Oppose this violation of human rights

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This dangerous and harmful set of proposed policies will do irrevocable damage to our children and youth. I do not support it and, should it pass, I as an educator at a Virginia public school WILL NOT abide by it. I work closely with a number of trans and gender-nonconforming students and refuse to go along with policies that will actively inflict harm on my students.

Names

Not only does using a student's correct, gender-affirming name not do any harm to other individuals present, it can greatly help students feel validated in their identity and prevents emotional harm from being inflicted on the student. No one questions why we call students by their chosen nicknames. It makes students feel validated in their identities when a student named Joseph is called their chosen nickname, Joe, or a student named Alexandria is called their chosen nickname, Alex. It can be harmful and cruel to call students the name you want to call them, not what they want to be called.

Pronouns

Similarly, referring to students by their correct, gender-affirming pronouns does not do any harm to others. It does, however, make students feel valid in their identities. Referring to someone by their correct pronouns shows students that they have bodily autonomy and the right to make decisions about their own bodies/identities. We want our students and kids to feel validated and comfortable in who they are. Every person had pronouns- I as a cisgender woman use she/her pronouns. That is nothing new- I have always been referred to as "she" and have always felt good in that. I have not suddenly started having "she" and "her" be used to refer to me. This idea that pronouns are "new" and "woke" is ridiculous. The "new" concept is that we should make sure that the pronouns we are using for others match their gender identities, because that is the kind and decent thing to do. I wouldn't refer to a person as a tree or a moth, just like I wouldn't refer to a man as a woman or a non-binary person as a woman. It's common decency and it's kind to use people's correct pronouns/labels. And again, it causes me no more inconvenience to remember a student goes by certain pronouns than it does to remember that they also don't want to be referred to as a tree, but a human.

Bathrooms/Locker Rooms

The push to keep queer people out of bathrooms and locker rooms is not new. People have long-since shouted to have gay men kept out of men's locker rooms/bathrooms and lesbians out of women's locker rooms/bathrooms. These, of course, are offensive demands and suggest that all queer people must be "perverts" or "predators" simply because of their sexual orientations. The same argument is now being made about trans kids. First, as a queer woman, I can speak from personal experience that no queer person is using the experience of being in a locker room or bathroom as anything other than an opportunity to change clothes or use the restroom. Second, it is hard enough for trans kids to live their authentic selves in today's climate and living in bodies that do not match their gender identities. The last thing any of these kids need is to be told they are not allowed to use the bathroom or locker room that matches their identities. That can be soul crushing when you are young and trying to navigate a cruel and difficult world. Third, as a cisgender woman who has shared many a bathroom and locker room with non-cisgender women, none of it has affected me. As long as everyone in my bathroom/locker room is kind and respectful, I don't care who is in their with me. I'm really disappointed that lawmakers can't just stay out of issues they don't understand and have no personal stake in. Let the kids use whatever bathrooms and locker rooms make them most comfortable. And for goodness sake, have more gender neutral bathrooms and locker rooms for people who don't identify with the binary or are more comfortable there! Lastly, it is often unsafe for trans students to use facilities that match their sex assigned at birth. They are often put into physical danger by their classmates and, even if the danger isn't physical, it can often be emotional.

Sports

It is not fair that students would be forced to compete on teams/in sports according to their sex assigned at birth. Again, it would be a complete disillusionment to have to compete on a male team if you identity as female and vice versa. Also, many trans students who are around the age of puberty/in it/just beyond it are one puberty blockers and hormones. This means that the development of your body in terms of your sex assigned at birth is stopped and your body will start to develop according to your gender identity instead. This medical process is overseen by doctors who work in gender-affirming care. The bottom line here is that someone who was assigned male at birth might be on puberty blockers and female hormones so they physically develop as a female (their gender identity). That means that they do not have the same muscle development or testosterone levels that males their age do. Being forced to play on a male sports team would not make sense for them and would actually be a huge disadvantage to them, which is not fair.

Safety

The reason parents and lawmakers should not be consulted on these topics is as simple is this: safety. Sometimes school is the only safe place for queer and trans students. Parents are not always opening and accepting, like we hope they are. Some parents will do anything and everything in their power to invalidated their child's identity if that identity doesn't match what the parents want it to be. Many queer and trans kids live in constant fear that their parents will find out who they are and not accept them. Many live in fear that their parents will disown them or cease to love them. Many fear that their parents will hurt them, emotionally or physically. I know that people think parents always know best, but sometimes they don't. Sometimes we need to show kids that they have bodily autonomy and that their identities are valid regardless of what the people around them want them to believe. These students will grow up to be our future and we want them to live in a world where they are free and allowed to be themselves without fear or judgment or oppression. Help us do that by not allowing these policies to pass. Please.


Strongly oppose

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I will not stand by while the governor tries to get rid of policies that protect me.


Strongly support these common sense policies

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<p>I am amazed that there is even a question about these proposed transgender policies.  The Northam administration treated something as life altering as becoming transgender as if it was a minor decision, like dyeing one’s hair a different color.  It is unbelievable that anyone would consider leaving parents out of such a life-altering decision.  And since every cell in a male’s body indicates that the person is male, the idea that one can become fully female from male makes little sense.  Transgender males competing in sports events and consistently setting new records make clear the maleness characteristics are still there.  The science is being ignored by the transgender advocates who always argue that transgender kids will be more likely to commit suicide if they can’t be the opposite gender.   Studies have shown that this is not true.   Thank you Governor Youngkin for providing a better policy for Virginia’s children and families. </p>


Actually read the document and it makes sense

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I see some comments and it is obvious they did not read the document.  I read it and it makes a lot of sense.


Oppose in the strongest possible terms

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The proposed model policies endanger trans and nonbinary children. It is not the place of anyone, much less schools and the state government, to deny these young people the basic care and support owed to their identities.

As a queer person who attended a school with anti-LGBTQ+ policies, I can say first hand that a whole lot of damage would have been avoided if my school had simply allowed me to exist as I am. That’s all we want for these kids. Just let them be who they are and stop trying to make them something else for your own comfort.

Trans and nonbinary students are already at risk and will only become more so if these model policies are enacted. If the government truly cares about bettering the lives of Virginia’s children, it will not move forward with these policies.


STRONGLY OPPOSE, this will only hurt students

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More often than not, school is the only place transgender students feel safe and comfortable. This policy takes that away, and hurts us. This policy requires teachers to misgender and deadname students without explicit permission on a piece of paper, and allows for even more discrimination. This can and WILL increase suicide rates among transgender students, as well as home and school violence. Parents beat kids for things like this. Send them to conversion camps, and even kill them. This does not help students, this does not improve our lives, this does not help our privacy, this does not help our education. This is harmful, painful, discriminating, targeting, and a fast way to kill people one way or another. Being transgender isn't something you do to fit in or hurt people. You're ostracised, the exact opposite of fitting in. LET US KEEP THE FEW RIGHTS WE HAVE AND AVOID SUICIDE RATES/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FROM INCREASING. SCHOOL AND HOME LIFE NEEDS TO STAY SEPERATE FOR SOME STUDENT'S SAFETY AND HEALTH.


Agreement

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I am in Agreement with the new proposed policy guidance.  Public education should NOT be another platform used to push extreme ideologies such as transgender identity.  Liberal policies and ideologies are being pushed onto the majority by the extreme minorities.  We do Not have to accept such policies as parents.   Additionally, school districts that have implemented such policies have put female students in uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe situations where a biological male has harassed or assaulted females.  What about the girls’ rights?  Not good for schools.  Those who are supporting transgender ideology can do so in the privacy of their own homes or in public but they should not push their views or personal beliefs onto public school children and students.

stay strong Governor…we support you!


What a load of mean bureaucratic nonsense!

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I'm a trans student living in Virginia, and this policy is incredibly worrying... not only does it endanger trans kids with unsupportive parents, makes it harder for us to live normally in general, but it just mires every part of our school lives in a web of bureaucracy and paperwork. Endless permission forms for names, nicknames, preferred pronouns and the like, and you can't even use the bathroom without worrying about someone checking if you have the right chromosomes? Stop using our livelihood and safety as a political pawn, and let us be, for goodness sake! And you say you're against government in schools? Put Virginians' tax dollars somewhere other than your transphobic pet project. For shame.


Strongly Oppose These New Policies Which Do NOT keep our children safe

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These new policies do not protect our children. We strongly oppose and recommend adopting the previous policies which were inclusive and respectful to all!


STRONGLY OPPOSE this polich change

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As a parent of 2 current VA public school students I strongly oppose this change in policy. Transgender and all LGBTQ+ students deserve to be treated with respect and confidentiality within the school system. Even with the current policies in place I have seen first hand the discrimination and bullying of this population of students in public schools. And not just by other students but by staff members as well. I have seen students that are even just LGBTQ+ allies get discouraged and mistreated by STAFF for supporting their fellow students. This policy change will only make those issues worse. High school students who identify as transgender have a right to the privacy of their choices, and if they CHOOSE, they can share that choice with parents/family members/guardians, etc. It is NOT the business of school staff to "out" them. I am a long time VA resident (45 plus years) and I DO NOT support the policies of the current governor. The opinions of the minority do not get to rule the majority.


Parents are responsible for their children not government

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<p>Pay no attention to the hundreds of perverts who pile on to public forums such as this.   That's how they function.  Just keep in mind that God gave children to their parents.  It is not up to the state or the radical homosexual/trans organizations who continually xtpush their deviant behavior.  </p>


What makes you think you should have any say in what other people do with their lives.

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<p>If you think this will help, you’re delusional. If this gets approved, so many kids will die. If this gets approved, the damage will be so much worse than if you just let these kids be themselves. They don’t want to harass you, they just want to feel normal. Who gave you the right to decide what these kids can and can’t do with their bodies. Doing this same stuff to women wasn’t enough I guess. I swear, you criminalize abortion to “protect the kids” but now these same kids want to use the damn bathroom and you do this. It’s dehumanizing and disgusting. If this gets approved, you only have yourself to blame when the teen suicide rate goes up. And to all the parents on here supporting this, maybe this is the reason they aren’t talking to you is because their parents don’t support them, not in the way that matters. </p>


What the Actual Heck. This Law is a Horrible Idea.

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This idea is terrible. Not allowing people to be who they are? Not allowing students to use their chosen pronouns? It just feels wrong.

Transgender students might try to harm themselves because of this law. Is that what you want? What if that transgender student was your child? Would you force them to rethink their ways? Would you force them into therapy? What would that do for your child's viewpoint of you? Your child would not see you as someone who's helping them, but instead someone who is hurting them. So think to yourselves, are you the hero or the villain?

People CHOOSE to be transgender. They aren't forced against their will like some may think. And why are we beginning to treat transgender people like they're not human beings? They are.

Seriously, why?


I Support Glenn Youngkin's fight against the Radical Transgender policies in our schools.

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I support Glenn Youngkin's new VA. Dept. of Education policies rolling back Ralph Northam's transgender ideology being forced on our students. The Radical policies of the Northam administration are evil and create confusion and division in our schools. It's another attempt at destroying the family.  Eliminating these horrible policies will go a long way to improving the learning conditions in our schools. The students belong to the parents not the state.

Bob Walden


Strongly OPPOSE

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy, as it will be harmful to a specific group of vulnerable students. Schools have an obligation to protect all students, especially those at-risk, and this policy undermines their ability to do so. </p>


Opposition to these Dangerous Policy Changes

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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I oppose these suggested changes to the Model policies as their adoption would cause harm to children.  Every child in Virginia deserves access to a safe place to learn and the suggested policy changes will increase the risk that transgender children will no longer feel supported in the school environment.  This dangerous policy is not evidence-based because we know that when children do not feel safe from bullying and discrimination that they have increased rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thought and action.   As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand the negative impact that misgendering, bullying, discrimination and fear of “outing” to family or friends has on young people.  This risk is not theoretical and for some children, school is the safest place for them to be themselves.  This policy would impact kids’ safety, school performance and ability to learn.  Schools needs to be a safe place for all children to learn and these policies unfairly harm LGBTQ children and put their lives at risk. </p>


Strongly opposed to new policy. Children need a safe haven!

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STRONGLY OPPOSE NEW POLICY


OPPOSE IN THE STRONGEST TERMS

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CHILDREN FIRST! Transgender adolescents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The existing Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools requires an "evidence based" approach. Where is the evidence for this new proposed change to the policy as written by the Younkin administration? Oh wait - there is NONE! Children deserve to attend schools that act as a refuge for them as they develop and grow into the adults they were meant to be. Everyone knows that teenagers often confide in an adult who is not a parent when it comes to difficult issues and conversations - duh! I am a parent of a teenage daughter at a Virginia public school and I whole heartedly endorse her right to speak with a teacher about something that she might feel uncomfortable raising with her parents. It's not parents first - it's CHILDREN FIRST! I am afraid for all the teenagers and kids who will now be forced "out" by teachers to their parents who are not necessarily ready or willing to accept them as they are.  I am disgusted that Younkin is fully okay making children suffer for his own ambition.


Comment concerning proposed Guidance Document

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Thank you for updating these policies to restore protections for basic parental rights and ensuring that parents are no longer cut out of the process—especially when it concerns how gender and sexuality issues are handled with our kids at school.

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

• The original policy had language that created a wedge between parents and their child, at a time when they need to have more communication—and I support the new update that removes this barrier.

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

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

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

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


I support legislation to prevent further sexual assaults at Loudoun county public schools

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<p>It seems like common sense but unfortunately we are dealing with far left wokeness. </p>


2022 Model Policies for Students in VA Public Schools

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I am in total support of Governor Youngkin and his 2022 Model Policy for Treatment of Students in the VA Public Schools. Parents are responsible for their children, not the state or any teacher, in making medical decisions until they are 18. Period.  Transgender ideology does not belong here in VA. We who reside here, are in support of our Governor and all he is doing to help straighten out our mess of a school system. I am a former teacher and I say this with all honesty: I am ashamed of the radical left take-over of education. Keep fighting, Governor! We stand with you!!


Oppose- stop the stunts

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<p>This policy could lead to abuse at home by requiring the school to inform parents. Beyond that, parents have a responsibility to know what is going on in their children’s lives- it should not be the duty of the school to inform them. Beyond that, students should be free to use the bathrooms they identify as or be provided reasonable access to an all gender restroom. </p>


Bigoted Bullying

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<p>This policy is abhorrent, and will cause harm to the children it purports to help. It is bigoted, faux-religious, and has no place in any government or school anywhere. </p>


Parental involvement

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<p>This is nothing new and has been going on way too long.  30 years ago we as a community stood against Family Life Education (sounds like a good family program).  It really was Sex-Ed in the schools starting at Kindergarten through 12th grade.  Community formed a citizens group called Citizens for Better Education and Walt Barbee of the Family Foundation was a great support to us.  We went before the school board just like parents are doing now.  Made some progress at the time.  One thing that came out of it in Virginia Beach was being able to opt out.  Still didn’t think that was good enough.  I think any parent who wants their child to be taught this nonsense should opt in.  Kids whose parents didn’t want them to take it were singled out and sent to study halls where there was no meaningful work taught.  I am totally in favor of Governor Younkins plan to have the parents know what is being taught, have the materials available to the parents and sign off on it.  </p>


Transgender policy/It's about discrimination and hatred, not "christianity"...

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<p>It is about hatred and discrimination, not Youngkin's so called "christianity" and fighting for "parental" rights. Let's have All rights for All Virginians including Transgender students. Students, we're talking students. Move on to something to help Virginians and get off the socially explosive issues only to further Youngkin's national exposure. . </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT GOVERNOR YOUNGKIN

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Fully support zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, and equal treatment for ALL students. Teachers need to teach reading, writing, math, etc. and leave parenting to parents. This is what this new policy will allow. Those that oppose are trying to brainwash and manipulate our children’s way of thinking and not only causing harm to transgender students but to all students. They are trying to ruin relationships between kids and parents and allow the schools to decide what is best.
Thank you Governor Youngkin for standing by your word to do what’s best for our kids and parents!!!


Support barrinf penis bearing individuals from entering female bathrooms and locker rooms.

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Hi support policy that requires people of the same sex to use the same facilities. It doesn’t matter how they feel that day. Keep our schools safe.


i oppose this

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there is a trans female that uses the locker rooms and bathrooms at my school. that kid has never once tried to harm or touch me or any other girls. she mostly just keeps to herself and does not shower or change in front of others. actually, she is kind of shy and is super nice and friendly to all of us. in fact, she gets bullied by a lot of children who are transphobic

stop the transphobia please, i am tired of people bullying my friend. even though she may be "biologically male" she still is a girl in my eyes

thank you


STRONGLY OPPOSE- let students worry about learning instead of their access to human rights

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<p>Students already have enough to worry about in school without worrying about the impacts of their identity too. I do NOT support policies that deny human rights and attempt to insert religious views into public teaching. </p>


I support any policy that keeps our children safe

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I support governor Youngkin and his policy to provide safe places for kids within schools. School is about education and learning. It is not an opportunity for indoctrination of young vulnerable mines.


I strongly oppose this policy.

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As a sister and friend of someone working in education, or with kids in schools, who supports all students and their right to feel safe and respected at school, I strongly appose the proposed policy and want VDOE to reject it.


Opposition to Department of Education Proposed Model Policy Change

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RE: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Administration and the Virginia Department of Education Proposed 2022 Model Policy Change

Dear Gov. Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Education,

The Trevor Project writes in opposition to the proposed policy for 2022 that reverses the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools due to the harm the outlined measures will undoubtedly have on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) Virginian youth. This new policy would require transgender students to secure parent authorization in order to be called by the correct name and access the correct restrooms at school. Doing so would place transgender and non-binary students at direct risk for discrimination, stigmatization, and even the danger of violence at school or at home.

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ and questioning young people. We work to save young lives by providing free and confidential crisis services via a 24/7 phone lifeline, chat, and text. We also operate TrevorSpace, the largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, as well as education, research, and advocacy programs.

LGBTQ youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Rather, they are placed at higher risk by the mistreatment and stigmatization they experience in society.According to The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth. However, LGBTQ youth who had access to spaces that affirmed their sexual orientation and gender identity — including schools — reported lower rates of attempting suicide than those who did not. It’s important to note that  Research also shows that when we treat them equally and support their dignity, they thrive just like any other young person.

This proposed policy would require transgender students to navigate complex legal hurdles in order to access correct restrooms at school, and to be acknowledged with the correct name and pronouns in class. All students deserve the basic dignity and respect of being allowed to use the right restroom and be called the right name, regardless of their gender identity. Requiring some students to complete extra legal steps to access these basic rights singles them out and increases the risks of bullying and harassment.

If enacted, this policy would undoubtedly increase suicidality among transgender students. A policy that forces students to make a choice between being forced out of the closet, or repressing their identity at school is directly contrary to affirmation and support - and to the overwhelming consensus of medical and mental health experts. One 2021 peer-reviewed study by The Trevor Project found that transgender and nonbinary youth who reported gender identity acceptance from teachers and peers had significantly lower odds of attempting suicide in the past year. Transgender student policies amd guidlines in schools play a significant role in increasing such support in school environments.

While these policies may at first appear to help students by notifying parents that their child needs support, a blanket rule to out students without consent can be incredibly dangerous. Unfortunately, not all families are affirming of LGBTQ youth, and as many as 60% of LGBTQ youth live in homes that do not respect their identity. For these youth, the proposed policy may result in rejection, abuse, or even violence.

All students, including those that are transgender or non-binary, deserve to be protected from harm and discrimination. Teachers, schools, and representatives play a critical role in their development. This rule would single out the best of them - those who students trust with the most vulnerable parts of themselves - and force them to betray that trust. It is the duty of the Virginia Department of Education to foster positive school environments for all youth and ensure they are protected. Should this policy be enacted, the Department of Education would be rejecting these very values and increasing their students' risk for significant harm.

For these reasons, The Trevor Project urges Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Education to withdraw this proposed policy from consideration. Should you have any questions or if we can be of  assistance regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at cait.smith@thetrevorproject.org.


OPPOSED

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Strongly opposed to this policy


Strongly oppose this policy

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<p>I strongly oppose the revised guidance.   I am friends with a family who has a young transgender child and I believe the new guidance will be harmful to this child and others and not conducive to their education.   This child's school has handled the situation perfectly under the previous guidance  with consideration given to this child and his classmates.   Instead of creating a positive environment for all children these onerous directives will stigmatize trans children and frankly distract teachers and administrators from the main task at hand... seeing that each individual child receive a stellar education.   This is distraction and needs to stop.   This administration would do well to concentrate on remediating pandemic learning loss, addressing infrastructure issues, especially in rural divisions and ensuring that local divisions have both the funding and autonomy to address their unique needs rather than outing and stigmatizing trans children. </p>


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Strongly, strongly oppose - schools must stay safe for ALL students! Govern for all - not just a rabid minority base!


Thankful!

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<p>So thankful for a governor supporting the parents rights to raise their children the way they see fit. We need to feel confident sending our kids to school without worrying about teachers and administrators hiding information about our kids.  </p>


Strongly Oppose Proposed 2022 Model Policy

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I am commenting as a parent of children enrolled in Virginia public schools and as a concerned community member. I OPPOSE the 2022 proposed model policy.

So much has been said in Virginia lately about parental rights. But as a parent, what I want is for my children to know they can talk to their school counselor about anything without fear of repercussions. I want them to be able to be full members of their school communities, to include playing on the sports team that matches their gender identify, whatever that may be. I want them to be treated with dignity and respect wherever they go, and especially at school, where they spend so much of their time.

As a community member, I am horrified by the data from the Trevor Project that shows 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. As a society, we should be doing everything possible to create a supportive environment for some of our most vulnerable kids.

Please reject this model policy.


Trans Rights are Human Rights

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What the governor is proposing is illegal and amoral. Trans rights are human rights.


Parental rights are human rights

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I strongly support this proposed policy. Parents need to remain the primary educators and supporters of their children.  If there is parental abuse, it must be dealt with appropriately. Schools and teachers should not assume there will be abuse and thus prevent parents from caring for their children. The schools should not be the final arbiters of what is right for an individual child. They have proven they aren't up to that task.


Oppose policy

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This policy accomplishes nothing but creates trauma for young people and forces them  into the closet. I am ashamed of our Governor and his henchmen


Support this new guidance.  Authoritarians are not in charge of our children ~ parents are

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This new policy will give the parent the God given right to understand and control all of their children's education.  The state has no place allowing destructive evil ploys to indoctrinate our children.  I support this new guidance.


Strongly oppose

Kaitlyn Weston, Concerned Virginia Parent and Educator

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I strongly oppose these harmful, dangerous policies.  Here's why:

The proposed model policies are a blatant violation of Virginia state code.  These policies

Are not evidence-based

Do not uphold the dignity of students in Virginia and

Do not create a safe environment for all students to thrive

As the law requires.

These policies WILL harm transgender and nonbinary students.  They will:

Deny students access to school facilities and sports teams

Mandate that teachers deadname and misgender students

Force teachers to out students to their guardians

They are in no way evidence-based.

These policies will result in practices that violate Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, which established that a school board’s policy requiring students to use the restroom of their “biological gender” violated the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX.  It was discrimination.

The policies encroach on school boards’ authority to prohibit discrimination under the Virginia Constitution.

The proposed 2022 Model Policies are contrary to state law and are deeply harmful and dangerous and erase transgender and nonbinary students altogether.


Youngkins Anti-children educational bill

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<p>Strongly oppose Youngkins  revamping the education bill , ignoring  the evidence and findings of research on the safest way to way to support and care for ALL kids in school, including LGBQT children. He continues to inflame the emotions of those who may fear differences of color, faith, and identity. Taking VA backward. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS DRAFT POLICY

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Youngkin is amping up hysteria about trans and non-binary students as a way to throw red meat to his MAGA base. He is running for president! Just as he lied about the "threat" of Critical Race Theory in Virginia public schools (it is not, and has never been, taught to our kids), he is lying about the 'threat' that trans and non-binary children pose in the public school environment. Leave them alone. Focus on problems of climate change, economic stability, affordable higher education and other matters affecting Virginia's future -- the lives of trans and non-binary students is not one of these priorities!
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Strongly Oppose - Protect All Students

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<p>I strong oppose Mr. Youngkin's proposal. Sadly not every home is safe for children, particularly trans students. Education in the U.S. is falling further and further behind that of other countries. We need to focus on educating our children and teaching them the importance of diversity and acceptance (in all manners) instead of things like this that further alienate someone who is 'different.' </p>


Oppose

Oppose removing supports for vulnerable students

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"Data indicate that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth."https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345113/

A teacher calling a student by a name they prefer and a pronoun they prefer is not authorizing a sex change operation. It merely allows the child one safe space to express themselves in a way that harms no one.

If a child does not feel comfortable telling a parent they prefer being called "he" or "she," teachers should not be forced to report it to parents like they are forced to call a parent of a student is suicidal.It means that you MUST out yourself  your parents before any adult at school; which is a huge undertaking for such an emotional, challenging topic. It forces teachers to "out" students which is emotionally harmful to the most vulnerable populace in schools.

Making a child who in all presentation looks like a girl or vice versa, attend the boys locker room is a travesty to damage children who are already emotionally vulnerable.


I Strongly Support

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<p>Thank you for bringing this forward.  We do not cede control over our children's lives by virtue of dropping them off at a public school.  </p>


Keep 2021 Policies

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<p>No - do not adopt the 2022 Policies. This will only send our kids into the closet, repressing them and causing them great pain. Please don’t go back in time. Teach everyone that they don’t have to be scared of people who are not just like them. Help everyone grow and learn in a safe environment. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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Just like marriage equality does not harm or discriminate against heterosexual couples in any way, respecting and protecting LGBTQA+ kids does not harm straight, cis kids. We will never achieve respect for all students until when we ensure the most marginalized are safe from harassment, shame and stigma. The only people who should be feeling shame right now are the supposed adults who are waging this despicable culture war against kids. I strongly oppose this transphobic policy.


I have mixed feelings

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I have mixed feelings about this legislation. I am a strong supporter for the LGBTQ community and feel that people should be able to love whoever they would like and become the person that makes them happy. At the same time, I don't feel that biological males should be in the locker room or bathrooms with biological girls.  Also, I don't think it is polite to require people to call you by whatever pronoun you choose and then get offended if you forget or don't use it. For example what if I changed my pronoun to king or handsome. I don't think that would be polite.


Support this

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I support the changes.  Public school officials should not be undermining parents' authority and responsibilities.  It doesn't say that transgenders are banned, just that parents' need to be informed of their kid's behaviors.  Transgender girls (aka boys) should not be in female restrooms or locker rooms.    Women should not still have to be fighting for things like this.


This balanced, commonsense approach is what we need.

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<p>I support Governor Youngkin's new guidelines. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>This law can and will hurt our children! </p>


Schools in VA

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<p>Please stop the endoctrination of our children in VA school's.  The parents decision os more crucial now than ever on so many levels. We are literally living in a clown world with all of the trandsgender , animal identifying, abortion pushing, society.  Our country is a laughing stock. Mr. Youngkin please continue to stand up for our children.  No more mandates,  mask . Our children need normalcy.  The schools have been in dire need of curriculum overhaul for many years.  They only learn what is pushed upon them and aren't allowed to think for themselves. </p>


Amen! Way to go Youngkin! Protect our kids

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This generation is twisted and getting out of control. THANK GOD SOMEONE IN LEADERSHIP HAS A BRAIN ! Thank you Governor for protecting our kids. T


Support- Suicidal kids need mental health intervention- not a free pass to my daughter's locker room

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Prevent suicide by giving no children no boundaries?  You may want to go back to parenting 101. If you have suicidal kids then get them to a doctor! That doesn't mean they receive a society without rules.  Noone wants your suicidal kid in their daughter's bathroom.


Totally Support Governor Youngkin!

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<p>We fully support the Governor - this is what we wanted him to do!  </p>


Fully Support Governor Youngkin!!!

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Enough of the strange ideas for our Virginia schools.  Educate only!


This policy will put lives at risk. Children might die.

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I OPPOSE the Va DOE 2022 Model Policies which restrict rights for transgender students. Almost a year ago to the day, I received a call at 1:30am to tell me that my stepson, at 15 years old, had tried to kill himself and was headed to the ER. I need not explain how traumatizing this was for us. After spending time in a facility, he asked us to refer to him by his preferred pronouns, he/him. Of course we agreed. We love him for who he is, and we want him to have every opportunity to be happy, to feel safe, to thrive.

This policy takes away those freedoms. It forces him to feel unsafe, unwelcomed, and unvalued in his school, where he spends a large percentage of his time and energy. And this law puts other transgender students at severe risk. Many see school as an escape where they can be themselves and feel understood by their friends. Now that opportunity is being taken from them. Children will be depressed and anxious, and they may feel so trapped by this policy that they take drastic and unfortunate measures.

Tell me, Governor. Do you wish my child had died a year ago? Would you rather have a state without this large minority of children trying to find their place in the world? That's what your policy strives for. It aims to eliminate the very existence of my stepson. You are not representing my interests. You are not representing the interests of my family. You are not representing the interests of Virginia. You are trying to kill children, and you might succeed.


Virginia should be Inclusive

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<p>Virginia should be a state where inclusivity is a priority-Where the needs of all children are supported-Where our children feel safe and protected regardless of their race, gender identity, or religious belief system within the context of their lived experiences. We must treat tolerance and compassion. Hate has no place in Virginia’s education system. Exclusivity has no place in our schools! </p>


Sexual assaults in Loudoun County bathrooms must stop!

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This far left woke craziness has impacts on our most vulnerable kids. The far left could care less whether or not your child is assaulted in the bathroom or locker room. As long as they push their ludicrous agenda of making society uncomfortable, they are happy.


WAKE UP!!!!!

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Glenn is the type of guy to say “All lives matter!” until it’s a transgender person’s life—until it’s a person of color’s life—until it’s a woman’s life.

There is one common theme in all the comments that are in support of this horrendous law. All of the people that support are using “it” terminology. They will not refer to transgender people as actual people. Laws like this have zero affect on these people, so naturally they are all for it since it will do away with an aspect of diversity that they have no control over.

If this was a law directed towards conservative white kids, all hell would break loose instantaneously. But it’s not. It is directed towards an already oppressed group of people who, at one point in recent history, were being killed in the masses simply for being who they are. We didn’t forget.

This has never been about the “parents”. This has never been about “inclusion”. This has always been about preserving the heterosexual conservative ideologies that are deeply rooted in white supremacy. This has always been about suffocating the voices of the oppressed while continuously making their environment more unsafe. This has always been about taking away the voices that matter.

Reminder—we have Human Rights because we are Human, NOT because they were given to us. A government only seeks to take them away and regulate them. Everyone needs to wake up to the blatant hatred and disrespect that is being forced to be upheld among us. This is not a safe place unless you are a heterosexual, conservative, republican-voting white man.

Get ready.


time for high transparency


subject


2022 Model policies

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<p>I fully support the 2022 Model policies for Virginia schools.  We have worked titelessly to bring parenting back to parents and remove it from the schools.  Respect can be shown to students without indoctrinating other students.  </p>


Keep boys out of girls locker rooms. What is the matter with you people?

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I can tell these people don't have kids. Who in their right mind thinks it is ok to let boys go into girls bathrooms and locker rooms? What is the matter with you people? Don't you remember being a little girl? You want some boys coming into your locker room to shower after a sporting event. Get a grip people and come back to reality!


KEEP Biological Boys OUT of our GIRLS PRIVATE SPACES, get your own bathroom/lockeroom

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I support this policy.  At least it is a step in the right direction.  It is a little vague on stating that biological boys should not be in girls private spaces but it is a great start!!  THANK YOU GOVERNOR YOUNGKIN AND STAFF!!!!! Please don't back down...........


Strongly OPPOSE

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The proposed transgender policy is discriminatory and heartless. Framing it as parental choice issue is intentionally misleading and props up the hurtful views of a minority of people while ignoring the interests of the majority. It goes against the recommendations of medical professionals and will harm students and teachers.


Oppose

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Transgender young people face many obstacles. Some have great relationships with parents and have thoroughly discussed their issues and have parental support. For these students, the law will cause no problems. What about those students who have abusive parents or parents with whom they cannot freely discuss their views and beliefs. This law will put these students in jeopardy or require them to hide their true selves in the school setting. I agree the ideal would be to have open discussions with students and parents, but that is not always possible.

Requiring documentation from the student's physician seems to be going too far and would again cause harm to the student. It is hard enough for these students to navigate teen life as "different" but to need a stamp of approval from their physician brings unneeded scrutiny to these students' lives.

There are ways to handle this that do not harm these students while also keeping other students "safe" as some parents are requesting. we need to take the time to fully discuss and evaluate alternative policies for the benefit of all students.


I support new model policy!!!

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<p>Protect by hurting someone? </p>


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Interesting why he would even choose this battle with all the other things we could fix in Virginia but that’s what republicans do.. I mean Row vs Wade is a prime example of this. I think it’s a topic that’s still being learned about.

I’m so-so about the bathroom/sports thing bc there are biological differences between those born man or woman and they are prominent in these certain situations especially with kids and their hormones etc and it does effect others. but you should be able to identify as whatever you want , it’s your life, your body, your choice.


I strongly support the new guidelines

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Being a parent of a first grader in the NOVA area, I felt concerned about the lack of control I was going to have about my child’s school life.

I feel that this new guidelines is respectful and provides a good structure for all parties.


schools and parental rights

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<p>Agree with Governor Youngkin </p>


Oppose

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I oppose this. We need to seek to understand and support our trans and nonbinary kids.


Strongly support

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I strongly support this policy.  Our children need comfortable space to focus on learning!


Oppose

Laura Welfare, Mental Health Professional

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<p>I agree with Dr. Delphin-Rittmon at SAMHSA, "Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual orientations are normal variations of human sexuality and are not mental disorders. Similarly, transgender, non-binary, and other gender identities are normal variations of human gender and are not mental disorders. We know that supporting and affirming LGBTQI+ youth are the best actions mental health providers, families, friends, school personnel, and community leaders can take.”  The evidence from a wide body of empirical research says overwhelmingly that we should not scold, shame, or shun LGBTQI+ youth, even if we do not share their experiences or understand their experiences.  </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT GOVERNOR YOUNGKIN

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This is a large part of why I voted for Governor Youngkin.

he is doing what he said he would and I love that.

It is not ok for the school to have secrets with your child, parents should get a say and not be undermined constantly.


This is blatantly transphobic!

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There are several issues with this proposal, and they all center around not allowing trans kids to be who they are. To require a child to submit a letter to the school in order to be called their desired name if it is not similar enough to their birth name  is a gross over reach of a school and its resources. To require a trans kid use locker rooms and bathrooms and participate in sports based on their sex at birth is to willfully ignore who they are. This proposal is exclusionary and only aims to demonize trans kids and will only encourage bullying and harassment. This is not acceptable.


Strongly disagree

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<p>The decision to reverse the standard pertaining to trans and nonbinary students is unthinkable. It is an egregious act to jeopardize the safety of this population. Shame on those who feel that this is ok. </p>


YES -- lying to these kids is not the way to help them!

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Thank you, Gov. Youngkin, for a common-sense policy that preserves parental rights and does not give in to the transgender fad.  We should be supporting children who are struggling to "fit in" as they go through puberty... not lie to them, mutilate them, and do irreversible harm.


50% Unequal, 50 % Unconstitutional and 100000% Not your place!

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<p>If you are not transgender, you have absolutely no place to be making laws directed at them. If you are not a woman, you have absolutely no place in making laws directed at them. If you are not a person of color, you have absolutely no place in making laws directed at them. Now that this has been recognized, let’s revisit the fact that these laws are not being made to “help” or “include” the parents. These are not being made with pure intention, and it is extremely obvious. Let us also recognize that there is no law being introduced that would help and aid transgender kids, only to hinder and invade. We recognize this as an attack on Human Rights and are vastly prepared to defend and protect our transgender children at all cost. </p>


Trans rights are human rights. All children have human rights

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<p>The proposed policies regarding transgender students show no regard to these students as humans with their own inherit rights to be safe at school, to a fair and equitable education, and to have the autonomy to decide for themselves how they wish to be addressed and/or identified as a person. The proposed policy gives extraordinary and unprecedented unlawful  power to parents over children, as if parents own the human rights of children in their care.  A parent does not have any right to harm, abuse, or neglect a child in their custody, yet the Commonwealth seeks to grant unusual rights to parents through the PUBLIC school system that would cause harm directly or indirectly. Respecting transgender students right to humanity and respect is not in opposition to any religious right. </p>


WTF?

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<p>WTF is Youngkin thinking? He's just a bitch who wants to get lots of press coverage. He doesn't care about human rights or what is good for Virginia. </p>


Discriminatory and Burdensome

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Many students go by middle names or nicknames in our K12 schools without the arduous procedures you describe here.  Requiring these extra steps of trans or nonbinary students is discriminatory.  Requiring school employees to use the wrong name for trans for nonbinary students is traumatizing.  School employees who are not able to advance “equitable and innovative learning” for all students in Virginia schools should seek employment elsewhere.


Transgender students are students, too

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This entire policy change is based on weighing the ‘comfort’ of cisgender children (and really their parents more than anything else, as kids learn how to react and interact from their parents) over the basic rights of transgender students. I don’t understand how addressing a person correctly is an infringement on parental rights. Go ahead and be hateful if you must, disapprove, but you have no right to control someone else’s gender expression. Virginia is using LGBTQ+ individuals as a scapegoat to center on to distract from the greater problems we are facing as a state and as a nation, and it is a shame that they are trying to roll back the protections that keep trans students alive and allow them to thrive. P.S. pronouns are not just a thing for transgender students, literally everyone uses pronouns, get a dictionary. It’s not that hard to respect another person. Thank you.


Younkin’s transgeder

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strongly oppose!
don’t want more teen suicides


Unnecessary and Discriminatory

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Prohibiting students from using the bathroom that matches their gender is unnecessary and discriminatory.  There is already a code of conduct in place that prohibits behavioral issues in all spaces on K12 school campuses so any behavioral problems you fear will happen in school bathrooms are already covered.  The shape of the genitals through which a student urinates is entirely irrelevant to other students who are urinating in nearby stalls.


Harmful Policy

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Requiring schools to out transgender and nonbinary students to their parents will put students at risk.  Many transgender and nonbinary students live in loving, supportive homes and they choose to talk with their parents about their needs.  For those who do not, having at least one accepting adult at school can reduce their risk of a suicide attempt by 40 percent.  Please do not pass this discriminatory policy that will make it even harder for school employees to be that “one accepting adult.”


Traumatizing and Redundant

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Students who are forcibly outed by their schools to unsupportive parents are at increased risk of abuse and neglect.  This is a harmful overstep that is certainly not congruent with your mission to “maximize the potential of all learners.”  There is already a procedure in place for legally changing a minor’s name in Virginia that requires parent consent.  Allowing a child to go by a nickname or pronouns in their interactions with classmates and teachers at school is not a violation of any Virginia law.


Parent Rights

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Strongly agree with Youngkin!!!


Agree!!!!!

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I strongly support new model policy.


Fully support Governor Youngkin's direction and policy

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<p>10/4/22-Governor Youngkin's is a well thought out plan that represents the best interest of parents and their children!  </p>


In support of Youngkin's policy

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<p>A parent has the right to know and make decisions for their child.  Any entity that encourages children to deceive their parents, should be held accountable.  If a child is in danger because the parents will not support their decision of questioning their gender, then there are legal processes in place that can protect that child, while getting the parents the proper resources to help them deal with the situation.   I find it quite concerning that no one wants to talk about the number of children who self-harm for other reasons besides a gender identity crisis.  If a child hides an abusive dating relationship or has an addiction, and they want to keep that information from their parents because they love their abuser or love their drug of choice, is that ok as well?  No, it is not.  Parents have the right to know, even if the parent gets upset about their child's choices.  If information is kept from a parent by an adult or a school official and that child ends up in danger, harmed, or making life altering changes to their body and regrets it later in life, who will be held responsible at that point?  The schools????  No, because the schools will turn their backs, sweep everything under the rug, and say "not my fault."   I fully support Governor Youngkin's new model policy.  It will protect all students from harrassment, will require accomodations be put in place for those students who need them, and will make sure that nothing is withheld from parents.  The government does not own children.     </p>


Protect Trans Kids

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TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!!! ???????????????


Oppose these policies that do not support our young people

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<p> I strongly oppose your “Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools.” </p>


Transgender

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<p>Complete oppose Governor Youkins proposal. </p>


Strongly oppose-this is not who we are.


Fully support the Youngkin team

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Gov. Younkin's new policies are the exact thing we needed to get power back from school boards that are experimenting with our children. Stop experimenting and get back to teaching so we can be a strong Commonwealth again! Absolutely love what the Governor and his team are doing!


Strongly agree

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As a principal at FCPS, I strongly agree with the policy. Parents have rights over their  children’s education. We work for parents, but I feel the board has disregarded a majority of parents and suppressed input from educators with a different perspective.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose this clear violation of safety for our kids! I see a lot of people complaining and saying things like, "We don't want 'biological boys' into our girls' bathrooms! They'll sexually assault them, blah blah blah." I have had students who are transgender females. They have absolutely never assaulted anyone. In fact, the "biological girls" verbally abuse them!

Plus, nobody is talking about the safety of trans males. (female transitioning to male) Again, just like I said before, just flipped, it is usually the "biological boys" who are doing the assault, even physically. I have had to comfort students that are worried because of this stupid policy. Can't we just leave our children alone. Not everyone needs to know what's in their pants. Stop sexualizing children, please, let them be who they want to be.


Protect our youth!

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This policy is both unnecessary and unkind. Given the high rates of mental health, bullying, and suicide risk among trans and non-binary youth, further discriminating and marginalizing these children is cruel and likely to inflict lasting harm. There is also no need for this policy; using appropriate names and pronouns and providing safe bathrooms does not injure other students. My school age children (who are cisgendered) both told me : “This is just a way to be mean for no reason.” I would add that it is decidedly non Christian.


Agree

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<p>We strongly support this new policy, which clearly states the authority of parents. My wife and I have two kids attending FCPS, and we strongly agree with this policy. As parents, by definition we are responsible for raising our children and have more authority over them than the schools. I don’t understand why the schools, who are funded by parents and are supposed to be agents for parents, take the position that they have more authority over my children. </p>


Virginians Against Transphobic Policies

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<p>I strongly oppose these new policies proposed by the Youngkin administration because they blatantly discriminate against trans kids. I do not want my kid—or any kids—growing up in a state with harmful and discriminatory policies. As an educator myself, I know how important it is to create an inclusive learning environment in the classroom. Yet, these new policies make doing that impossible. Let teachers teach. Let trans kids be themselves. </p>


Oppose Younkin's proposal against Transgender rights

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These proposed policies are nothing more than political gaming to try to win over conservative parents. Going after vulnerable teens does not show support for education and welfare of citizens of the Commonwealth.  The proposal to require parent sign-off demonstrates a total lack of understanding of gender identity issues and the struggles teens may have.  Spend your efforts improving teacher salaries to retain good teachers in VA instead.


STRONGLY OPPOSE YOUNGKIN

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Removing a group’s rights to freedom of identity in schools or in any environment is completely immoral and unjust. Childish of Youngkin to make such a distasteful decision.


Keep trans kids safe

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<p>I oppose the Governors proposal. </p>


Teachers FOR Youngkin

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<p>While some believe that all teachers are liberal and seeking to contribute to the erosion of parental rights, many including myself strongly support parental support and authority. The primary authority in a student's life is their parent or guardian - that person who provides for them, is responsible legally for them, cares for them and cheers them on to success.  Matters regarding a student's mental, social and physical health must fully include the parents or guardians.  The primary purpose of this potential legislation is to ensure that parents or guardians are aware of the student's circumstances and approve of any administrative changes to the student's records - including name changes on school records.  </p>


STOP THE MUTILIZATION OF OUR KIDS

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STOP THE MUTILIZATION OF OUR KIDS


Youngkin's proposed transgender student policy

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<p>Shame on Youngkin  for playing with the lives of innocent students to fuel his radical political ambitions </p>


Strongly Support Youngkin's New Policy

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I strongly support Governor Youngkin's new policies on the issues concerning parental rights and their children in schools.  It is not the business of schools to undermine the parents beliefs that they are passing along to their children and then hiding that from the parents.  Parents have every right to expect to be fully informed as to what their children are learning and also have the right to control what their children are participating in. Biological boys and biological girls should be kept separate in all privacy circumstances such as bathrooms and locker rooms etc.  Bullying policies can be enforced to protect all the children without  intermixing the two sexes in these areas.


I agree

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I strongly agree with this common sense guideline


parent

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I strongly support these common sense guidelines


you have NO RIGHT to take away ours. this shouldn't even be an option.

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unacceptable. how are we moving one step foreword and three back? all of these comments agreeing with this policy are all about "protecting our kids." these laws DO NOT protect trans kids. it puts them at even MORE of a danger that they already are at, simply for not aligning with the gender they were assigned at birth. we can't change that we are trans. we deserve as much support as your cisgender son does. we shouldn't have to FIGHT for our rights, for basic human decency. we are people. we deserve to be treated like them.


Parental rights

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I strongly support Gov Youngkin's parental rights proposal!


Strongly support girls’ right to privacy

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As a high school teacher I witnessed a biological male cavorting with a girl in the girls restroom.  I told them both to go back to class, but I still felt powerless.


I strongly oppose these anti-trans policies

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<p>I strongly OPPOSE Youngkin's model policy concerning our trans youth.  His policy, I believe would promote bullying, discrimination and prevent the well being of our trans youth.  I am a grandparent of a transgender child.  Youngkin and cohorts should be ashamed.  </p>


OPPOSE

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To take away anyone's rights for anything is one of the greatest evil's anyone can do we as a nation must protect our kids be them cis or trans they are still our kids and deserve love and respect and care and to take that away from them makes me sick and as a christian absolutely disgusted and appalled that anyone would dare try and harm children in this way.


I support Gov. Youngkin's Parental Rights Policy

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Parents are completely responsible for their children's upbringings. As part of their child's rearing, many parents decide to allow state schools to educate their children. This arrangement does not mean the parent has abandoned the child or turned him or her over to the state to raise. The parent is still in control.

This proposed policy is about restoring parents their rights to raise their children in the way they see fit. It is not, as the Axios Richmond story puts it, trying to "restrict the rights of transgender students." This policy will allow parents to continue to send their children to state schools without the concerns that there is something going on during the school day that they don't know about.


Totally Support Gov Younkin's Proposals


School policies for transgender students

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Totally support Gov.Younkin


I strongly support new model policy.

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I strongly support new model policy.


I Oppose.

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This policy puts at risk non binary and transgender kids.

Putting kids at risk is just wrong.


Strongly agree with Youngkin’s support for parents making decisions for their minor children!!

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<p>It’s about time we go back to parents making decisions for their minor children and not teachers, principals or school boards! The governor is NOT discriminating against or putting transgender children harms way. A minor child wanting to change genders or identify as a gender other than their gender at birth is definitely something that should not be hidden from their own parents.  In fact, those very serious discussions should start at home with their parents.  Their are enormous psychological consequences to these decisions and the parents must be involved to help guide and protect their children and to seek medical and psychological help for their child. The parents, along with their child, would then inform the school of the child being transgender and about any legal name changes and pronoun preferences. I could go on forever, but 3000 characters is not nearly enough for this subject. </p>


I STRONGLY AGREE!!

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I wilI admit liking many changes Northam made but I don't agree with his approach to transgender laws and guidelines. The decisions need to return to the parents. With his regulations Northam  opened a can of worms.


SHAME ON YOU!!!


I Support Youngkin!!! I AGREE!!!!!!


I agree to protect all kids!! I strongly agree


AGREE


ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!!!!!


I STRONGLY AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I STRONGLY AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Strongly oppose these unconscionable changes.

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<p>I stand in strong opposition to the proposed changes, which purport to protect transgender children but will actually further isolate and endanger them. </p>


Oppose these terrible guidelines

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<p>There is no need to single out trans and non binary kids and make their lives harder. These children need our protection. Let them choose their pronouns and use the bathroom. It’s not that complicated. </p>


Totally oppose this policy

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<p>This new policy contradicts Virginia's Human rights Act, which states that the policy of the Commonwealth is to "safeguard all individuals with the Commonwealth from unlawful discrimination......".  It additionally induces fear among a vulnerable age group, members of which are most prone to suicide, and is totally unnecessary.  Students shouldn't be discriminated because of their sexual orientation; schools should be a safe environment, emotionally and physically.  Please reverse this policy; it is clear that the policy will be  litigated, using tax payer dollars.  Don't play politics with vulnerable children. </p>


I Strongly support new model policy!!

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I Strongly support new model policy!!


Strongly oppose

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I could tell you all the science about how gender is societal construct and sex is not as binary as we think but I don’t think that will convince you if you don’t already think that’s true.

My best friend is trans. They make my world a million times better by being here and getting to be themselves. This policy will help no one. Instead it is an excuse to bully children because some adults are afraid of them. Leave these kids alone. Who are the hurting? What’s wrong with being curious about gender?

im currently out of VA getting a graduate degree. I’m never coming back if the state allows things like this to pass.


Oppose - Protect Trans Youth

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I strongly oppose reforms to the 2021 policies. The proposed reforms prioritise parents over actual transgender people, thus fail to protect the rights, happiness, and comfort of transgender youth. The reforms should not be implemented, and the state should continue to focus efforts of supporting the youth not oppressing them.


Strongly Oppose this disgusting policy

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<p>To target and persecute the most vulnerable of children is beyond reprehensible. I cannot fathom the cowardice, ignorance, and hatred that would allow anyone to support this atrocious and cruel decision, and policies such as this may affect my decision to live and do business in the state of Virginia going forward. </p>


Strongly oppose

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I urge you to protect the well-being of Virginia’s transgender youth and honor their legal rights by withdrawing the new Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students announced on September 16, 2022. Restore the Model Policies previously in place, which respect the rights and interests of transgender students.

Policies like this force people to lie to others and themselves about their identity. I have witnessed the pain that ‘being in the closet’ brings to individuals and their families. It is much better to acknowledge and work thru issues of sexuality and identity as soon as possible.  Unfortunately parents are not always able to support children in difficult situations. Students should be able to work through these issues with school and  professional support to grow into full adult human beings.


Newest Education Policy Proposal to replace Northam policy

Melvin Adams, Noah Webster Educational Foundation

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We support the proposed policy changes. They empower parents and are a step forward in protecting our children.


I strongly agree.

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Please honor your commitment to uphold parental rights regarding children.


Agree!

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<p>I strongly support Governor Younkin’s transgender policy for Virginia public schools </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSED WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU ALL

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<p>I am appalled at those of you who support this. Do you care for no one but yourselves? Obviously not. Because you would rather have your child kill themselves than be true to themselves. You can't look past your own ass and see the thousands of children suffering because you deem them "impure" or "sick". You should ALL be ashamed of yourselves for the level of hate you are spewing. Do NOT claim you are Christians and turn around and strike down those who need help. </p>


Strongly Oppose - This proposal is a violation of these students’ civil rights!

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The governor’s proposal is a violation of the civil rights of children. His proposal is nothing short of hateful bigotry and bullying.

I am a retired US Marine, who then became a public school teacher. I supported every Marine I ever served with, I fully support every student I have taught, am teaching and will ever teach.

This bill is nothing short of disgusting!


Strongly oppose new guidelines

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As a parent of an elementary-school-aged child, I oppose these new guidelines! They're a huge step backward and will make many trans and gender-nonconforming kids less safe. Young people are busy at discovering who they are, and need to be supported in their identities, not silenced.


I approve of new 2022 Model policies for Va schools

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I have read the proposed 2022 Model Policy for VA schools & approve all changes. I also appreciate that changes are effective immediately. So much confusion has taken place & our children need stability in their lives. And parents don't need the interference, stress & disrespect that the 2021 Model policy introduced as they care for, educate & raise their children.

This 2022 Model Policy upholds the God given rights of parents, students, teachers & school administrators. Great job Gov. Youngkin & team. This is the right direction VA needs to be going & this is what I voted for. This is a victory for families in VA.

Keep up the good work.


I STRONGLY AGREE

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People have been making more than one for this, but I see that what you're doing is good for the place. I'm an educator myself.


I agree with this.

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It should be up to the parents of what their children do in schools. There shouldn't be things that don't allow parents to know of what happens in school.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>ALL children deserve our support. Governor Youngkin’s proposed policy not only harms the young people he is targeting, it is intentionally divisive and harmful to us all. </p>


I strongly support this new guideline.

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I strongly support this new guideline.


Strongly Oppose - focus on reducing gun violence in school instead of bullying trans kids

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I strongly oppose this new policy. Governor, please focus on real issues with real physical effects like gun violence in our Virginia schools and universities. Please don’t waste our tax payer money and time on supposed isdues that harm no one. Give trans kids dignity as well as any other kid.


Strongly oppose. This proposal WILL kill our children.

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This proposal is born of nothing but hatred for transgender people.

I feel that most of the public tends to forget that transgender people are PEOPLE and not hypothetical predators, mutilated freaks, or a fashion trend. We have thoughts, feelings, friends, hobbies, jobs, families. We are human beings, and we deserve respect. Children deserve respect, too. Trans children deserve respect, and this policy shows a clear lack of respect for both trangsender people and the kids who will grow up to be the future of our nation.

Transgender kids don't want to assault other children in the bathroom. Transgender kids don't want to sneak onto a sports team where they can have an advantage. Transgender kids are afraid. They are trying to fly under the radar. They are trying to avoid relentless harassment from not just their peers but also the ADULTS who are supposed to love and support these kids. They are trying to find friends who will have the basic human decency to treat them with respect and kindness. They are just trying to do what we teach our children to do from the moment they begin school: be themselves. Why would you take that from them? Why would you try to add more to the suffering of a child who is already statistically extremely likely to be having thoughts of harming themselves? How many transgender kids have already died because of policies like this? The answer is too many. This policy will achieve nothing but hatred and violence towards CHILDREN.

Stop killing us. Stop killing our sons, daughters, and everything in between. This proposal WILL result in death, and thay blood will be on the hands of every single person who supported it.


I SUPPORT the new guidelines

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<p>I strongly support the new policy. </p>


Strongly support new model policy

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I Strongly support new model policy.


STRONGLY SUPPORT THESE COMMONSENSE GUIDELINES

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<p>I SUPPORT these commonsense guidelines, which protect students' fundamental rights, respect parents' prerogatives, and teachers' (and the general public's) freedom of speech and thought.  </p>


Youngkin's Proposed guidance on transgender policies

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<p>Good Job Governor Youngkin.  Keep Parents closely involved in raising and monitoring their children and the government out of it.  The focus of schools should be on improving our education system, not on gender identity.  Reading, writing, arithmetic, math, science, technology and life skills, that's what they need to focus on..  And get those gay, queer, bi, trans, etc etc books in the Arlington Central Library out of there!  Stop corrupting our innocent children.  </p>


I support the Governor’s proposal to empower parents to look after the welfare of their own children

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<p>Thank you Governor Youngkin for doing the right thing and empowering parents and protecting their GOD given rights to make decisions for their children. The school’s job is just to educate the children and not indoctrinate them with experimental sexual behaviors. Schools should not come between parents and kids in such delicate and important matters of a child’s development. </p>


Support support support

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<p>Strongly support </p>


I strongly support

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<p>I strongly support </p>


Strongly agree with new model policy

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I hate the fact that the sex offenders abuse the law, and sexual criminal records are getting increased.

Everytime I send my kids to school but I really didnt feel comfortable because of those gender related crime at school after the LGBT policy were made.

I personally have many of LGBT friends, not just in Virginia but in other states and contries. I dont care what they do, how they do. I like them as friends.

But school is a totally different story for young children.

Laws, policies and rules are for everybody, not limited to. People should make and follow rules for equlity that can be covered for everyone, not just for minorities.


Strongly Support This Policy

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Protect our kids from the insanity of sex confusion. Kids need guidance during their development.  This policy change will help parents and kids alike. Thank you Governor Youngkin!


I strongly support Youngkins policy

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<p>I strongly support Youngkins policy. </p>


Strongly support!


No reason for new policy

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<p>I truly don’t understand why you would go after the most vulnerable kids in the school. This has nothing to do with parents choice. It has everything to do with hate and lack of tolerance. This will not age well. Discriminating against such a small vulnerable population is just bullying. I thought we had 0 tolerance for bullying. I’m wondering will we need parent approval if William wants to be called Bill?  Stop the insanity We don’t need to raise the suicide rates in this community  let’s protect and embrace them like we are suppose to do for each other  If it ain’t broke don’t break it just to cater to the ill informed transphobic people Let them catch up instead of the rest of up going back  </p>
<p>  </p>


Opposed


Opposing Proposed Policy

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I strongly oppose this proposed policy. All our students deserve a supportive and affirming school environment, especially our vulnerable and marginalized populations like our transgender and nonbinary youth


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

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We need to be protect this children that have to go out there and face bullies. We have you let them be themselves and not create more problems they already have to face so much already why create more problems that do not need to be created.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

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<p>Children and adults who have transgendered report unhappiness and depression after having transitioned, and are unable to transition back!  Society is pushing transgenderism and this hurts people.   God Loves You As He Created You!  </p>


Strongly Oppose

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As a former K-12 educator and as a parent, I strongly oppose this updated guidance.  If we truly care about all of our students and truly want all students to feel welcome and safe in schools, then this policy cannot be enacted.  Students who identify as transgender statistically already face challenges such as bullying and discrimination.  By allowing parents or teachers to refuse to even acknowledge a student's preferred name, pronoun, or gender identity, we are violating that student's right under the Constitution to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Why are students' rights less important than parents' rights?  Imagine a cis-gender student going to school and having teachers refuse to use their name or call them by a different pronoun.  Imagine how these acts would impact the mental health of that student.  That is the story for many transgender students in our public schools. and this policy would attempt to provide legal cover for what is nothing less than bullying and discrimination by the very adults that are supposed to nurture and care for our children at school.

Parents have rights in their child's education, but they don't have unlimited rights.  Teachers and school employees have rights, but again they do not have unlimited rights.

Quite frankly, if parents do not like how public schools are educating their children, then they have the right to put their children in private school or homeschool.  That is what is meant by "direct care, upbringing, and education of their children."

I strongly oppose this policy on the merits that it is discriminatory and likely illegal.

Sincerely,

Jason Betzner


Protect vulnerable kids

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<p>I want to comment on the policies being considered which would focus on transgender students in VA schools. These are particularly vulnerable kids. Creating rules regarding how they present themselves or which bathrooms they have to use and insisting possibly hostile family members be notified can be cruel and traumatic. Please don't target these children. </p>


Strongly Opposed to These Policies that Harm Our Youth

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Dear Governor Youngkin,

My child is part of the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club at their Virginia middle school. A week ago, a group of cisgender teen boys stalked around the school trying to find out where the GSA was meeting, purportedly to bully or even harm the GSA members. Thankfully, students in allyship with the LGBTQ+ community did not tell them where the GSA club was meeting. Our cisgender youth learn this hateful behavior from adults. This (and worse) is what happens when hateful rhetoric is used and hateful policies target our LGBTQ+ youth. Stop stigmatizing and threatening the safety of your trans youth. I strongly opposed your “Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools.”

Sincerely,

Alicia Plerhoples

Virginia Resident


Incoming policies that violate trans students and their privacy

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I strongly oppose such policies as they will do more bad then good.


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I strongly disagree with such policies. It is a violation of rights and privacy  and and will cause more bad then good and if the governor gets away with this, what other stunts will he try to pull?


I support Younkins proposal

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<p>Parents have the right to know what is going on with their kids. That is the only way these kids can potentially get the psychological help they need. The “transgenders” still have rights under the proposed change.  </p>


Strongly Oppose - Protect Trans Kids

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<p>Not everyone has supportive parents; why does everyone prefer to have a depressed/dead daughter than a transgender son that's alive and happy? </p>


Gov. Youngkin's revision of the Transgender issue policy

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I support Governor Youngkin's revision of the Transgender issue policy in schools.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

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I strongly oppose anyone who tries to take away the rights of our youth.  We need to protect every child and let them be who they are and who they want to be! Support trans youth!


Stop Discrimination on Trans Youth

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Stop the hate against our children. My child has the same rights as your children, he is the most loving, caring, kind trans boy you’ll meet. My son felt that this world would not love him back and he was looking to end his life because of all the negative rhetoric politicians such as Younkin say. Luckily we have built a supportive community and we have never stopped loving our son for who he is. He is safe with us.  STOP THE HATE AGAINST TRANS YOUTH!!!


Not Okay. Inhuman and dangerous to Trans youth.

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<p>This proposed bill is a stain on the surface of humanity. We have the rights to freedom, privacy, and non-discrimination via the CONSTITUTION. If you claim to be a patriotic American, you would be opposing this clear violation of the rights of human beings. The rights of these youth to choose what they want to be. Something everyone should be afforded. If you claim that these are meant to help, you must have the mental capacity of a vole. In no way is this bill helpful to anyone besides people who have no right to be parents if they don't support their children and their choices. If this awful, damaging, and harmful bill is passed, you all should be prepared for pandemonium of the highest order from anyone in Virginia with a soul. We will not let you take away the rights of our peers, the safety of our friends and family. </p>


Parental rights

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I strongly support Gov. Youngkin's Transgender Policy changes and hope the VDOE will pass them. I'm a former VA public school teacher and raised 4 kids here in VA. We home-schooled up through middle school because we wanted to give our kids a strong faith-based foundation. They all graduated from VA universities and are now productive, hard-working members of their communities. Unfortunately, it appears that most public schools have gotten completely off track and lost sight of the role of education (and tried to take control from parents). I'm so thankful that Gov. Youngkin understands this important issue and is willing to stand up for parents and kids!


support!

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I strongly support this.  The indoctrination of school-aged kids when they are in their most vulnerable years has got to stop.  Btw, please notice all of the Leftist activists from all over the Country chiming in on Virginia politics.  Or maybe it's just the three 19 year-olds in their grandma's basement paid to type these comments in all day.


Parent and educator strongly opposed

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My family and I strongly oppose this change. The department should not engage in outing students or forcing them to out themselves. According to an American Academy of Pediatrics study of transgender suicide rates (over 120,000 surveyed), more than half the male transgender teens surveyed had attempted suicide. Suicide attempt rates of other transgender teens were equally as horrifying.

This is a politically evil stunt that is sugar coated as parents' rights. What it comes down to is the state excluding our most vulnerable kids from their right to a welcoming, nurturing learning environment, to an environment in which acceptance could save a life.

We will not stand for it.


Strongly oppose

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Virginia should not make it more

difficult for this already at risk population.


Transgender Youth Need Our Support

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<p>I am the grandmother of a transgender young man who will soon be 18.  He has struggled with his gender identity probably for 5 years.  It has been a difficult path for him, but he is now confident in his identity, comfortable in it, and emotionally in a good place.  Fortunately his family and school have been supportive.  How much harder it would be to grow up in a world where he has to hide who he is and struggle alone. Young people in this situation are more likely to commit suicide. Please show support for children/youth who already carry an enormous load as they deal with an identity that is not the norm.  Trans identity harms no one.  Please, support him, and others who are trans.  Show them no harm.  Do not allow Gov. Youngkin's guidelines to be implemented.  </p>


These are harmful policies

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<p>These policies will actively harm vulnerable children. Students need safety, and while some find that at home, some find that with a teacher or staff member that is affirming of their pronouns or identity. </p>


Youngkin’s 2022 model policy on the privacy…

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I totally agree with Governor Youngkin’s 2022 model policy on the privacy,

dignity, and respect for all students and parents in VA PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Parents should ALWAYS have the right to know and act on what their children

are learning and the environment they are in!


Strongly oppose this new guidance!

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My name is Brittany and I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. I strongly oppose Governor Youngkin’s proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.  As a clinical social worker and outpatient therapist to youth, I believe this policy will be deeply harmful to children and adolescents across the Commonwealth. Research studies have shown that almost half of LGBTQ youth have seriously thought about suicide in the past year. Implementing this policy will result in more teen lives being lost to suicide. Youth who have at least one supportive adult in their life can significantly lower suicidality. Implementing this proposed policy change will take away potentially life saving emotion support for our youth at school. I urge the VDOE to reject these guidelines.

Aside from the fact that these guidelines are discriminatory, they are also quite frankly ridiculous. Children go by nicknames, middle names, and last names all the time amongst their friends, classmates and teammates. If I had a child named Elizabeth, would I have to go to my child’s school so teachers could call them Liz or Beth? This policy will not be equitably enforced and serves only to forcibly out students who are queer or questioning to their parents, placing them at risk of homelessness or worse. I hope that the Virginia Department of Education will prioritize making school a safe space for all students by rejecting the proposed guidelines.


I support trans kids!!!!

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I support all trans kids!! All children should feel safe and supported no matter what!


I Support!  No to potentially allowing boys and girls mixing in shower facilities or certain sports.

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I have read both the original model policy and these proposed changes.  These changes will help fix many of the flaws found in the original policy--such as prohibiting school personnel from inhibiting male teens who identify themselves as females from entering into public female restrooms as inferred from the last paragraph on pg. 17 under heading: "Access to Facilities."  And thank you to all who worked so diligently to get these changes made, and I pray God will continue to use you to put forth better legislation like this.


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I support parental rights. It is not the job of the school to keep secrets from me about my child.


Oppose Booooooooo

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<p>Boooooooooooooo two thumbs down tomato tomato I’m throwing tomatoes </p>


Sad that so many are driven by hate

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This proposed guidance is shockingly misguided and hateful of people who are different of the “norm”. There is hard data that shows that members of the LGBTQ community have worse mental health outcomes than their straight, cisgender peers. This is even worse for trans students. Bullying, discrimination, and coming from a non-affirming household are all dangerous to LGBTQ students. What can help them and even prevent suicide? Having an affirming adult in their lives. Often that affirming person can be a teacher or other adult at school. This proposed regulation will strip students from having a supportive community in the school, thereby endangering their mental health. This also teaches our youth that discrimination is acceptable.
This policy takes away the free speech rights of teachers who would like to respect their students lived experiences and identify them as they would like. How different is it for a student to request being called a chosen name than a student who prefers to go by Bill instead of William? Who does it hurt to call them what they prefer and in fact need? Only the students who are most as risk. Shame on the governor and his administration for codifying hate.


Why is Virginia constantly embracing colonial oppression as though it is an existential issue?

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The Virginia Department of Education “2022 Model Policies” is a clear indication my commonwealth is using the education system to promote divisive policies to once again justify minority oppression.  It would appear we have not yet shaken off the shackles of our historical past as the first slave colony to recognize the need to embrace our better selves.  The Virginia DOE model policy only supports the small-minded prejudicial minority of this great state and is further testament that the white haired, white Anglo minority (like myself) is a political bloc too frightened to change with the times and too stubborn to allow opposing views to be accepted in political discourse. Unfortunately for us, times do change whether we willingly grand over the reins of power, or they’re pried from our cold dead hands. The larger question is, what side of history do you want to be on?


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Fully Support Governor Youngkin and Parents Rights


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!

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<p>STRONGLY OPPOSE!!  It is our responsibility to to help and protect children. NOT to demoralize them because they are different. </p>


Strongly OPPOSE this discriminatory and hateful proposed change

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As a mother of school-aged children and a Virginia voter, I strongly OPPOSE this discriminatory and hateful proposed change that targets some of our state’s most vulnerable young residents.


Separation of church and state

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<p>Keep narrow-minded religious ideas out of government policy. </p>


Affirming trans youth improves mental health and reduces suicide

Julia, licensed mental health professional

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As a licensed mental health professional, I strongly oppose the model policies and urge the department to unequivocally reject them. The research is clear—affirming and supporting trans youth improves mental health and reduces the risk of suicide in this vulnerable population. This model policy is harmful to Virginia students and families.

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

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

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

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


What are you so afraid of? Support Trans Kids.

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<p>Seriously. What is so scary about a transgender child? Adults-look deeply at yourselves. YOU ARE SCARED FOR YOURSELVES. Do you love your child or what you are brainwashed to believe? Open your minds and read the research. </p>


As an educator, I strongly disagree with this thinking and policy change.

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I understand why people think this way, but it is under-informed thinking that is then turned into public policy. Educators are in the business of understanding and in developing the curiosity of the children under our care. This policy change is anti-educational!


ABSOLUTELY STRONGLY SUPPORT

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As parents and citizens we need to protect our children and teachers.


I support trans youth!!

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<p>I am AGAINST Younkin’s new legislation. </p>