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The VA gov is so scared of transgender people he has to restrict their self expression in schools. Why does he fear them so much? Is it just prejudice? Some badly translated and abridged version of scripture? An inability to understand that the founding fathers vehemently supported the separation of church and state (while wearing fabulous wigs and ruffles, no doubt)? Picking on those with less power is always disgusting and cruel whether it's the class bully, their parents, or the state leadership. Protect trans children! Call these bullies of all stripes what they are: cruel to children.


Vagueness only benefits bigotry and strips protections to those who need it.

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If the 2022 Model is the only thing out there, it's great! When you compare it to the 2021 we see lots of problems.

How can you say on one page that all names and pronouns will be respected, yet two pages later say that you cannot legally tell people what to say?

These changes appear to only excel at stripping protections and inclusive measures in order to affirm that Virginia is following the constitution... as if trans rights are somehow illegal.

These backpeddled guidance are cowardly and I hope it is reconsidered or rewritten to affirm Virginia's stance to protect those who need the protection from those who already have power granted by the constitution.


Unacceptable - Do Better VA DOE

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I am a parent of a 1st and 4th grader in Richmond Public Schools. I'm not surprised at Gov. Youngkin's maneuvering to draw funding/support away from Virginia public schools and RPS specifically with this transgender/non-binary guidance. In relation to equal protection and Title VII, Youngkin and his VA DOE intends to move backward instead of forward. I get the tactic, leave public schools vulnerable to lawsuits; drive attendance to charter and private schools; reduce funding to said public schools. This is unacceptable and shameful.

Gov. Youngkin has made it very clear he wants to push conservative education initiatives aimed at further disenfranchising vulnerable communities and disregarding the rights of parents. Is this how Gov. Youngkin and the Virginia DOE plan to move forward to help students???? I would be absolutely ashamed to attach my name to the policy.

Having taught middle and high school for 8 years, I know zero teachers that don't respect student identity and attempt to foster a loving and inclusive environment that promotes growth. The Governor's performative exclusion should be retracted as unconstitutional as it violates the rights of students and rolls back protections. Please reject unequivocally this attempt to de-humanize students and do not allow this guidance to be enacted.

This is completely unacceptable.

Thank you.


Strongly OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose VDOE’S 2022 policies because I am in support of individuals rights and freedoms to exist however they wish to exist. I grew in VA and VA public education school systems. I didn’t fully appreciate this until moving away for a while but VA is an amazing commonwealth!  VA is full of people who come from all different backgrounds and yet we come together and care for one another. The rights that we are granted as Virginians and Americans deserve to belong to each and everyone of us. Especially our children, policies like the one proposed serve to alienate and isolate our children.  This policy seeks to place strong regulations on trans and non-binary students, which detracts from their autonomy!

I ask again that you reconsider the implementation of this policy because every student, every Virginian deserves to live a free and fulfilling life, whatever that may look like for them.


I oppose this policy

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<p>Teens need our support - no matter what they are dealing with...sexual identity today is a hot issue but certainly a valid one for our youth.    Let's affirm and encourage our youth instead of making them feel unaccepted.   </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSED, CRUEL AND UNUSUAL TREATMENT OF CHILDREN

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This policy is nothing short of archaic and horrendous. Protecting and supporting trans children is essential to reducing suicide rates in children.


STRONGLY oppose

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<p>For the safety of students, teachers should not be mandated to report outside of mandated reporting guidelines. </p>


Protect Trans Kids

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As a parent of two elementary school students in Virginia public schools and an ally of the transgender community, I oppose Governor Youngkin's draft policy that would discriminate against trans youth and urge the Virginia Department of Education to reject it.


Students Deserve Safe Schools

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As a public school educator, I have thousands of opportunities each day to make a child feel safe: welcoming them in the halls by their chosen name, asking them how their weekends were and genuinely listening to the answer, wearing a rainbow sweater for the slight nod of appreciation from a struggling kiddo. These policies undermine my ability to continue making the halls of my school a safe place for every child. Our schools are literally under attack from too many sources: mass shootings, social media terrorism, cyber bullying, and now their own state. Shouldn’t the Commonwealth be invested in protecting its youth and ensuring their common…wealth? We all receive the wealth of a happier, more meaningful life when our children feel safe. Any action to undermine that is an act of violence. These Policies are an act of violence and I vehemently oppose them for all the children who walk down my halls.


I strongly agree

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<p>I agree with this policy. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose this policy.

I thought parents were supposed to have final say over the students' education, according to this Governor. This is a violation of that - not to mention, the people who know best how to teach are the teachers, so mandating their behavior is fundamentally flawed and not only anti-trans but anti-child.


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy. </p>


I STRONGLY SUPPORT GOVERNOR YOUNKIN'S NEW EDUCATION POLICY

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The new policy putting parents back in charge of their children is the only right decision.  Parents should be responsible and frankly are responsible financially and morally for their children.  There are laws and ways to protect those children whose parents are guilty of abuse.  Schools are responsible for for educating children, particularly helping them learn to think critically for themselves, not to indoctrinate them in the latest political fads.  Politics have no place in the schools - teach them how to think not what to think so that they can search for the truth themselves!


Strongly oppose this hateful proposal

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As a transgender student, this policy would destroy the mental health of many trans kids. It is a blatant breach of the freedom of young Virginians to express themselves as they see fit and stops teachers from giving them the support they need. If enacted, this policy will result in the deaths of trans students, make no mistake. If you support this policy, there is blood of your hands.


I support the students. I support the walkout.

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I stand in solidarity with the students walking out in protest of Glen Youngkin's policy to force teachers to misgender trans teens, ban them from bathrooms, and more. Hate has no home in Virginia or America.


Parental rights must be preserved

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Governor Glenn Youngkin's recent guidance for schools concerning transgender students, and the rights of parents to be involved in their children's educations, are right on and I fully support them. It is appalling that some teachers and administrators apparently are encouraging our young people to "walk out" of school this week in defiance of the reasonable rules the governor has instituted.  In upcoming elections as I cast my votes I will be watching to see which members of the School Board and other elected officials support the governor.


Strongly oppose

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It’s not about “legal” names, it’s about controlling trans youth. No one has an issue when cisgender kids ask to be called by another name, but the idea of a trans child wanting to chose how they’re addressed is somehow inconceivable.


Oppose backward policies

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No matter how many people think it is ok to deny the rights and realities of trans kids, and their need for understanding and support, it is not ok.  There was a time when a lot of people thought it was OK to have “whites only” drinking fountains as well.


Strongly Support - keep trans ideology out of our schools

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The proposition that you can change your gender is political and psychological, and is debated from both sides. Biology is clear - there are only two human sexes and they cannot be changed. Public school should limit its purview to those biological facts, and avoid indoctrinating children with the myriad ideologies du jour that say otherwise.

Teachers should respect the parents' instructions on how to address their children. Children should use the bathroom and locker room that correspond to their biological sex, as doing otherwise negatively impacts the rights of other children and their parents, in addition to the child in question:

Children will inevitably encounter confusion and self-doubt on their journey to adulthood. We should not expose them to harmful ideas that they can change what cannot be changed, at the risk of them laying the blame for all those natural uncertainties at the feet of their gender.


Oppose - Virginians deserve better

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<p>Virginians deserve better than these dangerous policies. They are rooted in ignorance and bias under the guise of parental choice. It seems this Administration is only concerned with the parental rights of religious Conservatives. I strongly urge you to not move forward with these dangerous trans-phobic policies. </p>


Weaponizing parents as bullies is not a sign of a strong, responsible leader

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<p>Pushing parents to instruct their children to actively reject and condemn other students' lifestyles, life choices, personal choices, or religion is not what school is supposed to be about. If we can't learn tolerance of people different from ourselves, we can't participate effectively in society. We must bring up leaders who legislate from a place of compassion, broad knowledge, and effectiveness. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This measure will only serve to harm some of our state’s most vulnerable children. I strongly oppose. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Trans children must be protected and respected in our schools. Any legislation that attempts to delegitimize their genders WILL lead to an increased suicide rate. Please don’t kill children for a cheap political move.  </p>


Oppose!

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<p>These policies do not respect the dignity and safety of our transgender students. Simply calling a student by their chosen name reduces their symptoms of depression and likelihood of suicide attempts, with more reduction shown when students are able to use that name in more contexts. Policies such as this eliminate school as a potential protective factor for these students and may increase danger for them in the school environment and at home. Politics are irrelevant when students' lives are on the line. As a school counselor, I will always support all students in their self-expression and advocate for their safety and wellbeing. </p>


Support, Finally Common Sense is Back!

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As a tax paying home owner in Virginia, I fully support this Common Sense Action by are Governor!


This would have gotten me killed

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I was a student in Fairfax County schools when I was a kid. I was abused at home and school was the one place where I knew I had a handful of hours of peace and it was a place to belong.

If the school had outted me to my parents I would have been beaten, it would have been bad.

We should not do that to future generations of kids.


HORRIBLE policy ! !

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Simply put this policy needs to be repealed for the sake of any transgender kids in the district. We dont need to further harm at risk youth and take away what is oftentimes their only safe space. This policy will lead to suicides.


Support. My child thinks he is superman, therefore he must be...

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Support. Who is responsible for child that tried to stop a bullet with his chest or attempt to fly off the roof because all the adults affirmed that he was indeed superman?


Opposed!

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<p>Stop political posturing by attacking more vulnerable kids. Ultimately a society is judged by how we treat and respect everyone and not just a certain socio and economic demographic whom you seem to be pandering to.   </p>


Strongly support

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<p>Freedom of religion allows teachers to call a transgender student by their real, biological name if it is against their religion. </p>


Oppose in the strongest terms possible

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The proposed policy is squarely against what is recommended by mental health professionals. This places ideology, and a cynical search for red votes and dollars, above the health of the children involved. Youngkin does not care about children, he does not care about health, or he is too far down the rabbit hole and deluded to understand where the line lies between ideology and basic human rights.

This is not a stage for political grandstanding to keep an embattled post of power, nor is it fodder for  hypotheticals and nonsense thought experiments. These are real people with real lives and there will be real damage which can reverberate over the lifetime. There will be a deep scar left on these children by the branding iron Youngkin feels so privileged to wave. His and Virginia's legacy will be yet more bigotry and backwards policy. Italy has elected a fascist and Youngkin seems all to happy to put his name in the shadow on the same wedge issues that brought this ideology back to Europe.


I Strongly Oppose the Proposed Policies on Transgender Youth

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These proposed policies are a danger to the youth of Virginia. The impact will extend beyond transgender children and will be a corrupting influence to all children. Instead of supporting our youth, they encourage actions that will harm them. Support our children and reject these discriminatory policies.


Pronouns save children's lives.

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<p>I am not trans. Up until my 20s, trans people actually made me very uncomfortable. When I was 22, I was commissioned to edit a short documentary on trans equality. I spent hours with that footage listening to heart-rending testimonials of suicide attempts, extreme depression and crippling anxiety which all came from societal and personal pressure to conform to the gender they were designated with at birth. Every single testimonial had a story about their friends that didn't make it to adulthood. Every single testimonial had a story about the family that they lost when they came out. These policies will lead to the abuse and death of Virginia's youth. Transgender people are such a small percentage of people and a society is defined by how it treats its most vulnerable. By instituting these policies, Virginia is failing as a society. As an adult now, I have trans friends who may not have survived to adulthood if these policies had been instituted when they were growing up. </p>


Appalling perversion of the 2020 law

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<p>This proposed policy change is cruel and perverse. The governor has turned a safety net into a fishing net, designed to create pain and stress for children who need support. </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>I am strongly opposed to Governor Youngkin's proposed rollback of protections for trans students. </p>


strongly oppose.

Neil, an australian transgender man in support of queer kids

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this will harm and kill trans students. However i assume thats the goal here. this is immoral and violates human rights.


Opposed to this policy

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<p>I am a Virginia parent.  This policy is dangerous, discriminatory, and short-sighted.  I, as a parent, trust educators to teach as they have been taught to.  Stop letting the ignorant parents, who don't truly want their children educated, run this state.  </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>Mistreating trans students with misgendering will lead to mistrust between teachers and students and they won’t feel safe in schools. They won’t feel comfortable in a place of learning. And if these students don’t have support at home and can’t get it any support of their LGBT identity this will lead to so much harm like increased suicide attempts. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>This policy is only abusive and damaging towards trans youth </p>


Illegal, callous, and cruel

The governor's hasty, politically motivated rewrite of these policies contravenes existing state law and will harm kids. I say this as the parent of a student in Virginia schools, and as someone who knows a trans student in Virginia schools and works with trans Virginians every day at my job.The Virginia Human Rights Act specifically forbids the discrimination on the basis of gender identity that this policy mandates. The governor attempts to get around this by citing religious freedom. But I cannot for the life of me recall anywhere in the Bible that prohibits or forbids any kind of gender expression, or addressing someone by a given set of pronouns. Gender identity has nothing to do with explicit sexual acts, whose mention in Leviticus could be grounds for a religious freedom argument, however weak or bigoted. Indeed, in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12, the Bible specifically admonishes adherents to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," a message this policy explicitly contravenes. The governor should not use the Bible as a shield for his and his followers' own all too human fears and prejudices.In addition, § 22.1-23.3 of Virginia law, which authorized and governs these policies, specifies that they must be "evidence-based." There is no strong or compelling evidence that discriminating against trans students benefits them or any other student, and there IS strong and abundant evidence that such discrimination leads to elevated suicide rates among trans youth. That same law also mandates the "maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students." The governor's policy mandates discrimination against trans kids, and I don't believe you can make a compelling argument that merely having to exist and live your life alongside trans kids constitutes harassment or discrimination in any way. The governor's indifference to the law does not change the law's existence, nor the need to follow that law.Finally, the federal court ruling in Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, which the Supreme Court declined to review, explicitly forbids the kind of discrimination the governor is attempting to mandate here.These are kids. We should be trying to support them, nurture them, and help them grow. They shouldn't be political footballs or stepping stones in the governor's quest for ever greater power. The mere existence of trans kids is not a threat to anyone or anything. I'm not afraid to send my kids to school with trans kids, to have them use the bathroom with trans kids, or to play sports with trans kids. I am VERY afraid of having my kids grow up in a state that mandates bigotry against a vulnerable group of children just to ease the baseless fears of a relative minority of people. My kids are too young to have any conception of gender identity. But if either of them grows up to be trans, I want to know they'll get the same treatment, the same support, and the same education as any other child.These policies, and the bigotry behind them, are grotesque and cruel. They're also blatantly illegal based on even the most cursory reading of current law. We should be better than this as a nation and a society.

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The governor's hasty, politically motivated rewrite of these policies contravenes existing state law and will harm kids. I say this as the parent of a student in Virginia schools, and as someone who knows a trans student in Virginia schools and works with trans Virginians every day at my job.

The Virginia Human Rights Act specifically forbids the discrimination on the basis of gender identity that this policy mandates. The governor attempts to get around this by citing religious freedom. But I cannot for the life of me recall anywhere in the Bible that prohibits or forbids any kind of gender expression, or addressing someone by a given set of pronouns. Gender identity has nothing to do with explicit sexual acts, whose mention in Leviticus could be grounds for a religious freedom argument, however weak or bigoted. Indeed, in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12, the Bible specifically admonishes adherents to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," a message this policy explicitly contravenes. The governor should not use the Bible as a shield for his and his followers' own all too human fears and prejudices.

In addition, § 22.1-23.3 of Virginia law, which authorized and governs these policies, specifies that they must be "evidence-based." There is no strong or compelling evidence that discriminating against trans students benefits them or any other student, and there IS strong and abundant evidence that such discrimination leads to elevated suicide rates among trans youth. That same law also mandates the "maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students." The governor's policy mandates discrimination against trans kids, and I don't believe you can make a compelling argument that merely having to exist and live your life alongside trans kids constitutes harassment or discrimination in any way. The governor's indifference to the law does not change the law's existence, nor the need to follow that law.

Finally, the federal court ruling in Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, which the Supreme Court declined to review, explicitly forbids the kind of discrimination the governor is attempting to mandate here.

These are kids. We should be trying to support them, nurture them, and help them grow. They shouldn't be political footballs or stepping stones in the governor's quest for ever greater power. The mere existence of trans kids is not a threat to anyone or anything. I'm not afraid to send my kids to school with trans kids, to have them use the bathroom with trans kids, or to play sports with trans kids. I am VERY afraid of having my kids grow up in a state that mandates bigotry against a vulnerable group of children just to ease the baseless fears of a relative minority of people. My kids are too young to have any conception of gender identity. But if either of them grows up to be trans, I want to know they'll get the same treatment, the same support, and the same education as any other child.

These policies, and the bigotry behind them, are grotesque and cruel. They're also blatantly illegal based on even the most cursory reading of current law. We should be better than this as a nation and a society.


Political Hack

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<p>Youngkin is a political hack, intentionally targeting a marginalized group in order to rile up his base. What a piece of garbage. </p>


Strongly oppose

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Trans kids deserve to learn and thrive in an environment free of bullying , intimidation, and fear. That means the kids need to be addressed as they are and supported for who they will be. Especially from their educators and their administrators,


STRONGLY OPPOSE.

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I am terrified for my own safety as well as the safety of my good friends. I fear that if my friends are outed to their parents that they will be kicked out of their homes, disowned, beaten, and/or berated for who they are. I don't want my own existence to be criminalized just because someone doesn't agree with me.


I vehemently oppose.

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<p>This law is disgusting and will only lead to great harm. Trans people are your constituents too. Learn to protect them. </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>This policy places parents' rights above child safety. There are thousands of unsafe households all over the state for transgender children, who will now be at risk of abuse at home. This policy places the parents' individual beliefs about their consenting child without protection of their safety and for little reason other than implementing a biased system meant to stifle transgender voices. This is not the responsibility, right, or purpose of our government. I, with deep concern for the transgender students of Virginia, strongly oppose this policy. </p>


concerned student

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we can't younken pass this law it hurts so many students because school is a safe space for so many students


Strongly opposed

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I'm very concerned over the government's concern around children's genitals. Please just let kids pee in peace.


Strongly Support

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<p>This change gives Parents the right to have a say in their child’s education and to protect them during the school day.  It speaks to respect for all students and no matter what their beliefs are.  I also believe a lot of these comments are repetitive in nature and most likely being posted by non voting Virginia residents.  </p>


Transgender

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I strongly oppose the polices the Governor has discussed against transgender ? children and people. I wish people would take time to learn anatomy of the body and how it pertains to individuals. We are not all the same in body and mind each is born with their own uniqueness.


STRONGLY OPPOSES

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If this legislation is enacted there will be a direct increase in violence, aggression, depression, anxiety, and suicide among ALL youth. THIS IS ABOUT CHILDREN AND YOU ARE TAKING AWAY THEIR FREEDOM TO BE THEMSELVES. Freedom— isn’t that a popular GOP idea these days?!

The responsibility of a guardianship over a child does not include adults having power to decide their child's identity. This action is 100% discriminatory and harmful and will affect students, teachers, school systems, and families. This is an absolute disgrace and must be undone.


Oppose this strongly

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<p>I oppose this measure as it humiliates students who already have enough stress. Suicides will be on your hands if this goes through. </p>


OPPOSE

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Schools are the only places some children feel safe enough to be themselves.  Why take that away?!  Unfortunately, not everyone is made to feel accepted and loved no matter what at home.  By taking that away, young people everywhere are affected mentally and spiritually.


support Gov. Youngkin-please

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Thank you Lord for Gov. Youngkin.  No child should be able to decide which sex they are.  No trans boy should be able to play girl's sports or use a girl's bathroom.  All girl's sports will end if boys are allowed to play.     PLEASE VOTE YES ON GOV. YOUNGKIN'S CHANGES.  and DO NOT CHANGE TITLE 9!


One word to describe the governor: bully

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<p>As educators, we are committed to honoring the dignity and value of all our students. This new policy attacking transgender students goes against everything teachers stand for. It’s obvious the governor is using this hateful policy to boost his national reputation as a bigot. His own son attends a private Richmond school where a staff member recently presented on supporting trans students. </p>


This policy is wrong.

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<p>Kids should feel safe and accepted and included at school. With this bigoted policy you are doing the exact opposite. You are harming them, in name of what? The kids that are walking out today to protest against this policy are the real leaders but they should not go through this. Your job is to protect them, empower them and with this policy you are doing the opposite. </p>


Strongly support!

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<p>Strongly support this policy as a parent of. CcPS children. </p>


Strongly Oppose- why ruin your trust between teachers/parents/kids

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<p>Children are still human beings with feelings and must be able to gain trust even with their parents. Have you ever had a parent find out you did something like broke a vase, lie or just do anything where no one really got hurt, but you still got beat for it? Imagine you told a teacher you were feeling insecure about yourself and you felt comfortable in baggy clothes and it’s mistaken as a sign towards being trans. Go home, parents verbally and physically abuse you. If God is in our hearts why can’t we do something to understand his work. Everything and absolutely everything is under his eye and if frogs change gender to help their population reproduce why can’t we see that God really doesn’t make mistakes. And heck, I know for a fact that I knew my Mom would talk to the whole town about all my screw ups and now I won’t even tell her where I’m living. Teachers are adults that get to interact with the kid and get to allow that child to express themselves freely when they have “scary parents”. We are not to cast judgements on others, but too often do we hear or remember a parent scaring children away from something we know they could have found passion in. Why create a more toxic area to live in. </p>


Strongly support

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<p>Keep identity politics out of schools. </p>


Strongly support

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<p>As a senior at Virginia Tech, I strongly support this.   This support of immoral is crazy.  I was taught that you had two sexes, one male and one female. These "tranny's" are crazy.   We had an incident where one tried to trick a student into sex.  Then the guy got charged with murder when he found out it was a man dressed as a woman.  Thank God that the jury saw through this and he was not convicted.  Please implement this at the college level as well. </p>


Guidance document. Model policies for the treatment of transgender students in VA public schools

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<p>I oppose this obviously discriminatory policy. Transgender students deserve the same protections from discrimination and bullying as any other students. </p>


I strongly oppose this policy

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This is not OK-I strongly oppose this policy.


STRONGLY oppose - stop hurting trans kids

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<p>These children will face enough hardship as it is. Trans youth need to be PROTECTED - not exposed and outed before they’re even sure of themselves. What’s wrong with you people? Where is your love for your children? What do you love more, your kids or your politics? </p>


I strongly oppose this action, which will put many children at risk

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<p>This action will put many children at risk of harassment, bullying, and abuse, and it will create an unsafe environment that is detrimental to learning. This directly violates students’ rights to safety and education. We must do better by our children - they are not the property of their parents. We are all responsible for their well-being. </p>


I Support the 2022 Policies

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I SUPPORT the 2022 model policies

It is worth noting that the prior policies were implemented in many public schools despite widespread visible outrage from parents. What people fail to realize is that gender dysphoria is a documented mental illness that needs to be treated as such and parents MUST be involved in all decisions regarding the health and welfare of their children.

The 2021 Model Policies promoted a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools that was in direct conflict with parental rights. They were a clear political statement from a particular party that had absolutely nothing to do with child welfare and everything to do with control of children in a very obvious effort to remove children from their families by demonizing parents.  The 2021 Model Policies disregarded the rights of parents and ignored other legal and constitutional principles that significantly impact how schools educate students.  The 2022 Model Policies provide clear, accurate, and useful guidance to Virginia school boards that align with statutory provisions and align with the Constitution of Virginia and parents’ rights.

The 2021 model policy blinded parents to what was going on at school with their own children. There is never a reason to exclude parents from the educational/social experiences of their children, never.  Children belong to their parents and their families, NOT the state! The 2021 policies were clearly government overreach.

I SUPPORT the 2022 model policies


Strongly Oppose

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This policy change will negatively impact the mental health of youth. All youth deserve to feel safe and protected in a school environment.


Support. Gender is religion. The state may not enforce religion

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<p>I support this policy. The state may not enforce a religion on the people. Gender is a set of stereotypes different societies apply to the biological sexes. Gender is a faith based belief and I do not support it </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>In all my years living in Virginia, and I've spent my whole darn life in this state, I have never seen such a blatantly discriminatory policy. Everyone who contributed to this policy should be ashamed!! Don't pass this nonsense, leave the kids alone. </p>


Support the Governors position

      I stro9ngtly support the Governor and his admin., it is about time we get some common sense back in the schools and more importantly in the GOVERMENT itself.  God knows we have no leadership in the DC and no longer have an FBI as they have become a wing of the DEMOCATIC PARTY.
    Parents need to have the final say in what is proper for their kids not a government that is influenced by special interest groups that act like idiots and scream loud to get everyone's attention.   Maybe the schools need to focus back on teaching the kids the basics and quit being a political organization

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<p>      I stro9ngtly support the Governor and his admin., it is about time we get some common sense back in the schools and more importantly in the GOVERMENT itself.  God knows we have no leadership in the DC and no longer have an FBI as they have become a wing of the DEMOCATIC PARTY.</p>
<p>    Parents need to have the final say in what is proper for their kids not a government that is influenced by special interest groups that act like idiots and scream loud to get everyone's attention.   Maybe the schools need to focus back on teaching the kids the basics and quit being a political organization </p>
<p>  </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE


This revised policy supports students AND parents

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Please implement this policy and withhold funds for all jurisdictions that do not comply.


BE THE SOLUTION NOT THE PROBLEM

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Bullying rates will rise.

Suicide rates will rise.

Drop outs and whatever negative aspect will contribute to the child personal development.

Prepare for the “parents” to show up to the schools ready to fight behind their child!

This isn’t solving the problem, your just adding to it.

Karma is a bitch and Energy don’t lie.


Opposed due to lack of protections for at-risk youth

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The proposed rule provides no relief for students in at-risk situations and amounts to an undue, unwarranted, and unnecessary assault on students who have unalienable rights towards self-expression.


Facts on LGBTQ youth

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"42% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth."

"Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all of the people they lived with attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected by anyone with whom they lived."

"LGBTQ youth who had access to spaces that affirmed their sexual orientation and gender identity reported lower rates of attempting suicide."

This is simple. If you care about kids, you affirm them as they show their true authentic selves. Protect trans students, repeal this policy.


Vehemently opposed to this violation of children's rights

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<p>Writing as a long time Virginia resident and parent of two young children who just moved away. Children who are not safe or ready to discuss all parts of themselves at home NEED a safe place to do so elsewhere. Do not force educators to make them unsafe and betray their trust at a sensitive time in children's lives. As a parent, I would be sad to hear my child didn't share a concern with me but I would GLAD to know they found a safe and appropriate place for it at school. And for heaven's sake, do not invent new problem for teachers to deal with- we're already short on teachers thanks to the culture wars brought on by masking/"CRT" and other conspiracy theories. Please support children and teachers. Thank you. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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As a Virginia resident, it saddens me to see our children used as political pawns. Kids should feel safe and welcome in school, and the governor's executive order undermines that, to no benefit.


Easy solution to school bathroom issues

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<p>This could be easily solved if schools and buildings set up several one person bathrooms that could be used by any gender.  It’s worth the money to avoid the aggravation, political rhetoric, and more importantly the safety of all students, whatever the gender.  </p>


I strongly oppose the new guidance

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Transgender is not an ideology, and this new guidance puts transgender kids in danger of abuse and crisis.


All welcome all safe

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All kids are welcome to feel safe to be themselves at schools. Don’t be bigots.


Strongly Oppose

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Is it truly an exercise in religious freedom to deny the humanity, much less the personal identity, of those who are different than us?  Is it truly an exercise in religious freedom to deliberately be cruel to those who are different than us?  Is it truly religious freedom to remove protections against abuse from those who are different than us?

This is not a religious freedom issue.  This is an issue of "bigots have more rights than transgendered kids."  There is no purpose served in this proposed rule change than to allow those who wish to be cruel and insensitive to so be.  This only hurts children who are already leading an existence colored by unacceptably high rates of suicide, self-harm, and depression.  This proposed rule change would make an already precarious situation worse.

And you don't care a whit.


Why are you using your position of power to hurt children rather than help them?

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Did you know that one trans youth attempts suicide every 45 seconds? Instead of creating policy to help and protect them, you are using your position of power to hurt them. There are so many areas of education that could be examined and improved. Growing up is hard enough - don't make that process more difficult than it already is for Virginia's youth. I oppose this policy and ask that it be withdrawn.


Oppose

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<p>Why are you people so hell bent on harming your own children? </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Gender non-conforming students continue to be at higher risk of physical violence, depression, suicidal ideation/attempts, and substance abuse- and that is with the current protections in place.  Rolling back student’s rights policies for gender diverse youth will, without a doubt, increase these harmful outcomes. </p>


Youngkin's anti trans children policy

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<p>As someone who has worked with children for approx. 40 years, I am beyond angry at this new policy Youngkin is putting into place regarding trans children. First off, how about putting your ignorance aside, Youngkin and learn about Transgender people. Next, put your fear aside and stop bullying children. Trans children are born this way, just like gay or lesbian people. I want children to feel loved, accepted and comfortable to be themselves. I am sick and tired of the hate and bullying the GOP are forcing on the rest of us. All Youngkin is doing is making school a dangerous, stressful and bigoted place for Trans children. He is actually putting children in harms way by being bullied and possibly beaten or even commit suicide. I am totally against this hate policy. Virginia needs to show love and care for children, not hate and discrimination against them. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This is bigoted nonsense. At heart, these policies contribute to a pattern of targeted harassment that ends with dead kids. You should be ashamed of yourselves. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

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<p>Strongly oppose! Stop taking away human rights! </p>


Oppose this needless and cruel policy

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Trans people have always existed and will always exist. It's just a matter of whether they feel supported or miserable. Whether we try to make their childhood fun and carefree or repressive and terrifying. These are just normal kids, trying to live their lives. It's hard enough to be a kid, let alone a trans kid, even in a supportive environment. Why make things even more difficult?


Opposed

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As an educator of 22 years and a parent, I am passionately opposed to any legislation that denies students the ability to have dignity in the classroom. Please keep these divisive and discriminatory laws away from our schools and feeding into the anti-trans student frenzy that has been a part of an extremely destructive culture war here in Virginia.

Teachers should respect student choice despite their personal beliefs as instructed by various school regulations across school systems. Students should be able to choose a name or a pronoun as they see fit without worrying about discrimination.

As the Governor of Virginia, Governor Youngkin needs to realize that he serves those students as well, not just far-right parents. ALL Virginians should be protected, regardless of their identification.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This isn’t 1920 anymore,  this is 2022 and people are able to express themselves better </p>


Against this proposal

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Our transgender youth must be supported and protected.  The proposed action is hurtful and dangerous to their mental health.  We must not take Virginia backwards.  No, no, no, Governor Youngkin, this is not what Virginia wants.


Stop political posturing at the expense of our kids

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Trans kids are particularly vulnerable and need to be protected. This policy is all about political posturing and it is dangerous to kids. You should be ashamed of yourself.


Stop attacking vulnerable children

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Governor Youngkin's claim that suicide rates among LGBTQ youth is caused by "grooming" is patently false, as can be verified by actually speaking to any member of the LGBTQ youth community or looking at decades of data. Suicide is the 2nd highest cause of death among youth and rates for LGBTQ+ youth are 4 times higher due to a lack of support or feeling of belonging. By not allowing teachers and staff to call students by their chosen pronouns and gender affirming names, by refusing to allow children to use the bathroom that is consistent with their gender identity, by forcing students to be "outed" the governor is removing any small supports that may be preventing despair and tragedy. The simple act of a teacher using a preferred pronoun can literally be the difference between life and death for a child who has no one else in their life that they feel safe being their authentic and true selves with. This is being done in the name of "parent's rights". If a student is not ready come out to their parent or caregiver, it is for a reason. Maybe they are still trying to figure out who they are, maybe they know that they have parents who won't support them, or maybe they have a parent who has threatened violence if their child ever identified as trans or non binary. These policies will cause irreparable mental and physical harm to CHILDREN. Protecting vulnerable children's lives and mental health is the most important thing we can do as a society. Attacking trans and non binary kids because they are an easy target in order to score political points is so disgusting it is beyond words. Shame on all who support these harmful and hateful policies.


Against Transphobic Policies

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My girlfriend and I question having kids based on the operation of the Virginia public school system. If we have children we will move out of the Commonwealth in order to provide a safe public school upbringing for our children. Stop the nonsense with these transphobia policies.


I strongly OPPOSE

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<p>Life long republican 2016. Trumpkin policy’s undermine all Virginians </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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<p>I strongly support the governor on this.  "trans" anything is a mental disorder and should be treated as such.  Parents should have final word on anything that concerns their child.  Please adopt this.  IF I could I would make it even stronger. </p>


WHAT!!

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I can just imagine the ridicule and harassment of a female dressed person entering a male bathroom, can't you.  Why subject children to this.  What purpose does it serve.  Where is the freedom so highly touted by Republicans.


This decision will directly kill trans youth.

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If this legislation is enacted there will be a direct increase in depression, anxiety, and suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. That is a fact, and it is a fact with which that everyone in support of this decision will have to live. A parent's legal guardianship over their child does not empower them to decide their child's identity, no matter the child's age. This action is overtly discriminatory and harmful and that will be readily apparent. This is an absolute disgrace.


Support


Strongly Support

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I strongly support this policy change.


Thank you Gov. Youngkin for ensuring Parent's rights over the welfare of their children is protected

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Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for ensuring parent's rights for the welfare, security and care of their children is protected!   Parents, not schools, not the state, not the federal government, should have ultimate say and authority for their children, in all facets.  For a school, or any other organization, to take any non-instructional action or attempt to apply influence over children without the knowledge and approval of the parent/guardian should be criminal.  Thank you Governor Youngkin for ensuring parents have the oversight, transparency and ultimate authority over their children -- as God intended it!


Support trans rights!

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Trans rights are human rights.


I am vehemently opposed

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<p>The Governor's directive to bully trans and LGBT students is cruel.  He is merely following other extremist Republicans across the country in enacting similar policies that hurt children.  All of our children deserve a Governor who cares about them, not someone who is running for President on their backs.  </p>


Strongly Support

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<p>Thank you for defending our children. </p>


Support

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The new VDOE policies are just common sense.


In full support of Gov Youngkin's policies for schools

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<p>Thank you Gov. Youngkin for policies that try to bring back sanity to our schools! </p>


Strongly oppose this

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This proposed "policy' is not based on any known educational or medical criteria. It is based on ideology and pandering to an increasingly radicalized base.

If enacted, it will be to the detriment of all of Virginia's students, and particularly the Trans and LGBTQ students.


This threatens the lives of trans kids.

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As a Virginia student, I strongly oppose these harmful model policies.


Strongly Oppose - please educate yourself before restricting basic human rights!

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I have viewed multiple comments saying that giving rights to transgender students is "sexual abuse" and "woke nonsense". I would like to ask how calling trans students by their requests pronouns and name is "sexual abuse"? How is letting them use the bathroom as the gender they identify as "sexual abuse"? All of the people saying that the genitalia you are given at birth is your gender haven't done their proper research. Science shows that trans men have the same brain structure as cisgender men, and the same with trans women. Trans people and non-binary people are not forcing their "agenda" on anyone. Trans people just want the same rights as cisgender people! It's that simple!

Governor Youngkin, these new policies do not prevent trans kids from bullying. These policies actually do more damage to their mental health. Research shows that calling trans people by their deadname and incorrect pronouns harms their health. We need to start validating our children and treat them like human beings. Love doesn't hurt anyone.


Trans rights

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<p>Enough already. This is not about protecting children or empowering parents. It’s about marginalization of an out group in order to  score cheap political points. </p>


Deeply opposed to this proppsal

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This proposed policy will inflict needless pain and suffering on children, solely to further the governor's futile and transparent campaign to become president. This isn't right and uses Virginia's kids as a political pawn.


Transphobia

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<p>Absolutely completely oppose this transphobic bill. </p>


This proposal is offensive

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<p>“I strongly oppose this proposed policy. This proposal would create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment for our VA transgender and nonbinary youth, requiring teachers and staff to forcibly “out” students, prohibit staff from supporting trans and nonbinary students such as using a students affirming name and pronouns, and prohibit access or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity. All our students deserve a supportive and affirming school environment, especially our vulnerable and marginalized populations like our transgender and nonbinary youth.”</p>
<p> </p>


Strongly Support

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Kids are there to get an education and not to adapt to social and cultural issues especially when they only target specific people.  Leave the social issues out of school and educate like it’s 1999.


Vehemently Oppose the Removal of Trans Rights

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If your overarching goal is to increase mental illness and suicide in school aged children, this is how you do it. If your goal is to protect children, then this bill will fail you and them spectacularly. "Protect our children." "Protect our families." I've got bad news, you guys. YOU are who we need to protect these children and families from. YOU are the monsters, the villains, the lifetime trauma inflicted on innocent lives in the name of a God you forsake every day with your words and actions. Remember WWJD? Well, this ain't it.


Strongly support

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<p>Transgender is based on lies. There are 2 sexes only. There has only been two sexes and there will only be 2 sexes. Those suffering from gender dysphoria need help and support for the underlying reasons that are guiding them off the path of reality.  The marketing of transgenderism to children indicates that it is a forced belief rather than a true belief. All children fantasize and outgrow those fantasies. If those fantasies are nurtured, the adults who have nurtured them need counseling themselves. Nothing out of hate, but when someone is about to do something harmful to themselves (deny reality of sex/gender), it is actually criminal to promote it. It is the same as yelling “Jump” to someone about to jump off a high building in order to commit suicide. Parents, teachers, doctors, and guardians of children should be compelled to view actual surgeries and hear testimonies of those who have “gender transformed”. It’s a nightmare. Stopping the promotion of trans gender lies in schools is a start to returning to reason.  </p>


Governor Youngkin's 2022 Model Policies

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<p>Strong governance and guidance from the Youngkin Administration to Virginia School Boards on how to maintain the core mission of Virginia's Public Schools...to Educate...NOT...Indoctrinate. The Governor is leading with Vision and Compassion. </p>


Strongly oppose

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These policies just further pit parents against teachers who are doing their best, trying to create a safe learning environment for ALL of their students. School should be a safe space where all students can grow and thrive.

If a student confides in a teacher about their sexuality and doesn't tell their parents, that could be an indicator that they don't feel safe at home to disclose that information. We cannot put the lives of students at risk, just for the sake of a political culture war.  The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (53%) of transgender and nonbinary youth. Nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide. Research also shows that youth who feel safe and more connected to their school are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety or depression and have better mental health. Creating unsafe spaces at school helps NO ONE.


STRONGLY SUPPORT PARENT’S RIGHTS AND YOUNGKIN

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<p>Parents should be raising their children, not the leftist cult. This is what’s wrong with our country. Leave the school to education and preparing students for critical thinking and not brainwashing. Got to love all the robots opposing Youngkin, leftist cheating still to this day! </p>


extremely strongly oppose!

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i am a transgender student (im nonbinary) and i plan on participating in the walkout today. this law is horrible and youngkin should never have been elected. let the children decide for themselves! its not hurting anyone, where as this law will. children are beings too, they should have the ability to make their own choices, like the choice to come out to whoever they want whenever they want. i am already out to my parents, although my mother seems a little less willing to accept it. i am lucky, though, that my parents are not opposed to that, though some other kids could be way less lucky. you want to save the children? do not let this law be passed. take it from me, this is not the way to go. but maybe im just an immature confused girl? who will change her mind in the future?? ha. good luck. and if i do? its none of your business.


Fake outrage and multiple comments being nearly identical

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All this document is saying is that parents deserve to know what is happening in schools regarding their child’s well being focusing on gender identity and transgenderism. That they are responsible for their child’s health not the school. To have so much outrage about this topic just shows that people haven’t read the actual document and are just deranged and trying to comment and over and over making it look like most people are against it. The general headline “strongly opposed” on half of the titles confirms this. It’s like voting multiple times to try to influence an election. You should of made it mandatory for people to make an account and have a username to prevent this.


Support the governor!

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<p>My wife and I strongly support Gov. Youngkin's new policy.  It is clear that the schools that oppose this don't care about parents.  It is not the job of the school system to brain wash that mental illness is ok.  Pass this and make it stronger.  Don't allow homosexual crossdressers to play in girls sports either! </p>


In support of Youngkin's transgender model policy

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<p>Did we forget that a "trans" student raped a high school girl in Loudoun County because he was able to gain access to her bathroom? If you want to protect "trans" students, then create bathrooms and locker rooms that can accommodate them without mixing biologically born sexes together. It is unloving, not inclusive or respectful to force girls to share a bathroom or change in and out of their cloths in front of biologically born male students.   </p>


Sex Based Dress Code and Sex Specific School Activities - Let’s NOT Regress to 1900

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Having grown up with the requirement that girls must wear skirts and dresses to school I can’t believe that an educated and rationale government would propose restricting clothing choices for children.  I do not believe interfering in  “sex based” clothing choices are the purview of a public education facility.  If you, as a parent, want total control of your child’s educational environment then choose to home school your children or choose to send them to a private education facility paid for with private funds.

On the topic of Sex Specific School Activities I cannot believe that limiting the learning environment for any child because of gender roles is being considered.  Fighting my way into shop class and out of home economics gave me the ability to learn skills that have served me well over the past 41 years.  As a woman who understands mechanics, plumbing and electronics I have been self sufficient.  With a husband who knows how to cook and is a nurturing parent we make a great team.  My proudest moment, when our daughter said she was not going to have children her husband was going to do that, she was only four or five but I knew gender stereotypes were not ruling her world.

Stop trying to limit people living their lives.  Get government out of peoples lives, don’t start adding it in.  Don’t dictate political, religious, bigoted, or moral standards through a public education system.  We will not go backwards.  We will not sit quietly while you take away our freedom of opinion, thought, history, or learning.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Governor Youngkin’s policies are hateful, ignorant, and will cause unnecessary harm to the children of Virginia. I strongly oppose the transphobic measures being put forth.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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As a child and adolescent therapist, and parent to two children.  This is very concerning and anti-human.  We need to protect those most vulnerable.


Strongly oppose

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This policy targets trans kids and will do nothing but cause then harm. I strongly oppose this policy.


Strongly Oppose

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All this will accomplish is making trans kids kill themselves. Being trans affirming will save lives. Please don't be this cruel.


The sample policy is disrespectful of children

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It is good and proper for the state to issue guidance regarding the kind and humane treatment of minorities, especially when there has been such a concentrated push against them. I am disappointed by this document. The fig leaf of being against bullying aside, the document makes it quite clear that the position of the government is that the parents have more interest in their child's fate than does the child themselves.

The sample policy's insistence that a school may only refer to a child by their name or a commonly-understood nickname is particularly odious to me. A name is a truly personal object, and to refer to somebody in the way they wish to be referred to is an incredibly low bar for treating somebody with respect. Instead, the policy suggests that we should truly respect the parents, and the child is just an object to relay that respect. It is degrading and dehumanizing.

To be frank, this seems like it was to stir up anger rather than protect children. I do not care for it. I do not support it. I wish that you would not do this.


Transsexual

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This is a misguided policy that will result in politics being

introduced into a matter that should be left to

teachers and students. No one is being groomed . Don’t try

to be another Trump!!!


Strongly oppose


Oppose, the political Stunt

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Again, let’s remember that Youngkin’s kids went to private schools in DC that emphasis social justice issues and inclusion. Before he was elected governor he didn’t seem to mind paying tens of thousands of dollars so his kids could have a well-rounded education.  Now that he’s a governor he has one thing in mind: being president.  And, he’ll use the “parental control” nonsense that got him elected  as his catch phrase for his bid for a promotion.  Don’t fall for it.  Youngkin  couldn’t  care less about pronouns and bathrooms. He cares about Youngkin and only ambition drives his decisions.  Wake up  college educated white-women. You all got him elected. He’s Trump with better hair, DeSantos without the whiny voice and  Cruz without the…. Well, you fill in the blank.


Strongly Oppose!!!

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Gender is by definition different from sex. It is not an idealogy that one can subscribe belief to, it is purely a social construct. People (including children) should be allowed to live their life as the gender they associate with and should not be forced to live a life where they are uncomfortable in their own skin and hide their true selves where in most cases, especially in children, that type of hiding built from shame and depression will lead to suicidal tendencies and leave homes and parents empty grieving the loss of their child for simply not letting them be who they are. Do not force parents and children to go through this!


We can support parents and children simultaneously

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Supporting the rights of parents in our public schools does not need to mean taking rights away from our children.  Although assuming that all children have safe, supportive homes where parents uplift them and their right to live their truest lives is a beautiful idea, it is simply false.  It is, therefore, the role of other adults in those children's lives to counter the bullying, suicidal ideations, pain, and uncertain messages they may receive from society.

When I actually cannot count then number of children I teach just this year that these changed policies would negatively impact, I know that the policies are wrong and hurtful and unfair.  As both a parent and long-time educator, I support both the rights of parents and children, but children, being more vulnerable, must come first.


OPPOSE

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I opposed this change.  The state should be focused on education, not what children want to call themselves. Let the children and teachers handle that on their own.


I am TOTALLY Opposed to Targeting Trans kids

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<p>I am in total opposition to Mr. Youngkins stance on trans students and transgendered persons in general.  We must be accepting of all people, and this policy is clearly lacking in acceptance.  In fact, this policy creates a hostile enviroment for students.  </p>


Strongly opposed

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Demonizing and dehumanizing Trans and LGBTQ youth does nothing to "support parental rights", it only serves to harm an already vulnerable population, putting them at higher risk of bullying and suicide. It's abundantly clear that no one in the LGBTQ community was consulted when crafting this legislation. Playing with peoples lives in the name of a cheap political stunt should be unconscionable, but clearly the Youngkin administration is not above that.


Ashamed to live here

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<p>Blatant discrimination against students should never be legalized, much less required. Do better Virginia. </p>


oppose

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I oppose this legislation, it's 2022 the fact that we're having to have this discussion just shows that we have reprobates elected to office.


Strongly support

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Thank you Governor Youngkin!


Stop transphobia!

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Stop the nonsense. This has been going on for centuries. Wake up-be inclusive and stop being racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic and transphobic !

these kids need protection in place - just because you oppose it doesn’t make it go away. Just because something is misunderstood doesn’t make it wrong!


Strongly OPPOSE

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These policies hurt young people and drive wedges between them and the adults who should be supporting them.  There is nothing wrong with being trans and/or non-binary, and cruelty such as this will only escalate the rate of self-harm and suicide among LGBTQIA+ youth.  Learning can only take place in an environment where people feel safe.  Those who feel unsafe around LGBTQIA+ folks should seek out education so that they can be more understanding, as their fears are unfounded.


Transgender Abuse Policy

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The guidance Glenn Youngkin has proposed regarding the “treatment” of transgender students in Virginia Public Schools is one of the cruelest, stupidest, most inhumane ideas I have ever seen. It requires students be misgendered and deadnamed are school. It requires school staff to deny students’ privacy by outing them to parents before they are ready, regardless of what the result may be. It forces them into inappropriate restrooms, locker rooms, and other gendered spaces and activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the AMA have both studied this and found that these actions will likely lead to bullying, endangerment, and even death by suicide or murder. In addition, by banning the teaching or even discussing gender and LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, these policies deny all of our children a chance to be who they are and/or to learn about people who are different from them

We must not allow Mr Youngkin to damage our children and make school a safe place for only one group of kids.


Trans policy

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<p>Thank you, Govenor!  At last some common sense and consideration for the 99% of children who are not caught up in this nonsense. </p>


Strongly Oppose! Trans Youth Need Protection and Support more than ever

Stephanie Stewart, Norfolk Community Services Board

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As a Qualified Mental Health Professional for Children (license number 0733002427), I vehemently oppose the new policy. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018), with transgender youth being at highest risk.

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth

Many LGBTQ youth lack access to affirming spaces, with only 55% of LGBTQ youth reporting that their school is LGBTQ-affirming and only 37% saying that their home is LGBTQ-affirming. Fewer than 1 in 3 transgender and nonbinary youth found their home to be gender-affirming and a little more than half (51%) found their school to be affirming. The Trevor Project’s research consistently finds that LGBTQ young people report lower rates of attempting suicide when they have access to LGBTQ-affirming spaces.

Clearly research shows that trans youth are more likely to be affirmed at school than at home.

In fact, having at least ONE supportive adult has shown to be a dramatic protective factor for youth. In many cases, this adult is NOT their parent, but a school personnel.

This new policy is a direct attack towards the most vulnerable group of students in the United States, during a time when child mental health is at a critical juncture, due to the increase in mental health issues during a pandemic. We already do not have enough mental health providers for our youth, and this policy will have an IMMEDIATE detrimental impact on our youth.

As a parent of children in public school, I of course have rights regarding how to raise my child, but I do not have the right to harm my child. Our children have rights too. It is not a violation of anyone's rights to treat others with respect and dignity. It could very likely save their lives, which is not an opinion, but a fact backed by numerous studies and the resources mentioned above.

This new policy is exceptionally harmful for Virginia's youth.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Stewart, MS Ed., QMHP-C


I strongly oppose!

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<p>This is absolutely unnecessary. Trans kids who want to be called by a name of their choosing are not disrupting the classrooms with their request. What is disruptive are these ridiculous. The focus should be on making the students feel comfortable enough to learn in a safe environment. Passing this is only making them feel more uncomfortable. We need to be progressive enough to care for our students and provide them with what they need to succeed. I know plenty of teachers that have no problems with this, so why is this a problem? Please, we need to do better and this is not the way. </p>


Stongly and Passionally Support

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God forbid that parents know what their children are doing.


Strongly Support

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<p>Parents are responsible for raiding and caring for their children, not radical school employees intent on spreading anti-science gender ideology. </p>


Strongly Support


Oppose Youngkin's Hateful Policies

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<p>This bill purports to protect the rights of parents and families. However, if parents, families, students, AND the court all legally affirm a child's name and pronouns, this bill allows teachers to call them by a different name and use different pronouns. A sense of belonging is a human need - we should pass laws to affirm that sense of belonging. This is hate disguised as law. There are real challenges happening in schools across our great state, and Youngkin is ignoring them to stoke the culture wars fire. </p>


Oppose

Concerned Parent of multiple PWCS students

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Just treat EVERY student with dignity and respect.  Our actions toward one another should not be to bully or belittle others because of differences.  All forms of bigotry are wrong!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>These policies are regressive and hurt trans kid.  You are purposely trying to enact regressive policies that endanger the mental health of trans students and endanger their civil rights. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I can think of nothing more grossly diminishing and destructive to the young people of VA than limiting their basic rights to identify and comfortably live in the world how they wish. Shame on you Glenn


Against Transphobic Policies

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<p>We shouldn’t use tax dollars to punish children in Virginia Public Schools for being trans or gender expansive. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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We all have a right to live our lives truly and authentically


Oppose

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I strongly oppose this proposal. I do not believe the Youngkin administration is acting in the interest of freedom. Stop legislating every area of Virginians' personal lives.


Strongly support

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<p>Strongly support </p>


Oppose

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Please involve parents in decisions involving their children. It’s astonishing that

this is something that needs to be asked of Virginia schools. The science backing

the rise of transgender kids has been corrupted by activists within the medical profession.

There is real concern over kids seeking puberty blockers and cross sex hormones without

parental consent. These are powerful medications with irreversible side effects. Please

protect our children by allowing parents/guardians aware of what is happening with their

children.


Deliberate Cruelty That Endangers Kids

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Schools should be synonymous with inclusion and welcome — where students are free from fear, harassment, and stigma and supported in learning and engagement with the world.  The world is based on science and data — not religion and wishful thinking.

The governor - with this proposed model - attempts to circumvent not only science but public law via the Virginia Human Rights and associated Values Act and also school board autonomy.  Protection for gender identity in public institutions is specifically included in the state acts and explicitly included in many school district non-discrimination policies.

The governor has delusions of grandeur, and he is cynically using a wedge issue to build his bona fides by hurting the children of his current constituents.

This belongs on the dust heap.


Strongly Support

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<p>I strongly support the Governor's recommendations. </p>


Oppose this policy

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<p>Not in the children's best interest. </p>


Strongly SUPPORT

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Cannot believe we are in an age where parent consent is up for debate. Children need the protection of their parents, the parents are the authority. Trans rights are not important in relation to parental authority being fully intact and supported in the school system. Do not ever want to hear, ever again, that parents "aren't involved enough" when insidious policies at schools work tirelessly to isolate children from their parents so to speak. Trans have no place in the school. Go there to learn, period.


STRONGLY Oppose

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My 21 year-old would likely be dead if this bill had been in place when they were in high school.  They are now thriving because of supports from both family AND school.


Strongly agree! Thank you

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<p>Thank you for keeping parents involved, now let’s add some mental health support for these children </p>


FULL SUPPORT

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<p>Stop allowing this trend of destroying children </p>


NEW MODEL POLICIES

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Thank you Governor Youngkin! Thank you for putting parents back in control. I've read all of the guidelines from last year and the new guidelines too.  The new quidelines are just common sense. It seems the old quidelines "outed" the students by putting them in a "spotlight". Whether by insisting teachers use preferred pronouns or using the restroom of their choice.  Schools should not be used to champion social  or political issues.  Thank you!


This is a terrible policy

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C'mon. Don't you have anything better to do than target vulnerable kids? This policy would be laughable if it weren't actually so harmful to children. Do better.


Strongly Support

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I support this common sense bill


Im in strong opposition to these anti trans policies targeting children

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These restrictions of trans rights are egregious. These new policies are acts of violence on trans children, and they are severely compromising the safety of queer and trans kids. All children in school should be entitled to having a safe and comfortable environment to learn in. This is not only devastating to trans kids, but to teachers as well. During this teacher shortage, if adopted, these rules would be putting educators in a terrible position, that could ultimately cost them their jobs if they don’t comply with these ridiculous guidelines. The fact that our governor is stripping trans students of their rights as a strategic political move to make him an appealing presidential candidate to conservative, fundamentalist voters, is sickening and disturbing.


Oppose Youngkin’s school policy

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This whole policy is ridiculous! It’s a safety issue for trans children. If parents don’t know what is going on in their child’s life, especially something as huge as gender identification, they haven’t been very attentive parents. If the child was hiding it from their parents there must be a reason they fear telling them. This just puts children in harms way for political gains.


Vehemently OPPOSED to callous treatment of transgender students

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<p>This policy is nothing more than political theater. It is disgusting to use some of the most vulnerable CHILDREN in order to score political points in your quest to be President. The idea that policies that support these CHILDREN are harmful is complete nonsense and you know it. You are preying not only on these CHILDREN but also using your position of power to further spread baseless lies and sadly too many of our fellow citizens are either too bigoted or stupid to realize this. SHAME ON YOU! Jesus says we are to love one another - he never says we should force everyone to be something they aren't. </p>


Generally Support and I AM THE PARENT OF A TRANS KID

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As a parent of a trans kid, parents need to be aware and involved.


I strongly support Governor Youngkin

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<p>I strongly support Governor Youngkin’s policy. Further comments or explanations on why to those who oppose would only fall on deaf ears. Common sense needs no explanation.  But woe to those who use God’s word out of context to support their twisted views.  </p>


Strongly oppose!

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I strongly oppose discrimination to any child in our schools!


Strongly Oppose.

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I am strongly opposed to the revisions to the guidelines concerning LGBTQIA+ students in school, especially those rules that restrict the rights of transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive students.

As a teacher, it is my duty to provide an education to all of my students.  Part of that entails creating a place where every single one of them feels welcomed; heard; represented; and most importantly, safe.  The policy that you are putting in place will take away my ability to do this and will put those students in possible danger.

As a parent, I have been raising my child to be open and accepting of everyone who is not like them; to see such bigotry and intolerance wrapped up in "parents' rights" is disgusting.  The parents whose rights you are supposedly protecting are trying to limit the rights of other parents and students; you are codifying discrimination for your own political gain.

Students who are transgender and nonbinary face mental health challenges beyond those of their peers.  They are trying to navigate a very personal investigation, questioning, and assertation of their identity while also navigating the hallways of school.  By creating this new policy, you are increasing the chance that they will harm themselves or be harmed by others.

In closing, I'd like to say that as a parent, I am disgusted that you think you represent me or that you think my "rights" are to allow students to be put in harm's way.  As a teacher, I am disgusted that you think I am your thought police.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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We don’t need to go backwards in gender equality here in Virginia.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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Thank you for common sense and truthful guidance that stops treating our students as guinea pigs subjected to social experimentation and lets them be children while protecting their own bona fide decisions about their sexuality.  The new policy also correctly protects parents' rights to know critical information about their children instead of the prior administration forcing school representatives to block parents' access to information about their children.


Trans kids hurt no one

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What is your problem? Let them live. They aren’t being groomed or steered maliciously away from their parents’ wishes. They’re just expressing their identity. The need to oppress and control trans youth because you’re so uncomfortable with something that doesn’t fit in your outdated worldview is crazy


Oppose


Bad policy, strongly oppose

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Students with gender identity issues need support and empathy; Gov. Youngkin's model policies are the exact oppoiste (harsh and uncaring). One example; students who talk to school counselors about these issues are not guaranteed privacy, making it unlikely they can seek guidance or support from counselors. Why would we want this?? These are bad, counter-productive policies, and I strongly oppose them.


Strongly oppose

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Trans and non-binary children have rights and need support. This bill could cost lives.


STRONGLY OPPOSE- You will lose votes and lives!

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Look back and see why these protections were put into place.

You claim to be for parents- but it appears only a select group of parents!

If you truly care about our kids-ALL kids then listen to history & Research!

https://childmind.org/article/lgbt-teens-bullying-and-suicide/


Strongly oppose - this will end lives

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<p>This will end lives, and it will be at the hands of Youngkin and his voters. I am not being hyperbolic. I am a professional counselor. Our trans children are far more likely to experience mental health disorders, trauma, and complete suicide. They need support - this is the opposite. Strongly, strongly oppose. </p>


Strongly opposed

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Students should be treated with respect regardless of their gender, orientation, race, etc. Teachers should be allowed to call a student by the student’s preferred name and pronouns with or without parental consent. Students are people, not property and we need to respect their wishes in regards to their self-determination. This policy could potentially lead to students enduring abuse at home or force students to conform to a “box” they don’t fit in.


KEEP PARENTS INFORMED OF THEIR OWN CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOR IN SCHOOL

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<p>100% support parental rights and common sense policies that respect family values and also protect teachers from inappropriately involving themselves in (rare cases) that students have complicated sexuality issues. Thank you Gov Younkin! </p>


Strongly oppose!

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This is illegal discrimination on the basis of sex. It is unconstitutional on its face.

Youngkin will lose in court, as there is federal case law supporting trans rights. His antics are also a violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act.

This is nothing more than a political stunt to rile up the deplorable and ignorant Republican base and will not succeed.

Truly disgusting and abhorrent behavior on Youngkin's part, who demonstrates over and over again that he is incapable of governing.


Partly Support

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<p>I believe there is a middle ground here that more people could (hopefully) support.  I am the parent of a trans son who thankfully was not transitioned by his school, but rather the school made adjustments to name/pronouns at *my request*. I don't believe teachers should have to contact parents to notify them of any name changes, etc. though unless the child is clearly in danger due to these struggles (i.e. acutely suicidal).  If identity changes are observed, let the kids call each other whatever they prefer, BUT the adults around them do not need to participate in this unless/until the parents call or send a note asking them to.  In the past, there was never an expectation by youth that adults would participate in their identity journey, including addressing them by any nicknames, etc.  My teachers probably observed plenty of potentially controversial things about my behavior :), but they didn't call my parents unless I broke a school rule or my education was at risk. I believe educators should remain neutral but support families and follow their lead if and when THEY have decided to assist their children with social transition.  I would also have been horrified if school counselors/therapists had gotten involved with my child.  We have chosen our own excellent counseling resources and this would have presented a potential conflict.  I'm grateful our school navigated this gracefully and did not get overly involved, but were very kind and accommodating when approached by a parent. </p>


Strongly OPPOSE

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I OPPOSE the guidance. This guidance takes away safety of being a trans kid growing up in the school system. If this guidance gets passed, trans kids all over will fear going to school. This will affect their learning and ability to have a normal life like the rest of us. There is no reason to take away their protection and safety. They have as much as a right as anyone else to feel safe in our schools. Thank you.


OPPOSE

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I'm a mother of two students in Virginia public schools, and I strongly oppose the new guidelines. End the unnecessary cruelty to LGBTQ kids and bring back the older guidelines.


ABHORRENT

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<p>The recklessness of this administration is directly harming LGBTQ+ youth and absolutely needs to be reevaluated. Trans youth and all other gender expressions, sexualities, etc … should be able to feel safe within their schools. The lack of awareness of LGBTQ+ rights in the Youngkin admin is troubling. </p>


Strongly oppose this hateful proposal

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<p>Transgender children have no agenda other than to be happy and to be left alone . They already suffer so much due to societal norms and bigotry. Being a teen is hard enough without having to worry that some of the adults around you will out you to your parents (which might actually endanger you) and that adults want to know the specifics of your genitalia. That’s absolutely mortifying for any child. Leave the kids alone. This is a vile and hateful plan to impinge upon the civil liberties and bodily autonomy of an entire generation. History has its eyes on you.  </p>


Oppose the changes

Simply put, I oppose the changes proposed in the 2022 guidelines. The guidelines do not respect parental authority at all, remove what little autonomy minors have to be who they want to be (not what others expect them to be), and justifies it with fallacious logic that someone else's pronouns and gender identity somehow impinge on your free speech and religious freedom. It is a pandering policy, not policy designed to strengthen or improve education.Taking rights away from anyone is never a good look.

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Simply put, I oppose the changes proposed in the 2022 guidelines. The guidelines do not respect parental authority at all, remove what little autonomy minors have to be who they want to be (not what others expect them to be), and justifies it with fallacious logic that someone else's pronouns and gender identity somehow impinge on your free speech and religious freedom. It is a pandering policy, not policy designed to strengthen or improve education.

Taking rights away from anyone is never a good look.


THIS IS AN ATTACK ON TRANSGENDER AND NON BINARY KIDS! STRONLY, MORALLY OPPOSE!

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TRANS/NB RIGHTS ARE EQUAL RIGHTS!!! STUDENTS HAVE RIGHTS TOO!

As an educator and decent, law abiding citizen, I vehemently oppose this policy. Our job as educators is to PROTECT our students. This policy will incite violence and harm to our trans/NB students. We work hard to build trusting relationships w/ our kids. IF we are forced to expose them, we put our students' LIVES and WELL BEING at risk. This is how TRANS/NB students end up on the streets or worse, taking their own lives. You cannot force educators to betray their own students.  This policy also forces students to be something they are not. The mental and emotional well being of our students will be directly impacted by this policy. We barely have the resources to support our students as is (side note: FULLY FUND EDUCATION AND OUR TEACHERS/STAFF W/ THE GIANT SURPLUS NORTHAM BUILT).


Treatment of trans youth

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Adolescence is a tough time in any case, so it is outrageous to have the schools and the government making it tougher for kids who are trying to figure themselves out. Also, in my 35 years teaching adolescents, it always seems that the kids who pick on gays or trans kids - like Youngkin - have their own issues about their sexuality. Don't impose your insecurities on our students!!!

Sincerely, Margie Shepherd


Oppose

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I oppose the proposed harmful policies.  The administration is contradictory in its priorities.  On the one hand youth mental health is a supposed priority yet there are no significant resources allocated to address this serious public health issue.  At the same time, the administration proposes to do more harm to a subset of youth by implementing divisive and uncivil policies to ostracize these young people.  They are people, no matter the label.


Common Sense

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Governor Younkin's decision just makes common sense.  Why should 99+% of kids have to conform to the absurdity that has infiltrated our society?  Parents have the right to know what is going on with their children and last time I checked, schools are not the parents.  This is largely why Governor Younkin was elected.  Liberals are falling all over themselves with this and many other dumb issues that should not even be debatable.  A boy is BORN a boy and a girl is BORN a girl.  They are not "assigned" a gender at birth.  A decision for a minor child to change one's sex is a major one that should involve the parent.  If the kid doesn't feel "comfortable" with involving their parent in such a life-changing decision, maybe the kid shouldn't go forward with it.  Return to common sense and do not let the crazies take over and dismantle social norms and anatomical facts.


I Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose these utterly hateful policies.


Our children need this

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I agree with this. Grooming by the left is rearing its ugly head. This is common sense. The LGBT community is pushing this. To them black is white and white is black!! Thanks for taking this stand. Some one needs to step up and stop this grooming.  These children are at the age they do not under stand the consquences of what they are doing. Pushing this agenda to make it normal is wrong and will cause many problems!!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Protest trans students!


This policy will harm children

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<p>Suggesting that teachers are required to report behavior that is not misbehavior to parents is incredibly dangerous. As a student, I can recall many instances where I confided in a teacher who I felt was a neutral third party. Taking that neutral third party away from our students who need one the most is cruel and a cheap way to score political points with a vocal, angry minority of Virginia voters. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this guidance.  </p>


I oppose this policy.

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Let me just make this plain and simple,

This is one of the worst policies I have ever heard of and seen my whole life since I was born.

Now, I don't know how to put this, but seeing this policy about transgender policies is just stupid. Really. The amount of transgender kids rely on schools and trusted school staff to support them in the best way possible. Now why do students not go to their parents? Some don't support, instead, some parents may kick their students out of their homes, or be punished. It isn't a safe space for students to reveal and show their true identities. This is why students rely on schools, and people who work in those schools, because they respect the students pronouns, and names that they preferred to be addressed as, and they are able to freely express themselves as they want to. Allowing this new policy to go into effect is going to raise the charts for depression in kids/teens, and possibly increase the number of suicides this month. And... if all this happens, this will be the worst action Virginia has ever done, allowing kids to go through mental health situations, using kids as political pawns just so a governor can boost his political career. Many kids can even plan to take their own lives, because of this policy.... The amount of lives that can be lost if this policy goes into effect, the grieves of their loved ones... I beg that this policy is to not be passed and enforced.... Keep schools the way they were, accepting one another, regardless of their gender identity, sex, religious beliefs, or orientation. Please don't pass this and let the Governor get away with this..


Strongly Oppose

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The proposed changes will reduce the safety and happiness of transgender students and I strongly oppose them. They will create a hostile environment for all students as identities are suppressed and students are less free to be themselves.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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This document will put so many children at risk of harm and self-harm. Parents have so many ways to influence what happens in schools already. There is absolutely no reason to change the current guidance, which protects our most vulnerable and does not affect anyone else in any way. I work in a school and the current guidance works beautifully.  The kids are not upset, so why work to disrupt that because of the unreasonable fear of a very small minority of parents? Please use some common sense.


Strongly oppose

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This is an appalling way to treat trans children who are already an incredibly marginalised group.


Strongly oppose


Oppose

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Protect our Trans kids! Oppose!


THIS POLICY WILL KILL VULNERABLE CHILDREN

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I am a parent to a supported trans kid. She doesn't realize that there are people out there, in places of power, who are targeting her and making her trans siblings in unsafe home environments vulnerable to violence-including self-inflicted violence.

The research is clear: support and affirmation saves lives. Children need just one supportive adult in their lives to significantly lower their risk. If this adult is not in their home, but rather in the school environment, it is crucial that this support be maintained. Teachers who love and care about their students should never be forced to out them to upsupportive adults.

In my view, non-acceptance of identity is abuse, and forcing teachers to report abuse to the abusers is so backwards and absolutely horrendous.

Can we PLEASE search for solutions to these concerns over privacy and safety? Why does anyone need to use locker rooms anymore and feel exposed and vulnerable publicly? Why isn't the push for safety also including a push for more single person restrooms? Trans kids and cis kids alike will benefit.

I understand deeply, as a parent, that I want to be involved and informed on my child's progress and life at school. I get it. But part of what I consider to be decent, kind, human parenting is also accepting kids for who they are. Gender roles are so outdated and backward and do nothing but keep kids limited.

The only thing you do when you respect a child's name/pronouns/chosen bathroom is that you are protecting them from harm. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Shame on our state for electing a governor who would go after the most vulnerable population. The research is SO CLEAR. You can't pretend that trans issues don't exist. You can't will them out of existence. Trans people are our valid and beloved siblings. Hate and discrimination must always be stamped out. I see so many echoes in "concerns" from transphobes as those concerns raised by anti-segregationists. Get with the times. We can do better. We can nurture and encourage this kids. We don't need to sort them by gender, by trans-ness or cis-ness. We can meet them where they are at and show them they are valued.

Get with the times. Get with decency. Oppose this policy.


Transgender rights

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<p>Trans ppl matter idiots </p>


Strongly oppose!

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These changes are unethical and damaging!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Governor Youngkin,

I stronly oppose this change to the policy in schools regarding transgender children.

I believe children should be able to fully express who they are and suppressing this can only lead to dire consequences, particularly an increase in suicide.

It is important that children be able to learn in an inclusive learning environment . I feel that our schools should always be a safe and respectful learning spaces.

Adolescence is a period of life in which a lot of change is occurring. During this time, many teens are exploring their identity. It is important to affirm with them that we believe their thoughts and feelings about who they are, but also allow exploration and the ability to question.

Students need adults upon whom they can trust and without this, the risk of mental illness and suidice increases.

Please allow students to be who they are and not force them to abide by your laws just because you don't agree with their ideas and thoughts.

Respectfully,

Robin Dulman, MD


Oppose!

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The gender identity of anyone is none of the government’s business!  And just like any LGTBQ person, person of color, or ANYONE in this state or country, we ALL have equal rights.  It is sexist/racist/whatever label you choose, to treat some humans differently than others.  Read the Constitution, and stop being hateful.  Let’s treat everyone with the same respect.  The “governor’s” actions, and attempted actions, show us that he is unfit to lead, or hold ANY public office.


Strongly oppose Younkin anti transgender policy

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This policy violates both state and federal law. Violates the human rights of the children of Virginia. Is cruel and motivated by hate and intolerance. These children/students need our support and protection. This policy is NOT supported by the majority of Virginians!