Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Matt Wright
15372 Wetherburn Ct
Centreville, VA 20120

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Matt Wright
<br />15372 Wetherburn Ct<br />Centreville, VA 20120<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148336189" width="1" height="1" />


Oppose the Model Policies-Protect Trans Students

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I am writing as a concerned citizen about the recently proposed Model Policies would which severely roll back transgender rights in Virginia. It would deny transgender youth the ability to use the facilities they identify with, create an arduous process to be acknowledged with proper pronouns, force teachers to expose one's gender identity to their parents (which can be very unsafe for many youth), and no longer require school employees to not discriminate against trans youth. Transgender youth have already extremely high rates of suicide, self-harm, and mental health crises, and this will only make that worse. Please revoke support for the Model Policies and refuse to implement these policies.


Strongly oppose - don’t compromise the well being of our kids

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Our children should never have their safety compromised - regardless of gender, race, sexual preference or ANYTHING. There is a special place in hell for Youngkin and anyone who supports this.


STRONGLY SUPPORT this policy action.

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STRONGLY SUPPORT this policy action.


Youngkin is a fuqing a-hole and so are you if you support this

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Fuq our homophonic, transphobic and

racist Governor and fuq you too if you support him.


Strongly support the model policy

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I am a parent with one child still in public school in Virginia. I strongly support the model policy.

Puberty is a disorienting time for most children. Their bodies are changing substantially. To the extent that schools are involved with addressing the bodily and emotional changes that occur during puberty, they should help students accept the changes, which are natural and indeed essential to the perpetuation of the human race. Schools should understand that the feelings of adolescents or pre-adolescents regarding their bodies and their sexuality are immature and prone to change. Schools should not trust that students know what is best for themselves in this area any more than they trust that students know what is the best amount of homework or how much alcohol to consume.

Schools should not hide facts about students’ behavior from parents. If a student wishes to be treated as different from his or her biological sex, the parents should know, to better help their child. Schools should not set themselves in covert opposition to parents. In particular, schools should not do anything that would encourage minors to seek life-changing and perhaps irreversible medical treatment for gender dysphoria, such as hormones or surgery. Such treatments can result in lifelong sterility, ill health, and depression. Schools should take the approach that where there is discord between a student’s biology and psychology, to the extent that they are involved with it, it is best to try to change the psychology. When a student becomes an adult, he or she can have the hormones or surgery if doing so seems on mature consideration to be the best way to address gender dysphoria.

If there are cases where parents abuse children who have gender dysphoria, existing procedures for schools to report child abuse are adequate. Transgender groups often claim that schools that reveal students’ transgender behavior to parents are exposing the students to harm. They neglect to acknowledge that failing to alert parents to students’ transgender behavior deprives parents of a chance to address psychological issues that may have severe adverse effects without parental involvement to guide students.

Where students are separated by sex, as in bathrooms and athletics, I strongly support the requirement of the model policy that students adhere to their biological sex, not to their psychological perception, or claimed perception, of gender. We have already seen in Virginia and elsewhere how manipulative boys will, to the disadvantage or harm of girls, game rules that give them access to girls’ bathrooms or let them compete athletically against girls rather than boys.


New Guidance document

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I approve of the new guidance document because the new policies honor the sacred role of parents in the care of their children during school, athletics and other activities.

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


OPPOSE

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<p>LGBTQ kids have a higher rate of suicide than their peers. These guidelines are only going to make that worse. These guidelines will actively inflict harm on a vulnerable population. This policy violates title 9 anti discrimination laws. </p>


Oppose! This policy does not stand for equality

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<p>To be frank, my transgender son passes as a boy. He uses the boys room at school, even though he was born with a vagina. Little kids are not showing off their penises and vaginas in the bathroom. My kid would out himself as trans if he were to show his privates in the bathroom; so he's not going to. No one in his class knows his biological sex is something else. If he were to expose himself to others, this would be a behavioral concern and the school should step in. In the absence of this, he looks like all the other boys going into the boys room and using a stall. He probably does not go out of his way to look at any other kids' private parts, he just does his business. Is this what you are so concerned about, conservatives? Doesn't that feel a little ridiculous? And so what if the sexes are reversed? Transgender people are not predators. They are much more likely to be victims of predators. Many many studies show this, and that they become depressed and suicidal if they are not supported in their gender identity. Do a modicum of looking into evidence based practices and you will see that this 2022 policy is terrible. I for one WILL be suing my child's school if they try to enforce this on him. </p>


Children's Rights and Parents' Rights Are Complementary

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I support the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools (2022 Model Policies) which withdraw and replace the highly objectionable Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. I support these policies because:

 children have a right to the full protection and care that only parents can provide

children have a right to not be put at risk of indoctrination by temporary caregivers at school

children have a right to an education in reading, writing, math, science, and history undiluted by distractions like transitory political stunts pulled by adults

 teachers like myself have a right to teach in their area of expertise free of the pressure to adhere to an unusual understanding of the human body that denies its own biological sex markers

parents have a right to act as parents throughout the day without having their basic parental rights terminated for the duration of each school day 5 days of the week

The rights of children go along with the natural role of parents. All studies show that children are best protected, nurtured, and educated within the sphere of their own natural family. As such, we must not make orphans of our children during the school day by severing ties between child and parent in order to make room for random adults whose influence is peripheral and transitory to alter a child's expressions of gender and core identity. A child's identity is healthiest and most full when it is rooted in the family and local community of which the child is a member.

Among many other positive changes, The 2022 Model Policies make it clear that “parents have the right to instill and nurture values and beliefs for their own children and make decisions concerning their children’s education and upbringing in accordance with their customs, faith, and family culture” and that “parents are in the best position to work with their children and, where appropriate, their children’s health care providers to determine (a) what names, nicknames, and/or pronouns, if any, shall be used for their child by teachers and school staff while their child is at school, (b) whether their child engages in any counseling or social transition at school that encourages a gender that differs from their child’s sex, or (c) whether their child expresses a gender that differs with their child’s sex while at school.


Governor Youngkin’s model education policies

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<p>Please support the new Virginia model education policies to restore integrity and excellence and to stop the efforts to corrupt and “dumb down” our children. </p>


Protect trans kids

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LGBTQ kids have a higher rate of suicide than their peers. These guidelines are only going to make that worse. These guidelines will actively inflict harm on a vulnerable population. This is nothing but a political stunt, at the expense of the constituents. We will vote out the governor!!


Sipport

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<p>Strongly support. </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>This policy does not protect minority students but discriminates against them. Keep the 2021 Policy and don't go backwards in history! </p>


Strongly support

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This bill will put an end to harmful ideology that seeks to blur science and common sense in favor of philosophies that encourage children to question realty and their natural state of being. These damaging philosophies encourage children to behave immorally in the name of victimhood and personal identity politics. Children are NOT empowered by exploring and questioning their sexual identity. Their brains are not yet fully developed—encouraging them to question their sexuality at a tender age is extremely damaging. Furthermore, making accommodations for them to mutilate their genitalia at a young age causes damage they can never been undue should they change their mind as an adult. It should be a crime to do so.


Role of parents/new school policies

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I do not support every decision of Go Ernie You goin, but I do support his education policy changes for the following reasons:

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

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

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

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

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

I hope these positive changes are upheld


Most Strongly Support Proposed Pro Parent Policies

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Most Strongly Support the Proposed Pro Parent Rules Change Restoring Parents Rights .


STRONGLY SUPPORT this policy action.

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This policy action is the right thing for all students in Virginia's public schools.


Strongly support

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I strongly support Governor Younkin’s proposed policy. It has the wisdom of common sense, so lacking in many places today.


Gov. Youngkin's 2022 Model Policies for the treatment of Transgender Students in public schools.

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I STRONGLY SUPPORT this policy action.


Governor, please don’t let northern Virginia teams stack their girls sports teams with boys.

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It isn’t fair competitively and also it is not safe. It is an unfair advantage and risks the health of the girls on my team. Thank you governor.


Trans rights are human rights!

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Just a few years ago, I didn't really understand trans people. I am so grateful to the trans community for helping me learn about the fuller, more complex reality of gender and its role in society. The trans people in my life are some of the strongest people I know and I'm beyond angered that this proposal seeks to force kids to endure discrimination and even abuse. I genuinely hope that these policymakers and everyone leaving bigoted comments learn what I have: that suppression of someone's identity solves nothing and hurts everyone involved. Let's allow schools to continue to be a place where kids be themselves.


Support this bill to protect girl’s rights

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Girl’s lives matter too. Give them back their sports teams and bathrooms!


Support

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

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

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

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

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


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<p>"I support the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools (2022 Model Policies) which withdraw and replace the highly objectionable Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. Among many other positive changes, The 2022 Model Policies make it clear that “[p]arents have the right to instill and nurture values and beliefs for their own children and make decisions concerning their children’s education and upbringing in accordance with their customs, faith, and family culture” and that “[p]arents are in the best position to work with their children and, where appropriate, their children’s health care providers to determine (a) what names, nicknames, and/or pronouns, if any, shall be used for their child by teachers and school staff while their child is at school, (b) whether their child engages in any counseling or social transition at school that encourages a gender that differs from their child’s sex, or (c) whether their child expresses a gender that differs with their child’s sex while at school.”</p>


Support for protection of parental rights

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The sacred role of parents in the care of their children should be honored, including during school, athletics and other activities.  The fundamental religious liberty interests of personnel and students must be protected.

Children must be afforded guidance and emotional support from parents.  School officials who do not keep parents fully informed can cause greater harm by opening a rift between children and their parents, resulting in increased feelings of isolation in children.  Laws, regulations and policies that prohibit and deter bullying or harassment should be enforced.

As a matter of fairness and safety, student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities and events should be determined by sex.

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


Oppose Governor's proposed model policy

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As the grandmother of two Virginia school children, I oppose the Governor's proposed new model policy.  Leave the 2021 version in place!  It is much better for children and parents!


support  for 2022 Model Policies

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<p>As a retired public school educator with over 40 years in the classroom, I support the new policies because they give parents an active role and responsibility to know what decisions their children are making at school. I know teenagers don’t like to be known as children, but for the very reason that their brains has are not yet fully developed, I believe they should not be able to make decisions that may be influenced more by peers, social acceptance or even  social contagion. Until they they graduate I believe parents should still be informed and involved in such serious gender discussions and decisions. </p>


Ann Marie Barrett (LCPS counselor) arrested for sexual relationship with transgender student

Forget the parents and let the teachers and counselors handle it?

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LCPS district is an embarrassment to the country. They have created the perfect storm for sexual misconduct. Sexual assaults are occurring not only from students in the bathrooms but in this case a counselor that took a transgender child under her wing. LCPS still advocates for keeping the parents out of it and letting their teachers and counselors handle the situation? The leadership at LCPS should be in jail! Hopefully they will be soon. If


I strongly support new model policy.

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I hope my kids use private places freely.


Support Youngkin's parental rights agenda

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<p>Virginia elected Youngkin in overwhelming numbers to regain parental rights in public schools.  Parents still have legal authority over our own children.  Public school systems have stepped far beyond their boundaries.  No one cares for children more than a parent. Time to step back, Virginia public school systems.  </p>


I strongly oppose this legislation. Schools can’t choose for our kids!

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Our family strongly opposes anything that takes away our rights as parents and goes against our religion. Only Good can choose a gender.


Be yourself but get the hell out of my daughter’s bathroom and locker room.


Government overreach. New guidelines infringe upon right to life, liberty, & pursuit of happiness

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I believe that these policies constitute government overreach and infringe upon the rights of students’ rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nowhere in the United States Constitution does it say that harassment is free speech. What logical reason is there for there for a parent to need to know about the decision of their child in regards to something as simple as pronouns? It’s government overreach. Students in many other states are also allowed to pursue sporting activities that align with their identity. This should be the case in Virginia as well. States should be revising their policies to reflect the guidances of the American Psychological Association, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics—that people who identify as a gender different than theirs assigned at birth *are* whatever gender they identify as.


Strongly OPPOSE

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Drop this stunt and leave the current model policies in place.


Strongly support

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<p>As a parent of children in Virginia, I strongly support and am grateful for these new guidelines. I want to partner with my children's educators to support, challenge, and encourage my kids to grow and develop to the best of their abilities. Knowing what is happening at school, affects how I can best support my kids at home.  Being cut off from my kids' school happenings limits my ability to do my job.  Please give full approval to these guidelines on behalf of all families, parents, gaurdians, children, as well as teachers.  Bring back the partnership between schools and home. </p>


Parental rights are crucial

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I support the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools (2022 Model Policies) which withdraw and replace the highly objectionable Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.

Parents are the primary educators and authorities of their children, not educators or administrators.


Parental rights at schools

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I am in favor of stronger parental notifications and rights in the Virginia Public School System


I support the new policy.

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It is dangerous to replace parents with teachers and government employees.


Youngkin's Model Policy for VA students

As an uncle with kids in the Virginia schools, I feel that the proposed model policy ignores the parental rights of parents of transgender and gender expansive students.  Schools should be required to use the preferred name and pronouns that students communicate and that their parents communicate.
As written, even if a parent of a transgender child requests a name and pronouns, teachers will not be required to use them.  This can lead to a hostile class environment that could hinder teaching, learning, and encourage bullying.
Please consider the potential consequences.Thanks for reading.

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As an uncle with kids in the Virginia schools, I feel that the proposed model policy ignores the parental rights of parents of transgender and gender expansive students.  Schools should be required to use the preferred name and pronouns that students communicate and that their parents communicate.

As written, even if a parent of a transgender child requests a name and pronouns, teachers will not be required to use them.  This can lead to a hostile class environment that could hinder teaching, learning, and encourage bullying.

Please consider the potential consequences.

Thanks for reading.


Support Parental Rights


Protect Emotionally Vulnerable Children and Parental Rights!

Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Lauren Malone
238 Old Mill Rd
Valley Cottage, NY 10989

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Lauren Malone
<br />238 Old Mill Rd<br />Valley Cottage, NY 10989<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148331703" width="1" height="1" />


Opposed to this stunt of a policy. Shame on you

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I strongly oppose the 2022 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students that the office of Governor Youngkin has put forth. This is a danger to these students, who are among the most vulnerable. It’s a sham that you claim to want to protect students and parental rights, when actually you are working only for some students and parents, and totally against others. You are proclaiming and putting into policy that the lives, well being, and education of transgender youth, and the rights of their parents, are lesser than the rights of others. The factual statistics do not bear out that transgender students are putting others in danger. The facts and statistics show that transgender youth are much more likely to be harassed, bullied, abused, and assaulted. They just want to use a bathroom in peace, and to be treated with acknowledgement and respect of who they are. They want an education. Many of them do not have support at home, and outing them to parents would put them in danger or distress in the home. Mental health suffers. Suicides increase. Definitely not pro- life. Your lack of understanding and your cruelty is egregious. Do not implement this policy.

Additionally, stop denigrating the teachers who care for each and every one of their students and are showing students care and respect .


Strongly oppose!! Trans kids aren't hurting anyone, they're being hurt!

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No trans person wants to use a certain bathroom just so they can prey on the people in there, trans girls in particular. They're not going in there to rape people, they're going to pee. Leave the poor kids alone!


OPPOSE

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This is disgusting. Parents already have rights. Are you saying that trans people shouldn't have the right to control who knows about their identity, and base their decisions on who will and won't hurt them? If their parents will hurt them, they can't go to someone else first?


Parental Rights

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I support the Governor's proposal. It is what our children need and expect.

Thank you,

Warrenton, VA


Strongly oppose!

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<p>As a parent, educator, and Virginia resident, I strongly oppose the model policy being proposed. I am very concerned about the mental health of students who are are trans and non-binary, who, according to scientific studies, are at much higher risk for suicide and being victims of bullying. Sadly, I have personally witnessed parents not accepting who their children are, and this proposed model policy prevents students in this difficult situation from receiving support from understanding teachers. I also find it concerning that the policy appears to ignore the Supreme Court’s decision that a VA school violated Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause by forcing a transgender student to use separate restrooms from other students. Finally, this policy will harm trans and non-binary youth by giving adults the right to not affirm the identities of their children and students. VA public schools should protect these students with inclusive policies regarding the use of names and pronouns and access to bathrooms. </p>


Support the rights of parents; and respect for the dignity of each individual

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Parents have the moral obligation to educate their children. They are a child's first teacher. Until the child is a legal adult, they should retain authority over the education and health decisions of their children.

Any attempt by the school system to hide information from the parents about their child's activities at school is a violation of this fundamental role.  It is malicious and an overreach of government activity.

M. H., Fredericksburg, VA


Education

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<p>I strongly reject the proposed policy and believe that it is imperative that human have an inalienable right to privacy/autonomy of their bodies to an extent (even minors). School districts should prioritize their efforts on education in holistic manner than invade the private sphere of their students. Protect children and not implement a political agenda. </p>


Beware!

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While teaching in New Jersey, the administration took rights away from a young transgender male. He committed suicide in the boys bathroom. Such a tragedy for no reason at all.

Governor Younkin, why is it you insist upon taking rights from those in need? This is one reason I did not vote for you and will actively work to get you our of office. You are a demi-god!!


Don't take steps back to appease the biases of bad parents.

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A lot of people are saying to protect parents rights, but during my time in the public school system, I have met dozens of children who used school as a way to escape from terrible parents. The school system should be protecting the rights of trans people and encouraging acceptance of others differences even when their parents may not.

School is supposed to be a place for a child develop within a community outside of their parent's specific biases. By removing trans support and self expression you are allowing parents to force their biases in all environments.  Fear mongering the dangers of trans people is ridiculous when assault in all forms has existed in our schools for years in "normal" cis and heterosexual situations.

And you know what? To those who are saying "parents know best, keep trans out of schools!" Homeschool your kid. Go ahead. And while you're at it, find me a homeschooled person you know who isn't one of the most annoying people you've ever met. I'm sure their parents also said they knew best for their kid.


Children do not belong to the state or the teachers’ union. Protect families.

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As a parent I always consider my first job to educate my children.  I am also a teacher.  I have always considered parents’ view point and opinions about their children’s education.


Parents deserve to know

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The day schools feel they need to deceive parents, we know something is rotten in the schools. The day women and girls. We don't need to be afraid of truth and the free exchange of information!


Parental Right

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<p>Parents give physical life to children. Naturally, no other persons except the parents will truly do everything possible for the benefits of their children.  Parents’ right to do good for their kids should never be taken away from them. </p>


Parental rights

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


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Keri Ingraham
208 Columbia St
Seattle, WA 98104

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Keri Ingraham
<br />208 Columbia St<br />Seattle, WA 98104<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148329816" width="1" height="1" />


Objection

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The policy is potentially dangerous.


Kids Belong to Families, Not the State or Teacher's Unions

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I am for Mr. Youngkin's proposal for the following reasons:

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

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

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

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

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

Signed,

Concerned Future Parent


STRONGLY Oppose

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<p>I strong OPPOSE the draft policy and want the VDOE to reject them. My sister is trans and if she were still in school she would be deeply and irrevocably harmed by these policies. Her mental, emotional, and physical health would all be negatively impacted which would then impact her family and community as well. Her school work would have suffered. It took her many years to come out to our family, and if her school forced her to come out by getting permission to use a different name and/or pronouns at school - I worry what would have happened to her. ALL children deserve unconditional love and support in and out of school. School is often a safe haven for students. Do NOT move forward with these model policies. It will make school unsafe for many many Virginian LGBTQ students. </p>


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<p>Parents are the first teachers of their children and therefore it’s a parents right to understand what id happening with their kids. The state does not have the right to interfere in the parent-child relationship. I support the Governor’s proposal. </p>


Pro-parent policies in public schools

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I strongly support the new pro-parent policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education. They are very important and pertinent for the proper education of our children. Parents must be able to have a say in the education of their children. Nothing should ever be hidden from them!


Parental rights are important.

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<p>Parental rights are important. </p>


Get body dysmorphia mental health support- don’t damage the I’ll by helping them manifest delusion

Would we help the anorexic vomit to affirm the body they identify with


Strongly oppose!

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I strongly oppose these new policies! They are compromising student rights!


I support the new guidance.

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


OPPOSE all discrimination especially against children


Transgender Program

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<p>Strongly opposed </p>


Protect Trans Students

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It is important that children and adolescents feel safe in schools. This safety is not just reserved for those who fit the ideal standards of society. It should and needs to be afforded to all students', particularly those who are minorities (by race, gender, sexuality, religion, etc). Any rules or bills that will chip away or full on remove protections for children and adolescents is devastating for all and should not even be considered.


SUPPORT!!! Respect, protection and Compassion for ALL students. Parents are  primary educators.

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my brief subject line is enough.


OPPOSE DISCRIMINATION

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<p>I oppose this proposal and support all children! </p>


Fully Support new guidance

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Re-read old guidance and read the new. 2022 model policy is better and serving all students equally and properly supports parent's rights.


Treatment of Students

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SUPPORT!  Protect, respect and compassion for all students. Respect parental rights as the primary educators of their children.


Parents rights


I Support the new pro-parent policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education

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<p>I support the new pro-parent policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education. </p>


Strongly Oppose the new discriminatory guidelines

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<p>I strongly oppose the new 2022 guidelines on the treatment of transgender kids in schools. First, they are against the law. Second, they basically give explicit permission for people in schools to bully trans kids. This is outrageous and it takes every single person in a position of power to stand up and say this is WRONG. There is NEVER a need to make guidelines to protect people with inherent privilege (ie cisgender kids). Rather it is a veiled attempt to create guidelines that discriminate against an already marginalized community. ALL children have a right to exist as they are. If adults are triggered by this then too bad. It is our obligation as humanity to show love and equality to all. Not lead with fear. </p>


New legislation

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<p>Responsible parents should be involved in their children's education.  If there is nothing  "wrong" with what the teachers are teaching, than why keep the parents in the dark? Academic issues and not so called social issues are what is important. </p>


I used to love Loudoun County. What happened?

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The school board leadership has ruined our county and made us the laughing stock of the nation! Rise up parents!


Parental rights must be paramount on this issue.

mother of two former Virginia primary and secondary school boys

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Two Supreme Court decisions are relevant:  Bostock (as the   proposed policy states), in which "sex" was construed to include gender identity and sexual preference, applied to employees only. It did not address minor students.  Second, the Court in Pierce v. Society of Sisters made it clear that parents' rights in the realm of their minor children's education, trumps any "right" the state or others (including the minor child, who needs parental guidance) might claim.


Support parental rights and science

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Parents are the main caretakers of their children, and have responsibility over them until they become adults.

Science tells us that our chromosomes determine our sex, not our mood, thoughts or feelings. Sex is biological.

It is a simple scientific fact.


Please support “Pro-Paren”Policies

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Pleas support “Pro-Parent” Policies.

Thank You


Fully Support - Restore Parental Rights

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

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

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

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

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


Strongly Oppose - BOE Stop Discrimination and Stay Out of Parenting

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This new policy claims that it supports the “rights of parents to exercise their fundamental rights granted by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children.” And “reaffirms the rights of parents to determine how their children will be raised and educated.”  Far from doing this, this code LIMITS the ability of parents to determine how their children are being raised and educated. It is not up to the State and the Department of Education to insert themselves into the parent-child relationship in this personal matter. The Department of Education (DOE) is making a value judgement that the matter of a child’s pronouns or what restroom the child uses is consequential for a parent to know and ASSUMES that the child and the parent have not discussed this matter already. It is none of the DOE’s business how I raise my child and to enforce their religious views and values upon me in a public school is against the law.

The statement is made “All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying.”  Our children deserve to be educated in an environment free from bullying and discrimination – particularly as gender dysphoria is recognized as a disability under the law – especially by the DOE and their educators. As for the teachers who are required to use children’s names or pronouns, if they work in a public school, they should be required to make this accommodation. Just as they cannot promote their religious views in class, they should not be allowed to discriminate against students based on their personal religious beliefs. Religious freedom does not mean that a person gets to impose their religion or proselytize to others. It should not be tolerated by the administration.


SUPPORT

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I fully SUPPORT VDOE’s newly proposed Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents that uphold parents’ God-given and constitutional right to guide their child’s development, and that also protect the First Amendment rights of students and staff.

For the following reasons:

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

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

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

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

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


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

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We parents know our children’s needs better than anyone, especially better than the government. Kids who may be struggling with gender dysphoria need guidance and emotional support from THE parents. School officials must keep parents fully informed and follow laws, regulations and policies that prohibit and deter bullying or harassment.

Student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities and events should be determined by their natural sex.

Students should use the bathrooms that correspond to their natural sex unless single-user bathrooms and facilities are accessible.


OPPOSE - POLICY BREAKS THE LAW

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The court has ruled twice in favor of Gavin Grimm and has declined to hear the case a third time. "The Supreme Court has held that a state action violates the Equal Protection Clause when it creates 'arbitrary or irrational' distinctions between similarly situated classes of people out of a 'bare ... desire to harm a politically unpopular group'" (2020). The Court has already ruled that the privacy related concerns are based on unfounded and irrational fears similar to those used to justify racial segregation. This policy is transphobic and unlawful just like the Court has already stated in the Grimm case. Discrimination against a transgender person is sex discrimination as ruled by the Supreme Court in Bostock vs. Clayton County. This policy is illegal and discriminatory.

Grimm v. Gloucester Cnty. Sch. Bd., 976 F.3d 399(Mem) (4th Cir. 2020)


Enough of Woke Policies--Bring Back Parental Rights (VA IS FOR REAL LOVERS--NOT FAKE ONES)

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<p>Reading the drivel from the Liberals who have written in for this public commentary is hard to swallow.  I doubt any of them have children.  If they do, and they support the previous administration's immoral policies than they are BAD PARENTS.  We do not need government to instruct us on values, morals, or what is the TRUTH.  This is also a 1st Amendment issue.  I would actually like to see the Youngkin Administration go further with this.  They need to keep an eye on the RADICAL MARXIST School Boards (FAIRFAX and LOUDIN) as they continue to push their sick agenda on everyone.  Thank you. </p>


Support 2022 Draft Policy

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I strongly support this draft policy which respects the role of parents and the dignity of all persons.


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parents should have first authority over their children's upbringing


This policy is HARMFUL to children

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I am a developmental psychologist studying emotional development in children, as well as more broadly their social development in general. I served as a professor for 32 years, and before that a school psychologist in Maryland. I can say unequivocally that the threats that transgender young people endure will only be exacerbated by this policy. Moreover, their emotional development will undoubtedly be harmed. Do we want any of our children to be at risk for depression, anxiety, bullying? I am sure we do not. This policy, however, will increase such risk. Please do not enact it.


I strongly support parental rights

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I strongly urge the support of parental rights


Support common sense; Parents must be involved in a child's life

Anonymous For Fear of Crazy Liberals Attacking My Family

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Parents must be involved in their children's lives, especially when they are going through a difficult time.

The guidance in no way supports bullying or hurting kids.  When parents are purposefully lied to about their child's mental health, that should be a crime, not supported by insane school boards.

Please work with the legislature to make this law in Virginia.

I'm a concerned feminist not willing to sit by and watch girls be abused and erased!


Religious Liberty Rights


I oppose the draft policy. It's bad for kids and for parents.

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Dear Virginia Department of Education,

I oppose Governor Youngkin's draft policy on the treatment of transgender and nonbinary youth in Virginia schools. I urge the VDOE to reject these harmful, unscientific ideas, and do what is best for Virginia kids.

I am a trans woman in my forties. In my youth, transgender people never existed as anything other than the villain of a story or the punchline of a joke. The negative and hostile attitudes toward gender-non-conforming people prevented me from coming to terms with my own identity for decades. Now that I have a better understanding of who I am, I'm happier and more functional.

If you truly care about Virginia's youth, please listen to the experts on this. The evidence shows gender-affirming care is linked to lower rates of suicide and self-harm, better outcomes in careers, and higher quality of life. Outing trans, non-binary, and gender-non-conforming youth to their peers increases their risks of suffering bullying, discrimination, and violence.

The debate about trans-affirming care is often framed in terms of risks, but I ask you to look at what the science says. Does the risk of sexual assault increase when trans people use the restrooms and changing rooms they identify with? The evidence says it does not: "Fears of increased safety and privacy violations as a result of nondiscrimination laws are not empirically grounded." (A. Hasenbush et al. Sex. Res. Soc. Pol. 16, 70–83; 2019).

On the other hand, forcing transgender children to use bathrooms that do NOT match their gender identity puts them at increased risk of violence and sexual assault: "Youth whose restroom and locker room use was restricted were more likely to experience sexual assault compared with those without restrictions . . . . Pediatricians should be aware that sexual assault is highly prevalent in transgender and nonbinary youth and that restrictive school restroom and locker room policies may be associated with risk." (G. R. Murchison et al. Pediatrics 143, e20182902; 2019).

In other words, the evidence says the healthiest and best option for all youth, whether transgender or not, is to let them use the bathrooms and private spaces matching their gender identities. That's not politics; that's science. The only "agenda" in play is wanting what's best for kids in Virginia, and all across America.

Thank you for your time and consideration.


This is what happens to parents that dare defy the LCPS agenda.

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This is what happens to parents that dare to defy the LCPS agenda.

https://www.dailywire.com/news/loudoun-teachers-target-parents-critical-race-theory-hacking?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=benshapiro&fbclid=IwAR3S8hOqQxs3BORib-MAg6w-EXihXrZGylZeUzrkJqjBWMxgVTYcHLLekrQ


Judge finds transgender teen guilty of Loudoun County bathroom sexual assaults

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<p>If you are a parent at LCPS, get involved. The leadership must go. Write to your congressman, senators, and governor. </p>


Ann Marie Barrett (LCPS counselor) arrested for sexually assaulting transgender student

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LCPS believes that parents should be left in the dark while their teachers and counselors handle things. You see how well that is going. If you are a parent at LCPS and don't see a need to change our leadership, then you have your head in the sand.


The first rule of indoctrinating students is not to tell anyone that you are indoctrinating students

Direct Twitter quote from Andrea Weiskopf- middle school Latin teacher LCPS

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If you want to know why teachers at LCPS oppose this policy, look no further. They want parents in the dark while they groom our children. Teachers that oppose this narrative are fired. See below.


In support of 2022 Model Policies - good for families and supportive of all students and staff

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I have read through the 2022 Model policy document and fully support its implementation. The policy reflects our family values in that first and foremost, children are part of families, and as overseers of their childrens' education and upbringing, parents should be informed partners with educators on these very sensitive issues.

Contrary to what many are saying, I read the document as affirming the respect for and dignity of all students, as well as the provision for accommodations for transgender students to the extent school staffing and resources permit.

We also support the inclusion of the rights of other students and staff to find a way to accommodate and respect transgender students in a way that doesn't conflict with religious beliefs. With respectful dialogue and communication, I believe this is possible.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment!

Best regards,
Marianne Downs


VA IS FOR LOVERS

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Please do not take VA back in time and put targets on the backs of children. Be a progressive leader, lead with ACCURATE education. Trust medical professionals to make guidelines.

VA Has so much potential to be progressive and on the correct  side of history. BE BETTER, lead with all Virginians in mind. Not just straight, white people’s view points.


The only hate is coming from the left!

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If people see hate in these changes, they are the ones creating it. For decades the schools were following common sense where boys are boys and girls are girls. It was simple. Today the left is trying to force their ideas of what children should be. Kids can choose for themselves what they want to be WHEN THEY GROW UP! Let's not forget these are minor children


Strongly SUPPORT this guidance

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Thank you Governor Youngkin. As a physician and a father of kids in Virginia public schools, I strongly SUPPORT this proposed guidance to schools. A mere 5 years ago there emerged a broader public understanding of the difference between sex and gender. Almost overnight, that metastasized into dozens of gender identities, fluidity, agender, non binary etc etc, and we saw a massive spike in adolescent females transitioning.

This needs to stop, and I thank you for standing up for parents, teachers, and students (especially girls) for whom this transgender fad has created misery, unfairness, discord, and confusion. If your administration is looking for guidance from a physician I hope you will reach out to me.


Teenage suicide rate

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Please understand that teenagers are already psychologically vulnerable and by enforcing this law, it will contribute to the suicide rate of teenagers. This law has nothing to do with BATHROOMS and everything to do with mental health. STRONGLY OPPOSE.


SUPPORTING

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<p>The leftists want you to think that this will decrease teen suicide but they are the ones creating that narrative! If they stop forcing gender dysphoria into these vulnerable children, that would minimize the division that is being created. It's normal for some children to question their sexuality. The answers they seek should come from self reflection and not from political pressures from the left. Protect our children and allow their choices to be made without influence from the schools. </p>


Youngkin’s transgender policy

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I agree with Governor Youngkin’s new transgender policy and it should be approved in every school system in VA


Parental Rights in Schools

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I applaud Governor Youngkin for restoring some common sense to the "woke" school system in Virginia.

Biological girls should compete with other biological girls in sports events.  By permitting boys who "identify" as girls to compete with biological girls undermines the original intent of Title IX.  It was a long hard fight for women and girls to win the right to compete in school sports.  It was, in the past, a solely male dominated arena.  Biology teaches that there are differences between boys and girls.  Boys tend to be stronger and faster than girls.  It is criminal for girls who have trained for years to gain a position of prominence in sports, to be suddenly "de-throned" by a biological male who claims to "identify" as a female.  It's absurd.

Privacy and respect is how every human being deserves to be treated.  Children included.

Children are easily swayed by those in positions of authority.  That's why parents are the ultimate authority over their children.

Teachers and administrators in the Virginia school system were given authority to teach students.  By teaching, I'm referring to education (math, science, English, grammar, geography, etc.).  Gender studies, sex education and other "social" studies which undermine the parent's authority were never handed over the Virginia's school system by parents.  These "social" studies were snuck into the classrooms and many times, purposefully hidden from parents.  This was and is a direct violation of parental rights and a violation of teachers' real responsibilities.

As our students' test scores continue to fall against many industrialized nations, the concern of the "woke" culture is to continue pushing indoctrination and failing to teach education.

Thank you, Governor Youngkin, for sounding a wakeup call to Virginia.


Vehemently oppose!

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Quit pandering to your small minority of conservative voters and follow the science. You don’t have to be a typical Republican. You are choosing to be one. The only parental rights you care about are the ones who support your “Christian” nationalist values!


Hateful policies!

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From WAPO:

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


You all need some religion.  Fully support this change!

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Thank Governor Youngkin for protecting our daughters!


Thank you, Governor Youngkin! Fully Support!


No More "Trans" Rapes In School

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<p>Finally, we can protect our kids in school. Just because little Johnny wants to wear a dress, it doesn't make him a girl. Little Johnny's penis needs to stay out of the girls facilities. These children have been allowed to many "rights". What of the rights of others that do not want the opposite sex seeing them undress in the locker rooms? And what of the rights of parents to know what the schools are really teaching? I fully support this change. </p>


Protect our daughters! Thank you, Governor Youngkin!


Keep the 2021  Model Policy for for the treatment of Transgender studetns

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I oppose Governor Young's proposal to change the 2021 Model Policy addressing the treatment of transgender students in the future.  While improvements in the treatment of LGTBQ+ persons have improved in recent years, this policy is a step backward.  Transgender individuals, particularly young persons living in families, need all the social and legal support to approach their lives without government or outside regulation.

The family is the basic unit of society.  Parents know their children the best.  Together parents and their children should be making their own decisions.  Government dictates to interfer with the family is a breach of trust between the citizens and their representatives.

Stop this interference now!


100% support this policy and Governor Youngkin!


We Fully Support Governor Youngkin!


No more crazy leftist policies! Fully support Governor Youngkin!


Fully Support! Biological gender for bathroom and sports!


Protect kids from the leftists

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<p>Thank you,  Governor Youngkin, for this step towards normalization again. Too many years the parasitic leftists have slowly gained ground on their hold of our children. Finally, parents have seen the damage being done in our schools. This change is a step in the right direction. </p>


I SUPPORT THIS CHANGE

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<p>Fairfax and Loudoun counties brought to light the plight of countless school districts and their war against parents and their children. The leftists have poked the proverbial mama bear! In doing so, they awakened a majority voice that will no longer be silent. Parents will no longer tolerate the lack of transparency in our schools. Governor Youngkin wisely recognized an opportunity for fairness to both parents and the minority voices. This change seems fair and equitable to both sides. </p>


100% Support!!

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Medical decisions should be solely determined by parents and discussed within the family.  Schools have no business in the personal lives of the students, except in very rare instances of student harm.

Please restore parental rights and student safety!!


Thank you for parental rights

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<p>The only protection our children need is protection from the people and government that are trim by to interfere with the family core. Divide and conquer has been used for centuries to win battles. But the parents aren't enemies and this war will be won at the polls as well as the school boards. Thank God for Governor Youngkin. </p>


Heading the wrong direction...

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Why would we reverse progress that we've made on behalf of the LGBTQIA community?  They have been able to more genuinely represent themselves at school with pronouns/names of choice since restrictions were lifted...and now people want to take that away? This doesn't make any sense. If we can collectively change the lens for a minute, we can see that this policy change would only exacerbate anxiety, depression, bullying and suicide in a community where these numbers are already astronomical. Close-minded people sitting behind a desk in a position of influence need to look at this from a different perspective and be open to candid conversations about their own biases and unfounded fears.  Instead, let's support the current policy that gives students a place to express themselves genuinely.


OPPOSED to proposed rules

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<p>This is a not-so-veiled attempt to further prejudice people. LGBTQ rights are human rights! </p>


Parents Rights -YES!

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How is it that our nation has gotten to this point? Today there is no respect for police, no respect of other's property, no respect for life (at any stage) and children told by loonies that they are not what they seem to be. How did this happen? One answer is GOVERNMENT OVER-REACH. Stop the insanity and allow kids to be kids again.


I strongly oppose the 2022 guidance

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<p>The policy put forward by Governor Youngkin regarding trans and non-binary young people is needlessly cruel. It actively seeks a harm a population who just want to be themselves. It harms their relationship to their communities and negates the idea that school can be a safe space for kids to be who they are and thrive. Actions based on this mis-guided policy wouldn't change who kids are or who they think they are, rather it would remove a space (maybe the only space) that allows them to be who they want to be. </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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<p>I strongly support the changes in school policy by Governor Youngkin. These changes allow children of all genders to be protected and educated fairly. It also allows parents to be made aware of what is happening in their children's school. I understand that the leftists want connor's control of everybody and everything but that cannot be allowed to happen. </p>


Profoundly SUPPORT!

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The illogic, deceit and secrecy associated with OUR OWN Fairfax County School Board is overdue for a correction - not an overcorrection that slams to the "right" but to a position of transparent decision making, accountability, decent discourse and with proper authority and notification given to parents reflecting consistent values.  For example, if a book submission passage is too obscene to email for fear of prosecution and decency, yet the same book is immediately available, with no special notice, policy or parental notification, then the inconsistent and irrational reigns.

Whether Freedom of Speech, freedom to "transition", or "identify" - all can have a place in our school system.  Done without blocking / preventing the consent of the parents...for a MINOR. Any occassion in which leadership, teachers or counselors can't present full and transparent materials, have full debate or are perpetually compelled to be "safe" while parents are "dangerous" is a gross overreach of their role.

I am ABSOLUTELY in support of the new model policy, consider it balanced and with outstanding legal precedent vs. reliant on fear, intimidation and cancel culture as practiced by the previous liberal administration.

Good for values, parents, kids, Virginia, America and Gov Youngkin


Support Fair Competition Among Girl's Athletics

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<p>I support allowing only biological females to play on girl's sport's teams. Our school district only allows biological females. It isn't fair for us to have to play against northern Virginia schools that have stacked their teams with 6'6 250 lb teams to play against our biological females. Not only is it not fair but it also isn't safe.           </p>


A direct violation of enacted legislation-not helpful for students, teachers, or parents

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The guidance document I would like to comment upon concerns the DOE's new model guidelines, specifically the Governor's new policy on trans youth and their treatment in VA public schools.

Virginia schools have already been burdened enough with Covid recovery, inadequate teacher compensation and funding, and staffing shortages.  Attacking students, especially during a time in their lives when they are already emotionally and mentally vulnerable, is harmful to the overall vision of how public schools should operate and support students. Punishing students for something which has little to no impact on the lives of others is not helpful, and places students in difficult and uncomfortable situations in their school life as well as at home.  An individual's gender identity should be a matter that is private between that person and those they wish to inform of it.  Teachers and administrators have no qualifications and training, and quite frankly, no time, to police individual students' gender identities. Continuing to politicize classrooms is not productive or helpful for Virginia schools, and the Governor needs to focus on enacting real policy which will help students and teachers rather than creating further vitriol.

Further, this guidance is in complete violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act, which protects LGBTQI+ individuals from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and/or sexuality.  If this policy moves forward, which it undoubtedly will, lawsuits will be brought against the validity of these guidelines, further politicizing our schools when we should first and foremost focused on support teacher and students.

I implore the governor and VDOE to revert to past policy, and focus on issues that are real and actually matter rather than using trans students as a vehicle through which their conservative agenda can be furthered.


I STRONGLY OPPOSE the guidance.

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I OPPOSE the guidance. Giving trans/non binary youth a safe place to learn and express themselves in a healthy way is an upmost importance in their survival. To try and take that away (as for some is the only safe space they have) is detrimental to their physical and mental well being. You disgust me Governor bullying trans/nonbinary youth and endangering their safety at school and home.


Protect Trans Youth

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<p>Denying trans students the use of the pronouns they chose and the bathroom that aligns with their pronoun will significantly affect their mental health. Trans kids have an extremely high likelihood of committing suicide over other kids. Please protect trans kids and don't enact this legislation! </p>


Parents role in rearing their Children

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It is important the Government support parents in their responsibility to lead, teach and care for their children into adulthood.


Strong support for VA DOE's new model policy

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I strongly support the Virginia DOE's new model policy on the treatment of transgender students in public schools because it provides a balanced approach to this challenging issue, preserves parental rights, and advances the welfare of all children in the VA public school system.


Support the policy!  Grateful for this return to some degree of reality.

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<p>Thank you for stepping back into reality to give the care of children with psychiatric disorders back to parents.  Thank you for trying to end this nonsense.  Thank you for protecting the safety of girls and boys in school bathrooms and locker rooms and protecting the minds of children.  Please give the policy a little more teeth to it-- make it clear that teachers can't ask students what their pronouns are, and schools can't teach gender ideology in classes or via library books or any instructional materials.  My principal said that asking pronouns was "warm and welcoming" on the first day of school this year.  Really?  That's the equivalent of asking kids on the first day of school, what's your bipolar adjective today-- manic, depressive, or even-keeled?  Gender ideology isn't real.  It's been made up to subvert our country while at the same time belittling the very few children who do face the mental health problem of gender dysphoria.  I support the policy.  </p>


Children deserve autonomy and privacy

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Please do not institute this regressive policy in Viginian schools. Children don't deserve to go an institution that requires powerful adults to tell them how they should live their life. Isn't this the opposite of what the Republican party advocates? They are ok with government surveillance and stripping away personal freedoms? This is sickening!


Dangerous and harmful to trans children!

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This guidance is dangerous and will harm trans children. I am strongly opposed to this. Trans children deserve to be safe and protected. This is absolutely written to serve a political agenda rather than protect children.


Strongly oppose

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The proposed policy changes:

Endanger the mental health and well-being of thousands of Virginia students.

Puts USDA funding for free/reduced school lunch at risk. USDA prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Reversing of the 2021 model policies moves Virginia backwards and in direct conflict with regulatory guidance to receive federal nutritional assistance. The Virginia Department of Education has an obligation to uphold anti-discrimination laws.

Violates parents choice to raise their children as they best see fit.

Will create regulatory chaos. Leave the current models that are already in place.


Virginia is for haters with this policy!

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These policies are transphobic and place vulnerable children at risk. How about consulting with mental health professionals before forcing your “Christian” values on all of us? Oh, wait- you are a Republican who, like the rest of them, has sold your soul to the devil. Worst governor ever!


Quit forcing Christian nationalism on all of us!

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From WAPO:

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


Say No to penis in the girls bathroom! Only soccer balls on the girls team

Extreme liberal agenda is a joke and everyone is sick of it


If that is too graphic for you: just imagine how a little girl would feel in her own locker room.

Emily- I have 3 girls in the public school system.


Wonderful support this!

Public schools admin and parents of students

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Gonna swing back. People are tired of the bizarre extreme liberal agenda. See you in November!


I don’t think it is right for girls to have to see penis and balls in their locker rooms/bathrooms.

Emily- I have 3 daughters in the public school system

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Hey maybe I’m old school. Maybe I’m not as hip… or maybe just not as perverted.


New Guidelines for Department of Education in caring of transgender students

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I strongly support the new guidelines put forth in the Virginia Department of Education in the caring of transgender students.  It is balance and includes parents in the process. It is concerning and frankly malpractice to think that parents do not care or will not advocate for what is best for their own children.  Leaving parents of of the equation when a child is considering a gender change is reprehensible.  None of the science is settled and there is a high degree of mental health comorbidities in these situations.  Schools are not the best arbiters of children's challenges.  While they can and may be partners, it is dangerous to allow schools to be in loco parentis roles.

Thank you.


Governor Youngkin’s Transgender Policy

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I strongly support Governor Youngkin’s policy regarding transgender students. It is time to restore parental rights, protect the First Amendment rights of teachers and students, and provide all students the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. Thank you Governor Youngkin!


Strongly oppose this policy

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<p>I strongly oppose this nonsensical, dangerous, bigoted policy. </p>


In favor of pro-parent policies

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


Children won't feel the need to hide who they are if they come from a home where everyone's accepted

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We need more education about gender in schools. I've been to some Loudoun County School Board meetings and the amount of misinformation and disinformation being shared in public comment is unfortunate. Lots of hateful things being shared. Children will not feel the need to hide their true selves at home if their home is a place where everyone is accepted, respected, and valued for who they are. Parents who only accept their kids if they're straight and cisgender need to let go of their hateful views.


We need to keep all kids safe. This policy does not do that.

This policy is harmful to transgender and non-binary kids the most,and harmful to all kids when they see that their school will allow them to treat other humans as less than. Thank you to the kind empathetic people who are standing up for all kids to be respected and accepted.

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This policy is harmful to transgender and non-binary kids the most,
and harmful to all kids when they see that their school will allow them to treat other humans as less than. Thank you to the kind empathetic people who are standing up for all kids to be respected and accepted.


LCPS board members are personally responsible for sexual assaults in bathrooms

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<p>Wake up parents! </p>


CAM, SSW: you sound like a racist

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Why are you being so racist Cam


Protect Student Privacy

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Transgender youth are at an increased risk for depression and suicide. This is due in large part to real or perceived lack of support by their parents, as well as discrimination in their peer groups, and by those in the government (and those advocating for this policy.)

As a teacher, I have students inform me of their preferred pronouns and name each year. Often, students are not yet comfortable informing their parents. Requiring teachers to out transgender students puts public servants in the position of either honoring their student and building a relationship of trust, or smashing that trust, and often placing their student in an abusive situation.

This policy violates the rights of children, who are citizens of the United States. This strips those children of their rights to free speech and equal protection under the law. Student rights must be given equal protection.


Outrageous. The delusion is the ideologies of this document. Youngkin is a BIGOT!

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I am a cisgender white woman who just resigned from my job in education at a VA Middle School. I don't really understand what it is like to identify with the GENDER opposite of the SEX I was assigned at birth, but I don't need to understand to respect the children I see bullied by their peers for their trans-ness. I don't need to understand in order to respect their privacy and that their homes are not always (or even typically) safe spaces.

Since hearing of this guidance document, I have been thinking a lot about my trans and non-binary students who I no longer work with and I worry for them deeply. Some of them come from physically abusive homes, and I fear that informing their parents of their identity--whether I agree with it or not--will put them in physical harm. Despite the bullying and other challenges, for many of these children, school is the safest place in their life for them to be themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin. With this document, we are setting up children to have no place they feel accepted; to ruin their self-esteems; to increase severe and dangerous mental health challenges; to hide who they are.

Cisgender parents who are "anti-trans" feel their rights are being infringed upon? That this ideology is being forced upon them? How many white, eurocentric, heteronormative ideologies have been forced upon marginalized children and parents through the US education system for years? The idea that children and parents are "oppressed" through policies that support and protect trans individuals is just laughable.

And as far as "safety" in restrooms go, please stop hiding behind this idea of "protecting" us white women. We do not need protecting and you need to stop using our safety as a weapon to perpetuate oppression, for the love of god. I have been in public non-school restrooms with trans people and not once have they posed a threat to me or done anything but what every other woman in there does. If a man wants to use a women's restroom with intent to harm someone, they are going to go into that restroom regardless of the rules. They don't need to gender swap to be a predator??? Are you kidding me?

All of the concerns presented about allowing trans students to use their preferred pronouns, choose whether or not to disclose with their parents, and use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity are unfounded, disproven, and ridiculous. This bill is dangerous!


Hispanics support this policy governor. Family first! Protect our girls in locker rooms.

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Thank you for stepping up and making difficult decisions.


Thank you for standing up for GIRLS!!

LaTricia Concerned Parent/Former Teacher

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Thank you for these model polices as they will be RIGHTING the wrongs from Northam.  Thank you for recognizing that GIRLS should not be forced to submit to the whims of boys claiming girlhood.  The privacy and safety of GIRLS in the girls bathroom is paramount!  The dignity of GIRLS in girls sports is incredibly important!  Thank you also for pushing against the demands for compelled speech of teachers and students who could be punished for refusing to acquiesce.  These policies are REASONABLE and FAIR to parents, students, and schools.  THANK YOU!


Fully support

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<p>Parents should be the first and last word in the well being of their own children.  </p>


You parents that are ok with boys being up in girls bathrooms need mental help

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Governor I’ll vote for you next time if you help keep our girls safe.


Agree with proposed changes to transgender policy

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I would like to express that I agree with the proposed changes to the school transgender policy . As a parent and a former teacher , I feel that such decisions need to be discussed with the parents. I would be very very distressed if my child was having any kind of issues and the school felt that they had the right to deal with theirs issues without my input. I whole heartedly support the changes .


Strongly Opposed

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Strongly opposed to this dangerous policy


Stop assisting kids in manifesting their delusion- get body dysmorphia mental health support

Would you help an anorexic kid vomit to achieve the body they identify with

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Stop encouraging body dysmorphia


Threat to Student, Staff, and Community Safety and Well Being

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<p>This bill is a danger to the safety of all above mentioned groups. I strongly oppose this coming to true fruition as a citizen of this state. The safety and well being of students should come before politicians desire to market themselves to their base. </p>


Strongly support!

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I support this legislation.  These new policies will preserve and honor the sacred role of parents in the care of their children during school, athletics and other activities.  Parents know their child’s needs better than anyone.  If a child is struggling with gender dysphoria, they need guidance and emotional support from their parents.  These policies will require that school officials keep parents fully informed, and require schools to enforce laws, regulations and policies that prohibit and deter bullying or harassment.  Students should use the restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their sex.  These new policies protect the fundamental religious liberty interests of personnel and students.


I support this as a student.

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The vast majority of parents want what is best for their children. Teachers, especially since they work with the government and are members of the extremely politicized teacher's unions, cannot be trusted to take the place of parents. Affirming a lie might seem like the kind thing to do, but telling kids something is wrong with their bodies and that they are the wrong gender is destructive. There are far more depressed trans kids than can be explained by abusive parents. It is clear that the depression stems largely from the gender ideology itself. In no way is it ever healthy to think you are something you are not. It is not healthy to identify with something that your own ideology makes essentially meaningless because any attempt to define the words man or woman without a circular answer excludes the notion that men can be women and vice versa. If your identity depends on people going out of their way to affirm it, that should be a big red flag that your perception of who you are is flawed. It is especially harmful to accept this ideology when it leads to the conclusion that men should be able to go into women's locker rooms, thus endangering and humiliating the women. It is not acceptable to allow a man, who has distinct biological advantages over a woman, cheat female athletes out of winnings in order to accommodate his feelings. The feelings of one trans person should not outweigh the feelings of a room full of girls. That is the real discrimination in this case. Trans people do not have the right to force others into unfair, uncomfortable, and dangerous situations. This legislation is not a threat to trans people. The real source of depression is the gender ideology itself more than anything else. When you think you are in danger because someone disagrees with your views, it is clear that the problem is your beliefs. No one will have good mental health if they depend on everyone agreeing with them.


Respecting all students means respecting ALL students

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I find it interesting that in the opening statement of the Model Policies for the Treatment of transgender students in VA Public Schools includes, "The Virginia Department of Education (the “Department”) recognizes that each child is a unique individual with distinctive abilities and characteristics that should be valued and respected. All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying." belies the very nature of this proposal.

What is more central to one's identity than their name? Surely, this policy will only be enacted in scenarios where an individual requests an alternative name that is rooted in gender identity. I have a hard time believing that Jonah Smith the third won't be called  "Trip" even though there is no commonly identified nickname for Jonah that begins with the letter "T". Further, you are putting teachers and administrators in a position that allows them to exert undue control over a student's sense of self- one who requests a nickname to avoid the embarrassment or frustration by their name being constantly mispronounced, or one who would like to differentiate themselves from the six other kids in the class with the same name?

Further, the goal of public education is not to create custom learning environments for each individual, but to create an engaging and supportive environment for ALL students. The rights and respect afforded to a parent or student who supports this policy must be extended to a parent or student who opposes it. Just because you don't like something doesn't negate its existence. As a former teacher, I can't imagine being put in a position where the administration and policy makers (when was the last time you were managing a classroom?) expected me to create a disrespectful and punitive environment, targeting one specific subset of students, who just happen to be at high risk for self-harm. I am appalled that school system is being used to isolate and devalue its primary stakeholders. And I am saddened that our students are being used as pawns in a dog whistle policy debate.


In support of these changes - sex-segregated facilities are key to protecting women

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I am a parent of two elementary school children in Albemarle County Public schools (Charlottesville, VA). Our district's approach includes following "parental preference in the name by which their child is known, but parental approval beforehand is not mandated. We support safe, non-stigmatizing accommodations for any student who is uncomfortable sharing a sleeping area, shower, bathroom, or any sex-segregated facility with a transgender or gender-expansive student."

I am really unclear as to what the first sentence means, since the two clauses are seemingly at odds with one another. More importantly, I am gravely concerned about the blurring of lines regarding sex-segregated facilities. Permitting biological males to use women's sleeping areas, lockers, and bathrooms presents a significant threat to the safety of women. There has been excellent, if non-mainstream reporting by respectful journalists such as Bari Weiss about what is happening in women's prisons by placing "trans" men in with women. We should be taking this seriously.

While I fully agree that trans students should feel seen and supported for who they are at home and in their schools, with all due respect, it is not appropriate, moral, or rational to trade-off the actual physical safety of half of the population (women) in favor of the "mental wellbeing" of a very, very small handful of students who identify as transwomen. The accommodation is respectfully in the wrong place - we should be doing everything we can to provide an alternative for trans kids who do not feel comfortable using the facilities that conform to their biological sex.


Agree with Gov. Youngkin's proposals

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<p>Where is the medical profession on this? How did such a perceived problem develop over night.  Unreal what the cell phone in children hands can do. Wake up parents. And would all of you out there get some common sense. </p>


Ann Marie Barrett (LCPS counselor) arrested for sexually assaulting transgender student- LCPS

Let the counselors/teachers handle it and keep parents out? Not my kids!

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LCPS is a disgraceful school district. The culture within the district that has been established by the leadership is rotten. It’s no longer about educating our children.