this legislation. I had a public school education and my children are too. These policy decisions should be made by the parents of the students and the students that attend Virginia public schools, not some old out of touch rich white homophobe that sent his kids to private boarding schools outside of OUR state. I honestly cannot believe that the state of Virginia is still considering enacting discriminatory policies against our children as it had shamefully practiced in, what we were all hoping, was the past. The hypocrisy of Youngkin and his cronies is glaring and pathetic. Sorry Glenn but the majority of us believe that bullying children is not, and should have never been considered acceptable policy. Shame shame you only bring this state more shame. The rest of us will be taking the high road and moving forward. Glenn, and the rest of the oldfangled patriarchy, can keep on their low path back to Dixie.


Do not pass this policy

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<p>As a high school teacher with many beautiful LGBTQ students, I know this proposed policy would directly harm my students. A teacher is meant to protect and provide an environment for all students to thrive. I cannot in good conscious allow this kind of policy to affect my classroom- it goes directly against my professional mission. </p>


Oppose this regulation

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This regulation purports to be about parental rights.  What about the rights of students who are at or near adulthood?  I would think an 18 year old senior has the right to determine their own name or pronouns.  Even a 16 year old is old enough and mature enough to make these decision.  You are putting the safety of LGBTQ+ students who have abusive parents at risk. Maybe school is the only place they feel safe to be themselves.  You are taking this away from them for no good reason.  This regulation is cruel.


I OPPOSE this dangerous policy

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Governor Youngkin,

I oppose the forced outing of children to parents or guardians. This policy endangers children who are already at risk of harm. I fear that this policy will lead to an increase in suicide rates among LGBTQ+ youth. Some homes are not safe for these kids, and school may be the only safe place they have. PLEASE do not take that away from them. Forcing them to come out before they may even understand who they truly are takes away the basic human right of autonomy. Any person should be able to make the decision of when to reveal their personal information only to those they feel safe with. Many children do not feel safe at home. You are opening them up to abuse, and it is absolutely disgusting that you feel that this is good policy.


STRONGLY OPPOSE! Protect trans kids

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<p>According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, trans and non binary youth have markedly higher rates of suicide ideation, suicide attempts and death by suicide than their cis peers. To combat the grim reality of these statistics, best practices must be implemented that create a safe environment in the classroom ESPECIALLY if their home environment is not supportive. Requiring parental permission to address children by their chosen name and pronouns puts the lives of trans kids unnecessarily at risk. I FIRMLY oppose this proposed policy. </p>


Absolutely Oppose CRT Transgenderism

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<p>We ABSOLUTELY oppose CRT TRANSGENDERISM in our public schools & oppose any teacher coach etc who dares teach it to students! </p>


Laws

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If it is OK for Fairfax County to pick and choose which laws to follow and which ones to ignore, by extension is it OK for citizens to do the same?

I see this as a path to lawlessness and the demise of a country based on rule of law, not rule by individuals in charge.


Strongly opposed

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I am strongly opposed to any law, legislation or policy that discriminates a people, especially when it impacts this nations youth. There is no danger, no hazard, and no harm posed by students identifying as a gender differing from that of their assigned birth, using the restroom in which they are comfortable and safe and using the pronouns in which they identify with. There is no LEGITIMATE reason to enforce such policy as trans/ non-binary identities being rejected or denied by authority figures only has negative outcomes to the child and support and care have positive impacts.


Oppose Gov's anti-trans policy

Aniko Bodroghkozy, University of Virginia

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Trans and non-binary children are already vulnerable to bullying and abuse. The Governor's proposed new policy would make these most vulnerable children even more so. Stop playing politics with these kids' lives and safety.


Support Parental Rights! Protect ALL children, not just those that want special rights!

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<p>Parental rights trumps ALL! The state is NOT responsible for raising my child or providing for my child, therefore, I am the one to pour into my children what they need to know in order to be self sufficient, responsible adults. The idea that repealing the 2021 policies harms children is ridiculous. Under the 2022 policies ALL children will have the same rights, which include access to the bathroom/locker room that corresponds to their biological sex. Special rights dictate that if a child is confused about their biological sex EVERYONE else must be made uncomfortable in order to cater to the one. Where are the protections for those that are not confused about their biological sex being forced to change with children of the opposite sex? AND as we witnessed in Loudoun County, what about those that are allowed to enter whichever bathroom they choose with the intent of SEXUALLY attacking someone of the opposite sex. It seems to me the 2021 policies are what is truly harmful to our children. Of course, liberals do not want to mention the fact that the 2022 policies will allow for accommodations for children, with the consent of their parents, on name changes. It is so sad to see ideology pushed that believes teachers and bureaucrats care more about children than the parents. This is dangerous and needs to be stopped immediately. </p>


Strongly Oppose- this is dangerous!

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<p>We have a duty to protect our kids, even if it means or texting them from their parents. If a student has supportive parents, then they will already know their child is trans and can provide the necessary support. If the parents are not supportive, then they will probably not know, and it become our duty to protect those kids and provide support resources. The child should come before the parent in this case. </p>


Opposing the changes because children are already vulnerable.

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I write as a Virginia constituent deeply concerned about the removal of protections against bullying, harassment, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In removing these protections, the Virginia Department of Education is effectively endorsing bullying, harassment, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This will harm school-aged Virginians, including those that I have gotten to know through working with them over the last two years.

I strongly oppose these changes because it invalidates students’ experiences, particularly at a time when students have a variety of stressors already render students vulnerable and hesitant to express themselves due to fear of bullying. At the very least, un-codifying these protections signals that there are in fact some acceptable grounds for bullying, harassment, and discrimination – and surely the VDOE agrees that bullying, harassment, and discrimination based on any protected trait is never acceptable. And for students who feel that their sexual orientation or identity does not comport with traditional expectations may feel that they, by default, cannot be considered normal. Social pressure and social forces already discourage many forms of gender expression in pursuit of personal conviction; official pressures will only exacerbate the epidemic of low self-esteem among school-aged children. I urge VDOE to consider what these changes will do to children who are already vulnerable.

I have spent the last two years building mentorship and friendship with Virginian students. I fear that the expressive function as well as the legal ramifications of these changes will have dangerous, if not deadly, repercussions. Mental health among students is already precarious and if VDOE chips away at protections, it will have blood on its hands.

Thank you for considering my concern. I hope that VDOE will act correctly in rejecting the update to the bullying and harassment rules.


Model Policy

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<p>Strongly OPPOSE </p>


Support for parents and sports

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<p>There are only 2 genders male and female.  Biological men should only compete against other biological males.  They have no business competing in women sport.  </p>


Opposed to transgender proposal

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I am strongly opposed to the transgender proposal by Gov. Younkin.  He so out of touch with our  present life today.  Transgender folks are just folks like everyone else.  Why does the governor interfere with this?


Strongly oppose.  Trans children need our protection


Oppose the Suggested Policies That Harm Trans Kids

Fernando Mercado Violand, UVA LAW STUDENT

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The 2022 Model Policies are going to significantly harm trans students. The 2022 Model Policies define being a trans student as “a public school student whose parent has requested in writing, due to their child’s persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs from his or her sex, that their child be identified while at school.” It takes the power away from trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming students from realizing their identity in their own right and instead defines it in terms of parents’ views. It also refers to gender identity as a “belief” instead of a deeply held knowledge and realization of one’s identity. This promotes a false narrative based on a lack of scientifically-based research. It also erases the identity of nonbinary and intersex people by operating on a male/female binary.

The 2022 Model Policies also remove sexual orientation and gender identity as explicitly protected classes for bullying, harassment, and discrimination. At the same time, it eliminates specific school personnel professional development for the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ students.

Outside of this, the 2022 Model Policies dangerously require misgendering and deadnaming trans students when the student’s preferred name and pronouns are not accurately reflected on student records. Some studies have shown that use of a trans student’s preferred name not only assists with social transition, but also reduces mental health risks such as depression, and suicidal ideation and attempts. https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(18)30085-5/fulltext.

Trans students are also placed in danger of being outed. The 2021 Model Policies allowed disclosure, with a legitimate educational interest, only to other school personnel. The 2022 Model Policies permit disclosure, with a legitimate educational interest or when required by law, to other school personnel and the student’s parents. Many times, students feel safer coming out to school staff instead of their own parents. I believe the choice should rest with the trans student on who they would like to come out to.

Outing can be dangerous. “28% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing homelessness or housing instability.” https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/homelessness-and-housing-instability-among-lgbtq-youth-feb-2022/. These rates are disproportionately greater for non-white LGBTQ+ youth. Id. Further, “[h]omelessness and housing instability were reported at higher rates among transgender and nonbinary youth, including 38% of transgender girls/women, 39% of transgender boys/men, and 35% of nonbinary youth, compared to 23% of cisgender LGBQ youth.” Id. 16% of LGBTQ+ youth report running away because of fears of abuse, 14% report they were kicked out or abandoned, and 40% of those report being kicked out or abandoned because of their LGBTQ+ identity. Id. Despite making up 5-10% of the United States’ population, LGBTQ+ individuals make up 20-40% of the homeless population. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6695950/. LGBTQ+ youth, especially trans youth, are also overrepsented in the foster care system compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. https://www.childrensrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2019.02.12-LGBTQ-Youth-in-Unstable-Housing-and-Foster-Care.pdf.

Trans youth face higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts compared with their cisgender peers. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0886260520915554. This is not because of the fact that they are trans. Countless false narratives are circulating the media and the public comment section for the 2022 Model Policies that being trans or part of the LGBTQ+ community itself leads to worse mental health outcomes. Instead, many of the contributing factors to this phenomenon are attributable to the societal treatment of trans individuals such as “microaggressions, internalized self-stigma, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and protective factors: school belonging, family support, and peer support . . . ” Id. In fact, major professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics are in consensus that being trans itself is not a mental illness, but conditions caused by the societal treatment of trans individuals–such as depression, anxiety, and gender dysphoria–are preventable. See, e.g., Brief of Am. Acad. of Pediatrics et al. at 8-9, Parents for Privacy v. Barr, 949 F.3d 1210 (9th Cir. 2020) (No. 18-35708), 2019 WL 1261905. VDOE can and should do more to address the societal discrimination of trans students instead of contributing to it.

The 2022 Model Policies also require sex segregation of facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms based on “biological sex.” While the 2022 Model Policies permit school districts to modify the policies “to the extent required by federal law,” the baseline is already in conflict with federal law. First of all, these requirements conflict with federal law. See Grimm v. Gloucester Cty. Sch. Bd., 972 F.3d 586, 613-15, 616-19 (4th Cir. 2020) (the court reasoning that trans discrimination for bathroom access based on biological sex failed both the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution as well as Title IX); see also https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/t9nprm-factsheet.pdf. Second of all, lack of trans students’ access to facilities corresponding with their gender identity can result in urinary tract infections, alienation, humiliation, suicidal ideation, and hospitalization. See, e.g., Grimm v. Gloucester Cty. Sch. Bd., 972 F.3d 586, 600 (4th Cir. 2020).

Sadly, the damage from VDOE has already been done. Anti-trans legislation and policies exacerbate trans peoples’ feeling of hopelessness and contribute to lower levels of feeling like they belong. https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/sgd-sgd0000481.pdf. VDOE is actively disparately impacting trans students and adults simply by the introduction of these transphobic policies. On the other hand, studies have shown that stronger LGBTQ+ protections in the law are associated with lower levels of bullying. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037687162100154X. More LGBTQ+-inclusive state policies and legislation are also tied to better results in trans students’ physical health. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/trgh.2018.0031.

Further, respecting trans students’ preferred names, as opposed to deadnaming, improves their mental health and lowers suicidal ideation and attempts. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X18300855. Trans students are nearly twice as likely to be threatened or harmed compared to other students. https://www.veanea.org/support-transgender-youth/. Outing to trans students’ parents and other school personnel will only exacerbate this.

I appreciate that VDOE has provided resources on school connectedness as some studies show that school-connectedness is associated with better mental health outcomes for trans students. https://www.veanea.org/support-transgender-youth/. However, removing explicit protections for bullying, harassment, and discrimination for LGBTQ+ students, LGBTQ+ specific annual training for school personnel, and the over sixty resources from the 2021 Model Policies undermines this principle.

Scientific evidence shows that VDOE has already harmed trans peoples’ mental health, trans students in particular. Scientific evidence also shows that the 2022 Model Policies will only worsen that trend. Many trans students are going to not just suffer worse mental health outcomes but die because of the 2022 Model Policies. I ask VDOE and the Virginia state government to think critically about if that is the right price to pay for “parental rights.”

This is wrong because it will cost lives. The fact that trans people exist will not go away just because some government policies dressed in the veneer of "parental rights" hopes to make it harder for young people to experience true liberty in identifying themselves in the ways they see fit. I understand that the politics of cruelty is rewarded in the hyper-partisan landscape we live in, and that the Governor has higher aspirations for himself, but singling out a group of people that are already on the margins of our society shows such a craven disregard for the humanity of the constituents that he is obligated to serve. Through this act he has shown he does not have the moral integrity to hold public office at any level.

This affects me because I have trans friends who have attempted suicide. The fact that people were accepting of their identity saved their life. Creating an environment in schools, specially high schools, where the norm is to deny them that acceptance is facilitating harm against an already vulnerable community. Further teachers and school administrators want to help students, students want to live their lives, and for the most part parents will be supportive, the false notion of a paternal rights requirement is simply a vague threat of potential liability against teachers and school staff who are just trying to do their jobs and help students learn, grow and thrive.

For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


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I strongly support the 2022 Model Policies on Privacy, Dignity and Respect for all Students in Virginia's Public Schools.

I respectfully ask Virginia's school boards to fulfill their responsibilities as elected officials in a representative democracy, by supporting the rights of parents to be notified of healthcare services, and all decisions affecting their children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, including, but not limited to self-identification.

The voters have placed power in the hands of you, who are representatives who are elected by us, the people.

Voters trust that the people we elect will support the ideals of the majority of voters who elected them.

To that end, regardless of your personal attitudes, you have a duty to subordinate your personal desires to the will of the majority of your constituents.

The bulk of Orange County is populated by parents and grandparents who embrace traditional values.  Please ask yourselves if the small and vocal minority that monopolized comments during past meetings is truly representative of the majority of your constituents.

I implore school board to fulfill the responsibilities which inhere to them in a representative democracy.


No boys in girl’s locker rooms

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Support any bill to keep boy’s out if girl’s locker rooms.


Protect our Trans Youth

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If enacted, this bill will see to the rise of youth suicide by kids who no longer feel safe to be who they truly are. We must do all we can to protect these children. I strongly oppose this legislation.


Support the new policy

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Schools must stop indoctrinating our children.  It is the parent not teachers who is responsible for their children moral upbringing.


Support for this bill and women’s sports

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<p>Please keep males out of women’s sports. </p>


Oppose 2022 Model Policies! Reinstate the 2021 Model Policies!

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In 2020, LGBTQ+ organizations from across Virginia traveled to the General Assembly and shared their stories of harassment, inequality, fear, and anxiety with our elected officials. The General Assembly saw fit to create the 2021 model policies to ensure students were affirmed, free from harassment, and given the safest possible experience in our schools. Experts, stakeholders, and students with lived experience helped develop the 2021 policies.

We know that without support trans and non-binary students have a much greater risk of attempted suicide than their peers. We also know that trans and gender non-binary students experience anxiety and depression at a much greater rate than their peers, undoubtedly in part because of the bullying and harassment these students can face. Especially for students who may also face this type of treatment in their home situation, "parent rights" should not be the primary consideration for our school polices.

You are entrusted to do what is best for all our students and to create a safe learning environment. Please reinstate the 2021 Model Policies!


PROTECT TRANS STUDENTS

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The 2022 Model Policies will force disclosure of a student’s gender identity even when that disclosure endangers the student.

The 2021 Model Policies allowed school staff to “consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their gender identity.” The 2022 Proposed Model Policies remove this basic protection. The 2021 Model Policies permitted disclosure of a student’s gender identity only to other school personnel when there was a legitimate educational interest. In contrast, the 2022 Model Policies require outing trans students to their parents and school staff.

Disclosing a transgender student's gender identity to an unsupportive family or community “can pose imminent safety risks, such as losing family support or housing.” A recent study by the Trevor Project reported that 38% of transgender girls, 39% of transgender boys, and 35% of nonbinary youth surveyed had experienced homelessness and housing instability. (Homelessness and Housing Instability Among LGBTQ Youth, The Trevor Project, https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/homelessness-and-housing-instability-among-lgbtq-youth-feb-2022/). While these rates are shockingly high, they are disproportionately greater for non-white LGBTQ+ youth. Id. Further, 16% of LGBTQ+ youth reported running away because of fears of abuse and 14% reported that they were kicked out or abandoned by parents or caregivers. Id. These new policies lay the foundation for precisely this kind of abuse.

 “[A] State's interest in safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of a minor is compelling.” (New York v. Ferber, 458 U.S. 747, 756 (1982)). The Supreme Court has “sustained legislation aimed at protecting the physical and emotional well-being of youth even when the laws have operated in the sensitive area of constitutionally protected rights.” Id. Virginia has a duty to protect the well-being of its students, particularly those most marginalized and open to harm from the 2022 Model Policies.

These policy changes will negatively impact trans students throughout Virginia, placing them at risk of psychological and potentially physical harm. Statistics show the reality of harm that trans students are already exposed to, which these 2022 Model Policies stand to exacerbate. From a legal standpoint, the State is meant to consider the mental and physical health of minors when putting policies in place. The 2022 Model Policies disregard both of these aspects, increasing the potential for harm.

For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


Strongly Support

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I strongly support the effort by Gov Younkin to reorient schools to fulfilling their primary mission of educating our children so they can become productive citizens in this country.  The schools should not be involved in fostering policies that are driven by political or extremist views that violate the laws of nature.  Biological sex is a fact of nature that cannot be overruled by the feelings or thoughts of an individual and to support anything to the contrary is not conducive to the mental and physical health of the individual, particularly if the individual is a child and not mature enough to comprehend the ultimate results of such feelings or thoughts.


Repeal the 2022 Policies!

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The 2021 Model Policies allowed school staff to “consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their gender identity,” a protection that the 2022 Proposed Model Policies remove. While schools are indeed required to comply with FERPA, and parents do have a recognized right to their children’s educational information, those rights are not absolute when they endanger those children’s wellbeing. Further, the 2021 Model Policies permitted disclosure of a student’s gender identity only to other school personnel when there was a legitimate educational interest. The 2022 Model Policies require outing trans students to their parents along with school staff with a legitimate educational interest.

As the 2021 Model Policies acknowledged, disclosing a transgender student's gender identity to an unsupportive family “can pose imminent safety risks, such as losing family support or housing.” A recent study by the Trevor Project reported that 38% of transgender girls, 39% of transgender boys, and 35% of nonbinary youth surveyed had experienced homelessness and housing instability at some point in their lives. ( Homelessness and Housing Instability Among LGBTQ Youth, The Trevor Project, https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/homelessness-and-housing-instability-among-lgbtq-youth-feb-2022/.) These rates are disproportionately greater for non-white LGBTQ+ youth. Id. 16% of LGBTQ+ youth reported running away because of fears of abuse, 14% reported that they were kicked out or abandoned by parents or caregivers. Id.

The United States Supreme Court has found that “a State's interest in safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of a minor is compelling,” and as a result has “sustained legislation aimed at protecting the physical and emotional well-being of youth even when the laws have operated in the sensitive area of constitutionally protected rights.” New York v. Ferber, 458 U.S. 747, 756 (1982).

The new policy could be read to force disclosure of a student’s gender identity even when that disclosure endangers the student.

Student's are people with a right to privacy under the Fourth Amendment, the penumbras of the 9th Amendment under Griswold, Roe, and Obergofel. it is important that all people in the US, regardless of their age, have fundamental right to privacy, dignity, and basic respect.

For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


Protect LGBTQ+ Students and Virginia Educators

Maddie Franklin, University of Virginia School of Law Student

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The 2021 Model Policies contained over sixty resources for the treatment of trans students in Virginia’s K-12 public schools. The resources provided considered the needs of school divisions, professional development, students, parents, and advocacy organizations. The sources provided were up-to-date and many centered on trans students’ needs in particular, drawing from LGBTQ+ organizations such as GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign, the Trevor Project, the National Center for Transgender Equality, and PFLAG. The resources provided in the 2021 Model Policies also drew from professional associations and government agencies such as the American Psychological Association, the Virginia School Boards Association, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Education.

However, the 2022 Model Policies removed essentially all the above resources. Instead, they replaced the other resources with nine resources focused almost entirely on the parental roles in bullying prevention. Eight of these resources come from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, largely from the Centers for Disease Control in particular. The other resource comes from the U.S. Department of Justice. The 2022 Model Policies do not contain a single resource from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and none are tailored specifically toward trans students.

Preventing the bullying of all students, especially trans students, is an incredibly important goal for Virginia’s public schools. However, it is not the only issue that trans students face. By removing all resources from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in the 2022 Model Policies, VDOE sends its message loud and clear: it cares more about the parent’s role in bullying prevention, and not at all about the resources it can provide trans and other LGBTQ+ students in navigating bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

This is wrong because every child deserves these resources.  Denying children access to LGBTQ+ resources reinforces the notion that LGBTQ+ people do not exist and do not matter in our society.  This will have devastating effects on not only individual children, but society as a whole.  As someone with several gay, lesbian, and transgender cousins, I am concerned that LGBTQ+ people will be marginalized and harmed as a result of the erasure of LGBTQ+ resources from Virginia K-12 schools.

This also affects members of my family who are educators in Virginia K-12 public schools.  The teachers and school principal in my family need appropriate LGBTQ+ resources to do their jobs, which is to empower and educate students.  Effectively, the 2022 Model Policies deprive Virginia public educators from protecting and supporting their students who are finding their LGBTQ+ identities and from recognizing the many LGBTQ+ families who attend their schools.  The 2022 Model Policies send a message to Virginia public school families that ultimately Virginia's public educators will have to deal with.  This places unnecessary burdens on our educators who are already incredibly burdened.

For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


STRONGLY OPPOSE—PROTECT TRANS STUDENTS.

Caroline Riley, University of Virginia School of Law

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I am a third-year law student at the University of Virginia School of Law.  I strongly oppose the 2022 Model Policies—the Virginia state government should repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.

The 2022 Model Policies are going to significantly harm trans students.  The 2022 Model Policies define a “trans student” as “a public school student whose parent has requested, in writing, due to their child’s persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs from his or her sex, that their child be identified while at school.”  This is problematic because it removes the power from trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming students to realize their identity and instead defines their identity according to the parents’ views.  It also refers to gender identity as a “belief” instead of the realization of one’s identity.

The 2022 Model Policies will also have a demonstrably negative impact on trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming Virginians. These policies require facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms are segregated based on “biological sex.”  This baseline is already in conflict with federal law.  See Grimm v. Gloucester Cty. Sch. Bd., 972 F.3d 586, 613-15, 616-19 (4th Cir. 2020).  As the Fourth Circuit held, limiting bathroom access based on biological sex violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title IX.  Furthermore, if trans students cannot access facilities corresponding to their gender identities, it can cause significant harm such as urinary tract infections, suicidal ideation, and hospitalization.  For the physical and mental health of Virginia’s trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming students, the 2022 Model Policies must be rejected.

Virginia students deserve access to educational spaces where they can be safe and be themselves.  Protect trans students.  Reject the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


Transgender Rights

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<p>Are you serious??? STRONGLY OPPOSE!!! The harm this bill, if passed, is immeasurably harmful. </p>


Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Schools in VA Public Schools

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I support the Governor's proposal - the transgender issue should not be discussed with the student at school - it belongs at home, between parent and child.  Schools should focus on the old fundamentals of education, including math, science, history, language, etc.


AGREE with the new policy

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Stop training children to be political activists.


I oppose Youngkin’s anti-transgender policies!

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<p>I vehemently disagree with the policies on transgender students that Youngkin is proposing. Every child has the right to a safe school environment, and these policies will expose transgender children to ridicule and bullying. Transgender children are not perverts, or mentally ill. They are children who want their physical presentation to be in sync with how they feel inside. And they desperately want to be accepted. Other children cannot “catch” transgenderism. It is a deeply personal feeling when an individual realizes that their outward physical appearance does not match their inner life.  Make no mistake about it:  putting these policies into place will cause deaths. </p>


New transgender rules

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“As a Virginian citizen, I fully support the 2022 Model Policies. Parents – not school employees – should be the only ones discussing sexuality and any gender-confusion with their child. No school employee should ever seek to undermine a parent’s right to decide what is best for their child – especially not to push harmful Gender Confusion Theory on an underage student. Furthermore, it is unfair and wrong to allow biologically male athletes to compete as and against female athletes. Not only does this create an unfair advantage that discourages female athletes from even competing, but it forces female athletes to share private facilities like locker rooms and showers with males. This is a gross violation of their right to privacy. On top of which, in such situations female students are forced to endorse the lie that the male athletes have actually changed their gender. It is always wrong and harmful to push lies upon young students. Gender is based in biology, not mental confusion or preference.”


I strongly oppose these policies

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Kids need to be respected, safe, and self-actualized. One mold does not and has not ever fitted everyone. Don't try to harm people by attempting to force gender conformity!


Oppose this policy and save lives

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<p>A 2022 study shows that transgender adolescents face a 7.6 times higher risk of suicide than their cisgender peers. Policies like these will kill children--to be blunt. When we allow children to be themselves, they live, survive, and thrive. </p>


I support the proposed changes to the 2021 policy.

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I support the proposed (parent-friendly) changes to the 2021 policy.


Strongly oppose this policy

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No matter what spin he puts on it, this policy will further harm our trans children.   We need to raise our children with love and acceptance!


Strongly Opposed


Transgender Students

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<p>Strongly opposed </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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The 2021 Model Policies required that “[s]chools shall eliminate the practice of segregating students by gender to the extent possible.” These policies also required that when event participation was sex-segregated, school districts had to “allow students to participate in a manner consistent with their gender identity.”

The 2022 Model Policies remove the provision requiring schools to eliminate sex-segregation as much as possible. Now, these policies require that sex-segregation be based on biological sex as opposed to gender identity. While the 2022 Model Policies state, “[School Division] shall provide reasonable modifications to this policy only to the extent required by federal law,” they require districts to break federal law while trying to save face and tell them to follow it within the very same paragraphs.

This is wrong because children only lose out when they aren't able to access the learning and events appropriate to their identities. These guidelines will actively make children more ostracized, uncomfortable, and uninformed about important life information, like sex education, information about biology, and more.

I care deeply about this as a Virginia resident. I graduate from law school this year and the existence of these guidelines makes me unlikely to stay and serve in this state.


Strongly Opposed

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I OPPOSE the guidance as outlined in the Virginia Department of Education's 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.

This policy:

Is rooted in transphobia and seeks to further harm trans and nonbinary kids.

Seeks to erase trans and nonbinary youth from the classroom. They create a hostile & potentially dangerous school environment.

Requires teachers and school staff to forcibly “out” students to their parents against their will in some circumstances, such as where a student seeks counseling.

Prohibits teachers and school staff from supporting trans & nonbinary students, such as using a student’s affirming name & pronouns.

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

Is not backed by any scientific research and is a naked political attempt to appease the Governor Younkin’s far-right constituency at the expense of an already marginalized minority.

Polling shows that 85% of transgender and nonbinary youth, and two-thirds of all LGBTQ youth, say that recent debates around anti-trans bills have negatively impacted their mental health.

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (53%) of transgender and nonbinary youth. Nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide. However, LGBTQ youth who had access to an LGBTQ-affirming school reported lower rates of attempting suicide than those who did not. Additionally, learning about LGBTQ people or issues was associated with significantly lower odds (23%) of a past-year suicide attempt in LGBTQ students.

According to a poll conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of The Trevor Project, 85% of transgender and nonbinary youth — and two-thirds of all LGBTQ youth (66%) — say recent debates about state laws restricting the rights of transgender people have negatively impacted their mental health. When asked about proposed legislation that would require schools to tell a student's parent or guardian if they request to use a different name/pronoun or if they identify as LGBTQ at school, 45% of LGBTQ youth said it made them feel angry, 34% felt nervous, and nearly 1 in 3 felt stressed.

Having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ young people by 40 percent.

A 2021 peer-reviewed study by The Trevor Project’s researchers found that transgender and nonbinary youth who reported gender identity acceptance from teachers and peers had significantly lower odds of attempting suicide in the past year.

A 2020 peer-reviewed study by The Trevor Project’s researchers, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, found that transgender and nonbinary youth who experienced bathroom discrimination had more than 1.5 times the odds of attempting suicide in the past year compared to those who did not experience bathroom discrimination.

Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all or most people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected.

The Virginia Values Act bans discrimination against LGBTQ people in places of public accommodation, which includes educational institutions like public schools. This means that schools must offer a safe and equal learning environment to all students, teachers, and staff, including those who are LGBTQ.

The 2021 version of these same policies allow trans and non-binary youth to be safer from bullying, harassment, and discrimination at the hands of their peers, teachers, and school staff and administrators. It also guarantees that supports are in place to allow all youth, including trans and non-binary youth, to have access to an equal educational experience.

The 2021 legislation does not cover transgender and non-binary students’ participation in athletics. Instead, this is governed by the Virginia High School League (VHSL), which allows transgender youth to play on teams consistent with their gender identity through a waiver process requiring certain documentation and hearings. Many middle schools follow VHSL guidelines.

As the name of this proposed policy includes the work “privacy”, the VDE should leave well enough alone and stay out of the private lives of students, teachers, and staff who are LGBTQ.

Thank you.


Parental Rights


Strongly Support Parental Rights

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<p>Strongly support the rights of parents.  </p>


STRONGLY opposed

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Rather than support your constituents, which you claimed you wanted to do, you are deliberately choosing to target marginalized kids—KIDS—than use any of your power for good. Be kind. Follow the Christian values you claim to hold so dear and be kind, be gentle, love those around you, and stand up for those being harmed. Protect us.


Could not be more opposed

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<p>You think you’re helping parents and saving education, but you’re damaging kids lives. Wake up. </p>


Y'all suck for this; oppose.

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The lives and well-being of trans and nonbinary children are what matter most here. Do not adopt the 2022 model policies.


Repeal the harmful 2022 Model Policies: protect all children

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The 2021 Model Policies prohibited “any and all discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on an individual’s actual or perceived . . . sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.” The 2021 Model Policies also required that “[a]ny incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention” and that “[c]omplaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived gender identity shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” Finally, the 2021 Model Policies required the establishment of a school contact for both students and parents should the complaint be “not resolved at the school level.”

The 2022 Model Policies make disappointing and harmful changes to bullying, harassment, and discrimination policies. First, it removes the explicit protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Instead, the only gender identity term it protects explicitly is “sex” which is defined by the 2022 Model Policies as “biological sex.” While the bullying, harassment, and discrimination prohibitions also protect “any other characteristic protected by law,” the removal of sexual orientation and gender identity as explicit categories sends a clear message: VDOE does not care about LGBTQ+ youth being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against.

Second, the 2022 Model Policies require that “[s]chool personnel shall be trained annually on health and mental wellness support to, and safety of, all students.” This is a drastic change from the 2021 Model Policies which required “[a]ll school mental health professionals shall be trained annually on topics relating to LGBTQ+ students, including safety and support for LGBTQ+ students.” The 2022 Model Policies therefore explicitly erase required training for staff on LGBTQ+ health and mental well-being.

Thankfully, the 2022 Model Policies keep the language of the 2021 Model Policies that “[a]ny incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action, by the school administrator.” It also keeps the language that “[t]he [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students and parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” It also adds additional language that “[b]ullying of any student by another student, for any reason, cannot be tolerated in our schools. Intervening immediately to stop bullying on the spot can help ensure a safer school environment for all students.”

Stopping bullying for any student is an important goal for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. My concern is that gender identity and sexual orientation are no longer explicitly protected classes under the 2022 Model Policies and that school personnel are no longer required to obtain LGBTQ+ specific health and mental wellness professional development. In fact, it feels like VDOE is bullying the very trans kids they are claiming to protect by removing resources and policies aimed at supporting and protecting them.

This is wrong because all children deserve the right to thrive in school free from the stress and pressure of bullying. No parent should have to watch their child be bullied in school without ability to protect their child by supporting them being referred to by their preferred name.

This affects me as someone who changed their name before legally changing their name. Going by Max as a preferred name for ten years before legally changing my name gave me the chance to decide if i wanted to legally change my name before making the serious legal comitment of changing my name.

For these reasons, repeal the harmful 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


Transgender Students

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I am completely and absolutely opposed to the proposed "Model Policies." Transgender kids need all the protections they can get.


I oppose this legislatio, it is harmful to all students


2022 Model Policies Srongly SUPPORT

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As a Virginian citizen and retired science teacher, I fully support the 2022 Model Policies. Parents – not school employees – should be the only ones discussing sexuality and any gender-confusion with their child. No school employee should ever seek to undermine a parent’s right to decide what is best for their child – especially not to push harmful Gender Confusion Theory on an underage student. Furthermore, it is unfair and wrong to allow biologically male athletes to compete as and against female athletes. Not only does this create an unfair advantage that discourages female athletes from even competing, but it forces female athletes to share private facilities like locker rooms and showers with males. This is a gross violation of their right to privacy.  Gender is based in biology, not mental confusion or preference.


Support New guidelines

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When we start denying the obvious we as a society are going backwards to say the least. School is for teaching reading writing and arithmetic not that you are the wrong gender


I support this model policy

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I support parents and Governor Glen Youngkin!


New "transgender" school policy -- STRONGLY SUPPORT

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I strongly support Governor Youngkin's changes in favor of parents.  Parents ought to be active participants in the teaching of their children.  Allowing children's impressionable minds to be twisted by the devilish "transgender" ideologies of today is bad enough as it is.  Doing this without parents being made aware of what is going on is all the worse.


I Strongly Oppose This Policy

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<p>Governor Youngkin's draft model policy is rooted in transphobia and seeks to further harm trans and nonbinary kids. This already vulnerable population does not need additional hurdles to achieve simply being their authentic self. These harmful policies distract and take time and resources away from real issues, which I know exist from my friendships with teachers and parents in VA public schools. Please do not let allow pointless culture wars rooted in misinformation take precedence over students being able to live their lives and pursue their education in a safe and supportive manner. </p>


Support

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When we start denying the obvious we as a society are going backwards to say the least.


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Students who have names that are not English may have common nicknames but under the 2022 Model Policies it is not clear that those students would be able to be referred to by their nickname. For example, my friend YiNong attended boarding school in Charlottesville as a Chinese citizen. Once in Virginia, he adopted the name “Nick” to better assimilate to American culture and to prevent his peers and teachers from mis-pronouncing his name. Under the 2022 Policies his student records would not reflect the name that everyone in college admissions and afterwards would know him by: Nick. Nick did not legally change his name and because he is not an American. Under the 2022 Model policies his parents would not be able to request that the teachers at his school refer to him as Nick, nor would Nick. They are deprived of that important right to request that their son be referred to in a way that would facilitate his integration to American culture. The 2022 Policies allow for common nicknames, but it is unclear how this would apply to people with non-english names. Therefore, any student should be able to be referred to by a preferred name that is not their legal name without proof of court order. Furthermore, requiring a court order will place an undue burden on the court system.

Schools are critical safe havens for students to express themselves, and to grow as human beings. The 2022 Model Policies will not create a learning environment that is safe for all students. Instead, they will result in school district policies that threaten transgender students’ identity and basic humanity, ostracize them, and deprive them of the same opportunities afforded to cisgender students. Courts have long recognized that separating students because of innate characteristics is harmful. The 2022 Model Policies will inflict such harm on transgender and nonbinary students.

For these reasons, repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies to respect the rights of all children and parents.


Strongly Opposed to These Policies

Sujata Bajracharya, University of Virginia School of Law

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The 2021 Model Policies provided students an absolute right to dress in a way consistent with their gender identity or expression. However, the 2022 Model Policies impose a caveat to that right– and that caveat is concerningly vague. Namely, the 2022 Model Policies permit students to dress in any manner but requires that such manner must be “consistent with maintaining a respectful, distraction-free environment which supports a focus on learning for all students.”

Such vagueness may be a means to a discriminatory end. The 2022 Model Policies may allow schools to impose dress code limitations based on gender expectations because going against that expectation may be deemed a “distraction.” This vagueness gives schools and individual teachers too much power and discretion at the expense of targeting trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming students’ attire.

The vagueness in the 2022 Model Policies may also violate the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the federal Constitution. Since the new policy does not provide any guidance to students as to what constitutes a “respectful, distraction-free environment,” an ordinary student will not understand what that phrase means regarding attire.

This is wrong because it leaves students and schools uncertain about what is "appropriate" dress in school, and leaves schools with an inappropriate level of discretion to penalize students for personal expression. Children are forming their identity while at school and should not be punished for dressing in the way that most comfortably accords with their gender identity. When children are comfortable, they are better able to learn.

I care about this deeply as a law student and a woman, because I understand both the enormous legal flaws in these guidelines and because I understand what it is like to have dress codes used to unfairly police people based on their identity. At no time has this ever helped a student learn or improved a learning environment.

For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


I strongly support Gov. Youngkin!

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I strongly support Gov. Youngkin!


NO TO THESE POLICIES

Madeleine Hart, University of Virginia School of Law

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These policies are so outrageous! Conservatives harken back to the past, but in the past, kids had so much more privacy! My grandmother just went out into the woods to play every day and came back for dinner. There was so much more room for children to discover and craft their identity. Why are these helicopter parents so obsessed with controlling every moment of their children's lives?

The reality is, children are going to die if these policies are adopted! Using the law to restrict and control kids' abilities to express themselves leads to clinical depression and suicide. Conservatives love to talk about science, and this is science! Regardless of whether you personally can empathize with the trans experience, you need to understand how this issue has a measurable affect on children. I am so worried for the future. Leave kids alone! Let them play outside in the woods and discover themselves!


KEEP YOUR OPINIONS AWAY FROM MY KIDS-OPPOSED

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please repeal this new proposal that is not in support of LGBTQ kids. They are still trying to figure out who they are, why do you feel the need to be involved in personal family matters


OPPOSED; there will be blood on your hands.

Life-long Virginian; believer in fundamental human rights

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How dare you put the lives and well-being of trans youth at risk in the name of "parental rights"? The statistics are clear on this issue. If you ignore them, you are directly responsible for the young lives that will be lost upon the implementation of this policy. I am a life-long Virginian, a student, someone who knows and loves trans community members, and a believer in basic human rights and dignity.

LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020)

45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth

73% of LGBTQ youth report that they had experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity at least once in their lifetime, and those who did attempted suicide at more than twice the rate of those who did not in the past year

Having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ young people by 40 percent.


Good policies

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<p>I think these policies are good. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I oppose the proposed changes.

The 2022 Model Policies are no improvement over the 2021 Model Policies, which prohibited “any and all discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on an individual’s actual or perceived . . . sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.” The 2021 Model Policies also required that “[a]ny incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention,” and that “[c]omplaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived gender identity shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” Finally, the 2021 Model Policies required the establishment of a school contact for both students and parents should the complaint be “not resolved at the school level.”

Instead, the 2022 Model Policies are a step backwards with respect to bullying, harassment, and discrimination. First, they remove the explicit protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, protecting only “biological sex.” Removing these protections sends a clear message: VDOE does not care whether LGBTQ+ youth are bullied, harassed, or discriminated against.

Second, the 2022 Model Policies require that “[s]chool personnel shall be trained annually on health and mental wellness support to, and safety of, all students.” While that sounds good, it is a drastic change from the 2021 Model Policies which required “[a]ll school mental health professionals shall be trained annually on topics relating to LGBTQ+ students, including safety and support for LGBTQ+ students.” The proposed changes eliminate required training for staff on LGBTQ+ health and mental well-being.

The 2022 Model Policies claim to care about bullying, noting that “[a]ny incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action, by the school administrator.” They also state that “[b]ullying of any student by another student, for any reason, cannot be tolerated in our schools. Intervening immediately to stop bullying on the spot can help ensure a safer school environment for all students.”

Stopping bullying for any student is an important goal for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. But if gender identity and sexual orientation are no longer explicitly protected classes under the 2022 Model Policies, and school personnel are no longer required to obtain LGBTQ+ specific health and mental wellness professional development, VDOE is failing to protect all of Virginia’s children.


STRONGLY OPPOSE These Guidelines Will Actively Harm Virginia Children and Parents.

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As a parent of a student in Virginia public schools, I am outraged that the proposed guidelines force transgender and nonbinary students to use facilities that do not match their gender identity and make it difficult for children and their parents to use their correct names and pronouns at school. These guidelines discriminate against children on the basis of their sex, gender identity, and gender expression, a clear violation of state and federal law. They will create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment.

The guidelines violate my rights as a parent to have my child attend safe schools free from discrimination and bullying. My child has several friends and classmates who identify as trans and non-binary. There are also trans and nonbinary children in our congregation. Thanks to the supportive environment in the public schools, these children enjoy the support of their peers and their teachers. Threatening the safe space they have found to be themselves at school is unconscionable. These guidelines pose an active threat to children my family cares about.

My child has faced his own mental health struggles, which he has dealt with thanks to confidential support and advice from teachers and school counselors. I cannot stand idly by while the governor imposes guidelines that threaten the ability of teachers and counselors to help children whose mental health is at risk. Over half of transgender and nonbinary youth, including one child we know personally, report considering suicide. Evidence shows that access to LGBTQ-affirming schools lowers the suicide risk of LGBTQ students. Children will die if these disgusting and cruel policies are implemented.

We are a Jewish family whose religion teaches that all people must be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of gender identity and expression. By singling out whole categories of children for discriminatory treatment, these policies violate our religious freedom.

A 2020 Virginia law requires school districts to develop model policies to protect trans and non-binary students in accordance with evidence-based best practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, and American Medical Association all recommend that trans children use facilities, names, and pronouns consistent with their gender identity; recommending otherwise is a clear violation of evidence-based best practices.

By willingly subjecting LGBTQ+ students to abuse based on their sex and gender identity, these guidelines violate the Virginian Human Rights Act, the federal Civil Rights Act, Title IX, and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Schools in Virginia have been found guilty of discrimination for imposing the bathroom policies recommended in these guidelines.


Repeal 2022 Model Policies

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The 2022 Model Policies are wrong and are going to significantly harm trans students. The 2022 Model Policies dangerously require misgendering and deadnaming trans students when the student’s preferred name and pronouns are not accurately reflected on student records. Some studies have shown that use of a trans student’s preferred name not only assists with social transition, but also reduces mental health risks such as depression, and suicidal ideation and attempts. https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(18)30085-5/fulltext.

The 2022 Model Policies also require sex segregation of facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms based on “biological sex.” While the 2022 Model Policies permit school districts to modify the policies “to the extent required by federal law,” the baseline is already in conflict with federal law. First of all, these requirements conflict with federal law. See Grimm v. Gloucester Cty. Sch. Bd., 972 F.3d 586, 613-15, 616-19 (4th Cir. 2020) (the court reasoning that trans discrimination for bathroom access based on biological sex failed both the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution as well as Title IX); see also https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/t9nprm-factsheet.pdf. Second of all, lack of trans students’ access to facilities corresponding with their gender identity can result in urinary tract infections, alienation, humiliation, suicidal ideation, and hospitalization. See, e.g., Grimm v. Gloucester Cty. Sch. Bd., 972 F.3d 586, 600 (4th Cir. 2020).

Scientific evidence shows that VDOE has already harmed trans peoples’ mental health, trans students in particular. Scientific evidence also shows that the 2022 Model Policies will only worsen that trend. Many trans students are going to not just suffer worse mental health outcomes but die because of the 2022 Model Policies. I ask VDOE and the Virginia state government to think critically about if that is the right price to pay for “parental rights.”

Being transgender is not a choice, and trans students deserve to be supported both inside and outside of classroom. Trans lives matter, and it is critical to affirm trans students' experiences and gender identity. For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


Experienced Teacher Strongly Opposes New Policy

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I have taught in the public school system in rural Virginia for a decade. I have worked with several transgender students, many of whom were struggling to find their own self-worth.

In all my years of teaching, here are some of the things I've witnessed: transgender students struggling to make friends, fighting feelings of isolation, and working hard to believe they have a place in our world. Some have attempted suicide.

Here's something I have NEVER witnessed: students pretending to be transgender because they want to go into a different bathroom, or using such a status to abuse institutions or other students.

This new cruel policy preys on those who are already the most vulnerable so our governor can pick up some "political wins." And under these guidelines, if a parent asks the school to use their transgender child's preferred identity and pronouns, any teacher or administrator can flat out refuse. This is not, and has never been, about "parental rights."


Repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies

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I am a current Virginia resident and a current Virginia student, I am concerned about how these model policies will impact the rights of transgender students in schools. I have family members who are transgender, and people affirming their gender identity has been an immensely positive development in their life.

I oppose the 2022 Proposed Model Policies on the grounds that it violates student privacy. The t2022 Proposed Model Policies removes school staff ability to “consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their gender identity,” a protection that was in the 2021 Model Policies. While schools are indeed required to comply with FERPA, and parents do have a recognized right to their children’s educational information, those rights are not absolute when they endanger those children’s wellbeing. Further, the 2021 Model Policies permitted disclosure of a student’s gender identity only to other school personnel when there was a legitimate educational interest. The 2022 Model Policies require outing trans students to their parents along with school staff with a legitimate educational interest.

As the 2021 Model Policies acknowledged, disclosing a transgender student's gender identity to an unsupportive family “can pose imminent safety risks, such as losing family support or housing.” A recent study by the Trevor Project reported that 38% of transgender girls, 39% of transgender boys, and 35% of nonbinary youth surveyed had experienced homelessness and housing instability at some point in their lives. ( Homelessness and Housing Instability Among LGBTQ Youth, The Trevor Project, https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/homelessness-and-housing-instability-among-lgbtq-youth-feb-2022/.) These rates are disproportionately greater for non-white LGBTQ+ youth. Id. 16% of LGBTQ+ youth reported running away because of fears of abuse, 14% reported that they were kicked out or abandoned by parents or caregivers. Id.

The United States Supreme Court has found that “a State's interest in safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of a minor is compelling,” and as a result has “sustained legislation aimed at protecting the physical and emotional well-being of youth even when the laws have operated in the sensitive area of constitutionally protected rights.” New York v. Ferber, 458 U.S. 747, 756 (1982).

The new policy could be read to force disclosure of a student’s gender identity even when that disclosure endangers the student.

This is wrong because it will endanger the well-being of transgender youth throughout Virginia. Transgender students are already a vulnerable population, and the state should be adopting policies that support these students, rather than involuntarily out them.

This affects me as a concerned Virginia resident because I have an interest in seeing transgender students protected and supported.

For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


2022 Model Policies Srongly SUPPORT

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As a Virginian citizen, I fully support the 2022 Model Policies. Parents – not school employees – should be the only ones discussing sexuality and any gender-confusion with their child. No school employee should ever seek to undermine a parent’s right to decide what is best for their child – especially not to push harmful Gender Confusion Theory on an underage student. Furthermore, it is unfair and wrong to allow biologically male athletes to compete as and against female athletes. Not only does this create an unfair advantage that discourages female athletes from even competing, but it forces female athletes to share private facilities like locker rooms and showers with males. This is a gross violation of their right to privacy. Gender is based in biology, not mental confusion or preference.


2022 Model Policies

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I am a Virginian citizen who supports the 2022 Model Policies. Parents are the ONLY ones that should discuss sexuality or ANY gender information with their children. I WILL NOT ALLOW any school employee to undermine my right as a parent to determine what is best for my child, ESPECIALLY the evil GENDER CONFUSION and CRT THEORIES.

It is also unfair and wrong to allow biologically male athletes to compete as and against female athletes. Not only does this create an unfair advantage that discourages female athletes from even competing, but it forces female athletes to share private facilities like locker rooms and showers with males. This is a  violation of their right to privacy. In these situations female students are forced to endorse the lie that the male athletes have actually changed their gender. It is ABSOLUTELY wrong and harmful to force these lies upon young students. Gender is based in biology and not mental confusion or preference.


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Absolutely oppose! Keep trans kids in our schools and push Youngkin and his hateful legislation out of OUR PUBLIC schools. Forcing the DOE to make these policy changes is sad and harmful. We all know this is coming from Youngkin and not the DOE. Let’s do what the DOE does (https://doe.virginia.gov/statistics_reports/index.shtml) and look at some collected data so we may make an informed decision:

Polling shows that 85% of transgender and nonbinary youth, and two-thirds of all LGBTQ youth, say that recent debates around anti-trans bills have negatively impacted their mental health.

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (53%) of transgender and nonbinary youth. Nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide. However, LGBTQ youth who had access to an LGBTQ-affirming schoolreported lower rates of attempting suicide than those who did not. Additionally, learning about LGBTQ people or issues was associated with significantly lower odds (23%) of a past-year suicide attempt in LGBTQ students.

According to a poll conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of The Trevor Project, 85% of transgender and nonbinary youth — and two-thirds of all LGBTQ youth (66%) — say recent debates about state laws restricting the rights of transgender people have negatively impacted their mental health. When asked about proposed legislation that would require schools to tell a student's parent or guardian if they request to use a different name/pronoun or if they identify as LGBTQ at school, 45% of LGBTQ youth said it made them feel angry, 34% felt nervous, and nearly 1 in 3 felt stressed.

Having at least one accepting adultcan reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ young people by 40 percent.

A 2021 peer-reviewed study by The Trevor Project’s researchers found that transgender and nonbinary youth who reported gender identity acceptance from teachers and peers had significantly lower odds of attempting suicide in the past year.

A 2020 peer-reviewed study by The Trevor Project’s researchers, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, found that transgender and nonbinary youth who experienced bathroom discrimination had more than 1.5 times the odds of attempting suicide in the past year compared to those who did not experience bathroom discrimination.

Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all or most people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected.

I would like for my and your kids to survive a public education in the state of Virginia.


Completely against this policy-dangerous to our children

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The transgender bathroom policy is a danger to the safety of our children.  Let kids be themselves.


Maintain Parental Rights. Support 2022 Model Policies

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As a native born Virginian, I fully support the 2022 Model Policies. Parents – not school employees – should be the only ones discussing sexuality and any gender-confusion with their child. No school employee should ever seek to undermine a parent’s right to decide what is best for their child – especially not to push harmful Gender Confusion Theory on an underage student. Furthermore, it is unfair and wrong to allow biologically male athletes to compete as and against female athletes. Not only does this create an unfair advantage that discourages female athletes from even competing, but it forces female athletes to share private facilities like locker rooms and showers with males. This is a gross violation of their right to privacy. On top of which, in such situations female students are forced to endorse the lie that the male athletes have actually changed their gender. It is always wrong and harmful to push lies upon young students. Gender is based in biology, not mental confusion or preference. Do not be bullied by the everything-is-acceptable culture, or the hyper-sexualization of children movement. Stand your ground and stand up for parents rights to raise their children. Parents, not the government, are responsible for their kids.


Strongly Opposed

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The 2022 proposed Model Policies present contradictory standards regarding the identification of students. While III(D)(1) states that “Every effort should be made to ensure that a transgender student wishing to change his or her means of address is treated with respect, compassion, and dignity in the classroom and school environment,” the guidelines which follow require school staff to misgender (use the wrong pronouns for) and deadname (use the wrong name for) transgender students unless their parents specifically request otherwise in writing. For a student with an unsupportive family, that requirement presents an impossible hurdle.

Forcing staff to use names and pronouns that do not match a student’s presentation and identity will cause real harm. Respecting trans students’ preferred names improves their mental health and lowers suicidal ideation and attempts. (Stephen T. Russell et al., Chosen Name Use Is Linked to Reduced Depressive Symptoms, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicidal Behavior Among Transgender Youth, Journal of Adolescent Health https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X18300855). Additionally, if the proposed guidelines are applied consistently, they could expose any child who goes by a name other than their legal name of record to embarrassment and bullying.

This is wrong because children deserve to feel safe and respected in their learning environments. Children spend much of their days in school and are deeply affected by how they are treated and spoken to in school, and we know the serious consequences of denying trans kids' identities.

This matters to me deeply as someone in law school in Virginia, because I care about the future of this state and whether it is welcoming to my current future colleagues of all gender identities. These guidelines will lose Virginia a generation of future advocates and leaders.


OPPOSE

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Trans kids are not hurting anyone. This change, however, would harm many students who need our support. This is cruel and not what Virginians need to be focusing on right now. Why is inflicting pain so important to you? Leave trans kids alone if you can't do anything positive for them! Just let them be!


Strongly Oppose the 2022 Policy

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The proposed policy will be harmful to transgender youth by making schools and perhaps their homes less safe for them.  Gender identity is not a choice and people should not be bullied or made to feel abnormal because of their gender identity.  Have the people who wrote this ever sat down and talked with transgender kids or adults?


In support of parental rights/guidance

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Parents should definitely be included on discussions of such importance regarding their children.


Do not adopt the 2022 Model Policies

Ariana Smith, University of Virginia School of Law

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My name is Ariana Smith, and I'm a law student at the University of Virginia. I've lived in Charlottesville for my entire life. I oppose the 2022 Model Policies because I believe in basic human rights and dignity. I am a queer Virginian student who loves and knows many trans community members, including my best friend of 12 years. This policy will result in immeasurable harm to our trans community members, primarily students, by stripping them of dignity and autonomy and opening the door for increased bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

The 2022 Model Policies define far fewer terms regarding gender identity than the 2021 Model Policies. The 2021 Model Policies defined eleven scientifically-backed and LGBTQ+-inclusive terms surrounding gender identity. The 2022 Model Policies define only two terms regarding gender identity: “sex” and “transgender student.”

Neither of these definitions meet the evidence-based best practices as is required in Va. Code § 22.1-23.3(A). Sex is defined as “biological sex” in the 2022 Model Policies. The 2022 Model Policies also define “transgender student” as “a public school student whose parent has requested in writing, due to their child’s persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs with his or her sex, that their child be so identified while at school.” Both these definitions use outdated and scientifically incorrect terminology in defining the trans identity.

Notably, the 2022 Model Policies define being trans as depending on parents’ recognition instead of the student’s self-identification. This cannot stand. They further call being trans the student’s “belief” which reinforces the false narrative that being trans is a choice as opposed to a deeply held knowledge and realization of one’s identity. It further operates on a male/female binary by using the term “his or her” that is demonstrably and scientifically false as it erases the existence of intersex and nonbinary people. This shift in definitions completely strips trans children of the self-determination of their identity in Virginia’s public schools. It will be extremely degrading to the mental health of young transgender community members during a vulnerable and formative time in their lives. I know that for my best friend, an affirmation of their nonbinary identity was absolutely life-saving. If you pass this model policy, there will be blood on your hands. Failing to affirm the identity of trans and nonbinary youth will lead to depression, anxiety, and likely self-harm, if not suicide. You cannot ask our community members to exist in a world where their very identity as a human being is fundamentally denied.

Furthermore, these model policies pave the way for increased bullying, harassment, and discrimination. The 2021 Model Policies prohibited “any and all discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on an individual’s actual or perceived . . . sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.” The 2021 Model Policies also required that “[a]ny incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention” and that “[c]omplaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived gender identity shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” Finally, the 2021 Model Policies required the establishment of a school contact for both students and parents should the complaint be “not resolved at the school level.” The 2022 Model Policies make disappointing and harmful changes to bullying, harassment, and discrimination policies. First, it removes the explicit protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Instead, the only gender identity term it protects explicitly is “sex” which is defined by the 2022 Model Policies as “biological sex.” While the bullying, harassment, and discrimination prohibitions also protect “any other characteristic protected by law,” the removal of sexual orientation and gender identity as explicit categories sends a clear message: VDOE does not care about LGBTQ+ youth being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against.

Second, the 2022 Model Policies require that “[s]chool personnel shall be trained annually on health and mental wellness support to, and safety of, all students.” This is a drastic change from the 2021 Model Policies which required “[a]ll school mental health professionals shall be trained annually on topics relating to LGBTQ+ students, including safety and support for LGBTQ+ students.” The 2022 Model Policies therefore explicitly erase required training for staff on LGBTQ+ health and mental well-being.

Stopping bullying for any student is an important goal for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. My concern is that gender identity and sexual orientation are no longer explicitly protected classes under the 2022 Model Policies and that school personnel are no longer required to obtain LGBTQ+ specific health and mental wellness professional development. In fact, it feels like VDOE is bullying the very trans kids they are claiming to protect by removing resources and policies aimed at supporting and protecting them.

For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


Transgender Policy

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To protect all students and teachers, I support Youngkin's policy so there are no more Loudon County rapes in schools. Protect schools from lawsuits from families of victims by providing a structure for gender notification. Those students who walked out of class have parents who are aware of their child's orientation. Let parents be parents. Help schools assist parents who have transgender students and create a process for communication. Students cannot decide in a moment that one day they are male and another day they are female.


This policy put kids in danger

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Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018) — and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at significantly increased risk. LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020).

We need safe spaces for children with strong consideration and care for transgender children.

These kids are suffering, and our society should help them, not hurt them. This model policy is a callous attempt to score political points at the expense of the health and safety or our children. Shame on you.


STRONGLY OPPOSE - New Transgender Policy

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The statistics are clear.

LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020)

45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, includingmore than half of transgender and nonbinary youth

73% of LGBTQ youth report that they had experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity at least once in their lifetime, and those who did attempted suicide at more than twice the rate of those who did not in the past year

Having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ young people by 40 percent.