I respect all students and parents, and I oppose this policy

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I respect students, I respect parents, and I respect peoples right to practice their religion and to teach their religion and religious values to their children at home. I do understand that there are parents who are not in favor of their children expressing a gender identity that is different from the one that matches their child’s genitals, assuming that the child has a clear-cut and non-ambiguous set of genitals which appointed the doctors to declare the child to be one sex or the other at birth.

I am not advocating for schools to subvert what parents teach their children at home. I absolutely understand that parents are going to raise their children with a clear understanding of what the parents’ beliefs and values are.

here’s the problem, though. If a child is raised in a household where the parents have taught the child that being transgender is completely unacceptable and the parents will not support or create a safe space for their child to Xpress their gender, if it deviates from the one which was assigned to them at birth, then children are naturally going to pull away from their parents and become closed off and distant from their parents about the topic of gender identity.

When kids who realize that they’re gender identity does not match their assigned gender at birth, this is a huge struggle for kids. It’s painful, it can be scary and disorienting and alienating and anxiety producing. The world is not kind to trans people, and this absolutely includes trans youth.

Some parents even go as far as threatening to throw their kids out on the street if they come out as trans, or they physically or psychologically abuse their kids if they identity as trans.

For trans youth who are trying to stay stable, battle depression and family alienation, and combat suicidal ideation when they are rejected by their families for expressing who they really know themselves to be, schools can be a safe place for kids to simply use the name and pronouns that make them feel okay, themselves, and not-miserable.

The anti-trans movement has gotten rather hysterical and ridiculous about what they think is happening in schools. No one is advocating that surgical clinics should be set up in the gymnasium to perform gender reassignment surgery on children. All that’s being asked, is that kids can be safe to use the name and pronouns that match their identify gender, and that teachers will call them by this name and these pronouns.  We know that when we try to force kids to live in a gender that does not match who they know themselves to be, this causes worse depression and suicidal thoughts and intentions in trans youth.
this policy needs to be scrapped, and instead, we need to get reasonable, kind, loving, caring community members to come together and create a policy that keeps our kids safe, brings us together as a community, respects that parents want to teach their children about their own religious values, but also understands that kids can’t grow up to improve their relationships with their parents when they have struggled over transition issues, if the children have already committed suicide.

We need to keep our children safe, and setting up draconian and alienating policies like this one is not going to achieve that goal.

Those of us who are reasonable, caring, balanced community members who want fair and workable education policies need to come together to figure out how to keep ALL our kids safe and supported in a way that is not divisive, doesn’t fan the flames of anti-trans sentiment, anti-Christian sentiment, or anti-anyone sentiment.

Let’s do something amazing. Let’s model for our kids how to effectively problem-solve a difficult social and political issue. Instead of taking harmful and divisive stances, let’s work together to find a way to love ALL our kids, keep ALL our kids safe, and help all of us - parents, educators, administration, school board members, elected officials, and students, to become inspired and motivated to work together in our Commonwealth to craft policies that help and don’t hurt.

We can do better. So many of us want a nurturing and kind community and public policies, not divisive and hate-filled ones. Let those of us who want to work to craft effective policies do so with respect and thoughtfulness.

This proposal is entirely hurtful to kids who are already hurting, and it does nothing to bring broken families together. It will increase the mental health crisis among trans kids. It doesn’t help schools or society.

Let’s work together as neighbors and fellow citizens to make a better way. Not just let politicians use us to score political points with divisive policies that hurt many kids and drive us further apart as a society. Come on, Virginians. We can do better than that.


Completely OPPOSE this cruel, authoritarian anti-trans policy

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This proposed policy is a cruel violation of the basic rights of trans & non-binary students, and must not be implemented. It removes all autonomy from students regarding their ability to express their gender and to have that recognized by the school, their teachers, and staff. It ignores the desires, requests, and needs of students in favor of giving parents sole authority to speak on students’ identities, names, & pronouns. It forcibly “outs” trans & non-binary students to their parents. It strips trans students of their basic dignity, privacy, and safety. Finally, it subjects students to blatant discrimination based on gender identity by excluding them from facilities & activities matching their gender identity.

The proposed policy specifically names Privacy, Dignity, & Respect as key principles underpinning the new policy - but in reality, the policy brutally tramples on the privacy, dignity, and respect of every single trans & non-binary student in the Virginia public school system:

Privacy & Safety: By mandating that the school system report any information about a student's gender identity to parents, the privacy of students is irreparably compromised. The safety of many trans & non-binary students with transphobic parents will also be compromised by disclosing the trans status of the student to the parents without the student's consent. Trans students are also stripped of their privacy (and for trans girls, actively endangered) by being forced to use facilities (bathrooms, locker rooms, etc) not corresponding to their gender identity.

Dignity & Respect: By not only allowing, but also enforcing the misgendering & deadnaming of students, the DoE is creating an incredibly hostile environment for students and stripping them of the basic dignity & respect they are entitled to. Stripping students’ autonomy to decide their gender expression, how their gender is recognized, & the facilities they are able to use makes this hostile environment utterly intolerable.

The policy as a whole - and in particular the provision banning trans students from bathrooms matching their gender identity - is also at direct odds with the legal precedent set in Grimm vs Gloucester County School Board.

Finally, Youngkin & the DoE’s claim that prohibitng the misgendering & deadnaming of students is a violation of free speech rights is contradictory to the new policy mandating the misgendering & deadnaming of students. If prohibiting misgendering & deadnaming violates free speech rights, it necessarily follows that mandating misgendering & deadnaming similarly violates the free speech rights of teachers & staff.

This cruel, authoritarian policy is based in nothing but anti-trans bigotry, and will not survive a legal challenge. Attempts to enforce it will irreparably harm students, and will cost Virginia taxpayers millions in unnecessary legal fees to defend the unethical policy in court. It must not be implemented.


Protect Emotionally Vulnerable Children and Parental Rights!

Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Martha Braun
1650 Circle Ln SE
Lacey, WA 98503

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Martha Braun
<br />1650 Circle Ln SE<br />Lacey, WA 98503<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148305342" width="1" height="1" />


Thank You

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Thank you Governor for protecting our children. We strongly agree to this policy.


Government over-reach gone mad?

Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts. I am a retired public school teacher with 31 years of service and I agree with the following quote from the model policies regarding the rightful role of parents. However, by using the word 'limitations' the policy still does not adequately state the view strongly enough:
"The U.S. Constitution, the Virginia Constitution, federal law, state law, and relevant case law place, beyond debate, the rights of parents to be informed about their children and the limitations of government to usurp parents’ rightful role. Additionally, decades of research conducted worldwide has consistently concluded that parental involvement in a child’s education and development is paramount."  https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/GetFile.cfm?File=C:\TownHall\docroot\GuidanceDocs_Proposed\201\GDoc_DOE_6284_20220915.pdf
In my view, the sentence reads better with the word 'prohibits' in place of 'the limitations of.' Government is by the people and for the people. American government is in place to serve its citizens. Pulic schools exist to serve their citizens who are parents of their children. Parents retain the right and the sole responsibility to raise and educate their children. Public schools are established by the citizens to serve the children of their according to informed parents. Children are not the property of the state. Parents permit schools to prepare the children of the parents. The parents retain the authority to conduct or oversee their children's education. For free citizens to maintain the liberty for its future citizens (our children) are to be educated for citizenship and to become a productive free members of our adult society.
The school district belongs to the parents of the children that attend the school. The teachers and administrators are there to serve the parents by providing a safe learning environment. This whole debate seems to be backwards in that schools have no authority except that which the citizens permit for having a safe orderly environment for learing and natural development. As free thinking adults they would have the ability to decide about elective surgery. As children who will ultimately live with the outcomes of these decisions it is only in the best interest of the adult who is directly impacted by the effect of the decsion.
Kids have imagination and can imagine themselves, ballerinas, cowboys, athletes and can pretend to be almost anything or anyone -- like actors do. A childs ability to imagine is not an indicator of preference nor does it give informed consent for long-term and often irreversible medical procedures and surgeries.
Let children become adults who are capable of informed consent to a medical procedure to the standards at least as rigorous as the same standard used to conduct medical research.  Code of Federal RegulationsTITLE 45PUBLIC WELFAREDEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESPART 46PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS
Found here: https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/regulations/45-cfr-46/revised-common-rule-regulatory-text/index.html
We share an obligation to protect human subjects, adults and children alike. Gender manipulation and inappropriate sexualization of children is not in impartial consideration of the child's long-term benefit or for the society that incurs the social costs of irreversible medical procedures associated with volitional gender options that potentially endanger the health and adult sexuality of the child.
If a child imagined to be blind, a responsible doctor wouldn't presume to remove their eyesight. If a kid thought about life as peg-legged pirate, we wouldn't amputate, because we know there are long-term effects for such procedures for the child's long-term well-being as an adult. A child's biological reproduction capabilities (not yet developed) is certainly beyond a childs ability to give informed consent.
This whole issue is so harmful to children that to bring it to public debate casts doubt on the motives of the adults who advocate this for children, especially those children not their own.
Leave the children alone to grow as their genetic code directs.
Thank You,
David Ream

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Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts. I am a retired public school teacher with 31 years of service and I agree with the following quote from the model policies regarding the rightful role of parents. However, by using the word 'limitations' the policy still does not adequately state the view strongly enough:

"The U.S. Constitution, the Virginia Constitution, federal law, state law, and relevant case law place, beyond debate, the rights of parents to be informed about their children and the limitations of government to usurp parents’ rightful role. Additionally, decades of research conducted worldwide has consistently concluded that parental involvement in a child’s education and development is paramount."  https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/GetFile.cfm?File=C:\TownHall\docroot\GuidanceDocs_Proposed\201\GDoc_DOE_6284_20220915.pdf

In my view, the sentence reads better with the word 'prohibits' in place of 'the limitations of.' Government is by the people and for the people. American government is in place to serve its citizens. Pulic schools exist to serve their citizens who are parents of their children. Parents retain the right and the sole responsibility to raise and educate their children. Public schools are established by the citizens to serve the children of their according to informed parents. Children are not the property of the state. Parents permit schools to prepare the children of the parents. The parents retain the authority to conduct or oversee their children's education. For free citizens to maintain the liberty for its future citizens (our children) are to be educated for citizenship and to become a productive free members of our adult society.

The school district belongs to the parents of the children that attend the school. The teachers and administrators are there to serve the parents by providing a safe learning environment. This whole debate seems to be backwards in that schools have no authority except that which the citizens permit for having a safe orderly environment for learing and natural development. As free thinking adults they would have the ability to decide about elective surgery. As children who will ultimately live with the outcomes of these decisions it is only in the best interest of the adult who is directly impacted by the effect of the decsion.

Kids have imagination and can imagine themselves, ballerinas, cowboys, athletes and can pretend to be almost anything or anyone -- like actors do. A childs ability to imagine is not an indicator of preference nor does it give informed consent for long-term and often irreversible medical procedures and surgeries.

Let children become adults who are capable of informed consent to a medical procedure to the standards at least as rigorous as the same standard used to conduct medical research.  Code of Federal Regulations
TITLE 45
PUBLIC WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PART 46
PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS

Found here: https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/regulations/45-cfr-46/revised-common-rule-regulatory-text/index.html

We share an obligation to protect human subjects, adults and children alike. Gender manipulation and inappropriate sexualization of children is not in impartial consideration of the child's long-term benefit or for the society that incurs the social costs of irreversible medical procedures associated with volitional gender options that potentially endanger the health and adult sexuality of the child.

If a child imagined to be blind, a responsible doctor wouldn't presume to remove their eyesight. If a kid thought about life as peg-legged pirate, we wouldn't amputate, because we know there are long-term effects for such procedures for the child's long-term well-being as an adult. A child's biological reproduction capabilities (not yet developed) is certainly beyond a childs ability to give informed consent.

This whole issue is so harmful to children that to bring it to public debate casts doubt on the motives of the adults who advocate this for children, especially those children not their own.

Leave the children alone to grow as their genetic code directs.

Thank You,

David Ream


Strongly support proposal

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As a mother I strongly support Governor Youngkin's proposal. Thank you, Governor Youngkin for truly caring about our children and supporting the rights of parents to do the same.  May God bless you and your efforts!


strongly oppose

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Instructing teachers and public school staff to notify parents and family of a students’ gender identity is dangerous, a violation of privacy, and an unnecessary, harmful, and pointless form of shaming trans youth.

I work with kids and youth a lot, went to a mostly affirming public school in Virginia, and have friends who identify as trans or non-binary. In every instance I have seen, even in the best of situations, these students in public schools are already under stress greater than that of many of their peers. It is difficult to hide a part of who one is, especially from those closest to them.

The friends and kids I have worked with are not lying to their parents. They are not trying to hurt those who do not know. They are not dangerous, defective, or in any need of “fixing” besides being accepted and treated with respect. In fact, most of the time, they are protecting themselves and their family members. A child will know better than their teacher what their parents will or will not want to know. Allowing people to decide when and if they come out prevents unnecessary stress on both sides and affords people the time they need to feel comfortable with telling someone.

It is dangerous to allow teachers to interfere so personally in their students lives in areas that do not pertain to their education, let alone those that risk harm to their students. It is a breach of the boundary between teacher and student and between the state and teachers. Teachers are already underpaid as is; they should not be held responsible for delivering potentially volatile private information to families.

School staff also should not be asked to invade the privacy of students. A person’s identity is deeply personal, and it is an individual’s choice how and when they feel comfortable being themselves. This mandate risks putting a rigid and uneducated fear of non-cisgender people above the safety, well-being, education, and privacy of young people. Protecting them rather than outing them is a better guarantee of an effective education.

It is also not necessary to out students to their parents. It does not change who a person is; they will always be who they are regardless. There will be no fundamental change in someone’s identity simply because someone does or does not know. The only change is that parents who are unhappy with knowing will have the opportunity to shame their children for who they are. If a student has intentionally held back from telling their parents, then teachers and mentors should respect their sense that it would be unwise and unsafe to tell their parents.


Oppose these harmful guidelines

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The governor is not actually interested in parental involvement. These guidelines allow teachers to disregard even the parents’ wishes regarding their trans child if the teacher disagrees. Make it make sense! Respect the children. Pronouns are not hard. Bathrooms are still safe. Gloucester Co lost a huge lawsuit when they tried to prevent a trans student (Grimm) from using a bathroom. The best way to protect young girls from predators is to address predatory MEN. There is no threat from trans or non binary kids. Use logic. Use common sense. Follow legal precedent. Protect trans and non binary kids! Stop trying to use these kids as political pawns!


Strongly oppose

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Keep the 2021 VDOE Model Policy for Transgender and Nonbinary Students! It protects kids and it is evidence based. Schools will be sued if this goes into place.


PUT CHILDREN FIRST - OPPOSE THIS POLICY

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The evidence is clear. Children who are not allowed to express their natural gender, regardless of their sex at birth, have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. If we truly care about what is best for our children, we will strike down this policy.


Completely in favor. Let's go back to common sense policies.

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When did we lose logical reasoning? Parents should have the last word in minor children. Thank you Gov. Youngkin for getting us back to a sane way of life.


2022 Model Policy Opposition

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Aside the obvious fact that it is illegal and discriminatory, this policy will hurt children.  Nothing in the policy improves educational outcomes for the students of Virginia which should be the focus of the Department of Education.  The 2021 Model Policy should remain in effect and advanced.  This new model policy should NOT be adopted. As a social worker oppose this model policy.

Additionally, the proposed model policy ignores the parental rights of parents of transgender and gender expansive students.  Schools should be required to use the preferred name and pronouns that students communicate and that their parents communicate. As written, even if a parent of a transgender child requests a name and pronouns, teachers will not be required to use them.


Strongly Support:  Parents Must Always Be informed

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The new policies honor the sacred role of parents in the care of their children during school, athletics and other activities.

Parents know their children’s needs better than anyone. If children are struggling with gender dysphoria, they need guidance and emotional support from parents. Under the new policies, school officials must keep parents fully informed, and require schools to enforce laws, regulations and policies that prohibit and deter bullying or harassment.

Student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities and events should be determined by sex, e.g., for overnight travel accommodations and locker rooms.

Students should use the bathrooms that correspond to their sex. Single-user bathrooms and facilities should be made available in accessible areas and provided with appropriate signage, indicating accessibility for all students.

The new policies protect the fundamental religious liberty interests of personnel and students.


I support Youngkin

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I have watched in horror as schools have become more and more a leftist breeding ground, one determined to take away parental decisions and/or infuse their beliefs on a child who is in the school's care.  It is not in a child's best interest to even discuss gender, about their "pronouns", or encourage them to consider the trans lifestyle.  The school's one and only goal should be to educate a child in mathematics, science, language, grammar and spelling, history, music, art - you know, the stuff that actually matters in life.  Leave all the other stuff out of the school's and out of the hands of the teachers who do not have the child's best interest at heart, no matter how much they claim it.  It is not their place, it is not their job.

I refuse to send my kids to public schools because of the disgusting way they are being inundated with things that are not for them to even think about yet.  If we do not allow teens to tattoo and smoke and drink and we encourage them to avoid pregnancy, to even vote, the very things that will impact the rest of their lives, then who in their right mind decided letting a child determine their gender was a good idea?

No, I support Youngkin.  I want this leftist agenda put of schools.  If parents want their kids to transition, do it away from other children who do not need that ridiculousness in their young minds.


Support

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<p>As a Fairfax County parent, I support this proposal. </p>


Parents should always be involved!

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I fully support Gov. Younkin's proposal to keep parents involved with any decision that involves their children.  A parents right's should never be taken away, especially not by the  very government that is supposed to serve them.  It's a blessing to see politicians like Gov. Younkin that understand that the government is meant to serve the people, which means keeping them involved.

God bless, you'll be in our prayers!


I Support Parental Involvement in Decisions for Minors

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<p>I can't even believe we are debating this issue. I support parental involvement in decisions for minors. The LGBTQ community wants everyone to believe that they can threaten suicide (3 year olds hold their breath until they pass out) to bully parents into making decisions for their children like blocking naturally occuring hormones and CUTTING OFF HEALTHY BODY PARTS! Teachers and doctors get to make these decisions - not the parents? I say - YOU FIRST! You take hormone blockers and remove healthy body parts first. You wouldn't do this to an animal, and yet, you would permanently disfigure a child because they "felt like it" at the time. This is usually an irreversible surgery. Child abuse. Not to mention grooming by gay men to have DRAG QUEENS pole dance for money in schools to get children used to this sexually abusive behavior. Boys being allowed in locker rooms with all of their genitalial still intact voyeuring girls as well as sexually abusing them. Pornography in the form of books and pictures that Child Pornographers go to jail for is allowed in school. Sexual abuse. It's time to call the abuse what it is and stop allowing it in our schools. 10-15 years ago, people would have gone to jail for all this abuse. All of this is NOT what school is. School is supposed to be a safe place where students learn academics and then go out into the world and become productive members of society. It isn't to accomodate deviant sexual behavior by a small percentage of people who terrorize the rest of the people who know they are born with xx and xy chromosomes. No amount of hormones or body part removal EVER changes those chromosomes. Test their blood. It's a fact. A science class would prove it.  </p>


I support Younkin’s gender policy


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I am a parent in Fairfax, VA. I vote in every single election. I have family members who are transgender.

As a parent, I strongly oppose this proposed policy change. Governor Youngkin says this is about parents rights, but assuming that is even really a goal, I can say that I am extremely concerned and angry that these proposed changes will take away my rights as a parent, to be sure I'm sending my child to a safe school environment.

This certainly infringes on my child's rights to have a safe, welcoming school environment. And I cannot imagine how much extra stress this will place on teachers who feel trapped by these horrible new rules.

And if we care about religious rights, I am furious that this policy is being proposed basically only to benefit conservative Christians. I don't want anyone else's religion imposed on mine. That is a violation of the separation of church and state.

You know who I do trust? My child's teachers, and even more importantly, I trust my CHILD.  We just don't need this horrible proposed policy, and in fact it will do great harm to many vulnerable children.  Guess who I don't trust, with any issues even close to this one?  A bigoted governor who really only cares about his political future.


Strongly Opposed

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I strongly oppose this, trans people deserve rights and trans kids deserve to feel safe.


Oppose: Endangers Lives, Disrespects Religions Preaching Love, & Violates Freedom from Religion

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As parents of a student in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we oppose in the strongest of terms the proposed 2022 Model Policies for the following reasons:

Endangers Lives.  Our children’s lives must be protected.  Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, or queer or questioning (LGBTQ) youth experience increased levels of rejection, bullying, abuse, abandonment, and scrutiny that threatens their safety and security.  These lead to feeling a loss of hope and suicidal tendencies.  The peer-reviewed Journal of Interpersonal Violence noted that 82% of transgender students considered killing themselves and 40% attempted suicide.[i]  In 2016, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that LGBTQ youth face high rates of violence and bullying.  This continues in-person and online.  The proposed 2022 Model Policies further marginalize the LGBTQ+ community with the real possibility of increased abuse and school violence.

Increases Risk of Homelessness. The proposed policy will result in children being outed and risk family rejection and abandonment.  “[Y]outh who identify … LGBTQ disproportionately experience homelessness. They are at high risk for family rejection, physical assaults, sexual exploitation in shelters and on the streets, trauma, and mental and substance use disorders. Providing safe, supportive, and welcoming environments for LGBTQ youth is essential for reaching this vulnerable population.”[ii]

Violates Virginia Law § 22.1-23.3.  This law is in accordance with evidence-based practices and ensures nondiscrimination and protects against harassment.  For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stepped up efforts from states to protect transgender youth. In April 2021, the AAP and five other medical associations said: “Our organizations are strongly opposed to any legislation or regulation that would interfere with the provision of evidence-based patient care for any patient, affirming our commitment to patient safety.”[iii]

Violates Parental Rights and Freedom from Religion. Item D, number 6 of the Model Policies violates parental rights to specify what name and pronouns should be used for our children.   Further, the first amendment states “that Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion”, which is commonly summarized as the freedom from religion.  One person’s religious freedom should not encroach on the rights and dignity of another.

Violates Religious Freedom. As written, the 2022 Model Policies show a distinct preference for beliefs of some conservative Christians.  As practicing Christians in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), a mainstream protestant denomination, our religious beliefs call us to love God and our neighbors.  Our religion calls us to be in service of our neighbor.  Our neighbors include students whose parents are unwilling or unable to accept their child’s gender.  Quoting from the Lutheran Social Statement:  “we boldly but humbly affirm that trustworthy relationships and social structures will:

promote, value, and respect the human dignity of each individual;

protect all from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm;

demonstrate mercy, compassion, and justice for all, especially the “least of these” - those who are most vulnerable in relationships and in society;

ensure accountability and responsibility in relationships and the community;

promote the welfare of individuals and the common good of society; and

value the security and protection afforded through the making of promises, including social and contractual commitments.”

As parents of a student currently enrolled in Virginia public schools, residents of the Commonwealth, and deeply religious voters, we implore you to rewrite the 2022 Model Policies to meet the following criteria:

Respect the Faith Traditions Calling for Love and Service to Our Neighbors.  Transgender students certainly meet the criteria of “least of these” as they are extremely vulnerable as evidenced 82% of transgender students considering killing themselves and 40% attempting suicide.i   Allies of transgender people must be loud and vocal in countering harmful messages such as those in the 2022 Model Policies.  The results from the National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2021 documented reduced suicide attempts when chosen pronouns are respected and access given to spaces that affirm their sexual orientation and gender identity.[iv]

Respect Human Rights.  The 2021 Model Policies respect not only transgender rights but more importantly, human rights.  Transgender students have the right to be recognized in the law, including policies impacting students.  These students must be protected from discrimination and bullying.  All people have the unequivocal right to safety and security.  Outing transgender people against their will sadly increases vulnerability to violence, rejection, and homelessness, thus reducing safety and security for those members of the population.

In closing, our rights as parents and members of our faith community are egregiously violated by the 2022 Model Policies. The Commonwealth has a responsibility to protect all citizens, including LGBTQ+ youth. We implore a return to the 2021 Model Policies as a baseline for future policies that is consistent with Virginia law, religious freedoms, and parental rights.

[i] Austin A, Craig SL, D'Souza S, McInroy LB. Suicidality Among Transgender Youth: Elucidating the Role of Interpersonal Risk Factors. J Interpers Violence. 2022 Mar;37(5-6):NP2696-NP2718. doi: 10.1177/0886260520915554. Epub 2020 Apr 29. Erratum in: J Interpers Violence. 2020 Jul 29;:886260520946128. PMID: 32345113.

[ii]U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources/hpr-resources/youth

[iii] https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/19021/AAP-continues-to-support-care-of-transgender?autologincheck=redirected?nfToken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000

[iv] https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2021/


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Erin Lobato
806 Sherlin Ln
Great Falls, VA 22066

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Erin Lobato
<br />806 Sherlin Ln<br />Great Falls, VA 22066<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148300705" width="1" height="1" />


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
John Murphy
1406 Crestwood Dr
Alexandria, VA 22302

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />John Murphy
<br />1406 Crestwood Dr<br />Alexandria, VA 22302<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148300480" width="1" height="1" />


Strongly oppose

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I oppose these policies.  Trans and non-binary rights are important.


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Vicki Hawkins
1604 Vista Dr
Bartlesville, OK 74006

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Vicki Hawkins
<br />1604 Vista Dr<br />Bartlesville, OK 74006<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148300354" width="1" height="1" />


I'm the parent

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Thank you for making the time and resources available to listen to parents like myself who demand change in our schools.  I take great pride in raising my children.  I was afforded a quality public education that taught meaningful subject matter without intruding on social/emotional issues best suited for the parents to handle.

Thank you for changing these policies to restore protections for basic parental rights and ensuring that parents are no longer cut out of the process—especially when it concerns how gender and sexuality issues are handled with our kids at school.  I have a right to teach and instill in my children the uniqueness of their life and the gift they received from our creator Jesus Christ.

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

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

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

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

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


transgender comments

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<p>Why are you so determined to pick on transgender kids. they have a hard enough time. Yet there seems to be many so called adults who seem to be filled with self righteousness. Shame on you Do you even known any one who is ? Probably not. I am very much against this bill it just seems a shame that this what the governor is spending his time on </p>


Strongly support! It protects all children’s vulnerability and parental involvement

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<p>The policies well balance the rights of all people involved - students, teachers, parents, and other personnel. Nobody’s beliefs or ideology should be imposed on another individual, but that doesn’t mean bullying is acceptable or that it’s okay to be disrespectful, particularly because of someone else’s identity. Of course not everyone can get 100% what they want in situations like these, but this does well to meet in the middle and assure each individual’s personal beliefs and boundaries are recognized. </p>


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Jessica Marston
130 S Garfield St
Arlington, VA 22204

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Jessica Marston
<br />130 S Garfield St<br />Arlington, VA 22204<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148300290" width="1" height="1" />


2022 Model Policy for Schools

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Excellent policy.  Thank you for reaffirming the right of parents to guide their children.  These are common-sense policies to ensure the rights of all parties are respected, rather than only those parties that agree with the ideological view of the previous model policy.


oppose policy, support transgender cildren

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As woman who grew up in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s I remember not having any girls' high varsity or college varsity sports, having Employment Ads in newspapers that were segregated by gender -- men only, women only, meaning I could get a job as a nurse, teacher, bank teller, waitress or secretary and that was it. It was the expected norm.

I want better for our children in our culture, schools, and jobs. Youngkin's proposed policy for transgender children in Virginia's schools is not a step toward better. It keeps transgender children out of society's "acceptable" categories, just as females were kept out of the "acceptable" categories 60 and 70 years ago.


From a professional mental health provider - I OPPOSE the proposed policies - Youth WILL suffer

Hi, I am a licensed clinical social worker with experience providing mental health care to children and families in the public school setting. I STRONGLY oppose the newly suggested change in VDOE  policies that prohibit trans students from using the locker room/bathroom of their gender identity. It is a clinical fact that this policy will harm student's mental health. My clinical knowledge, professional experience, and lived experience as an LGBTQ+ adult who once attended public school in Virginia (Kellam high school in VB) all lead me to believeyouth suicide WILL increase in our state if these policies go in place.
Please don't use children as political pawns. Please listen to mental health professionals.

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Hi, I am a licensed clinical social worker with experience providing mental health care to children and families in the public school setting. I STRONGLY oppose the newly suggested change in VDOE  policies that prohibit trans students from using the locker room/bathroom of their gender identity. It is a clinical fact that this policy will harm student's mental health. My clinical knowledge, professional experience, and lived experience as an LGBTQ+ adult who once attended public school in Virginia (Kellam high school in VB) all lead me to believe
youth suicide WILL increase in our state if these policies go in place.

Please don't use children as political pawns. Please listen to mental health professionals.


DON'T TRANS the kids!

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Thank you for changing the VA policy.

Teachers and public school administrators have NO BUSINESS changing a child's gender identity in any way, pronouns, name, ANYTHING,  without instruction to do so from the child's parent/guardian. Teachers need to teach the facts of the subjects only that they are hired to teach, not create ignorant, surly, gender-confused social justice whiners.


Strongly oppose!

Lauren Byrd Henrico County Public Schools

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<p>Schools and teachers have an in loco parentis duty to protect and care for students, and these proposed policies restrict their ability to do so. Trans students deserve the same fundamental civil rights to privacy and protection as their cisgender peers. It is fearmongering and misinformation to present these policies as ways to strengthen parental involvement and parental rights.  There is plenty of credible evidence that overwhelming shows that discrimination and oppression of LGBTQ youth leads to higher rates of suicidal ideology, yet there is practically no evidence that demonstrates that Governor Youngkin's policies will do anything to improve the lives of our students, parents, and school staff.  </p>


Support policy. Parents have a say.

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<p>Parents should and must always have a say in what THEIR child does unless the child is in danger. Other than that, children don’t know what they want or don’t even know what they are doing or why they’re even doing it. THEY ARE CHILDREN. </p>


Policy intended to sow confusion and mistrust

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Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Virginia 2022 Model Policies

I am submitting this comment as a concerned private citizen of the United States. I have been neither solicited nor paid to submit this comment. I am not giving my full name to protect my privacy and the privacy of my family.

I will start by saying that even the most well-intentioned parents of transgender children are underprepared and uninformed about what their child’s needs are. Furthermore, a majority of these transgender children hide their evolving identities from their parents because of the very real fear of rejection and stigmatization.

Thus, these children often out of necessity look for a safe space in school, where there may be sympathetic peers, teachers, and staff who can give them some measure of reassurance that they are not going crazy.

These 2022 Model Policies do nothing to address that situation. Instead, the policies start in the third paragraph with asserting (or re-asserting?) parental rights to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children, and does not let up for the rest of the document. This over-insistence on empowering parents is a smoke screen, a red herring, a false narrative based on conjecture and fear.

Parental rights are not under any real threat in Virginia, despite the opinion of certain segments of the public. What is at risk is the ability of some children to attend school in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment and free from discrimination and harassment.

The statement in these 2022 Model Policies that “practices such as compelling others to use preferred pronouns is premised on the ideological belief that gender is a matter of personal choice or subjective experience, not sex” is flatly wrong. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), a multinational organization that has been at the forefront of transgender issues for decades, has demonstrated that the condition of being transgender is real and it can be addressed through social and physical transitioning. The use of a name and pronouns that conform to a transgender person’s sense of identity go a long way toward their success as a student and a person. The condition of being transgender has been recognized as valid (not an ideology) by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

The statement quoted above, taken alone, disqualifies these 2022 Model Policies from being a serious attempt at creating a clear and useful guidance or being in accordance with state and federal law.

Furthermore, these 2022 Model Policies appear to say that parental rights are absolute. On page 2, “Schools shall respect parents’ values and beliefs” (a mandatory directive). On page 5, “This primary role of parents is well established and beyond debate.” On page 6 and again on page 7, “Schools may not abrogate the rights of parents.” On page 10, “…the limitations of government to usurp parents’ rightful role.” On page 15, “Parents must be informed and given an opportunity to object before counseling services pertaining to gender are given.”

However, this is not the case, in Virginia or in the United States. While the 2022 Model Policies cite to several, apparently cherry-picked court cases, they ignore others such as the Virginia Supreme Court decision in Knox v. Lynchburg Div. of Social Services (1982). In that case, the court says that “the protection of children from harm, whether moral, emotional, mental, or physical, is a valid and compelling state interest” to be balanced against parental rights.

Additionally, the 2022 Model Policies bring religion into the discussion from literally page 1, something that seems unnecessary to me but that the Virginia Department of Education does not appear to feel warrants further explanation.

Discussion of religion (“faith”) continues on page 2 under the heading of “Schools shall respect parents’ values and beliefs,” citing several U.S. Supreme Court decisions. These decisions appear to be cherry-picked to provide support for the Youngkin Administration’s ideological agenda and to provide a legal basis for the policies. One case cited, Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925) was modified significantly about 20 years later in the case of Prince v. Massachusetts (1944), in which the Supreme Court said “the family itself is not beyond regulation in the public interest, as against a claim of religious liberty.” Why is that not mentioned in the 2022 Model Policies?

The 2022 Model Policies say that “students shall use bathrooms that correspond to his or her sex [defined as “biological sex], except to the extent that federal law otherwise requires. See Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, 972 F.3d 586 (2020)” This unfortunately clarifies nothing. Does “biological sex” mean physical anatomy? Genetic sex? And the Fourth Circuit court case cited says that requiring a student to use bathrooms that do not correspond to their gender identity is a violation of such student’s equal protection rights under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Interesting that that the 2022 Model Policies insist that the Fourteenth Amendment is vitally important with regard to the fundamental rights of parents (see page 2) but not the rights of students.

The 2022 Model Policies appear to me to be saying that “students shall use bathrooms that correspond to his or her sex except when it violates their equal protection rights under the U.S. Constitution, which would be every single time.”

Such wording is intended to sow confusion and mistrust on both sides, and should be seriously reconsidered in light of the comments received during this period of public comment.

Contrary to the statement on page 1 that “the 2022 Model Policies [are] to provide clear, accurate, and useful guidance to Virginia school boards,” these policies are a sad mish-mash of legalese and agenda-driven language that are useful to no one.

There is a recent trend in state government to issue laws, regulations, and policies that promote an ideological agenda under the veneer of flimsy legal pseudo-logic, while at the same time referring to evidence-based opposing viewpoints as “ideology.” These 2022 Model Policies are a perfect example.


Always Keep Parents Informed

During my time growing up, then during the time I raised my children, and for my twenty plus years as a teacher, the unquestioned wise, courteous, productive, and respectful practice was to promote teamwork, cooperation, and transparency between parents and teachers. Then suddenly, under Governor Northram, we were told to start keeping secrets.  A young lady wished to be called by a different name never before used for her. We teachers were told to keep it secret. I knew immediately this was wrong. People promoting gender ideology are promoting destruction of the traditional family. It is part of their misguided ideology. There is big money behind the transgender movement. Medical schools, clinics, drugs, surgeries, ..a gullible teen or preteen deceived by trans mania becomes a cash cow for life.

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During my time growing up, then during the time I raised my children, and for my twenty plus years as a teacher, the unquestioned wise, courteous, productive, and respectful practice was to promote teamwork, cooperation, and transparency between parents and teachers. Then suddenly, under Governor Northram, we were told to start keeping secrets.  A young lady wished to be called by a different name never before used for her. We teachers were told to keep it secret. I knew immediately this was wrong. People promoting gender ideology are promoting destruction of the traditional family. It is part of their misguided ideology. There is big money behind the transgender movement. Medical schools, clinics, drugs, surgeries, ..a gullible teen or preteen dec<img src="data:image/gif;base64,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"/>eived by trans mania becomes a cash cow for life.


Oppose the policy and protect students

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I am a gender-questioning female high school senior in Virginia. I strongly oppose this policy because of the harm it would cause queer and transgender students.

As someone who realized around two years ago that she was not straight, I myself would be hurt if the new policy were to go into effect, as the new policy would possibly allow schools to forcibly out students to their parents. I have heard my parents discuss gay people disdainfully; their favorite term for being LGBTQ+ seems to be “unnatural.” I now live in constant, consistent fear of what might happen if my parents find out about me and freak. What if they don’t talk to me anymore? What if they don’t help me pay for college, and I have to scramble to financially support myself on short notice? What if they go as far as to kick me out? Sadly, I know numerous friends in similar situations.

Our fear is not without basis. According to the Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, 59% of trans boys, 48% of trans girls, and 53% of non-binary or genderqueer individuals have considered suicide in the past year, as opposed to 28% of cis boys and 37% of cis girls. The organization also states that 28% of LGBTQ+ youth have experienced homelessness or housing instability.

I want everyone to understand how much pain and hurt these new policies would bring to so many students, so many of our friends and classmates. Please oppose and reject the new model policy.


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Mary Vought
912 S Quincy St
Arlington, VA 22204

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Mary Vought
<br />912 S Quincy St<br />Arlington, VA 22204<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148298244" width="1" height="1" />


Parents that want boys to be in girls bathrooms be trippin

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They must not have no kids.


Protect kids from perverts running Loudoun County Public Schools


STRONGLY OPPOSE PROPOSED POLICY

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Children will be harmed by this policy if implemented.  I oppose ANY policy which suppresses or limits the right of ALL children to a safe public education, free of discrimination and bullying based on gender identity, race, or religion.


Strongly Oppose this hateful, undemocratic policy

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Youngkin this will not serve the youth of virginia. It is clear this decision has been made with no regard to the circumstances or futures of young queer students. We're here and we demand justice and dignity.


Gender affirmation saves lives

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Why are these changes so dangerous? What is so wrong with letting parents decide?

In a perfect world, including parents in conversations about gender identity would mean that child felt supported, encouraged, and safe. In the world we have, though, decades of evidence-based research suggests that gender expansive children experience physical and emotional abuse seven times more frequently than their cis peers (The Trevor Project).

Research also suggests that these children experience homelessness five times more often than their cis peers.

An estimated 64% of gender expansive individuals under the age of 18 are not out at home for fear of physical harm, rejection, or forcible therapies including conversion therapy.

Young people who receive gender affirming health care (which does not include surgery) are at a significantly lower risk of depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide.

So what do we do as educators when our students express fear for their safety if their parents were to learn of their gender identity?

Decades of evidence-based research supports that the single most effective thing educators can do to protect the safety and well-being of gender expansive students is use the names and pronouns which affirm their identity.

Using names and pronouns that parents have not given permission to use is NOT a FERPA violation. This would possibly be the case if schools were altering official records without consulting parents. Since this is not what is happening when a teacher, coach, or administrator uses a name a child has requested, this is not a conflict with FERPA.

What IS a violation of FERPA is revealing private information to anyone which might jeopardize student safety. This would certainly include forcing students who had transitioned in our schools to revert to using their deadnames- or effectively outing children in their schools, communities, even their homes.

Youth who fear rejection or disappointment from their parents are likely to feel more comfortable confiding in an educator who they do not have to rely on for providing their most essential needs as they begin to understand and explore their gender identity. This is just one reason as to why every individual should be afforded the opportunity to determine when and to whom they decide to reveal such information.


VERY STRONGLY OPPOSE- YOUNGKIN IS KILLING STUDENTS WITH THIS ILLEGAL POLICY

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What does a child’s gender vs biological sex have to do with you? Why do you care what is under a child’s pants? What are you planning to do? Is there any political purpose of this policy? Anything that doesn’t have to do with your beliefs or thoughts? If not, then why did you bother us with this and start stripping away children’s rights because of the decisions they make about their own lives? How about you try doing something that actually involves politics? Rather than going after innocent people who are just trying to live their lives, of which you are destroying, thank you very much (that was complete and total sarcasm, if you didn’t pick it up). Stop focusing on your own agenda and focus on the state’s and people’s agendas to make Virginia a better place, rather than a place that everyone has departed from because of you. If this policy passes, I’ll let you know right now that there will be many people committing suicide, or attempting it at the very least, all because of you. Their lives and their blood will be on your hands, governor. Do you want that? No you don’t. You don’t want it, either. You just don’t care, is what you’re telling everyone. You don’t care how many young children you stripped of their lives, after you took away their rights. You don’t care about their family and friends who will mourn them forever. You don’t care about the tears cried or the helpless thoughts running through their heads. You don’t care about the well of grief that they will most surely feel. You don’t care how much you will ruin their lives. You don’t care. You don’t care. You don’t care about anyone but yourself. Think about this, day and night, as you go through your life. Every action you make, think about this. Ponder this. Whenever you pass a bill into a law, or when you put out a new policy, think: is this going to be right for Virginia? Will this keep everyone happy in their own lives or will it destroy them bit by bit until there’s nothing left? Think, governor, just think. Then once you come to the right decision, the decision that benefits the state, not just yourself, make that right decision. Make it after you’ve thought about every life in Virginia and how you will affect them. Make the right decision.


Strongly Oppose Youngkin's Proposal

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I strongly oppose Youngkin's legislation. It seems Youngkin has decided he can bully vulnerable children. Schools should be a safe and welcoming place for all children. Suicide rates are already climbing among young people, and this policy with do nothing to reverse that trend. In fact, the suicide rate will probably increase as a result of this cruel and short-sighted policy. Shame!


PARENTS CHOICE DOESNT INCLUDE CHOOSING YOUR KIDS GENDER—THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE!

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<p>NOBODY CAN CHOOSE SOMEONE ELSE’S GENDER.. WHAT IF I CHOSE GOV. YOUNGKIN’S GENDER AS FEMALE????? That is what this policy proposes. </p>


Pierce v. Society of Sisters. LET PARENTS ALLOW THEIR KIDS TO BE THEIR TRUE SELVES

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<p>Allowing this to go through will DIRECTLY contradict Supreme Court precedent. Parent’s choice does NOT INCLUDE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE YOUR KID’S GENDER. </p>


Thank you for fixing Northam’s free for all bathroom policy resulting in sexual assaults.


Strongly oppose

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These children need support and guidance from the education system, including counseling and Christian acceptance and protection from bullying. This change would move our state backwards as a society. I dont view trans kids as Gods mistake but as a challenge to us all to love and support what they feel God has given them and their parents (if they are kyckt enough to have supportive parents) to handle.  Todays society needs to advance to support these families and develop systems and facilities but at the bottom line just better empathy and understanding of this situation as we seek to advance society.  Governor Youngkin is moving backeards and it angers and saddens me greatly. We have trans friends and we know their road is difficult enough without the government stoking hatred and bullying.


All this hubbub over trans what about ophidiophiles. Our love of animals is real

We need access to animals in the bathroom


Vehemently oppose!

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These policies put transgendered youth at risk. Quit working for the interests of your conservative “Christian” base only and follow the science. Worst governor ever!


This policy proposal could harm kids

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<p>I cannot support this policy, it will take away from the safety of educational spaces and could put trans students in harm's way. Trans students deserve privacy and deserve to be called by the name they choose without being outed to their parents/guardians who may not support them being themselves. </p>


Multiple sexual assaults in LCPS due to board members’ bathroom policy.

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<p>School board members must be removed immediately. </p>


Parents have the right and obligation to raise their own children

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Subverting a child's relationship with his or her parents is morally abhorrent. WE PARENTS are reasonable for our children's upbringing and teachers work for US, the taxpayers. Don't like it? Have your own children and teach them your own values. Anyone who wishes to speak to a child about sex without the consent of his or her parent doesn't belong within 100 yards of a school. The fact that this is up for discussion is crazy....


In Favor of Governor Youngkin School Policy

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<p>The Boys do not need to be in the girls bathrooms nor do the girls need to be in the boys bathrooms for the safety of our kids in school.  </p>


Strongly Oppose Proposed Transgender Policy

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I strongly oppose the governor's proposed transgender policy. If a parent disapproves of how a child self-identifies in public classrooms, then that's between the child and the parent. Teachers' jobs are hard enough; they don't need the added burden of acting as family referee -- or, even worse, betraying the students they're trying so hard to reach.

Joe Wynne

Charlottesville VA


Strongly oppose! This is not in the best interest of ALL students!

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Policies like this that directly target Trans students affect all students. Schools and environments that teach tolerance and are inclusive of all students are safer places. Stop creating harmful policies that breed intolerance and hate. Trans youth are trying to find their place in the world, not harass others in restrooms.


Support Governor Youngkin

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I am totally in support of our Governor in this policy


Transgender School Policy

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This policy is misguided and based on incorrect information.  The reality is that thousands of transgender youth have been playing school sports for years without any unfair advantages or problems. No legislator in ant state who proposed legislation to ban transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports could cite a single case with a problem!  More than 500 college athletes signed a letter to the NCAA board of governors asking the organization to ban championship games in states that have banned transgender participation in sports.  Banning transgender girls from girls sports has been rejected by educators, athletes, NCAA-trained facilitators, coaches, advocates for women and girls and medical professionals.  In states that have fully transgender-inclusive policies girls sports has seen an increase in participation by non-transgender girls.  In states with anti-gender policies girls sports have shrunk and have had more problems. In Connecticut an anti-transgender group filed suit on behalf of three non-transgender girls claiming racing against transgender athletes was unfair.  One of the plaintiffs beat her transgender rival twice in races for state titles.  The judge threw the case out.

Transgender people are not new and they have been using restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity for decades without incident.  Opponents of this policy in schools have admitted that their bathroom safety argument was contrived and not a real concern based on habits of actual predators.  These false arguments and sterotypes have simply been ways to perpetuate prejudice against marginalized groups to spread fear and to divide.

One would think and hope that when a child expresses that they are a gender other than their sex assigned at birth, their parents support them in finding their own unique identity, and help in changing the child’s name, clothing or pronouns.  However, frequently these youth are afraid of rejection, ridicule and abuse at the hands of their parents if they come out to them.  Parents, and now Virginia schools are denying these youth to be shoved back in the closet.  Transgender youth should be free to declare their sexuality without others doubting them or ridiculing them or refusing to honor their true identity. Research shows that without affirmation of their gender identity at school, independent of their parents views reduces rates of depression, anxiety and suicide.  When kids are allowed the freedom to safely express themselves, they are happier, healthier and grow into thriving adults.  When students are censored in their schools for being transgender by not being allowed to use bathrooms of their gender identity, by not being allowed to play sports of their choosing, and not being honored for their choices without parental back-up, then the are more subject to bullying, harassment and physical assault — sometimes fatal.  43% of transgender youth report being bullied in school.  This is outrageous and unacceptable.  The school policy for transgender youth in the Model School for 2023 will only make things worse for these vulnerable youth and will be a stain on Virginia schools.


Stop discriminating against girls.

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<p>Discrimination is wrong. Girls deserve their own sport’s teams. </p>


Governor, please defund not complying school districts and forcefully remove school board members.

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It wouldn’t be fair for us living in these liberal woke zones to have our little girls still in danger. Please help.


Doesn’t go far enough. Should be a felony for a biological male to enter the girl’s locker room.

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Please amend the rules to create criminal charges in an attempt to stop further sexual assaults.


Protect Emotionally Vulnerable Children and Parental Rights!

Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Marie Brennan
176 Church St
Putnam, CT 06260

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Marie Brennan
<br />176 Church St<br />Putnam, CT 06260<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148294985" width="1" height="1" />


Let trans kids choose for themselves

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Let trans kids choose their pronouns and which restroom they want to use.    By forcing them to use the restroom corresponding to their birth sex, you are denying them their identity and can cause further harm. The majority of young people spend many of their waking hours at school, surrounded by teachers, administrators, and peers. For LGBTQ young people, school can be a tricky place to explore who they are and how they identify, especially if they face harassment, discrimination, or a lack of resources, by being forced to use the restroom corresponding to their birth sex, and not that of their gender identity.

Do not out trans kids to their parents, let them do that.  Let the trans kids choose their own pronouns.  Disclosure by school staff has the potential to create a hostile environment at school and can negatively impact a student’s life at home if the family is not supportive. The key factors relating to suicide in LGBT people were a lack of acceptance by family.

When students feel safe to express their identities across the gender spectrum, they will be more prepared to learn and thrive in your school.  Your time would be better spent on anti bullying policies and education than anti trans policies.  Protect the trans students by ending bullying (from staff, students, and their own parents).


Support Governor Youngkin's Policy

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I support Governor Youngkin's new school guidance policy to protect the constitutional rights of parents and the safety of children.


Transphobic policies!

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Quit promoting hate and start unifying. Republicans are all alike. Too extreme and authoritarian. Let freedom live. Worst governor ever!


PROTECT trans youth!

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This is a life and death situation. We should mandate LGTBQ+ inclusion in school curricula and standards, so all students can better see their identities reflected in school settings.

Stop pushing your conservative Christian agenda on Virginians.


chromosome XX or XY is basic science; genital mutilation in minors is wrong

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Doctors are altering normal functioning genitalia of children to such a degree that it removes the child’s natural design plus his or her normal function then reassigns the function to the opposite gender. Hormones in the child must be altered as well or the person will look like his or her chromosome assigned gender with the doctor altered genitalia.

They are performing this procedure in children who do not have a genetic defect.

If a genetic defect such as both genitalia are present there are ways to determine gender. For example, estrogen and testosterone levels as well as a person’s chromosome make-up of XX or XY. These two natural and basic functions will clearly indicate appropriate gender. That is basic biology. In the state of Virginia, a minor can not obtain a license at 16 without going before a judge how can minors be allowed to go through such a life altering process?

Why is the federal government and state tasking the school system to aid in these medical transitions of minors? This situation is completely unethical in education, government, and the medical sciences! A physical genetic defect in some infants does not support the medical procedure of transgendering healthy functioning children. It is absurd to even suggest such a thing.

To allow doctors to perform such a procedure on minors is absolutely irresponsible and should be illegal.


Quit forcing Christian nationalism on all of us!

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These are hateful, bigoted policies. Consult with mental health professionals before forcing your biased values on all of us!


Virginia is for haters with these policies!

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From WAPO:

Contrary to statements that suggest otherwise, the 2022 model policies do impose a specific ideology. Christian nationalism is not relegated to churches, extremist groups or religious-political leaders; it exerts control and fosters political violence through public policies and institutions that seek to exterminate non-White, non-Christian, and non-heteropatriarchal thought from the nation.


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Marie Carmody
1090 E Kings Hwy
Shreveport, LA 71105

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Marie Carmody
<br />1090 E Kings Hwy<br />Shreveport, LA 71105<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148293698" width="1" height="1" />


stop discrimination against trans students

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Thisp policy proposal is actively harmful to our students.

I am strongly opposed to it.

Sincerely,

Ron Sanseverino


Fully SUPPORT Governor Youngkin!

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Fully support the Governor.  No more of this liberal insanity!


Fully SUPPORT Governor Youngkin!


Thank you, Governor Youngkin! No more boys and girt sharing a bathroom!


Thank you Governor Youngkin! Fully support!


Protect our girl students! Support Governor Youngkin!


No more of this insanity!  Biological gender for bathroom and lock room!  Support Governor Youngkin!


Biological gender for bathroom and lock room!  Support Governor Youngkin!


Fully Support!  Biological gender for bathroom and lock room!