Strongly Oppose - it's literally life and death for our Trans Kids!!

<!DOCTYPE html>

Please stop playing politics with real people's lives!

You don't have to understand why someone is trans in order to respect them.

Denying an individual's identity and wishes affects them in negative ways.

Trans kids are at the highest risk for mental health issues and suicide - because of not being accepted by their friends and family.

WE MUST PROTECT TRANS PEOPLE!


Opposed

I am opposed to the new guidelines, as they do not fulfill the spirit or letter of the requirements laid out under state law 22.1-23.3.Namely, (emphasis mine):... that address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to:
1. Compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws;
2. Maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students;
3. Prevention of and response to bullying and harassment;...These new guidelines are not consistent with evidence-based best practices, violate nondiscrimination precedent (e.g. the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX, per Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board), are not consistent with a discrimination-free and safe and supportive learning environment, and actively encourage situations that will lead to ostracization and bullying/harassment.Therefore I am strongly opposed to these new guidelines and urge the DoE to reconsider them.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am opposed to the new guidelines, as they do not fulfill the spirit or letter of the requirements laid out under state law 22.1-23.3.

Namely, (emphasis mine):
... that address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to:

1. Compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws;

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

3. Prevention of and response to bullying and harassment;
...

These new guidelines are not consistent with evidence-based best practices, violate nondiscrimination precedent (e.g. the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX, per Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board), are not consistent with a discrimination-free and safe and supportive learning environment, and actively encourage situations that will lead to ostracization and bullying/harassment.

Therefore I am strongly opposed to these new guidelines and urge the DoE to reconsider them.


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this discriminatory policy. All students need protection, especially vulnerable and marginalized populations like transgender and nonbinary youth. This policy would actively harm these students.


A Safe Sensible Supportable Policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

Nothing in it impairs the safety of any student whether gay or those with gender dysphoria. It doesn't inhibit teachers and administrators from protecting students.  It also protects girls safety and privacy.  The right of all students to act and speak in conformance with reality is protected without denying them choice to act and speak with grace - just as it should be.


I strongly Support this change

<!DOCTYPE html>

Parents have the primary responsibility to raise their children and instill their values


We are not a theocracy

<!DOCTYPE html>

We are not a theocracy. Our constitution specifically calls for the separation of church and state. To impose the hateful religious beliefs of a small minded, backwards and vocal minority on students in Virginia is antithetical to what this country was founded on. Your restriction of the rights and freedoms of transgender individuals is anti American and immoral.


STRONGLY OPPOSED to Younkin’s Anti-Trans Youth Proposal

<!DOCTYPE html>

Even with the most supportive of parents, figuring out you’re trans is absolutely terrifying, and it’s something that can’t be rushed. Teens need the ability to go about discovering themsleves, and coming to understand their own gender, at a pace that allows them to feel safe; this includes giving them the control over who knows what they’re struggling with (and who knows they’re trans). Beyond this, creating an environment where students cannot confide in school counselors the things they can’t get trust their parents with will cause them to turn in on themselves; as it is, trans youth have extremely high rates of depression and suicide, largely in part because they cannot safely be themselves.

furthermore, not every parent is accepting. The response ranges, generallly, from “polite but confused acceptance” to “you’re here, but we don’t accept you and will make your life a living hell every time you don’t conform to what we want” to “I will kick you out of the house for existing as a trans person.” Depending on which type of parents the child has to report to, mandatory reporting of gender identity to said parents could actually result in an extremely depressed child— and that’s the better case scenario. The worst is homelessness, homicide (trans people, especially trans women, are massive hate crime targets) and/or suicidality.

Younkin is not trans. He will never understand what it is like to feel disconnected from yourself; to know that in order to be who you are, you have risk your life and your livelihood. This risk doesn’t end upon leaving public school, but it can be mitigated if we just give our trans youth the right to self-determination when it comes to what their parents do or don’t know. Because parents aren’t some distant connection to meet up with on holidays, to the underaged: they’re landlords, they’re lawmakers, they’re in complete and utter control of every aspect of your life to the point where gaining your own freedom— and your own legal autonomy-/  before eighteen has to be won in a /court case/ (emancipation) if you’re willing to strive for it at all. There is no escaping them when you share your house with them, and are dependent on them in every sense of the term. Maybe Youngkin has forgotten that, as old as he is, but that is what it is for these children— for all children, even in the best of circumstances.

Let them still have this one freedom. Let them know that, if nothing else, their schools can be the sanctuaries they were built to be.


Protect Trans Students

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose the Governor's anti-trans policy for Virginia Department of Education. This plan, if enacted, would result in further alienation of trans students in our schools, resulting in a significant impact to their ability to feel comfortable in their educational environment. This will have a negative impact on their abilities for academic success, social development, and impact their general livelihoods. Students spend a significant amount of their lives in school, and to be placed in an environment where the Governor has mandated a hostile environment against them can only do harm, and not any good, and in extreme cases, can result in suicide in a population that is already at higher risks for suicide.

While we may have different opinions about human sexuality, it should never be viewed by anyone as acceptable for students to be "outed" against their will to their parents. These proposed regulations would do just that, potentially expanding the harm for LGBTQ+ students not only to their school environment, but also their home environment. In serious cases, this may even result in the student being made homeless by their families, and youth LGBTQ+ homelessness is well documented.

Forcing trans students to use bathrooms that do not correspond with their true gender identity makes these students targets for bullying, abuse, and violence.

These regulations also clearly violate the Virginia Values Act and are therefore unlawful. If the Governor wishes to pursue this harmful policy, he must go through the Legislature to change the law. This is, quite simply, unlawful executive overreach by the part of the Governor.

I respect that many different people of goodwill can have differing opinions on LGBTQ+ rights in our schools, but we should ALL be able to agree that what should unite us is a desire to help all of our students and create good environments for them to learn. We can not do that if we make LGBTQ+ students out to be "the enemy" in pursuit of a culture-war agenda.

I hope the Governor will reconsider this short-sighted policy, and when he does not, I know our Courts will do the right thing and strike down these unlawful regulations that will harm our kids and students. We will not tolerate this executive overreach that uses kids as pawns in one man's Presidential ambitions.


STRONGLY OPPOSE - a cisgender, heterosexual student

<!DOCTYPE html>

Coming from an assigned at birth female, high school class of 2024 student, I strongly oppose this legislation. This law puts transgender students at higher risk of suicide attempts and thoughts. The only people who feel threatened by trans people using the bathroom of their preferred gender are transphobic adults, most of which don’t even work in a school. NOT any of us students. Teachers and students don’t even use the same restrooms. This law isn’t to make students feel safer- if it was, our voices would be factored in. It’s just discrimination. Shame on everyone who let this happen.


Governor Youngkin's Polices are both Unjust and Illegal

<!DOCTYPE html>

Governor Youngkin's anti-trans policies are in violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act, as it specifically bans discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity. Requiring school districts to uphold these policies is a waste of time that could be better spent on supporting all Virginia students. Transphobia is both harmful and unproductive, and these policies are cruel and useless.


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

<!DOCTYPE html>

Totally OPPOSE the withdrawal of the 2021 Model guidelines for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools as it VIOLATE the Virginia Values Act, which itself amends the Virginia Human Rights act to include specifically enacted PROTECTIONS for all Virginians - students, parents and teachers alike, from discriminatory actions based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

There is nothing in the 2021 guidelines that precludes parents' involvement in their child's education, progress, participation. Parents are of course free to openly discuss their child's thoughts and feelings on all issues related to sex, sexual orientation and gender identity according to their beliefs, mores and cultural identity.  But school policy should NOT be used to violate a student - or teacher or other staff member - to treat ANY student (a "person")  differently based on their identity.  The Code of Virginia currently states: It is an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person, including the owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent, or employee of any place of public accommodation, to refuse, withhold from, or deny any individual, or to attempt to refuse, withhold from, or deny any individual, directly or indirectly, any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, services, or privileges made available in any place of public accommodation, or to segregate or discriminate against any such person in the use thereof, or to publish, circulate, issue, display, post, or mail, either directly or indirectly, any communication, notice, or advertisement to the effect that any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services of any such place shall be refused, withheld from, or denied to any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or status as a veteran.

The 2021 policy supports the provisions of the Virginia Antidiscrimination law. To withdraw that support and propose contrary guidance for the treatment of Transgender (or other sexual minorities) in the public school system is UNLAWFUL.

Parents are FREE and I support the wish for them to engage with and to discuss with their children anything they wish - included such things related to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other subject of concern to them with relation to their children. It is PARENTS job to provide a safe and unthreatening channel of of communication with their own children.  If parents' do not wish to participate in the free and open, supportive environment in public schools based on their own individual set of beliefs, religious, moral or otherwise, they are free to educate their children at home, or in private schools.  PUBLIC accomodation is mandated to be free of any form of discrimination.


Connecting some simple dots

<!DOCTYPE html>

We’re not gonna pretend like there aren’t abusive parents in the state of Virginia—let’s start there first. You really think if some of these parents find out about a child’s identity that their rage is somehow going to just be channeled into some wholesome discourse with their children about how they identify at school in a safer environment than at home?

Do the math, why do you think kids would hide this information from parents????? The state of Virginia can see why kids hide who they are from family at home but you wanna keep a record and report on these babies for just trying to figure out they’re human?

Think about how much being trans and a child in America is hotly debated right now, think about the fact that many of these kids aren’t even safe at home to begin with. Not everyone is blessed with loving, forgiving, compassionate parents who will work with their kid through anything. Y’all know damn well that’s not been everyone’s blessing.

So you wanna put children, literal kids, in a position where any parent who could harm them is made aware of who they are in a safer environment like at school? Google the rates of homelessness in LGBTQ teens.

when my father found out about me I was locked in my room for days. Beaten. It didn’t take the transness out of me but it almost killed me. And it only got worse.

spend this time trying to build compassionate communities who don’t judge or react in violence or exclusion because someone else is experiencing a different life. If that’s too hard a task, step the  down from office because you don’t belong in leadership if listening to marginalized communities and assessing risk fairly is not part of your skill sets.

protect trans kids.


Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

Governor Youngkin,

This atrocious policy is neither necessary nor beneficial. Please retract your attempt to subvert laws passed by the General Assembly.


Oppose Youngkin’s  anti transgender policies

<!DOCTYPE html>

I’m a grandparent. I also work with refugee families.  The  policy is cruel because it increases the risk of homelessness for transgender kids. Kids know if their parents will be supportive and accepting. What they desire most is family support so if they have not told their parents it’s because they know the risks. Not having family support or school support to be themselves increases their  risk of suicide.
this police hopes to erase trans and nonbinary kids from schools; the policy creates hatred and  danger, not belonging. Punishes or prohibits teachers and counselors from supporting students who need their support. All marginalized students deserve respect and inclusion, including transgender and non-binary students.
I oppose the draft policy and ask VDOE to reject this cruel hateful policy.  It benefits no one to be cruel, hateful, and dismissive and disrespectful of anyone else.


Strongly Oppose this appalling policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>The governor's latest transgender policies are bigoted and appalling, but the worst part is that it takes away my local districts ability to do what's best for it's students and families. Why does Richmond care what individual transgender policies our schools enact?  Republicans only care about taking away rights, not protecting their constituents. </p>


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Strongly oppose. Protect our trans and non-binary youth!  </p>


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Stop targeting children with policies that will clearly only hurt and kill them. </p>


SUPPORT-Thank you for respecting kids and families

<!DOCTYPE html>

Thank you to VDOE for finally respecting families.

Thank you to Gov Youngkin for following up on his campaign promise.

There ought to be no discrimination at school from educators or other administrators.  No one at school should impose their ideology on unsuspecting kids and parents.  Kids do not belong to the state, they belong to their parents.


Opposed to Anti-Trans Policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

As the mother of an adult Trans daughter, I strongly oppose Governor Youngkin's proposed policy. There is absolutely NO reason to make life even more difficult for young people who are already marginalized, picked on, misunderstood and villified. I am grateful that my daughter had supportive teachers in school who helped her get through her teenage years that were extraordinarily difficult. She trusted one teacher, in particular, who was not required to speak to me. I am grateful she had that option, since being Trans involves a great deal of fear: that you will not be accepted, that you will not be loved, that you will not be physically safe, that society will treat you as deviant...exactly what this proposed legislation does. Trans kids are deserving as any child of acceptance, love and safety, and this proposed legislation strips them of those things in their schools and potentially in their homes. These kids are not hurting anyone. They just want to live their lives, be treated with dignity, and be left alone instead of targeted by people who make them the focus of unfounded fears. Many of them are just struggling to get through each day and the danger for them of self-harm and even suicide is much higher than average. Can't we support them instead of adding to their burden?


Governmental Obligation to Protect all Americans

<!DOCTYPE html>

Transgender children harm no one by the act of being transgender. The United States government, more specifically the government of Virginia, has an obligation to protect the citizens residing in it - regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or monetary status. Support as an American citizen, especially in an educational institution, should not be conditional. Protect transgender children in school settings.


Please do not change this policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I disagree that the 2021 Model Policies promoted as the specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools, the point of the 2021 policy was to protect some of our most vulnerable students with policies grounded in the latest medical and evidence based research regarding this relatively small population of children.  Nothing in the policy as it currently exists prevents parents from parenting from parenting their children how they see fit. It is unfortunate that a small vocal group is using this policy as a political weapon to rile up people who are otherwise kind hearted and want nothing more than to protect their children. Don't think that the voters don't see what is going on here.


Strongly Oppose, this will kill kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This is purely "Christian" virtue signaling and the virtue you are signaling is "bullying children until they commit suicide" which I don't remember from Sunday School. </p>


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

Let’s start by noting that historically, trans youth have had an exponentially higher rate of suicide. One thing that psychologists have noticed is that there’s less gender dysphoria when trans people feel supported and protected. That means that the suicide rate goes down for the most vulnerable segment of the population when they are made to feel like part of the population.

Now, let’s think about numbers. There have been exactly zero cases of children sexually assaulting other children in restrooms solely by claiming trans status. There was one case of a potential romantic partner pressure situation (not sure if it was charged as an assault), which could happen with any same-gender couple, just as it does for mixed-gender couples. And that has nothing to do with the person’s gender identity. So the DOE’s prior change in position supporting trans youth did nothing harmful, and helped create safer spaces for trans youth.

Now, the administration wants to use trans youth as a punching bag to rally a base that is out-of-touch with current medical and psychological recommendations. This is abhorrent. The DOE should not use a vulnerable class to try to make political gains for the governor. This is not political theater; actual lives are on the line - and not just by suicide. Youth being raised in bigoted households will see this and think it’s okay to bully trans people, who already have one of the highest rates for victimization when it comes to assault and murder, with trans people of color being at the greatest risk. By allowing the governor to go through with this, it will put trans youth at risk for violence of all types.

I urge you to scrap this proposed policy.

a Virginia voter


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy is created with the intention of harming trans students.  Outing them to their families can lead to abuse, and in dire circumstances, the suicide of the kid.  The policy is designed with the intent of discouraging kids from trusting any adult.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

ALL kids should feel safe at school. Trans kids already deal with enough, and this policy will only serve to isolate them further and cause significant harm to their development.


Youngkin is an evil brute for drafting policy that will hurt children.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Youngkin dresses up his fascist Christian ideology taking precedent in schools as parental rights—but what of the rights of children? Youngkin thinks no child should be able to confide in a guidance counselor or teacher if they are trans without the school informing the parents immediately. Would you do this if a child said they were being abused at home? If they don’t feel safe with their parents? “Parental rights” my ass, you want to strip away the dignity and agency of children. How does providing trans kids w a safe space violate anybody else’s 14th amendment rights?! What a sick joke. </p>


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

This guidance is despicable. It threatens transgender students and leaves them open to bullying, ostracizing, and prone to depression and suicide. The current DOE policy is Virgina law and should not be overturned by the governor's misguided policy.


Illegal and dangerous policies that threaten kids’ health

<!DOCTYPE html>

Not only are these policies illegal but they will harm trans kids who are just trying to live their lives as who they are. This policy quite bluntly will kill trans kids because they won’t get the support they need at home they won’t get the support they need at school they’ll be kicked out on the streets and worse they will become depressed and suicidal. This is a terrible policy putting Virginia at the back and years and years of progress in this country.


Quick Comment on Names and How This is a Bad Idea

<!DOCTYPE html>

There are many reasons why I oppose this policy as written, but I will keep it simple and stick to explaining just one:

The school years are some of the most important years of a young person's life in determining their own identity. The name a person chooses to use is a vital shorthand for expressing who they are and who they want to be. Not allowing young people to make this decision for themselves is dehumanizing. Additionally, this policy is not well thought out, as it also technically forbids obvious nicknames without explicit parental consent ("I prefer to be called Steph, not Stephanie"), which is a stance I cannot imagine a single person supports. This policy is hurtful not only to trans students but also to anyone who feels uncomfortable with their assigned name and wishes to be called something else (see all the people who have recently been uncomfortable with the name of "Karen"). Enforcing this is a waste of resources that will not help students and will, in fact, harm them instead.


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

Clearly, this administration is strongly opposed to suicide prevention among the young students who are trans or LGBTQ+.  I just don't understand the cruelty in removing inclusive policies at each and every school in Virginia.  Therefore, I am STRONGLY OPPOSED


Strongly oppose discriminatory policies

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>These rules are known to create hostile environments for children. All throughout my years as a student in Virginia, queer and trans kids were already having a tough enough time. You should be supporting kids during this vulnerable period of their life instead of pushing unproven and prejudiced rules on them. Facts support gender affirmation for kids at this age and these transphobic policies will just harm the most vulnerable in your schools. These children are not dumb. Students and families follow the news and they will remember the harm you caused them. </p>


No Legislated Hate in Virginia

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is very clear to anyone paying attention that the Republican party is not interested in the well-being of our children after they exit the womb. It is not at all shocking to me that Governor Youngkin is continuing to persecute kids who are already marginalized, to further his own political career. It is anti-American, unchristian, and completely shameful. What is more shocking to me is that the party of big business does not recognize how this will affect the reputation of our state, and hurt us economically. It is not just an immoral move, it’s a stupid one. Legislating hate is not just going to strip trans youth of their rights, it will end up hurting everyone.

Trans kids deserve our respect, and our protection. If we as a society cannot figure out how to not be threatened by what we don’t understand, all will be lost. Kids who are exploring their identity with regards to sexuality and gender are not a threat to anyone. The Republican Party is continuing to use fear and ignorance as a platform, and it is pitiful.


Playing politics again

Retired Henrico County public school teacher

<!DOCTYPE html>

Once again, Y is stirring up chaos and playing to his base by attacking defenseless children. This policy change will cause more harm to transgender students by ostracizing them. As a retired educator with 27 years of experience, I know many transgender students who would be harmed by this. Keep politics out of the classroom and let experienced educators do their jobs. We want a welcoming environment for all students, not one that excludes the most vulnerable.

You can dress this up as a parental rights issue,  but what about my parental rights to have a welcoming educational environment for all? Spin it as a religious issue.  My religious beliefs call for loving all, no matter who they are. The religious right is neither.


Support Proposed 2022 Document

<!DOCTYPE html>

The 2022 Proposed Document specifically states parents rights on what is allowed in schools as it should be as opposed to a push of one political view.  All students/children should be treated with respect most definitely.  But parents must be respected as well in how they raise their children and what they want the schools their children attend to teach.


Protect Trans Kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

Outing trans children will cause more harm than good, as we keep seeing more and more threats of violence against them and their family. All this will do is make their lives worse.


Strongly Oppose!

<!DOCTYPE html>

Gender identity is not an ideology. Allowing kids to explore their identity and become true to who they are is such an essential part of life. If we deny the ability to explore ourselves, we deny the ability to live our lives authentically and to their fullest.

Denying the option and forcing these BS policies under the name of "Christianity" and religious politics is absurd. Forcibly outing children to their families significantly increases the chances of suicide or self-harm and brings in a whole new dynamic of their families not accepting them for who they truly are; this brings on more abuse and, in some cases, a very unsafe living situation. Not to mention the number of children forced to become homeless because they were kicked out after their parents were informed that they were trans and want to live as authentically as anyone else.

I have never felt anything but welcomed and safe in the LGBTQIA+ communities; I have several friends and family members in the LGBTQIA+ community. Seeing them live authentically brings a massive smile to everybody's faces and makes the world more welcoming.


Hard to Identify as Republican These Days

<!DOCTYPE html>

The very people that are pushing these type of policies are the same type of people that would send their children to conversion therapy camps if they were gay or trans. The Republican Party is really losing me because I can’t continue to vote for a party that is constantly got its foot on the lgbtq throats due to hatred.


<!DOCTYPE html>

Please support an ordered and healthy society. The education of Virginia’s children should not encourage nor support disordered ideology. If a child is uncomfortable or miserable he should not be encouraged or coddled to change himself through surgery or medication to mutilate a healthy body.

It is a lie that children will kill themselves if they are refused medication or surgery to mutilate their bodies. Children who are miserable before drastic changes will remain miserable after irreversible surgeries and medication protocols.

These children should not be bullied or abused for their confusions. Within the schools they should be served with kindness and compassion. They should not be coddled nor be  catered to in their delusion.

Relieve these tender children from their burdens of confusion by not affirming their disorder but by affirming our compassion to bringing order to their minds.


Opposition to new transgender guidelines

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I oppose the new guidelines concerning transgender students. Every student regardless of race, creed, nationality, political persuasion, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. This is total government overreach that will trample over the rights of students, teachers and staff, and parents. These new guidelines are harmful to students that are transgender in terms of safety and mental health. Schools should be a sanctuary for all kids to feel safe, included, and loved not demonized or scapegoated. This is politics being played by Glenn Youngkin in a clear delusional aspiration to possibly run for president in 2024. Our schools are facing a crisis in teacher shortages and other crises impacting our schools but instead of Glenn Youngkin focusing on fixing the ACTUAL problems facing Virginians, he much rather play politics and harm our most vulnerable kids who just wants to be loved, accepted, and be their true authentic selves. These new guidelines are not only harmful and dangerous to our kids mental well-being but they're also immoral and unjust. I hope school boards across our state reject Youngkin's divisive and hate-filled policies. </p>


being trans is hard enough already. please provide a safe place of peace for them instead of hate.


Support Trans Kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

Kids deserve to be loved and respected for who they are, and to be treated how they want to be treated. Being trans isn't hurting anybody. Let the kids be who they are.


Prior citizen of VA opposed to more government

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Keep your laws off of our bodies. We do not need you doing this for us/to us. Stop it. Stop it now. </p>


Strongly Oppose

Virginia is not going back. We will not harm children for the Governor to engage in a political demonstration of intolerance to curry favor with extremist bigots so he can run for President.We won't harm children by subjecting them to intolerance in an attempt to apply a contorted religious standard to children in a public school system.We won't reject the gender identity of anyone in public schools. We won't fear monger or introduce onerous legal obstacles to acknowledging and respecting the names and gender identities of anyone associated with public school in Virginia.
We won't put one life at risk by enacting these hateful policies. Virginia law protects Virginians from abuses of human rights and these policies do not supersede the law.
As a parent, Virginia is not acting in my interest or protecting my rights in any way with policies of hate and intolerance.

<!DOCTYPE html>

Virginia is not going back. We will not harm children for the Governor to engage in a political demonstration of intolerance to curry favor with extremist bigots so he can run for President.

We won't harm children by subjecting them to intolerance in an attempt to apply a contorted religious standard to children in a public school system.

We won't reject the gender identity of anyone in public schools. We won't fear monger or introduce onerous legal obstacles to acknowledging and respecting the names and gender identities of anyone associated with public school in Virginia.

We won't put one life at risk by enacting these hateful policies. Virginia law protects Virginians from abuses of human rights and these policies do not supersede the law.

As a parent, Virginia is not acting in my interest or protecting my rights in any way with policies of hate and intolerance.


Thanks

<!DOCTYPE html>

Thanks for some common sense on the new transgender model policy. This will protect kids and defer to adults on major decisions.  Totally support.


Absolutely HORRIBLE and DISGRACEFUL!

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a an absolutely horrible and disgraceful law that should not have happened!


Strongly Oppose!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Please get Virginia back onto the right side of history. </p>


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>As the party of "freedom" the Republicans seem hell bent on controlling the lives of people who do not conform to their ideal norms. You say you want to create a world where children are safe and free from abuse (physical and psychological) from their parents and guardians. If you force the school system to report to parents that a child is asking to be identified other than what is listed you are setting that child up for abuse. Stop trying to control other people and help set up a State and Country where people feel free to be who they are without the condemnation of the Government. It's time to truly embrace FREEDOM for all not just freedom for those who think like you.  </p>


This is a hate policy, don't do this

<!DOCTYPE html>

To many people, specifically conservatives, have been outing trans as monster. They've been called carelessly groomers and pedophiles, dehumenizing them. Thus this policy of revealing this info will endanger them


Let People Live

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Im someone of moderate political stance, and this sort of thing is exactly what your average American does not want to see in school. Education is not supposed to be political; when students go to school they shouldn’t have to worry about the regime and political culture in which they are receiving their education. We shouldn’t try and impose any sort of political morality, government institutions are supposed to be apolitical. </p>


This is dangerous and embarrassing

<!DOCTYPE html>

This attack on vulnerable kids is going to directly lead to violence and harm and make Virginia a stain on the nation.


Outing trans Kids exposes them to violence- strongly oppose

former trans kid, alive today because of the kindness of friends & teachers

<!DOCTYPE html>

If a queer child chooses not to come out to their family, there is a reason. They are protecting themselves from rejection or violence,Perhaps even losing their home. I know transgender people who were outed in high school in the early 2000s and became homeless when their parents rejected them. I myself did not come out until I had housing secured away from my family. Everyone needs community, and so often queer people do not find it with the family they’re born into. This needs to change. But we cannot rob queer people of our chosen family, children the ability to confide inTheir peers and trusted support of adults in their lives like teachers. These lifelines help children survive.If a queer child you chooses not to come


This is a cruel, discriminatory, deadly policy, and I vehemently oppose it

Lisa C., mother of a trans public school student in VA

<!DOCTYPE html>

As the mother of a transgender teenage daughter, I see how policies like this affect trans kids every day. My daughter has two supportive parents at home, but not all LGBTQ+ kids are that lucky. A policy that "outs" kids to their unaffirming and unaccepting parents will have deadly consequences. For some kids, school is their only safe place. This policy would get rid of that safety. You cannot call yourself pro-life and support such a dangerous policy.

Using a student's preferred name and pronouns harms no one. You don't have to understand or even "agree with" a student's identity to call them by their preferred name and pronouns, and nobody else's religious or other rights are infringed by requiring that they address a student by their preferred name and pronouns. If trans students' names aren't respected, why stop there? Nobody should be allowed to be called a name that differs from their full legal name on their birth certificate.  No Mike or Katie - only Michael and Katherine. If this sounds absurd, that's because it is absurd. Just call students by their preferred names. It's not that difficult.

As far as bathrooms and locker rooms, there are zero documented cases of a student faking being transgender for the sake of accessing the opposite gendered bathroom or locker room in order to assault someone. Using the excuse that boys will say they identify as girls to attack girls in the restroom is baseless and presumptuous. Being transgender is not correlated in any way with being a sexual predator. Parents and education professionals/officials making wild accusations like this have caused my daughter such anxiety about using the restroom - ANY restroom - at school that she has developed an eating disorder. She is so afraid of being confronted and accused of something she would never do that she will just go all day without eating or drinking anything in hopes that she doesn't need to use the bathroom at school. People who support this policy bullied my child into an eating disorder.

What it all boils down to is this: trans kids already deal with enough ridicule, hate, unfounded accusations, and anxiety over their every move being scrutinized by those who "disagree with their lifestyle." This policy only compounds all of these things. It wouldn't protect anyone or give all parents authority over their children's education. It's cruelty just for the sake of being cruel. Be better than this.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I strongly oppose this guidance and call on the VDOE to reject it. As the product of the Virginia public school system, and as the parent of three students of the VA public school system I firmly believe we have an obligation to protect and support the children in the care of our educational system, especially those who are at greater risk of harassment, discrimination, and violence like our transgendered and LGBTQ+ students. </p>


Strongly opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Stop hurting our children, they have been through enough. </p>


STRONGLY Oppose

Rod Durrer, Charlottesville City Schools Employee

<!DOCTYPE html>

The fact that we are having this conversation in Virginia in 2022 is appalling. I strongly oppose this discriminatory policy that have been put before us. While the Republican Party is all about rights and freedom, they completely leave out of the conversation those that their harmful policies affect the most. Yes, parents have rights but the education system has a job to care for, protect and educate our youth. If parents don’t agree with what their district policies are they have the right to remove their child from the public school system. Far to many times have I had to sit and listen to a student cry because their parents don’t believe who they truly are and it’s heartbreaking. To enact such a policy as this one would do nothing more but harm our trans and non-binary students. Suicide rates and bullying would dramatically raise in our state. I beg our representatives to take a close look at this policy or come into our schools and see for yourselves before taking any action


Trans Kids Deserve Respect

<!DOCTYPE html>

This bill would be an attack on trans children right's in the classroom and shows no basic human decency. Do not pass this bill.


Disgraceful

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this disgraceful proposal. Students deserve to feel welcomed and accepted in schools, but this proposed change to the model policies would create a climate of hate for thousands of trans and gender-fluid students in Virginia. If the Department of Education moves along with this proposal, it would be enacting state-sponsored discrimination against already vulnerable students.


Massive overstep

<!DOCTYPE html>

Imagine getting angry at kids for expressing how they feel...

God makes no mistakes, unless it's something your small brains can't comprehend, then it's a horrible mistake and the kids should be ridiculed and discriminated against in a space that should be safe for them.

No love like Christians hate...


Strongly support this new model policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

Thank you to Governor Youngkin for supporting parental rights. Agree with rolling back the old policy


Support trans youth

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>It seems obvious who needs protection here.  Trans youth being outed get suicidal.  A small number of girls are "uncomfortable" having trans girls in their bathrooms.  </p>


Unnecessary

<!DOCTYPE html>

Not a single educator in the commonwealth is trying to “stick it” to parents by calling a kid what they want to be called. Many of these kids do not feel safe at home. Many of these kids are just trying to make it through the day. I don’t support any policy that would terminate a teacher for calling a kid what they want to be called.

I understand the concern for parental rights.  Which is why I am so baffled by the policies in states such as Texas that would open CPS investigations on parents who allow their children to explore transitioning with their doctor and psychiatrist. The parents there can re-write history textbooks, but are losing their rights to raise their children how they want if the state has a problem with it. Virginia is not Texas.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Forcing trans children to be outed to their parents, which may not be safe for them, will lead to more teen suicides, as those children are unable to be themselves, and made to feel that they are somehow wrong for wanting to be themselves.  </p>


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>There should never be any policy allowed that discriminates against transgender children in Virginia schools, which is exactly what this policy proposes to do. I am adamantly opposed to this legislation. </p>


I oppose this

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy will end up literally killing trans kids. It has been shown that people (including adolescents) with gender dysphoria live happy, fullfilling lives when they are able to be their authentuc selves. Which means allowing them to use whatever bathroom matches their gender- whether or not that differs from their assigned sex at birth- and reffering to them by the pronouns that match their gender. When those things are withheld from transgender people, especially minors, over 40% of them end up committing suicide and/or engaging in self harm. Just giving them those basic things greatly reduces the chances of any of that happening


GOP is going to lose big in midterms over this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

If you had any hope of getting new seats during the midterms or winning a new election, this will take it away. People from Maryland, New York, New Jersey, DC and other very, very liberal areas are moving en masse into Virginia to try to find better living situations due to high inflation and the increase in remote work. Even people from California are moving all the way here to Virginia. Virginia has been purple-leaning-blue for a while. Doing this now will ensure the midterms are heavily slanted towards liberals and progressives, and ensure you won't be able to do a single thing the remainder of your time in office, as well as ensure your loss in the next election. You should have waited until after the midterms, gotten some moderate votes to help you land seats in the midterms, and passed this the usual way. Trying to fly past actual legal precedent es everyone from EVERY party off.


They’re just pronouns

<!DOCTYPE html>

Believe it or not, trans kids exist. But because you’re so insistent on believing that such a thing couldn’t possibly happen, you decided to make a policy that doesn’t allow trans kids to do something as simple as using the bathroom. Shame on you. Are you really so reactionary to pronouns? Absolutely pathetic.


Attack on trans children

<!DOCTYPE html>

Governor Youngkin's proposal is nothing short of an attack on trans kids motivated by his own hatred and desire to be president. It's not going to do anything but force families with trans children to flee Virginia if they can or send their children into traumatic a environment every day. Instead of attacking trans kids to further his own ambitions maybe Governor Youngkin should try actually helping people for the first time in his life


Agree with GY model policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

The number of young people who say they identify as something other than their birth sex is off the charts. While there may be some that truly do feel this way (and good for them), the majority are attention seeking. So many see that this is a special interest group getting attention and to many that is extremely attractive (akin to getting "likes" on Facebook or instagram).  These ridiculous policies (by Northum) create undue work for teachers who should focus only on teaching. You can be kind to a kid who identifies as something other than their birth sex without having policy; let that be the social-emotional learning. So many people quote statistics (the same GLSEN study) that states without some policy that 50% of people who claim to be transgender or non-binary will commit suicide...but do you think a policy like this will prevent that? Of course if we cater to that group, raise them up and continually "celebrate" their mere existence, I'm sure some will feel fabulous and turn away from that horrific act. But some, by the sheer fact that they have gender dysphoria may not and that is horrible. But making everyone in the world cater to a small few people  by compelling speech of others, changing the landscape of competitive sports, etc is asinine. This statistic is like comparing the suicidal rate in those taking antidepressant....these people are depressed and have lots of heavy stuff going on..of course they that rate will be higher in that group. same with folks with gender dysphoria. Just be nice to people, you don't have to agree with what they do, but be nice.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This guidance is only going to hurt people. All available studies show that trans people should be supported in their transition. </p>


Harmful Policy, not best practices

<!DOCTYPE html>

This guidance is not in line with best practices in education.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

Shameful. Support Trans youth


Oppose!

<!DOCTYPE html>

Hello! As a Virginia resident who has frequent interactions with transgender students in my county, this policy will only isolate and harm them more. These students want to be accepted by their peers, teachers and families and this policy does not support that. Please protect and respect our trans kids!


Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Gender identity is not an ideology. Also, you should be aware that gender ideology is not taught in schools, nor is CRT. Gender affirming medical care is never advised in schools. What is provided in public school is support and compassion for students who are struggling with gender identity, family crisis, and bullying. All of which stem from an ideology you are now teaching which is only one type of student deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. It is hypocritical to call gender identity ideology, yet force others to prescribe to the ideology of discrimination in this policy. I am extremely saddened that Governor Youngkin continues to use Virginia students as pawns in his political agenda. Shame on you. </p>


On All Levels

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am shocked and so disappointed by Virginia legislators.

On a legal/democratic level this is, pure and simple, taking away rights.  How is that democratic.  That is legislated morality for the majority and discarding the minority.

On an ethical/moral level this is meant to punish, further maginalize, and put in "harms way" young people who are true to their selves, teachers who are there to support, and all of these.  When compassion is missing for one, it is diminished for all.

Finally, you are asking all Virginian's to participate in this denial of freedoms and deliberate punishment  of those who are taking the brave and dangerous path to move us beyond "either/or" thinking...and that is a developmental growth step.  Apparently, Virginia legislators value more political regression to moral and political development...and development makes some, generally those who hold power, uncomfortable.  Imagine the discomfort of going to school each day knowing that not only could you be hurt but if you are the entire system will come to the protection of those who hurt you.

It is beyond sad...it is immoral.


strongly oppose this overreach

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This is not an issue, let people be. So much for small government, just more fear mongering by something that doesn't affect you. Stop playing to your rural base and pay attention to what all Virginians want. </p>


Trans existence and rights are medical fact. Hands off, fascists.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>The fascistic, bigoted, deliberately-ignorant anti-trans moral panic is how Youngkin is disguising his looting of the state. If you assist his crime, it will be remembered. </p>


You should be ashamed of yourself

<!DOCTYPE html>

Dear Governor,

I would say you should be absolutely ashamed of yourself but I know you have no shame so I wouldn't expect you to show a shred of decency or empathy to anyone that is different from you. Your proposed policies will have gut-wrenching consequences on young trans kids and students in VA and around the country. You are using innocent lives as a wedge issue to drum up support with your base and create a problem where there is none. Trans and nonbinary kids and students deserve to be supported and allowed to be the fullest version of themselves in school and everywhere else. No one is harmed by allowing them to do so. Schools are supposed to be a safe haven where young people learn and grow and become who they are meant to be. The rates of self-harm and suicide are incredibly high amongst LGBTQ+ youth. This issue is deeply personal to me. I lost my partner to suicide a few years ago at just 25 years old because of bullies like you who use religion to harm, ostracize and demonize people who are just trying to be themselves. We are not a theocracy. Our constitution specifically calls for the separation of church and state. To impose the hateful religious beliefs of a small minded, backwards and vocal minority on students in Virginia is antithetical to what this country was founded on. Interesting that you can abandon your constitutional conservativism when it serves you personally. When fear mongering and scapegoating an entire group of people to appeal to hateful MAGA republicans. You are a coward and the harm that comes from this will be on your hands.

If there is any issue to address, it should be the harassment and bullying of LGBTQ+, especially trans/non-binary kids, in schools. Look at any piece of research and you would clearly see that the group you are targeting is already disproportionally affected by violence and harassment. You are contributing and exacerbating that with these policies. Your pathetic attempts to harm kids who are just trying to live their lives is despicable and it is not reflective of what Virginia values can and should be. You should be working to make sure the Commonwealth is as safe as it can be for every individual, no matter how they might identify.

Recent federal court decisions have upheld protections for transgender people, including a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision, written by Trump appointee Neil M. Gorsuch, that determined that civil rights law barring sex discrimination covers transgender people. What you're doing will not stand and it is clearly a political stunt to bolster support from your most hateful, small-minded, and uneducated supporters. You will not win this fight because trans folks and the LGBTQ+ community more broadly are some of the most beautiful, resilient and powerful people in the universe and collectively we will make sure you do not succeed.


This legislation is a joke

<!DOCTYPE html>

The growing movement of fascism disguised as anti-groomer rhetoric towards an entirely innocent group of marginalized individuals as you IGNORE the prospering predators in churches all over Virginia is embarrassing. You care more about subjecting marginalized queer people to being crushed under your boot than children already being harmed, actively, in the systems you promote today. It's not about the children, it's about money in your pockets and targeting and endangering already threatened groups. What a joke.


This will kill trans kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This will negatively impact one of the few safe spaces a child may have. Trans kids may not have parental support and are at increased risk of violence, salf-harm, and homelessness among other impacts, especially if you take away one of the few welcoming spaces they do have. Do not do this. This policy helps no one and hurts childden. </p>


Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

As a parent in Virginia, I am truly appalled by this policy. It serves only to facilitate an environment of hostility for kids. That is who we are discussing here. The administration is using children for political gain, and its unethical and immoral. Those who are trans deal with all sorts of stigma in schools, so your decision is to make it worse? Why? For incredibly rare cases that have occurred? For brownie points to run for higher office? Glenn Youngkin, as a Christian, you should be ashamed of yourself. Everyone that is for this policy should, if they call themselves Christian, drop that title. Because this is not Christlike behavior in any manner. Also, all you are really doing is keeping parents from understanding their children. By isolating these individuals, you drive them into feeling ashamed, which means they wont discuss this with their parents. Instead, they will just stop talking to them. You make it seem like trans children and adults are abhorrent, when they are just not your version of normal. Party of family values alright...


Grandparent

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose the new possible law.  This is what is wrong with all the kids now.  Never in my life have I seen or heard of so many kids talking or committing suicide, but since all this pronoun stuff started, this is what is wrong with these students now. The internet is also is a big problem. These kids are our future and they are messed up because of all this stuff. I have taken my grandchild from public school.  So many teachers are in it for the money and not our children anymore.  I am ashamed of how our society is messing up our kids.  Shame on anyone that agrees with this.


Strongly Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>As a trans nonbinary parent with 2 children, I am strongly opposed to this bill. It is hard enough being a trans child right now, we do not need to make it any worse. This bill will only result in further pain and harm. Let our children be themselves without trying to control what scares you. </p>


SUPPORT THE NEW GUIDELINES

<!DOCTYPE html>

How many live might be saved if parents were more involved in their children's lives.  This goes from gun violence to sexual orientation.  I understand that sometimes the parents may be the problem, but if they don't know about a concern how can they assist their child?


Please leave children alone.

<!DOCTYPE html>

What the child wants to be called affects no one—but them.

What a makes a child feel valuable affects no one—but them.

With some of your new rules you will make children very sad. And evidently, that’s your goal. It doesn’t matter who they are, rich or poor, this will hurt some children.

Youngkin, your admin is the worst thing that’s happened to Virginia since I moved here 8 years ago.

if you cannot do anything to help women, children, the poor, the elderly, and our working families, just keep campaigning for other tyrants and remain silent. Thanks.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Thank you for ensuring that parents will have the knowledge and ability to be involved in conversations regarding sensitive matters with such profound affects on their children.  </p>


Support

<!DOCTYPE html>

Parents have a right to be involved with any decision or issue related to their children.  School systems are not the parents and should get back to teaching academics.


Being trans is not a crime

<!DOCTYPE html>

Strongly opposed. Human rights violation


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

The government has no business telling my trans kid what he should be called (referring to section D of the proposed policy). Unnecessary, dangerous meddling that makes our child feel unsafe at school.


Strongly Oppose Hurting Trans Youth

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is criminal for legislature to think that it knows what is best for the safety of children and discriminating against the most vulnerable of them as a political platform.  Hateful and cruel, this should be opposed at all costs.


Strongly support

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly support these changes, including:

School divisions have to disclose sensitive student information to the student, the student’s parents and school personnel with "a legitimate educational interest or when required by law."

School divisions can only refer to each student using the name in the student's official record or an associated nickname. The same goes for pronouns.

Students will need parents' permission in writing if they want to be referred to under a different name or pronouns than what's in a student’s official record.

School divisions can only change a student's legal name or sex if a parent or eligible student submits a legal document or court order backing up the change.

Students can only use bathrooms that correspond to their sex.


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy needlessly puts professional and judgment-minded counselors and teachers between students and parents when students are navigating their own identities. It’s fairly simple; a household with parents who desire a strong relationship with their children and involvement in their childrens’ lives on these highly sensitive issues already have the knowledge they need from their son or daughter to navigate these unique and delicate decisions. The parents who would require a school to call them and inform them of the information their son or daughter shared with a counselor or teacher do not offer an emotionally safe environment at best, and a physically safe environment at worse. The consequence of these needless and over-bearing rules will harm people under the age of 18, and will not improve anyone’s lives. I am beyond frustrated that this administration continues to insert itself into the personal lives of Virginians. Schools are not pushing agendas around trans issues, they are simple teaching tolerance and acceptance to students at large, which means an adolescent who is being bullied at school or just desires to be themselves can not seek the help of their guidance counselor who will be required to tattle on them. It is well documented that gay, queer, and trans students have a higher suicide rate than any other adolescent group. Trans adolescents are less than a percent of the population, and so for the amount of time and resources this administration has wasted on their insistence that this is somehow a “problem” is absolutely ludicrous. Enough is enough. Focus on improving education outcomes in curriculum and stop worrying about the private parts and private situations within our public schools and in peoples’ homes.


For a pro-life Governor you sure do want to see dead trans kids...

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This regulation will do nothing to protect the youth in our commonwealth.  It will only force children deeper into the closet or worse.  Ignoring an entire segment of your population will not make their problems go away.  </p>


Support Trans Youth - Strongly Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this legislation.  Protect transgender kids and all kids - this legislation harms transgender children.

This legislation is wildly contradictory.  While in one section it states that it intended to protect each unique child, it also says that transgender people have no right to how they are treated.  It states that no personal ideologies can be pressed upon another person, but then says that transgender people cannot express themselves fully because of other people's opinions on who they are.  This policy would allow the opinions of individuals to dictate the lives of others.

This is not freedom.  I am a parent, I am a Christian, and I believe that transgender individuals should be able to express themselves fully, confidently and proudly.  I also believe that anyone looking to press their beliefs upon others by not acknowledging the individual has violated their rights.

This legislation encourages the discrimination of transgender people.  I believe that Virginia has an obligation to protect and support EVERY student.


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

Children are not merely extensions of their parents, and have the fundamental right to be their true selves and not punished by the school systems for doing so.  This proposition is cruel, unjust, discriminatory, and would further promote hate towards trans and LGBTQ+ children in schools.  These children are not the ones harming others, but are rather the ones being harmed, especially by propositions like this.  Children have a right to use the bathroom that beat fits themselves, use the correct pronouns for them, and be addressed and be able to dress as their truest selves.  Promoting anything that states otherwise is hateful, abusive, and downright evil.  I strongly oppose this proposition for these reasons.


Hateful

<!DOCTYPE html>

Any rules that deny ANY individual the right to self-identify is by very definition hateful.  Demanding a person conform to a misguided government-mandated sense of identity cannot be allowed to stand.  It is, in short, child abuse.  And those who encourage any laws that would be abusive to a child should be removed from office and prosecuted.

It's okay to not want it for yourself, but there is no legal basis to deny it to others.


Protect XX spaces

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Thank you for giving XX girls their own space to be and feel safe </p>


Support Trans Children Stop Stigmatizing Them

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy is an effort to vilify an already marginalized group to distract from the governor's complete lack of actual education policy. The only agenda is to dismantle public education. Using trans kids and their families as political pawns is dangerous and disingenuous. We should be supporting all students and their families. Leave your Christofascist beliefs out of our schools.


Oppose these guild lines

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Overlooks the rights of the student if they do not want something that was disclosed to school to be shared with their parents. Things may be shared in confidence and they should stay that way. The student can share with their parents. </p>


Leave the kids alone

<!DOCTYPE html>

Jesus ing Christ. I can't believe in the year of our Lord 2022 we're still having this discussion. Leave the kids alone. Holy  do you people not have anything better to do? They're not hurting anyone and they just want to live their lives. Teen self-harm and suicide drops by like 70% when trans kids get gender affirming care and support. So ing miss me with the whole "pro-life" and "small-government" party as you drive teens to kill themselves by over policing their bodies and identities. I have many friends in the LGBTQ+ community and I've never felt anything but safe and welcomed around them. Unlike when I'm around conservative men and women. And I'm saying that as a straight white male.  anyone who tries to destroy the lives of our youth because you're sad and hateful pieces of . I hope you all go to hell.


Strongly, vehemently oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly, strongly oppose the 2022 proposed model policy. According to the Trevor Project's 2022 national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide last year, and more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth. More than 1.8 million LBTQ youth seriously consider suicide each year in the US, and at least 1 attempts suicide every 45 seconds. Another recent study found that Transgender teens are 7.6x more likely to attempt suicide than their peers (university of ottowa study, 2022). Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death for adolescents from age 15 to 19.

Trans and Nonbinary youth are vulnerable, and it's our job to support them - not to shame them, bully them, or force them into boxes. This policy is cruel, and will result in irreparable harm for trans and nonbinary kids and their families, including loss of life. Please don't do this to our trans and nonbinary kids. They need us.


Strongly oppose new regulation, protect trans youth

<!DOCTYPE html>

Gender identities are not just chosen, and censoring information about gender identity will not prevent youth from realizing they are trans- it will just make them more fearful and MORE AT RISK FOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. The only thing Gov. Youngkin’s proposal would achieve is ensuring an extremely unsafe environment for marginalized kids and let transphobic, suppressive parents control their lives outside of the house too.

This proposal was written on the blatantly false idea that children can be “”groomed”” into being trans- most people who come out as trans have felt different for as long as they remember, but need education about the topic to express that. Protecting trans kids’ human rights is just as important as any other students’.


Strongly Oppose! Support trans youth!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This guidance will result in the increasing marginalization of trans youth and will inflict harm on them. It is nobodies right to harm students. Support trans youth! </p>


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

Schools are meant to be a safe space for all, and using personal religious beliefs as a defense is unethical. The current model policy was researched and written using best practices and input from professionals in the fields of mental health and pediatrics. These changes based upon the unfounded fears of an uneducated and narrow-minded few would equal a further fall away from protecting all of our youth. Please keep Virginia safe for all our children and students.


Support from VA Parents

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>As a parent of a Loudoun County student I support this policy change. </p>


This will kill kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Your bigoted anti-transgender crusade will do considerable harm to the mental health of already vulnerable LGBTQ children. There will be increased depression and suicide.  It’s cruel and evil and has no place in a modern, civilized society. </p>


Oppose

Kelsey Schoenemann, University of Virginia

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I oppose this proposed change. Protections for vulnerable people including trans kids must be preserved in schools. </p>


I fully support this policy update!

<!DOCTYPE html>

I fully support this policy update. This is how it should have read in the first place!


Opposed - let's keep moving forward...

<!DOCTYPE html>

Reading some of the comments in this space leaves me with a few burning questions:

1) What is lost or risked when transgender students are allowed access to resources and spaces in a way that matches who they are?  At the school where I work, the obvious answer of our community's experience is: NOTHING.  We were quite worried before we had our first openly transgender student but, honestly, it has been a completely seamless "change."  And we're a boarding school...  I think we adults need to recognize that today's youth live in a world where identity and choice are and should be up to the individual.  The judgment of society does not exist in the same way that it did even 10 years ago.  We should not take them backward or use our outdated concerns to shape the future...

2) How can we justify making changes that we know will negatively impact mental health?  All of the research shows that transgender youth are at much higher risk of mental health issues, abuse, and other endangering situations.  The more we normalize transgender youth, the less likely these issues are to continue.  The more we point fingers and force people into situations where they don't feel comfortable, the more issues will continue to arise.  Let's be kind!!

Come on, Virginia...  Let's not turn back the clock.


My story and trans experience may differ from your story or life.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I will start by stating outright that there are certain things i do not agree with in my own community. I am a transgender female, 56 years old, have lived a full and rich life, raised a family, lost an oldest child, experienced a lot in a relatively short number of years. I grew up in a conservative "Christian" home, attended church weekly, billy graham revivals, Montreat,  attended Wheaton christian high school etc... I also at the age of 9 loathed my male genitalia to the point i would self mutilate. i would in secret put on my sisters clothes and makeup in the bathroom and then in a panic leave it all behind me. My mother spent many years trying to help me and find out why i was having so many difficulties in school and life but in the family i had there was NO disclosing what i was experiencing. I lived with a secret for decades that tormented, set me apart from my peers, kept me constant isolation and made me feel as though there was something seriously wrong with me.

It was not until i was 35 when a business associate informed me that they would be taking a medical leave of absence and when they returned they would be known as Jessica, not John. That conversation was the first time i heard the word transgender. She was an executive vice president of software development for a company who's software i had been using for years. I had no idea you could be a professional in this American corporate world and make that kind of change. I went home that day and looked up the word "Transgender" and it was like the light came on for the first time in my life. The more i read, the more i researched the more i found myself in the words that were put before me. The feeling i had was utter relief and explained so so so much about what i had been experiencing since i was a child.  I had been in therapy, seen psychiatrist as a child who i "kind of" disclosed what i had been feeling but never before had i understood that there was an actual word for the experience i had been living with for so many years that entirely described my experience. That was where it started for me and i met with a psychiatrist who specialized for years in experiences such as mine. I decided i would transition and live my life in an entirely different way that i had lived in for years. She told me the best transition was the longest transition which were words that guided the rest of my journey.

I know who i am, i have a full understanding of my biology, i know that i am not biologically speaking a female but that has no bearing on how i chosen to live out the rest of my life. I medically transitioned in 2014 at the age of 48(i think) and i have not looked back since. Sadly, i will admit to still living with a degree of isolation but i have found that is due to our society and the stigma and misunderstanding that exists about what being transgender is and an almost unwillingness to learn and practice empathy. People's discomfort is often outwardly projected with a hostile response to my existence which i see and experience regularly. When i first began transitioning the most important thing to me was being able to "pass" as a female so i could just blend into society. Today, that is no longer important to me and the discomfort others feel in my presence sense is not my problem it is their problem. I am an attractive woman, with a rich soulfulness, a good heart, a generous and giving spirit and am. fun, sporty, a titch butch, with a still masculine voice. None of that matters however because I'm not living my life for you, i'm living my life for me. I have to live in my own skin and feel good about myself and that can't depend on your acceptance or capacity for empathy or understanding or kindness. That's much easier for me today at 56 but i can GUARANTEE YOU it is not that easy for younger people and children.

You have a choice to make, you can either support those who have far less experience with life and are far more vulnerable or you can be a boulder in their path and make their experience more difficult and uncomfortable than it already is. I can assure you having spoken with dozens if not hundreds of parents who have kids that are struggling with their gender whether they be non-binary, non gender-conforming, trans masculine or feminine their experience in i'll say most all cases is real, it is not to be dismissed, minimized, made fun of or mocked. I look to political figures as those who take on one of the greatest responsibilities and that is to be a PUBLIC SERVANT to all their constituents. Not just those they side with or visa versa. Our politicians today are failing miserably, we have forgotten how to have conversations and hold other responsible for being able to hold conversations that seek to find solutions that work for everyone. As a society we have become consumed with only what is good for me and forgotten about caring how others might feel, to have an understanding that not everyone shares the same experience or are living the same way.  I also do mean that in an overall sense, we're all guilty.

That said, in this case as a public servant of a state who has a responsibility to all the people of said state i would surely hope you are not a boulder in an already difficult path for a young child, of any age. I would hope that you can create an environment where you can drive difficult conversations for yourself and others that can be constructive and not destructive or made to create an environment of perpetual misunderstandings. I would hope that you can actually be a leader of a state where you take into account that people's experiences are different and not everyone fits into some cookie cutter pretty package and remember at all time that your position affords you a great opportunity to be a real public servant and actually serve all those who reside in your state and not just those you petition to obtain their votes.

Kids need support, all kids need support... even those who are having a white picket fence life where everything fits together nicely but for those whose lives are already not working out that way... they too need support and not and they definitely do not need others who old so tight to their own idealogical prejudices against themselves and even their parents. I assure you having lived this experience for 40+ years and both sides that it is not some pretend fairytale lie these kids are telling, it is real and you stand to make a positive or negative difference in their lives and unless you are the type of person who just doesn’t give a sh-t about anyone other than yourself than work to be a positive influence and work to find solutions not just slam the door shut because that’s what “your” voters want you to do.

Thank you for your time and please feel free to reach out to me if you would like.


Strongly Opposed: These policies do not yield a beneficial outcome for students

<!DOCTYPE html>

The model policies do not represent my values as a parent of three school-age children in Virginia public schools. They are not backed by any credible research that demonstrates any public benefit. While many parents have opinions on this point, it is vital to apply expertise. Gender, like many other aspects of humanity, has been academically studied with rigor for many, many years. No gender research supports policies like these as a means of producing a beneficial outcome. Importantly, these model policies center the desires of parents, not the benefits to students. The only outcome of these policies is to make parents happier. They do not describe any actual harm prevented or benefit created for the students.

When it is time to choose policies on mathematics (e.g., which topics to include at what age and how to teach them) we don't ask a representative set of parents for their opinions. We seek and use the recommendations of mathematicians and educators with verifiable credentials. Gender should be treated the same way: we should seek out professional researchers and experts with verifiable credentials and listen well to their counsel. This is not a situation where all individuals' opinions carry equal weight. Like math, science, sports, or history, there are experts whose opinions should carry more weight.

These policies should not be subject to popular vote, nor should they be led by a minority of opinionated stakeholders. They should be driven by experts with demonstrable credentials in the field of education and gender and the department of education should be obligated to cite the source and credentials of the experts informing this policies.


Supporting this Common Sense Law the Hateful Left Wants to Pervert Children

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>These sensitive topics should be addressed at home. Not on the classroom. No one should be forced or coerced into  feeding into a child’s dismorphia </p>


SUPPORT!  Parents are their child's best advocate.

<!DOCTYPE html>

The idea that parents, by default, would be excluded from life altering decisions of their minor child's life flies in the face of all that is known about what makes a child healthy, happy and successful.  It is widely known, and frequently stated, that children with involved parents succeed both academically and psychologically over those children where parents are not involved.  That said, to paint all parents as unsupportive in this particular issue by default (guilty until proven innocent) is both destructive and dangerous to children.  Parents are the best and only long-term support mechanism for their children.

If there is fear that a parent might be a danger to their child related to any issue, then the school district should report that parent to social services.  The school system is not qualified or trained to deal with this level of psychological issue.

I support this model policy as it puts parents back in charge of raising THEIR children, not the school system.


This policy is NOT in accordance with evidence based best practices

<!DOCTYPE html>

Research is provided to show that the new policy is not aligned with the empirically founded evidence based best practices.

56% of transgender youth reported a previous suicide attempt and 86% reported suicidality. A protective factor for transgender youth that mitigates this risk and reduces suicidal ideation and suicide attempts  is school belongingness (Austin et al., 2020).

Transgender and nonbinary youth whose schools prevent them from using the restrooms/locker rooms that best matched their gender identities were significantly more likely to be sexually assaulted, 26% for transgender males and 149% for transgender females (Murchison et al., 2019).

28% of transgender youth whose pronouns are not affirmed attempted suicide in the past year. In fact, when pronouns are respected, transgender youth attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected (Trevor Project, 2020).

Transgender adolescents experience significantly disproportionate levels of childhood abuse compared to cisgender adolescents and experience greater levels of homelessness as a result of being kicked out or abused (Thoma, 2021).

Fewer than 2.5% of transgender youth re-transition to cisgender (Olson et al, 2022).

As a parent and school counselor in VA's public school system, I STRONGLY OPPOSE this policy. Transgender students exist, they always have, and they always will. These policies will only harm this already vulnerable population of youth.


Strongly OPPOSE change to model policies

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly OPPOSE this change to the model policies. Trans kids deserve to be supported and protected. This proposed change will lead to more cases of depression and suicide for trans kids. I urge you to keep the current model policies in place.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

<!DOCTYPE html>

Trans rights are human rights. This type of legislation will only lead to more suffering and death.


Very strongly oppose. Harmful to kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Harmful choice. </p>


Protect Trans People!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I am an FCPS educator who identifies as lesbian. I have students who are also LGBTQIA+. I will fight/vote for my rights and for my students’ rights! </p>


OPPOSED

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy is sickening and could be responsible for the deaths of children. Forcing teachers to out trans students to abusive parents is terrible and the administration should strongly reconsider issuing this terrible policy. We need to respect students and parents, not put students in danger.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I am strongly opposed to the guidance document on the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. </p>


Shaming policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

Trans youth already faces several discrimination, the simple idea of taking away their rights and let them forlorn is ridiculous.


Totally support this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Parents are the support structure and should be the driver. When the child is an adult they are free to do as they please. </p>


It is 2022

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Do you know a transgender child/teen?  If not, move on.  Did you grow up with social media as part of your middle school and teenage years?  If not, you can’t fully appreciate what children face today.  Let them be who they are.  Have you seen mental health statistics?  My children are not transgender but they have transgender friends.  And mental health is real, it is hard, and the system is not setup for self service navigation on how to get support.  The changes proposed will clog up an already broken system and leave blood on the hands of those who support it.  </p>


Proposed Transgender Policy Will Kill Trans Youth

<!DOCTYPE html>

The title might seem inflammatory, but that's exactly what the proposed trans policy for schools will do. It will lead students to abusive, unsafe homes with unsupportive parents, and it will lead many to suffer such extreme physical and mental health violence that they may be killed, by others or by themselves. Governor Youngkin's attempt to skirt the actual law in Virginia disgusts me as a Virginian parent of soon to be 2 children. Stop ignoring actual laws in Virginia, and protect trans students LIVES. Murder will be on the hands of anyone who forces these policies into place.

And prepare for a MASSIVE lawsuit against these ILLEGAL policies.


Strongly support

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Parent should always be included.  I have only seen one true trans in the whole time my kids have been in school so you’re only taking a small percentage and their parents totally supported them.  </p>


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

Governor Youngkin created an absolutely terrifying policy regarding trans youth that all VA schools will be forced to adopt in 30 days unless it is stopped.
This reversal of rights for trans and non-binary youth is dangerous and concerning.


Support

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I fully support these policies. I also support a zero-tolerance bullying policy, which is already in effect. Governor Youngkin, please do not reverse course. This is an anti-bullying issue, not a bathroom/locker room issue. Stay the course. </p>


You will lose moderates

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I’m sure there are plenty of messages here about why this is a terrible position and the dangers that it will evoke for our most vulnerable children. My comments serve to remind you that by enacting extreme measures you will lose any voters who fall anywhere other than the extreme right. If you want to hold onto moderate conservatives stop this nonsense immediately. </p>


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

Youth deserve to be treated with the respect you would give any person, and they have the right to be addressed how they want to be addressed. This legislation would only continue to breed hate and conflict in a place that should be about learning.


Save Trans Kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

Growing up is scary enough. Mental anguish is no joke. Save trans kids, save lives.


Support this policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I support this policy only because the one put forth by the last administration and the one adopted by the Albemarle County School Board is simply overreach and insane. This is certainly not an easy topic with one fix (e.g., this policy), but I agree with Youngkin's policy here. I do think that parents should be informed only if they ask or if this new identification may be contributing to poor performance in school. There should be resources provided for students that don't truly feel safe in expressing themselves but this is NOT our teachers. Focus on teaching not identity!!!


Absolutely Not

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is wrong, unconscionable, and harmful towards any and all it impacts


All School Boards

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am very supportive & proud of Governor Youngkin for the actions he is taking regarding the Transgender & CRT nonsense so prevalent in the schools today. I agree wholeheartedly that girls use girls bathroom & same for boys. No government or teacher has the right to tell a child that they were really born the opposite sex. Parent’s and parent’s along have the rights to guide and instruct their children on private matters regarding sex not a school or the teachers. Teachers are in the schools for one reason and that is to teach our children the basis subjects (history {true history good and bad not the made up book on when slavery started} reading, how to write, all the subjects to make our children ready for a career in the future. God blessed the parents with their children to love, give them a religious upbringing, guide, kind toward others and teach them to be the best person they can be in the world.  Teacher’s are in the classroom to teach and have NO say in any other aspect of the child raising. Keep your politics and sex belief OUT OF THE CLASSROOMS.


Support loving environments for students

<!DOCTYPE html>

It’s hard enough to be different in school. Don’t make it dangerous to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered.

I came out in high school and even though I was physically attacked the teachers, principal and school board would not help me saying that I didn’t have “special rights” as a gay person.

They considered safety a special right not available for non- straight people. I don’t.

Don’t let Virginia lose the progress that we have made.


Support!!!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Thank you Governor! </p>


Strongly Support New Proposal

<!DOCTYPE html>

As the mother of two daughters within FCPS, I welcome my 14th amendment rights back with the new proposal.

As a substitute teacher within FCPS, I welcome my 1st amendment rights back with the new proposal.

In no way does any of this equate to discrimination against any group, unlike the current policy which clearly phases out parental rights and infringes upon our right to free speech.


Do not do this. It's stupid.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is stupid.

Why are we wasting our time on this as policy? My legal name is Christopher. People ask me all the time if I prefer to be called Chris or Christopher. Now, I truly don't care what people call me. My friend's mom's legal name is Anita but she goes by Charlaine. That's how I know her. It would be dumb if my place of work instituted a rule that says "you MUST call people by thier legal names". Because people often don't go by thier legal name. This policy specifically targets transgender youth and tells them that... Even though there are many examples of people being allowed to be called by a Nickname... Because of who they are, they are not afforded that same luxury.

Additionally, if I started calling Glenn Youngkin by "she/her" pronouns, I'm sure she'd be quick to correct me and ask me to use her preferred pronouns of "he/him". Which I am glad to oblige if asked. Because, it's just polite.

It's STUPID we are spending ANY government resources or my tax money on this. The government is LITERALLY BULLYING AT RISK YOUTH. Get bent.


A Warning

<!DOCTYPE html>

As a former student within the state of Virginia, I must say that the current trend towards freedom of personal expression would have been a great help during my grade school years. It would have been a weight off my mind, and would have saved myself and others years of anguish and heartbreak. But if the positives of leaving people be won't get through to you, as I suspect they won't, please consider this warning:

The idea that the banning of transgender rights would be helpful to students is extremely flawed. This could kill. As one who knows the fear and anguish that come with having to hide oneself, I am warning that this could push people over the edge. The amount of oppression these people get already can lead to depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc., and the added pressure may entice them to take drastic personal action--namely, suicide. Are the deaths of children so insignificant to you that you'll even take action to increase them?


STRONGLY OPPOSED

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I, a student at a VA school, vehemently oppose the trampling of trans student rights in Virginia schools. These measures will only hurt students, and further isolate trans kids from their parents and peers. Students have a right to the self determination of their gender, as well as when they want to come out to their parents. Students also have a right to be called the name of their choice, as well as go by the pronouns they feel comfortable with. This is fundamental to a students self respect, and self image. Sic Semper Tyrannis.  </p>


You are killing trans kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

this bill will only achieve one thing, dead kids.


Genuinely disgusting

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Trans kids need to be protected, not outed. They deserve to feel safe at school and this absolutely won't do that. This transphobic nonsense needs to stop. </p>


Strongly Oppose this Discriminatory Policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Affirming gender identity saves lives. I have two transgender children and they are thriving since they transitioned because they have been supported. This policy will lead to isolation, mental health distress, and—as we have seen again and again—violence from others or against themselves. Please protect our children’s lives by rejecting this policy. </p>


Policy for Transgender Students in VA

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Strongly oppose </p>


Support Trans Students

<!DOCTYPE html>

Is it not bad enough that laws require schools to discriminate against autistic kids? How dare you do this to innocent trans kids? Trans women are women, trans men are men, it’s time we treat them that way! This is a commonwealth for LOVERS! Kids are human too! It’s time we hear from them, not just parents that pretend to know them better than they know themselves! Shame on you, Glenn!


Trans rights are human rights


This policy is sickening

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Absolutely disgraceful. Children deserve autonomy and safety. This policy targets an incredibly vulnerable population and forces teachers to choose between their jobs and their morals. </p>


Awful and discriminatory, don't implement

<!DOCTYPE html>

This essentially provides a legal basis for discrimination against trans youth, without any benefits at all beyond appealing to the narrow-mindedness of certain people. I hope that lawmakers are sensible enough to avoid a bill that discriminates against children.


Great job on the following the intent of representative gov't aka For the People!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Civilization has evolved from previous generations adding great contributions.  It is also built upon words and definitions that are unchanging. e.g.  If you want a new definition, add a new word for that new definition.  We citizens have been awakened to the leftists attack on our God given rights enumerated and defined clearly in our Constitution.  You have been elected because you stand up to protect our rights.  Keep up the great work! </p>
<p> </p>


Nearly half of trans people attempt suicide - this policy exacerbates that

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>There are well-documented linkages between discrimination and health. Almost half of all trans people will attempt suicide at some point in their life. This policy will put vulnerable transgender minors in direct harm by outing them to their families and allowing them to be misgendered repeatedly in school, a place that is supposed to be safe and welcoming for all. I vehemently oppose this. - a concerned mental health professional </p>