Proposed Policy Violates My Religious Faith

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My Unitarian Universalist faith affirms as its first principle the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The proposed policy on transgender students in Virginia schools violates that practical moral principle and I am therefore compelled to oppose it. Every transgender student is a natural person with the inalienable dignity of individual agency and a right to privacy which is denied them in this proposed policy. Each of these transgender person’s worth is inherent to their person, not residing in the mind of, or by force of, another person, even a parent.

Transgender students deserve the informed guidance and compassionate counsel of trusted adults, denied them under this policy, as they navigate their personal authentic experience. We all hope that the trusted adult in a child's life is a parent but the plain reality for time immemorial has been that children often turn to an aunt or uncle, a religious educator at church, or a teacher at school who will maintain confidentiality. Implementing this regressive policy will not change that dynamic of childhood development.

The fifth principle of my Unitarian Universalist faith affirms the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large, which I also believe to be violated by the irregular process by which this proposed policy has been brought. Some provisions of the proposed policy are already plainly federally unconstitutional under Grimm v. Gloucester.

As a matter of conscience, I will continue on the side of love in defense of the inherent worth and dignity of all people and in firm opposition to this proposed policy which I believe does harm to transgender students.

You do not possess the authority to  legislate an established state religion. You do not have the authority to legislate away transgender people's rights, which they possess even as legal minors. You do not have the authority to overturn a federal court ruling. This action is egregious over reach. The most moral action you can take at this point is to rescind this proposal to in some way ameliorate the real harm you have already done by proposing this without due process and fomenting the hate that is read in these comments you have encouraged.


Parents have rights

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<p>Thank you Governor Youngkin for bringing common sense back to the state of Virginia! I have been a teacher for many years, and we have been dealing with transgender issues for most of my career. Parents are responsible for bringing up their children the way they see fit.  It is not the government's (or a teacher's) responsibility to raise children.  It is NOT okay for a school system to deny parental rights.  Parents should be the first ones informed when a student is having any kind of issue, especially issues that could be deemed harmful for their mental health.  Purposefully keeping information from parents is NEVER okay.  Bullying in any form should be dealt with swiftly when it becomes an issue. This is not new.  Whether a student is transgender, gay, straight, etc...shouldn't matter when dealing with bullying. Parents, students, and all school employees should be expected to treat ALL students with respect and dignity. </p>


This is terrible-  I OPPOSE THIS

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I oppose bullying, so I oppose this model policy!

Governor Youngkin, you should be ashamed of these model policies and your manipulative messaging to mislead Virginians. These policies will cause significant harm to trans and questioning students and lead to students being outed before they are ready, increase bullying and harassment of marginalized youth, and require students and parents to go to court just to be referred to with their proper name. Why would you try to make the lives of trans youth harder?

Should we protect our children?  Yes.  But we know that there are parents out there that do not agree with LGBTQ+ and those children will be harmed.  School should be a safe place to go and get away from those harmful parents.


Strongly oppose Youngkin’s policy

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<p>Trans and LGBTQ student’s deserve to be called by their preferred pronouns and treated as equal and accepted members of the student body. Not all parent are supportive of their trans or LGBTQ children and this law would take agency away from the child to come out to their family in the way they see fit , when they are ready. Students who struggle at home often confide in teachers and seek support from their school community.  Trans youth suicide and LGBTQ youth suicide is a huge problem and this only perpetuates and worsens it. It makes that far more likely. This law is bigoted, invasive, shortsighted and cruel. The Governor and his supporters clearly do not understand nor care about the struggles that these kids go through just to accept themselves and be accepted by others . They also have no scientific understanding of the complexity of gender or sexuality . Keep your personal religious views on these issues out of our public schools and state laws! </p>


Terrible Guidance

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I absolutely oppose this guidance. You are sacrificing the lives of vulnerable youth to unreasonable fear.


I support the Governor

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I support this change ........ parents should have a say in children's education in all aspects.


I support the Governor

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<p>We must stand! Not against people, but against the enemy. </p>


Oppose

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this is disgusting it’s 2022 keep the government out of kids pants


Keep the government's hand out of our kids pants

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<p>Government agencies have no business trying to separate kids from parents. Divide and conquer is not going to work here in Virginia </p>


Leftists need to think again

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Thank you Governor Youngkin for returning schools to some semblance of normal. Parents will not allow people on the left to ruin our children's future


Thank you Governor Youngkin

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Finally a reasonable voice is leading our state back to basics in educating our children. Teachers and other school personnel who think they have the right to subject kids to the latest fad of sexuality are seriously mistaken! Parents have demonstrated that WE own those righs and we will continue to demand school boards stay in their lanes


NO MORE SECRETS IN OUR SCHOOLS!

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<p>Transparency is being demanded in schools all over this country. And Virginia is no exception. We need to lead the way in giving our schools a sharp turn towards parental rights. If children need guidance, parents should be the first resource. </p>


PROTECT ALL YOUTH - NOT JUST "TRANS"

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<p>I sort the protective action call for by Governor Youngkin. This action will protect both sides of this argument. I think this is a fair step towards restoring education to its roots; education rather than indoctrination. </p>


KIDS DON'T BELONG TO THE GOVERNMENT

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<p>Kids belong to the parents or guardians? That's who has the right to intervene in the education of THEIR children! I support this return to parental rights! </p>


Protect Emotionally Vulnerable Children and Parental Rights!

Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Alecia Vaught
2195 Den Hill Rd
Christiansburg, VA 24073

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Alecia Vaught
<br />2195 Den Hill Rd<br />Christiansburg, VA 24073<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148368222" width="1" height="1" />


Whole-heartedly agree!

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I don’t think that teachers should be able to do anything without parental consent. Parents have the RIGHT to know what is going on in the classroom. This is why Youngkin won the election in the first place!


Oppose on the basis of safety concerns for transgender youth.

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At first glance, what is presented here makes sense. Surely, a parent should know what a child is going through in order to help them through it. Unfortunately, this policy fails to take into account the fact that not every parent will do what is best for a transgender child. Whether it is because of religious beliefs or simply a narrow-minded point of view focused entirely too much on the idea of a gender binary, a parent might not agree with the child and attempt to force them into their way of thinking. This has been proven through a number of studies to cause harm to the child. Notably, transgender youth without support from family members are more than 70% more likely to harm themselves or attempt suicide. For the safety of all children rather than only those with open-minded families, I firmly oppose this policy.


The proposal to rescind the 2021 Model Policies

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The governor's proposal is a step backwards. The 2021 Model Policies document does not impinge on anyone's free exercise of religion or on how parents individually raise their children. The Policies are intended to provide some level of protection and cover for public school systems to provide for the individual needs of non-mainstream students, such as transgender or gay persons. There is no reason to put these kids at risk by removing a benign but hopefully valuable set of guidelines for public institutions.

If anything, the governor's proposal is a big step towardes denying a small but real population of students under the guise of protecting another group's rights, a group that is not negatively impacted in any way by the 2021 Model Policies.


Scientifically and ethically support!

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It's pretty simple, parents must be involved in all aspects of their children's upbringing and be part of the decision making process for their children.  To proactively hide from parents something as important as gender dysphoria, or gender identity, is abhorrent and not in the best interest of the child.  Notifying parents of any issue at school, whether its bad grades, fighting, drugs, gender identify, etc. is not bullying!


I oppose bullying, so I oppose this model policy!

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<p>Governor Youngkin, you should be ashamed of these model policies and your manipulative messaging to mislead Virginians. These policies will cause significant harm to trans and questioning students and lead to students being outed before they are ready, increase bullying and harassment of marginalized youth, and require students and parents to go to court just to be referred to with their proper name. Why would you try to make the lives of trans youth harder? </p>


Oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy


Oppose this hurtful policy change

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<p>I oppose this policy change. It will be harmful to children and will likely increase suicide rates and worsen youth mental health. </p>


Fat white woke women would sacrifice their own kids to prove they are more woke than their neighbor

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Don’t bring that northern Virginia craziness to our schools in hampton roads.


I oppose the transphobic bill

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I STAND BY OUR TRANS YOUTH! THROW AWAY TGE TRANSPHOBIC BILL NOW!!!!!!!!!!


Keep going Youngkin!

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We agree with you.  We love everyone, but these pronoun rules in school are too much.


VA Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance Comment Opposing Proposed 2022 Model Policies

Jonathan Yglesias, VA Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance

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The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance (Action Alliance) is a statewide advocacy and membership organization serving as Virginia's leading voice on sexual and domestic violence for more than 40 years. As advocates invested in building healthy futures for all Virginians, we respectfully submit comment in opposition to the proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia Public Schools (the "2022 Model Policies"). These polices are not only in direct violation of state and federal law, but they also deny the rights of students, parents, and school personnel to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every child.

All children have the right to learn in a safe and supportive environment that respects their humanity and upholds their dignity. However, the 2022 Model Policies send an incredibly dangerous message that some students do not belong, and in fact should not exist.

Learning who you are is an important part of growing up, and every child deserves to have support and guidance as they learn about themselves, their family and friends, and their place in the world. Studies have consistently shown that policies like those being proposed by VDOE, result in more frequent and escalating harassment, discrimination, and physical and sexual violence directed towards trans and nonbinary students. These policies also lead to significantly higher rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts relative to cisgender students. The consistent misgendering of a student has a profoundly negative impact on their ability to learn in the classroom.

Contrary to what is recommended in the proposed 2022 Model Policies, consistent use of a student's affirmed name can significantly reduce suicidal behavior and suicidal ideation. This simple act has the power to literally save a child's life.

Furthermore, denying trans and nonbinary students from using facilities that match their gender identity increases the prevalence of sexual assault victimization. The evidence is clear - students will experience higher rates of sexual assault, peer victimization, and suicide if policies like these are adopted in Virginia.

We recognize that sexual and domestic violence is linked to other forms of harm and that supporting equality and respect for ALL people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, is integral to creating a Virginia free from sexual and domestic violence.

In conclusion, the 2022 Model Policies will significantly and irreparably harm Virginia students and families. As sexual and domestic violence advocates who wish to see all children in Virginia fully thrive, we strongly oppose the adoption of these dangerous policies.

Sincerely,

Kristi VanAudenhove (she/her) and Jonathan Yglesias (he/him)

Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance

P.O. Box 4342

Richmond, VA 23220


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Strongly support Governor Youngkin model policies, see comment below


Governor Youngkin model policies

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Strongly support Governor Youngkin model policies.   Parents should know if their child wants to be transgender.  Parents should be involved in all aspects of their children’s school life and schools should not be allowed to call them by a separate name without the parents knowledge.  A child should not be allowed to make that kind of decision until they’re of age or make that decision with their parents knowledge!!


Parent's Rights must be protected

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Parents rights must be supported, our kids do not belong to any school board


Oppose the biased and harmful guidelines

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<p>The governor should be ashamed for trying to score political points while harming children. There was no need to attack trans and non binary kids like this. I can’t wait for the lawsuits that he will eventually lose over this. We already have case law (Grimm) about bathrooms. These are the death throes of an unsustainable party line. Protect and respect trans and non binary kids. Trans rights are human rights. Trans girls are girls. Leave them alone. Allow them to use whatever pronouns they wish. It literally costs you nothing to respect a child. One day these kids will be able to vote and I cannot wait to see what this generation will do to such ignorant politicians. I will be cheering them on and voting with them. Leave these kids alone. </p>


Support

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<p>I wholeheartedly support the policies that empower parents to know what is going on with their children while they are at school or at school sponsored activities.  Teachers should never presume to know more or care more for a child than that child's own family.  </p>


Oppose.

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We want ALL our young people to be cared for and educated. We do not need to discriminate.


Oppose.  Not all parents support their children as they are.

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What about the children that don't have understanding parents?  That's the big problem with this policy.


The Future of America is LGBTQ+. This Policy Seeks to Delay the Inevitable

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I was born gay into a conservative household that refused to accept my identity during my childhood. For a decade, I denied who I was and who I loved, work that has taken another decade to resolve. I still struggle at thirty-one with my body image and my perception of my self-worth. I still struggle with knowing that I am a capable, wanted human being that, while imperfect, am beautiful and very much gay.

These policies harm people like me. They will be the precedent upon which "free speech" will be used to demonize LGBTQ+ students and teachers, in a disgusting attempt to erase our existence, all under the sheep's skin excuse of "protecting children" when there is nothing to protect them from. Being LGBTQ+ is nothing to protect someone from. Recognizing a children's identity, as a living, breathing human being, has nothing to protect someone from.

These policies protect the opinions and religious beliefs of parents. These policies protect the homophobic, transphobic legacy of American society. They unequivocally do not protect children from anything but their own identities. The truckling and hand-wringing of bigoted individuals that would rather see us disappear all together than live our lives in the pursuit of happiness starts with policies like these. It's a shameful display of selfish hubris to pose this as protecting children when the reality is simple: you do not want LGBTQ+ individuals to exist, and trans individuals are an easy target.

Trans people are not a threat. Calling students by their preferred names does no harm to anyone, and in fact clinically has shown to help students. These policies would deny that to students, these policies would harm trans students living in families that do not accept trans identity. These policies protect parents, they do not protect students.

Trans individuals are already four times more likely to be victims of violent crime, but these policies would mandate that they be recorded by the school to change their name and pronouns. Who needs to know this information? Adults in power at the school? Students will already know! These policies likewise do not protect students, they put them at risk for public outing and further marginalization by adults in power.

These unnecessary and draconian bathroom policies put students at risk for abuse by bad actors. There is no just cause to have students be examined by anyone, and mandating that students use bathrooms and locker rooms based on their biological sex literally reduces gender to physical bodies. This is not only not scientific on its face, but wildly infringes on the rights of children themselves to be free and pursue happiness. More importantly, these policies are based on myths and fear, the opposite of facts and data. They are the stuff of delusions, and the irrational fear of people that hate trans people and work backwards. Public spaces should not be dictated by fear, and children will be harmed, not protected, if these policies are enacted.

Make no mistake, LGBTQ+ people were around before America even existed. We have always been here. Trans people have, too. The future of this nation is diverse, it's Black, LGBTQ+, Disabled, and so much more. Policies like these are testaments to the lengths politicians stoop to hide their agendas and their hatred behind children, using them as shields for a future they yearn to realize but will never come. Trans people will continue to exist even if these policies are enacted, and they will be harmed, not protected. As an LGBTQ+ man, these politicians debase themselves and the positions they hold to serve the public good by using children in their culture war.

It would behoove the legislature to investigate real problems like flooding along the eastern coast by climate change, the removal of mountaintops in Appalachia, the deforestation for imaginary profit through unnecessary oil production, and other material issues to the daily lives of Virginians than use fear and myth to harm children in this way. At the very least, it would do them well to be honest and not insult the intelligence of constituents by pretending these policies are meant to protect children when it protects adults instead.


Strongly oppose Youngkins change to school policy

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I oppose the new rules suggested by the govenor for Virginia schools which will...

force teachers and staff to out students to their parents

make families go through an application procedure if a student needs to change their name or pronouns

allow teachers to refuse to use a student's preferred name and pronouns even after the parents have requested it

require schools to force students to use bathrooms and locker rooms based on their biological sex at birth

These rules are detrimental to our children, our teachers, our Virginia families and Virginia society in general.


Oppose

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<p>I oppose Gov Youngkins Model Policy 2022 </p>


Oppose.  This is a step backwards.

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This Guidance Document does nothing to further protections for all youth.  All of our children are precious.  Each is unique and deserves to be treated with the utmost of respect.  It is obvious that the goal of meeting the needs of all students hasn't been achieved, including the needs of Trans students.  Instead of taking a step backwards, why not take this as an opportunity for creative brainstorming on how to better meet the needs of all students?


I SUPPORT allowing the perversion in your own homes and keeping my kids away from it at school.

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Be whoever you want. My family supports you. My issue is when you involve my kids. My kids don’t want to learn your child’s new nickname. They don’t want your son on their soccer team. They don’t want your boy in their shower facilities. Why do your “rights” need to impose damage in my kids.


opposition

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When I was a student, I could not care less if my class were trans and it's already hellish enough going through school while queer


As an Albemarle county resident: the LCPS assaults scare me. Beware Albemarle school board

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I can only hope that the Albemarle school board members will be held legally and criminally responsible when their negligence results in the same outcome as LCPS.


Opposition

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<p>I oppose this Model Policies as its against body autonomy and I know these same people would hate their guns to be taken away </p>


Oppose

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I oppose Gov. Youngkin's 2022 Model Policies


Agree with common sense changes for Transgender students

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<p>All students should be treated with respect.  Common sense needs to prevail.  Children are much too young to determine that they are not their biological sex.  Let them be kids and stop labeling them if they want to be Tom boy girls  or sensitive boys.  When they are older they can make a rational decision if they feel the need.   This movement is damaging to children. </p>


Opposing the bill

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I oppose this bill stripping trans people of their right to bodily autonomy and self determination.


I support the proposed changes.

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Parents are the primary educators of their children. Teachers/schools should not be allowed to withhold information about student’s mental/health conditions from the student's parents or be allowed to encourage students to hide things from their parents.


Opposition

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<p>Governor Youngkins model policies reducing bodily autonomy and increasing biased policing is non inclusive and isolates a large number of the virginia community </p>


Strongly oppose

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This is a cruel policy why do this


Oppose Gov. Younkin's policies on LGBTQ+ students

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I will not belabor my comments because I know you are receiving many that go into deep substance.  But I am a mother of a queer kid who identifies as non-binary.  They have a lot of friends who are also queer and cannot share this information with their parents because they literally fear for their health, safety and ability to remain in their family's home.   Gov. Youngkin says that kids should "trust their parents" around these issues -- how do you trust a parent who is physically abusive because of your gender non-conforming appearance?  Who denies your repeated requests to find a therapist to help you deal with your mental health issues?re?  Who won't let you lead an authentic life?

For many queer kids, school is literally their safe place because of the environment that Fairfax has created in its schools.  Their teachers recognize them for who they are and for many of these students, it could well be the one thing that actually keeps them in school till graduation.  The statistics are clear that LGBTQ+ kids who cannot be authentically themselves are more prone to self-harm up through suicide, are more prone to mental health struggles, their academic achievement suffers, and they are more likely to drop out, run away, or otherwise become derailed from living up to their full potential.

Taking this safety away from kids in schools is cruel and contrary to any standard of basic human decency.


Opposition to Policies

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<p>We oppose governer Youngkin's 2022 model policies which reduce bodily autonomy of MINORS and increase biased policing. </p>


Strongly oppose


Scientifically and ethically oppose

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<p>Research demonstrates that LGBTQ students are at greater risk of being harassed, bullied, and assaulted due to their identity. Plain and simple, even existing as LGBTQ leads to higher rates of self harm and suicide. How can we as a moral and just society claim that we are protecting children with policies like these? Because we've been fed a lie that a transgendered teen raped another teen. Was what happened to that poor girl absolutely reprehensible? Yes, of course. However, she wasn't raped by a teen who was transgendered. She was a victim of relationship assault - a common form of rape for women. She'd met her attacker in that same women's bathroom several times before as they were dating. Doesn't matter if he was wearing a skirt or not that time, he still would have entered that bathroom as he'd done before. I'm not blaming her, I'm not shaming her. She is a victim in all of this and her assault should make you angry and it should make you take up arms for change. Every woman deserves safety, but let's place the blame where it belongs, firmly on her rapist who was not transgendered, nor did he need to fake being transgendered to enter that bathroom. Let's scrutinize the school for their actions following the rape. Policies such as these won't protect young women, dealing with patriarchal issues in society will. Supporting vulnerable populations like LGBTQ youth are a step in that direction. So please, before you use what took place in Loudoun as your soapbox, learn more about the story. Read real research, double check your sources. Put down your torch and try empathy. You're not protecting anyone, you're harming children who are just trying to be themselves. Women aren't afraid of transgendered persons, women are afraid of a society that values them as less than and perpetuates patriarchal institutions. I do not support this policy, as it is not about protecting our youth. It's about conservatives having flag to wave in the name of "parental rights" and making a run at presidential campaigns with wobbly policies to stand on. </p>


Virginias Disdaprove of Gov Youngkins 2022 Model Policy

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WE here oppose the 2022 Model Policies.


2022 Model Policies Response

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I stand firmly against these model policies for their hostile nature against Trans individuals, and if they are passed, I will vote against all of the current leaders and organise I against them.


Oppose

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<p>Violating bodily autonomy takes the privacy and personhood away from all persons. This is a discriminatory act that draws many parallels to the Patriot Act which has had deep ramifications on overpolicing. </p>


I Support Governor Youngkins Model Policies

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<p>The rights of parents must be preserved if this country is to survive.  Secrecy in the schools will destroy the trust of everyone.    Boys should play boys sports, not girls sports.  Young girls should not be exposed to boys in their bathrooms and locker rooms. </p>


Protect Our LGBTQIA Youth!

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What harm is there in single use bathrooms!  We have them at my place of work, and a lot of people prefer to use them regardless of sexual orientation. If single use bathrooms keep young people from being bullied in a confined space that everyone at some point has to enter, why not?! Are you in favor of bullying?!!

Take your hands off our children and their rights to be who they are!


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

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<p>Please rescind current shameful transgender policies and support Gov. Youngkin's needed revision of the Model Policies re:  so-called "transgendered" kids in Virginia's schools.   Restrict teachers, school administrators, and school boards to teaching academic subjects, and forbid them from interfering in children's sexual lives and development.   This is the exclusive business of the children and their parents or legal guardians.  </p>


Strongly oppose this harmful proposal

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<p>As the parent of two cisgender children and an ally to the transgender community, I strongly oppose this proposal. I oppose this policy proposal because, if approved, children will suffer. Sadly, some of those children will take their own lives.  Those of you in support of this policy proposal, please educate yourselves and do some soul searching as to why you support a policy that will directly harm children. Many, if not all, of your fears are not grounded in fact. Trans students deserve for their school to be a safe place where they can flourish just like their cis peers. </p>


New policy related to transgenders / reasonable parental consent

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As a father of 4 children who have gone through Loudoun county public schools, I support the new rules promulgated by our governor youngkin. Parents at the very least should have informed consent re the public education of their children, both as taxpayers and being their first teachers. They know their children’s emotional (& other need) better than anyone. This is not to discredit the vast majority of teachers and counselors who have good intentions and work tirelessly for their perceived benefits of our children. Studies show absent or checked out dad’s result in more incarcerations, substance abuse and mental health issues for our children. Student participation in sex- specific athletics, school activities & events should be determined by biological sex for overnight stays, etc. , ad this is reasonably objective. It’s also common sense ad it relates to our human nature and natural laws. Students use of bathrooms should be in accordance with their biological sex for these reasons, as well as basic security. Single- user bathrooms should be made available in accessible areas, including appropriate signage for all students. In my opinion, the above is consistent both with respect for fundamental religious liberty interests of personnel & students, otherwise this would constitute bullying. Parents are the legal guardians. We must respect their wisdom, guidance and legitimate concerns. I suspect for the most part, we aren’t “ extreme terrorists”! To accept walkouts without consequences is disrespectful for both teachers, parents ( taxpayers) and students! I wonder how many just wanted to skip class? I also wonder how many comments are coming from outside Loudoun county, and how many are actually parents! Thanks for your consideration. Scott b cypher. Leesburg, va.


LGBTQ children right

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I oppose Gov. Youngkin proposed changes to Northam's policies on transgender and other LGBTQ issues.  The kids, with their parents, have the right to make their own choices.  Let them.  We can adjust.  It is our job to grant them some dignity and respect.  Youngkin's changes are the opposite.


The core of this nation is freedom, how can we be free when we bar people from education

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The very core of this nation is freedom, how can we be free and enforce the tenets of democracy and republic when we bar people from education based on decisions that are a matter of opinion. The very fact that the government of the state of Virginia is going along with this anti-American, anti-western, and anti-freedom policy is a show that the enemy is not foreign, but rather domestic, and it is the politicians who wish to take our rights one after another.


Why be cruel?

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There isn't a problem here.  School districts and teacher are becoming more enlightened about the mental health and well-being of our children.  You want to go back to bigotry and meanness?  Shame on you, Governor Youngkin.


Oppose

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I support trans rights, and oppose the anti-trans bill.


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

It's frightening how brazen they have become

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This is what happens tp parents that dare defy the LCPS agenda. It is frightening how brazen they have become.

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


Judge finds transgender teen guilty of Loudoun County bathroom sexual assaults

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There are true consequences to the LCPS agenda. Enough is enough parents!


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

LCPS agenda- keep parents in the dark and let teachers/counselors handle it

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Have the residents of Loudoun County lost their minds to entrust our kids to LCPS? The leadership within LCPS has created the perfect storm for sexual assaults. Not only are our children being assaulted in the mixed bathrooms but also by staff entrusted to care for the transgender youth.


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

Andrea Weiskopf LCPS latin teacher- direct quote from her twitter page

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If you want to know why the Loudoun County Public School district wants to keep parents in the dark look no further than Andrea Weiskopf's twitter account. The staff at LCPS are proud to be grooming our children. It is frightening.


Transparency in the Education of Our Children

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Parents should know what is being taught in schools and have say regarding what their children are taught.  To keep this information from parents is wrong and not allowing parents to "opt their children out" of certain information is even more wrong.  It may be "legal", but it is certainly immoral and unethical.  Additionally, keeping information from parents regarding their child's sexuality is, I believe, illegal.  Children belong to their parents, not to the school system.

Taking over the role of the parent and keeping the parent out of the decisions directly affecting their child reflects an authoritarian state that we as Americans cannot tolerate.

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

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

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

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

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


My daughter shouldn't have to be in a bathroom with a biological man

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The safety of my daughter is more important than a man's feelings.  This policy doesn't go far enough.  No biological males should be in women's spaces, with or without parent permission.


Children belong to their parents, not the state

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The rights of the parents must be held paramount above that of government employees. If the state cannot protect children and is unable to educate without indoctrination, public schools should be disbanded or the taxes should be repealed at the least. Citizens who venerate LGBTQLMAOP ideology should form their own schools that offer such religious education. Parents have an absolute right to know what is being taught to their children, and secrets between children and non-parent workers of the state are key grooming tactics. Moral teaching and authority belongs solely to the home, and should not be contradicted by the government. Teach core subjects, not ideology.


Strongly Support Parental Rights AND 2022 Model Policies

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I am writing in strong support of the 2022 Model Policies – 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools, and enthusiastically recommend that they replace the 2021 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. In particular I support the guiding principles of 2022 Model Policies especially that schools must respect parents’ values and beliefs, schools must defer to parents to make the best decisions regarding their children, and schools must keep parents informed about their children’s well-being.  Any and all Department of Education policies must support parents’ right to instill and nurture values and beliefs for their own children and make decisions concerning their children’s education and upbringing in accordance with their customs, faith, and family culture.

I appreciate this opportunity to convey my concerns and my support for these 2022 Model Policies.

Sincerely,

Mark M


Strong Support for new Model School Policy for Trans Kids and their Parents - the Family Unit

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The Family Unit for centuries has been the Parents and Children.  It's worked extremely well.

Only Hitler tried to make Children-and-the-State a new family unit.  How did that work out? Unfeeling, thinly attached, business-like, and easily fooled into ghastly deeds, both personal and systematic.  Group-think abounded.


Oppose

Stuart Gunter--Virginia Counseling Association

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<p>I am opposed to this measure. Students need to feel safe to be able to express who they are. </p>


Respect parent's rights, not that of such a minority.

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Policy based on the minority?

I totally agree with the comment of "retired executive..."  Can't say it better except God demands this!

Since when does the government have to feel compelled to make broad-sweeping policy that offers preferential treatment to a small group of people? Neither government nor schools have the right to make decisions regarding a child that is a dependent. This right belongs to the parent and the parent only! So instead we see movements all over the country where schools ask the entire student body to bend to the needs of the transgender in use of bathrooms, participation in sports, etc. Thank you Gov. Youngkin for keeping your campaign promise of insisting that issues that pertain to the educational environment of our children belong to their parents!


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose this guidance. It creates a hostile environment in schools, forcing teachers and staff to out children to their parents, potentially creating a dangerous situation in their homes as well. Children need to feel safe at school, and this guidance does not encourage that feeling. I recommend that the VDOE firmly reject this guidance.


Opposed. This policy is state-sponsored bullying and discrimination.

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This is state sponsored bullying. This is state sponsored discrimination on the basis of sex (which has included gender expression and gender identity for years now). If this sounds opinionated, just ask the Office of Civil Rights, cited in the previous policy:

“For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity. Sex- based harassment may also include the disclosure of the student’s gender identity without their consent as this presents safety concerns for the student.”

This document repeatedly refers to a “specific viewpoint” being imposed by the 2021 policy. This document is imposing a specific viewpoint upon students and parents as well. Even if you believe the previous document was biased (debatable, considering extensive sourcing from official recommendations and legal precedent), imposing a new bias is no better - in other words, two wrongs don’t make a right.

Imposing Deuteronomy 22:5 as if it were law is the absolute height of a First Amendment rights violation. For chrissakes, you can’t force a student to love this country, but apparently you can force them to uphold specific Christian values, ones that not even all Christians hold?

When students report a risk of harm, yes, teachers are obligated to inform parents - unless the parent is the source of harm. (See the The Code of Virginia, § 22.1-272.1., cited in both policies) As a closeted child, you spend endless time and thought juggling the wishes of your parents and your own wishes. Believe me, a student requesting that teachers not disclose their transgender status is a difficult choice one makes to protect themself. If you can’t handle the idea of a child having any secrets or decisions of their own, you’re advocating for a mindset of ownership, not properly raising a human person.

The current policy is consistent in protecting the safety and well-being of children. This new policy put teachers in a difficult position where they nominally have a social role to protect your children and their peers, but the new policy imposes a laundry list of exceptions where a parent’s choices can trample their own first amendment rights and be imposed on everyone else from school staff to the student - who, themself, has their own first amendment rights, even as a minor.

Regarding paragraph D-2 Identification of students: The policy states that students shall be referred to by either their legal name or a nickname “if the student prefers”. Under this policy, if someone want to be called “Andrew” instead of “Sally”, it’s fine as long as it’s not real. Knowingly fake nicknames are held as more sacred than changing identity?  If nothing else in this policy gives it away as targeted, biased, and discriminatory towards a particular group of people, this article is damning.

Further, the policy is deceptive by acting as if any request for a change of name or pronouns is going to cause problems with school records - under the current policy, legal name and sex were already protected and difficult to change, because they are necessary for reporting purposes. It lays out recommendations for simply keeping tied records of name and sex upon request, with the legal designation held as more privileged data. This policy doesn’t even address the possibility, only asserting already existing policies to maintain records as if they were changes.

It includes subtle language implying that the existence of an openly transgender student is “distracting”, such as in the new language in the dress code policy, which ignores the disruption to the transgender student if forced to wear clothing of their assigned gender. This, again, is biased, targeted discrimination which prioritizes some students’ political feelings over other students’ first amendment rights to free expression. And to be clear, in a world where trans students are respected and not politicized, this wouldn’t be a contentious issue at all.

Finally, this document also defines a stricter definition of sex to mean only biological sex for these policies, then designates that certain things shall be separated based on sex under their definition, while using language that patterns existing non-discrimination law, while also contradicting the current meaning of those laws. This is not only an attempt to create new state-sponsored discrimination, but create the founding for more discriminatory policies.


Oppose. Unsupported youth will impact VA economy

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This policy will adversely impact trans and lgbtq students. Trans and other lgbtq students are not harming other students just by existing and veing who they are.

Students harmed by this policy will graduate, and leave the State. Just as they would be starting to participate in paying taxes and contributing to the economy of Virginia, they will take that contribution somewhere they will be more accepted.

Families of lgbtq children will mark Virginia as a place that is not safe for their children, they will turn down jobs and look elsewhere for employment. They will discourage their children from attending colleges and universities in Virginia. Those already living in Virginia will start looking to move away, and to make sure that their children do not stay when they graduate.

If anti-transgender/lgbtq-youth policies continue to ve put forth and start to be enacted, the state will see an effect on the huge number of military personnel being stationed in VA as well. Military families with transgender youth will not be able to be stationed in Virginia in order to protect the families, and those already in Virginia will be given new orders to places that will be safe if the military deems the policies to be damaging enough to families. If this policy is put into place, my family may have to move again, one year after arriving, because the military may agree that our child is no longer safe in the state of Virginia and should be able to live somewhere they can flourish and be accepted for who they are. The US Military will deem Virginia unsafe for military families with lgbtq members. How damaging would that be to the economy of some regions of Virginia?

Support and accept the youth in your schools. If those youth say they will be in danger at home if they are outed as trans or gay or lesbian or bisexual or queer, believe them. If parents know and support their children, listen to them about what their children need. LGBTQ-Youth are NOT harming non-LGBTQ youth, they're just trying to get through school like everyone else and want to do it without being bullied by students, teachers, or the administration. Support the youth in your schools, or lose them, and their families.


Protect Emotionally Vulnerable Children and Parental Rights!

Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Jennifer Pinilla
4065 Walnut Cove Cir
Fairfax, VA 22033

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Jennifer Pinilla
<br />4065 Walnut Cove Cir<br />Fairfax, VA 22033<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148357358" width="1" height="1" />


Oppose this and support the ongoing sexual assaults happening in our schools.

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Sexual assaults are at risk. Please pass this governor for the sake of our vulnerable children.


Strongly oppose - I stand with keeping trans kids safe

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I strongly oppose the new 2022 guidelines on the treatment of transgender kids in schools.   First, they are against the law.

Second, it will not fix what they want to fix. If your kid is not telling something as important as their gender -- YOU are doing something wrong.

Third, transgender students are the most at risk for anxiety, depression and suicide. This bill will only make these issues they face more severe. They have real risks of PHYSICAL harm from their peers as well as the people in their home. Let school be a safe space. And continue to serve the needs of ALL kids.

There is NEVER a need to make guidelines to protect people with inherent privilege (ie cisgender kids). Rather it is a veiled attempt to create guidelines that discriminate against an already marginalized community. ALL children have a right to exist as they are. If adults are triggered by this then too bad. It is our obligation as humanity to show love and equality to all. Not lead with fear.


STRONGLY Oppose

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There is a growing body of research that demonstrates poor outcomes when children who identify at LGBTQ are not allowed to express themselves in the various ways that many of us take for granted if you aren’t a part of this community. It is categorically wrong to violate a child’s privacy in the name of parental rights.  Doing so will harm children. Period.  Affirming a child’s dignity and personal agency does not mean other children are being forcibly exposed to a “life style” that some parents may want to shield their children from.  Students will already be exposed to this “life style” because LGBTQ students exist.  Forcing LGBTQ youth back into the closet will result in more student suicides, increased anxiety and depression, and other poor outcomes.

LGBTQ students are at greater risk of being harassed, bullied, and assaulted due to their identity. Forcing students to use pronouns or bathrooms based on the values and perceptions of another person should not happen in a modern society that values free expression and individualism.  Outing children to their parents will result in increased homelessness amongst an already vulnerable population.  For many kids school is the only safe haven they have.  This proposed policy change is in direct opposition to the ethical standards of the professions of social work, counseling, and psychology.


Transgender policy endangers out children

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All votes should be to reject this dangerous and discriminatory policy.  What if it were your child who was being treated this way?


Strongly Support

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<p>Our children do not belong to the state. Protect parents' rights and the rights of children to remain innocent in their childhood. Thank you, Gov Youngkin, for being courageous in the face of the malevolent mob who sees our children as objects to manipulate. </p>


Pass this and the blood of children will be on your hands

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This document is so damaging to queer and trans youth. Transgender student protections and protections for all LGBTQ+ students need to be maintained. Separating children by sex (which is not a binary, if you look at basic biological evidence) is cruel and focuses creepily on students' genitalia. Stop obsessing over kids' bits. Tattling on kids to parents who may not be safe for them to come out to is dangerous and potentially deadly to vulnerable youth. Call people what they want to be called. To do otherwise is wildly disrespectful.


Governor Younkin’s 2022 revised policies MUST BE SUPPORTED

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Schools are not the place to foster gender confusion and experimentation. Way too much time and effort is wasted on promoting WOKE agenda-driven results that way too often conflict with parental rights, responsibilities, and beliefs—not to mention depriving the students’ rights to unbiased education.

Parents—and society—expect schools to train and teach children to think and succeed in academics in order to prepare them for responsible, functional adult life.

Recent scores show that our children are being deprived of essential learning skills. Let’s get back to responsible teaching. Leave psychological problems to psychologists, not teachers!


I support the proposed 2022 Model Policies

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Parents know their children’s needs better than anyone.

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

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

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

Prince William County

Father

B. Willis


There is no such thing as "Transgender" - and Parents have the say in their kids' education

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There is no such thing as "Transgender" - don't cede the language.

Parents have the say in their kids' education.


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

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Stop the Trans nonsense! Parent rights always should prevail in education, both in schools and in the home!


chastity purity holiness

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parents have rights to protect their children from the evil of abortion.

please consider the unborn. their life. the life GOD gave them. amen.


Changes promote bullying and trauma

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Transgender student protections and protections for all LGBTQ+ students need to be maintained. The policies were put into place to prevent bullying and decrease trauma leading to mental health issues. Virginia school systems are supposed to have a zero bullying policy. By removing protections, you are participating in and condoning bullying!

My children, educated in the Albemarle County Virginia public education system, both suffered depression through adolescence because God made them non-heterosexual and society including students at school told them it was unacceptable. They both considered suicide as an option. Their sexuality didn't matter to me. I had no idea how much harm students and other adults in their life were doing to them. I didn't recognize what was going on until years later when I started studying mental health.

As part of my mental health training, I've spoken with many transgender individuals who have found peace in assuming the outside appearance of the gender of their soul. I've also spoken at length with individuals around the when did you know question; many said when they were three years old. If society allowed individuals to dress how they would choose including men in skirts and flowers, removed stereotypes and focused on individuals, and valued the act of sex more - then so much trauma could be avoided as everyone matures and finds their place in the world.

With regards to competing in athletics, extra testosterone can give an unfair advantage to a trans female. The female body generates some testosterone, perhaps acceptable level testing could be established. Instead of having male and female, we could have testosterone level competitions. This would be similar to how steroids have been treated in the past. Personally, I would de-emphasize athletics as too many fifth grade students without athletic ability see pro athletics as their only viable work option and schools should focus instead on exposing children of all ages to the wide range of productive vocations including those not requiring college degrees.


pro life

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parents have rights to protect their children from the evil of abortn. look at a video of an abortion. if you are not disgusted, you should be. amen


Support Parental Rights

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Support Parental Rights


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Diane zyats
9690 Fringe Tree Rd
Great Falls, VA 22066

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Diane zyats
<br />9690 Fringe Tree Rd<br />Great Falls, VA 22066<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148354842" width="1" height="1" />


Strongly opposed to the policy

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This policy is nothing more than a misbegotten attempt to court bigotry. These kids need help and support and this policy will take it away from them. It would replace a thoughtful evidence based policy that helps trans students with a policy of bigotry and exclusion.


Protect our kids! Trans supporters are workers for Satan

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<p>Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me. I do not approve of trans supporters preying on the kids. Let them be kids. It’s perverted and the work of the devil! So call me transphobic! </p>


Strongly Oppose

Educator, Researcher, & Parent of VA students

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Strongly Oppose

GLSEN conducts a nationwide survey of the experiences of LGBTQ+ students every few years. The most recent one states “Our research has indicated that transgender and nonbinary youth are at heightened risk for in-school discrimination that can greatly hinder their right to an education” (2019 School Climate Full Report, p.95). It is important to remember that nonbinary and transgender students make up a small percentage of the population (1-2%). That means these proposed discriminatory policies will not affect most students or parents but will negatively impact a small percentage of students who already experience discrimination. We are better than this, Virginia.

The “parental rights” argument is only being used to fuel fear. Parental rights are not in danger. Transgender and nonbinary people are a small percentage of the population. These guidelines are not evidence or research-based but rather based in fear. For decades teachers and students have used students’ preferred names and it wasn’t an issue until it became a policy that protected a marginalized group. A group that many are, unreasonably, afraid of. These policies are not about parental rights. These policies will make it harder not only for all transgender and nonbinary students but also those with supportive parents. Supportive parents will have to fight harder to make sure their children are treated with dignity, respect, and equality. What about those without supportive parents?

 I urge you to do research and make sure that policy is research-based and not a political stunt based on fear in order to rally up a specific group. Do not make our state another state with discriminatory policies, putting us on the wrong side of history when it comes to human rights and the treatment of others. Know better, do better, be better.


Strongly oppose this policy

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Transgender children deserve respect and to be give then time and space to figure out their identities on their own terms - including telling their parents if and when they are ready rather than being outed by school personnel. If we want our young people to thrive, we need to let them be who they are.

This is not really an issue of parents rights. This is an issue of students rights. And so many parents want their children to have freedom to thrive, which they can't have if this policy passes.


Strongly oppose the proposed changes that target Transgender youth

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This is a difficult stage of development, which does not need to made even harder for our vulnerable students. Students have nicknames. How can you even propose that I suddenly cannot call a student by the name that they use? Do you have ANY idea how many "Hunters" there are in a southern VA classroom that are not carrying birth certificates with that name on it? And no, not all of these kids are transgender. These changes are short sighted, unenforceable and unfair. This is pure Republican vs Democrat point scoring. Stop targeting our kids with your politics.


Sanity restored

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<p>Any school that adopted policy that excludes parents from involvement in their child's education and upbringing needs their leadership replaced. This should not be controversial. We send our children to school for academics.  In the face of abject failure on preparing children for college and beyond as a result of decades of progressive leadership in schools (recall these people were proponents of the devastating lockdowns), the schools shifted their focus completely away from academics to indoctrination with indefensible racist  ideologies such as CRT (masquerading as social-emotional learning) and transgenderism.  There are reasons why children cannot vote, purchase alcohol, or rent a car until ages 18, 21, and 25. Even putting aside the biological impossibility of being "transgender", no child is emotionally or legally able to make irreversible decisions without parental involvement.  It is appalling that school districts, including my own, would support such a misguided and twisted policy of shielding parents from their children's experience.  However, given that these are the same ignorant people who catastrophically locked down schoolsa nd sued the governor over masks, it's unfortunaely not surprising.  Thank you for restoring sanity. </p>


Strongly Support the new 2022 Model Policies

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


Please protect ALL children, parents truly know what's best for the children.

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Please protect ALL children! Parents truly know what's best for their children; let their voice be heard. Protect all the innocent children of all ages. This is terribly sad situation. Thank you Governor Younkin!


Opposed

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"Many cisgender and transgender students and their parents are  in opposition to the proposed policies. The message communicated seems clear: Different is not OK.  These policies reflect a fear-based response to transgender students and foster the belief that other students need to be protected from them. They create a tension filled learning environment, at very least, for all students, and trauma for transgender students.    Children learn best in a safe environment where they know they are supported. These policies fail to create safety for all students. Shame on us if we let this happen."


Transgender is not a political ideaology


Strongly oppose this; we need to support trans children!

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<p>Schools should be safe for ALL children and this guidance will hurt trans children and create an unsafe space for them. </p>


Transphobic because I don’t want my daughter to see penis and balls in her locker room? OK

You don’t agree? You must be scared. No I just have morals.

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You don’t agree? You must be racist or homophobic or fat phobic? Works every time right?


This is not a parental rights issue you doofs

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<p>Banning trans kids from bathrooms and sports are not parental rights issues.  They are trans rights issues. Reject this nonsense model policy that is rife with fear. </p>


Every single person who supports this is transphobic

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<p>You have nothing to be afraid of, just let people live.  I fully reject this. </p>


2022 Policy

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Strongly support this 2022 Policy submitted by Gov Younkin


I support policy to protect kids from adults that want to put boys in my little girls locker room.

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Seems like common sense… but not for liberals competing to see who can pretend to be the most “woke”. So much for the kids they proclaim to care about.


Support Trans Kids

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They're people too. Stop treating them like anything less.


Parents rights must be preserved. We support Youngkin and 2022 policy.

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As grandparents to six young granddaughters, five of which are in Virginia, 3 already in public schools, this is a very important issue to my husband and I. Virginia must protect its sche 2022 policy is a sensible approach to a brand-new cultural issue, which is very disturbing. Gov. Youngkin is allowing for respect of the very minute element of society which is actually transgender, without allowing for confused, or predatory, boys to enter the bathroom or locker room with my granddaughters. We know this practice has already led to the rape of two young women in Loudoun County. UNACCEPTABLE!  Youngkin's policy protects parental rights and provides for parents who think differently.


Support parents and children's rights

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Involving parents in school related decisions makes sense until it doesn't.  What provisions are being taken to support children when they live in homes where their identity is being rejected?  What provisions are in place to help children who are suffering?  It seems like there needs to be more nuance to these policies to support both parents and children.  These policies don't work and need to be revised.


Protect our children from the perverse ultra left liberals w/o any boundaries.

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The adults in northern Virginia have disappeared. Northern Virginia is now run by fat white angry women that would sell sacrifice their kids to prove they are even more woke than their fat white liberal neighbor. And people actually vote for this . Wake up!


Support the new model policy - Fairfax parent

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The new policies places parents at the center of their children during school, athletics and other activities. This is consistant with the Virginia Constitution
 If children are struggling with gender dysphoria, they need guidance and emotional support from parents. School officials no matter how well intentioned cannot replace parents or guardians. Importantly, they don't have the full context of what's going on at home or outside of school. Under the new policies, school officials must keep parents fully informed, and require schools to enforce laws, regulations and policies that prohibit and deter bullying or harassment. Thats important. Student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities and events should be determined by sex, e.g., for overnight travel accommodations and locker rooms. If there is a sport only offered to one sex accommodations or exceptions should be made. Students should use the bathrooms that correspond to their sex. Single-user bathrooms and facilities should be made available in accessible areas and provided with appropriate signage, indicating accessibility for all students. This helps protect everyone's privacy. Going to the bathroom or showering should not be a political act.


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<p>Support! This policy supports All students and their parents.  ALL parents should be involved and have a voice in their child's education!   </p>


Parents Care More+

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Please respect and protect parents caring for and guiding their children. I agree with Gov Youngkin’s efforts to return to parents for the formation of their own children. Parents love their children. The state/government does not+


Protect Trans Kids

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This policy endangers the lives of our children. Suicide is the leading cause of death for trans kids, the cause being depression and gender dysphoria. Not using a student's chosen name and pronouns has been strongly linked to causing dysphoria. We must protect our kids and self-expression is part of that. This policy is irresponsible and puts parents' political beliefs above children's lives.

"Data indicate that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth." (Austin A, Craig SL, D'Souza S, McInroy LB. Suicidality Among Transgender Youth: Elucidating the Role of Interpersonal Risk Factors. J Interpers Violence. 2022 Mar;37(5-6):NP2696-NP2718. doi: 10.1177/0886260520915554. Epub 2020 Apr 29. Erratum in: J Interpers Violence. 2020 Jul 29;:886260520946128. PMID: 32345113.)


Restore Parents' Rights in Education!

Dear Virginia Department of Education Officials,

Policies for transgender students implemented in states and school districts across the United States have sought to exclude parents from vital conversations about their child's education and wellbeing.

Former Governor Ralph Northam's administration chipped away at the rights of Virginia parents with its 2021 model policies for transgender students. Those policies explicitly stated that school officials were not always required to tell parents about their child's decision to use a new name and pronouns at school.

I'm writing in support of the Youngkin administration's new model policies, "On the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents In Virginia's Public Schools," which enshrine the rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their child while respecting all students across the Commonwealth.

Thank you for your commitment to parents' rights in education. I urge you to implement the policies as written and restore the right and responsibility of parents to make the best decisions for their child.

Regards,
Andy Anderson
30 Bellona Arsenal Rd
Midlothian, VA 23113

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Dear Virginia Department of Education Officials,<br /><br />Policies for transgender students implemented in states and school districts across the United States have sought to exclude parents from vital conversations about their child's education and wellbeing. <br /><br />Former Governor Ralph Northam's administration chipped away at the rights of Virginia parents with its 2021 model policies for transgender students. Those policies explicitly stated that school officials were not always required to tell parents about their child's decision to use a new name and pronouns at school. <br /><br />I'm writing in support of the Youngkin administration's new model policies, "On the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents In Virginia's Public Schools," which enshrine the rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their child while respecting all students across the Commonwealth. <br /><br />Thank you for your commitment to parents' rights in education. I urge you to implement the policies as written and restore the right and responsibility of parents to make the best decisions for their child.<br /><br />Regards,
<br />Andy Anderson
<br />30 Bellona Arsenal Rd<br />Midlothian, VA 23113<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657466/148352268" width="1" height="1" />


Parental rights

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There are 3 important players involved in the upbringing of a child.  In order of precedence they are as follows.

parents

parents

parents

It’s just that simple.

Parents must be the guiding light in terms of how their children are being raised.  They must act as gatekeepers.   Allowing others to interfere and rest control of children’s upbringing must be fought at every turn.   It is immoral, unethical, and simply wrong to allow others to control our children.  It is what happens in communist countries.  It is evil and it must be stopped.

Parents must be able to guide and control all processes.  This includes the parents role of establishing core values in their children.  Everyone else plays a supporting role.  Everyone.   Basically....these others need to work as directed...by the parents.  They are NOT in charge-nor should they be.   This includes the roles the church and the schools.  They must accept that the roles they play is one that subservient to the wishes of the parents.

This just isn’t that difficult.


I respectfully yet strongly OPPOSE!

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These policies are going to restrict student rights!


TRANS PEOPLE DESERVE SAFE SPACES AND RESPECT

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<p>Forced outing of trans people (and other queer people) is dangerous and can result in the individual being disowned and sometimes killed. It is NEVER okay to out someone. If a kid feels comfortable enough to tell a trusted adult, that adult should never be FORCED to tell parents! If the parents have not been told by the child THERE IS A REASON and breaking the child’s trust by telling the parents can have DISASTROUS results for the kid. Children’s lives and privacy matter just as much as the adults’ responsible for them. </p>


State administered bigotry

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<p>Weaponizing state-level bureaucracy in order to punish children to score political points and raise the governor’s national profile is not only unforgivably small minded, it is patently unAmerican and flies in the face of the founding ideals and collective identity of our nation. </p>


strongly SUPPORT the new policies honoring parents' rights and protecting students

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The new policies honor the role of parents in the care of their children.

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

Students should use the bathrooms that correspond to their sex.  Single-user bathrooms could solve some problems.

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


Thank you, Governor Youngkin, for upholding parental rights!

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<p>Kids need their parents, not the state, to raise, guide, and direct them. Period. </p>


True Patriots Oppose DOE 22-23 Model Policy

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Trans kids deserve the same rights as other kids. This policy will open them up to more bullying, harassment, and discrimination than they already suffer on a daily basis. This is harmful, hateful, and un-American.


Strongly support Parental Rights

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I strongly support parental rights.   Governor Youngkin is correct.


Strongly support these policies!

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<p>As a Northern VA mom, I strongly support these Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. Thank you for supporting families as a whole with these policies- thank you for showing common sense, reason and true care and concern for children, especially those wrestling with gender dysphoria,  through these policies. </p>


Parents can't support their child if they don't know what's happening to them

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Some people here are insisting that this will supposedly harm trans kids. However, parents definitely will not support their kid if they have no idea what is happening to their child. It's ridiculous to suggest that breaking the bond between parent and child will help the child. I could use that same logic to say that since some teachers have assaulted students, no teachers should be involved in their students lives. In fact, this seems like the more accurate statement judging from the increase in reports of teachers abusing children and trying to teach them about leftist talking points and porn such as gender queer behind the parents backs.


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose Gov. Youngkin's 2022 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.

Transgender students in Virginia should be allowed to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity, play sports on teams that align with their gender identity, and have their names and pronouns respected in schools. To do otherwise is to inflict trauma on transgender students in our state and infringe upon their right to a safe and free education.


Policy based on the minority?

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Since when does the government have to feel compelled to make broad-sweeping policy that offers preferential treatment to a small group of people? Neither government nor schools have the right to make decisions regarding a child that is a dependent. This right belongs to the parent and the parent only! So instead we see movements all over the country where schools ask the entire student body to bend to the needs of the transgender in use of bathrooms, participation in sports, etc. Thank you Gov. Youngkin for keeping your campaign promise of insisting that issues that pertain to the educational environment of our children belong to their parents!


Support- boys rooms are for boys

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<p>Stop this weirdness created by the teachers and school boards. </p>


keep parents rights

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I support gov on parents rights


Protect parental rights and religious freedom in the counseling of children

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<p>Leave our children alone. Keep your filthy hands off our children. </p>


Support Governor Younkin and this 2022 model guidance

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I support parental and family values.  I support Governor younkin. I support the 2022 Model guidance.

thank you


Parental Rights

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Every child born has been brought into this world through the love of a man and a woman, a male and a female, the child's parents.  It is absolutely offensive for a government entity to usurp the God given rights of those parents by keeping parents from having a say in their children's education.

I support the "Model Policies" proposal of Governor Younkin and encourage its passage.

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

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

William Blatnik


Who protects the kids?

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I strongly oppose this Policy. In what world do we grant equality with parent permission? Why aren’t we fighting for better healthcare, or homeless shelters? Instead, why do you  force kids, that’s children, to come out to potentially abusive and/or unsupportive parents? Why do you simply let children turn to suicide? They have nowhere left to go! You talk a big talk about the safety of the children of America, but in the end, we don’t see you protecting children . We see what? We see a transphobic government that has no care for the kids. We see you lie to us, repeatedly. When will you protect us?


Strongly agree with parental rights!

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<p>This policy is putting the decisions of sex education back into the hands of the parents where it belongs. </p>


Oppose 2022 Model Policies

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<p>I strongly oppose the 2022 Model Policy regarding parental rights and transgender students. Students must feel safe in our schools in order to learn, and this policy undermines their safety. </p>


New Parent Policies

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I support new parent policies


Support the protection of children

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I support the rights of parents to educate their own children in matters of sexual education.   It is not the right of schools to indoctrinate children with sexual mores.   The obscene comments of many opposed to this, prove what direction this indoctrination will go.   To allow this is a pathway for predators as well.

Examples from around the country demonstrate the extremes that people will go to promote sexual topics to very young children.

Support for this is protection of children as well as parents.


Protect and Restore Rights to Parents

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As a teacher, I firmly believe in the role of parents as the primary educators of their children. Please adopt these guidelines so that parents have a role in raising their children. Parents need the freedom to talk to their children about how they feel about themselves so that they can best help them live a full and happy life.


Strongly support parental rights.

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Strongly support parental rights. Our children do not belong to the STATE!


Let parents be parents!

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


Support Restoring Parents' Role


Restore Parents' Rights in Education!

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Parents should be explicitly acknowledged and treated as the primary educators of their own children.


Support! Let parents be parents, not the state

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<p>Let parents parent! </p>


Support the guidelines and girls

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Girls have a right to be separated from males in bathrooms and changing rooms. If they are uncomfortable.that is important also. Stop taking away girls rights.


Support

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<p>I read the policy and it is common sense. Adults trying to keep sex secrets with kids should be investigated.  </p>


Strongly oppose

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Outing transgender children to their parents when they specifically avoid coming out to them will get trans children abused. It will result in a higher depression rate for trans children. It will get trans children disowned. It will get trans children kicked out.  And by extension of all of these, it will get trans children killed.

The transgender children in question, who are not coming out to their parents and only using their proper name, identity, and pronouns at school where they know they will be safe and by all means should be safe, are not coming out to their parents for extremely good reason.

I cannot emphasize this enough: outing transgender children to unaccepting parents will get transgender children killed. This will get children killed.

Trans rights are human rights. Protect trans kids. This is not up for debate.


Explanation of Creation of man and women belongs to the parents and their faith of choosing

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The Bible through Genesis tells us God created man it’s image.   Then placed the first man in a garden to care for it (Genesis 2:15), and then He says, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (verse 18). So God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and He took a rib from the man’s side from which He made a woman (verses 21–22).

Any deviation of this teaching (how God created a man and a women) belongs to the parents, the primary educators of their Children and the State should not intervine.  The State, at parents request may provide funding to support families in counseling and/or treatment when parents feel that their children may not understand their relationship to being a Man or Women.


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

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


Protect Emotionally Vulnerable Children and Parental Rights!

Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
William Sexton
1370 Ontario St
Cleveland, OH 44113

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />William Sexton
<br />1370 Ontario St<br />Cleveland, OH 44113<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148340456" width="1" height="1" />


Strongly supportModel Policies to be instituted in Va schools

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<p>I strongly support the Model Policies Gov Youngkin </p>
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Model Policies to be instituted in Va schools


Strongly Oppose

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I am a recent graduate of an LCPS high school and a cisgender woman. I would feel completely safe sharing a bathroom with a transgender person. My transgender classmates deserve an environment to learn in that doesn't have a scientifically demonstrable death toll via transphobia that is significantly heightened for them. Stripping their current rights would not be beneficial to me as a student at all.


Oppose!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose Governor Youngkin's 2022 proposed model policy that would remove and replace the 2021 model policies on the treatment of trans and non-binary youth in schools. The Governor's proposed model policy is based in ignorance at best and transphobia at worst. The 2021 model policy aims to provide an inclusive and affirming learning environment, whereas the Governor's proposed replacement would create a hostile and potentially dangerous environment. LEAVE THESE VULNERABLE KIDS OUT OF YOUR POLITICAL PLOYS!