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

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<p>This proposed policy is harmful to trans and other marginalized students. </p>


Oppose, like, why are you like this?

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<p>There is absolutely nothing positive to be gained by taking away rights from LGBTQIA youth in schools. 100% nothing. If parents are “so concerned” about their kids getting involved with something they deem bad for their health, they can just TALK TO THEIR KIDS. Removing these rights will cause mental and physical distress for LGBTQIA youth, they already feel unsafe in a school setting due to gun violence. Why are you trying to make things worse? Why does someone’s choice regarding their own body make YOU so uncomfortable? It’s a little creepy that you’re thinking so much about someone else’s body honestly. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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Strongly strongly strongly oppose!!!!


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly opposes these policy changes -- we must protect our kids!


Strongly Oppose in the highest possible way.

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This policy is very hurtful and obviously aimed to hurt transgender students.

Forcing kids to be outed to their parents (that are possibly transphobic and could abuse their child for being trans) is outrageous and only an insane person would think about enacting these policies. Youngkin is out of line with these policies, and these policies are most likely illegal. THESE POLICIES DONT DO ANY GOOD, THEY ONLY HURT!

Listen to the students. About 100 schools have walked out today, September 27th in opposition to this policy of hate. 100 schools. This is obviously a very unpopular policy and should not be enacted. Multiple thousands of students walked out.

STUDENTS HAVE A VOICE! WE WANT YOU TO LISTEN TO US!

Delegate Danica Roem said: “You have to realize [the threat of being outed] is reality for far too many kids who do not come from supportive households. You might think, This is 2022, people don’t do that anymore. Just because someone is out, you know, they do — absolutely, yes, they do.”

Youngkin is out of line. We will continue to fight against these hateful policies until they don't exist anymore.

I ask you, Governor Youngkin, to stop with this policy, stop being transphobic, and support transgender students. Please.


Opposed to Youngkins plan against trans kids

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This is just wrong on every level. This is discrimination and a political ploy at the expensive of young Americans. Shameful. We are not going back to the 1930s & 1940s.

I support lgbt students expressing their identity safely and using their chosen names/pronouns and lgbt deserve special protection and treatment and a safe place to be.

Stop trying to put lgbt back in the closet and keep your god out of my health care and my right to self determination.


Support Transgender Rights

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Support Transgender Rights !!!!


Very strongly oppose

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This is truly horrible. Imagine transgender kids who come from really conservative family's. Imagine them getting thrown out of their house. Maybe their safe place. Imagine the bullying and harassment. Its really not okay for a county that claims to put mental health first. Because this whatever it is, is not helping in any way shape or form. It poses a HUGE threat to mental health. What if younkin makes a don't say gay bill? I'm a lesbian and I'm having really bad panic attacks thinking about how horrible this could get. Think of all the people that will be kicked to the curb for being comfortable. Being who they are. Its a really scary thing. This shouldn't be our country's norm. Its really screwed up. Its really homophobic and transphobic. And think about all of the suicides that will come from this. And therapy is NOT cheap. This truly makes me sick.


Horrible policy with the  propose changes

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As a mother of a transgender beautiful young woman, I strongly oppose Youngkin’s attempts to restrict their freedoms and protections.

Trans rights are human rights and we need to protect our most vulnerable students.  We must protect their right to privacy!  I am thankful my daughter is out of the Fairfax County Public school system now & doesn’t have to endure this horrifying & cruel proposed policy.


I strongly agree with Governor Younkin

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I strongly agree with Governor Younkin!!!


I oppose this legislation

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As a teacher and parent of a transgender child I adamantly oppose this legislation And will not honor it within my classroom.


Oppose

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These children need support not suppression. Allow all children to be authentic to themselves, including LGBTQ+ children. Not everyone fits the simple, non-diverse mold that you are trying to put them in.


strongly opposed


Support.

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Support, this gives power back to parents and stops children from harming themselves.


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September 27, 2022

RE: Comments on Commonwealth of Virginia Model Polices on the Privacy Dignity and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.

To Whom It May Concern

I strongly support the proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy Dignity and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.

Specifically, parental rights, freedom of speech and child safeguarding are of the utmost importance when teachers are interacting with students.

Parental rights must be upheld. I agree that parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children. All families do not believe in transgender ideology and that value and belief must be support and respected. Schools should be forthcoming to parents with information about student’s well-being including health, social and psychological development. Parents may choose to not have their student participate in school counseling, sex education, and other lessons where ideology is taught.

Free speech must be upheld as a tenant of our freedom to hold different beliefs. Compelled speech is an affront to our democracy and constitution.

Child safeguarding means bullying is not allowed. Child safeguarding means that single sex bathrooms are available. It is difficult for me to teach consent to my autistic daughter when girls with penises are allowed in girls bathrooms and lockerrooms. Single user bathrooms can be made available to transgender students.

Child safeguarding means that girls born male should not be competing on teams with girls.

Child safeguarding means teaching age-appropriate scientific facts with regard to sex education. I hope that this administration can review and evaluate sex education curriculum being taught in the Commonwealth’s schools. Sex education that veers toward ideological beliefs should not be taught in our schools. It is also not appropriate to be teaching children about kink and fetishes, even high school aged children.

Child safeguarding means that the Commonwealth of Virginia should consider its policies regarding transgender teachers and outside organizations that helping to run student organizations.

Sincerely,

Nancy Kolb


OPPOSE

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<p>To institute these discriminatory and hateful policies is akin to returning to a time of fear, prejudice, and persecution. </p>


NO MORE WOKENESS in SCHOOL

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No more!

Everyone in this country has the same rights and rules to follow.

LGBTQ+ folks do not need special rights and rules. They should not force such policies to people who are not comfortable with it. Just like Christians do not force other people with different beliefs to believe the same thing.

You just enjoy your LGBTQ+ life, but don't force other people to have the same opinion and views as yours.


Equality and safety for all

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The Guidance says "each child is a unique individual with distinctive abilities and characteristics that should be valued and respected. All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. The Department supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students. Thus, we have a collective responsibility to address topics such as the treatment of transgender students with necessary compassion and respect for all students."

If a child has requested to be identified as different gender than the one at birth, this should be respected by the school.  It isn't harder to call a child by a preferred name or pronoun than a preferred nickname. Additionally, if a child has come out at school, not at home, they feel safer at school than home from bullying and discrimination and the denial of both respecting their preferences at school and not sharing with their parents goes against the rest.  That is disrespectful of the child and can be literally dangerous to their well-being.


Thank you Governor Youngkin

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<p>I pray God will give you wisdom to make decisions that honor Him as our Creator and Author of our lives. </p>


Oppose this inhuman act of overreach by a pandering governor

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As a parent and taxpayer in Northern Virginia, I strongly oppose the governor wasting taxpayer funds by speculating on the genitals of children in our schools and menacing them based on what they want to wear or be called by their classmates and the teachers who are supposed to be protecting them and encouraging their development and growth. It's discriminatory and disgusting overreach of our state government, and absolutely not the purview of the governor.

I think if he were in Virginia instead of campaigning in Arizona, Glenn Youngkin would know that.


Strongly oppose this. Transgender rights are human rights.

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<p>All children deserve human rights and this proposal is inhumane and harmful. </p>


Strongly agree


Strongly opposed

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Oppose because I don’t want a trans man in the women’s bathroom.


My Virginia-based Family is Strongly Opposed

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Solidarity with the trans youth of Virginia ?


Transgender

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Is there a group for women that have been assaulted by a person with a penis in or near a women's restroom, locker room, port-a-potty, or outhouse? Renee Richard knows, but would never admit.


Support

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<p>I support that parents should have all say in what is happening to their children in the public school system. Parents need to be more involved and should know exactly what is being taught to our children in the public school system, never should there be secrets. I feel the public school system cares more about teaching pronouns and trans concepts than teaching history, math and English. Lets worry more if our children can spell add and subtract instead of what sex the child decides they are that day and what pronouns to use. God does not make mistakes so stop pushing this on our kids and just support them in their studies and leave the rest to mom and dad or grandma and grandpa. (or whoever is the guardian) if that parent/guardian supports it then that is a their choice but do not push that on each teacher or student to have to call them by that pronoun. Everyone should be protected yes, but that is also for those who do not support this and lets get back to what kids do in school and that is learn, stop pushing a agenda and push for students to do the very best they can do and worry about grades not sex. </p>


Stongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this anti-trans executive order. First of all, trans kids are already dealing with serious issues that effect their mental health and wellbeing. We do not need this policy to add to their stress level. The reason it will negatively affect them is because some parents are not accepting and if they need permission from their parents to use their new name/pronouns, then this will not be allowed by their parents. School is often a safe place for these kids, and now they have to worry that the school will out them to their parents, some of whom will suffer abuse or be kicked out of their homes and become homeless. Suicides will increase and this is completely unnecessary. I have two daughters in the public school, and they are certainly not worried about transgender kids in their bathrooms or sports teams. They are actually worried about being shot at school by a school shooter. So perhaps you can focus your energy on that issue instead to save lives. Trans kids are probably the most vulnerable people in our population and they need our support. </p>


STRONGY OPPOSE

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Please don't set our commonwealth back another 50 years.  Trans rights are human rights, and trans students deserve to be treated with respect.


Oppose

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<p> Treat students with respect.  That should be the policy.  Very simple.  Gov. Youngkin said parents should have a say in their child's education.  Well, I am a parent.  Treat all students with dignity and respect.  Start there.  </p>


Adamantly Oppose

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This proposed policy is callous and potentially dangerous. I adamantly oppose its implementation.

As a father of two young children I am sympathetic to the notion that parents should have the final say in the care and raising of their children. But not all parents even believe that a transgender identity is real, let alone are supportive enough to file paperwork with a school.

There may be students who only feel comfortable expressing their "sincerely felt and believed" identity at school. Why is the state requiring a student to out themselves before the state will do something as simple as use a different name. It's simply a fact that transgender youth face some of the highest risks for bullying, harassment, assault, and as a result have some of the highest rates of suicidal ideation, attempts, and tragically actually committing suicide.

Transgender youth already have enough hurdles and barriers placed in front of them. I make my opposition to this policy known to the governor and I hope you'll pursue more compassionate and loving policies towards some of society's most at risk.


Just like Montana

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We have these terrible people here in Montana too, believing their cruelty might look like righteousness. History remembers.


Protecting kids from being raped and schools covering it up for “trans safety” and “inclusivity”

Loudoun Parent, will not go back to leftist ways

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Stop the indoctrination of our kids!  Parents and kids first!!


I oppose these harmful polciies

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Inspired by the thousands of Virginia students who walked out of school today in protest of the Governor's proposal, I write today in opposition to these anti-trans policies.

Public education -- where everyone is valued, seen and heard -- is vital to a strong, vibrant and successful Commonwealth.

These policies would target trans students, creating an unsafe learning environment and community for trans Virginians and for all people.

As the father of two public school students in a diverse community, I ask you to rescind these policies, and work instead to build an even stronger, more inclusive, even more successful public education system across the Commonwealth. Thank you.


Support and Require of all School Boards

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I strongly support the new policy.  It is kind and compassionate but also seeks to protect "cisgender" children as they also have a right to be as they were born and safe in their bathrooms and classrooms without being brainwashed into thinking there's something wrong with them.

I also support any fashion of requiring all localities to follow the protocols of higher government instead of wasting tax payer dollars on fighting the Governor.


Strongly Support Parental Rights

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Glenn Young King is right!

Parents should have a say!


Strongly Oppose

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<p>These changes are rooted in transphobia and meant to get hits on conservative shows to fuel Youngkin's political ambitions. This is targeting an extremely vulnerable group of students and does not enhance student safety. Forcibly outing students will have a lifelong impact, and will directly contribute to catastrophic outcomes like suicide. Suicide among the trans community already outpaces the populace by 26 times. This will set up students for discrimination, transphobia/homophobia, and risk ostracizing them from family or other support systems. </p>


Oppose!!! 110% oppose

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Our children are hurting ENOUGH right now. For so many students this is their safe zone, school is where they feel safest. If we approve this I fear more kids willkill themselves or run away. Teachers should be a safe place for students. A place where kids are free to be them. We need to oppose this to save children's lives.


The Governor is an embarrassment to our state

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This policy is not only illegal, but will further alienate children who are already struggling with feelings of being different. How can you claim to know what is best in any given situation?  Not every child is brought up in a home where they can feel safe regardless of how they express themselves. Not every home is happy and welcoming. Sometimes a child may only find safety in an authority figure outside the home, such as a teacher or guidance counselor. Just because you are close-minded doesn't mean children should suffer as a result.


STRONGLY OPPOSE !!!

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Transgender rights are human rights


Opposed t o Younkins proposals for Trans

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I am extremely opposed to Younkin's proposal for trans students in school.  It is harmful to the students and is an effort to take our state backwards.


Abusive policies!!!

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So much of the support for these violently transphobic policies is based on the idea that parents have an absolute right to control their children. That's the mindset of an abuser. Underage people are still people, and they have the right to live their lives regardless of the wishes of the people who procreated them. It's no coincidence that parents often abuse, reject, and evict their transgender children. They are enlisting the state to help them further harm their own children.

These model policies are state-sanctioned abuse of children.


oppose this backwards misguided thinking

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kids have it hard enough without you imposing draconian rules developed by the religious minority upon the silent majority


Strongly oppose the 2022 guidelines

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In comparison to the 2021 guidelines, I strongly oppose the 2022 guidelines because they literally cut out all the LGBTQ friendly guidelines.  Students should be respected for who they express themselves to be. Being seen, heard, and validated is at the core of being a human and who really cares that much if trans youth or non binary people express themselves differently?

I think it’s dangerous for the mental health of young people to have to conform to the expectations of others while sacrificing their individual preferences and expressions.  I am an ER nurse and I cannot tell you how many trans LGBTQ children and teens I have personally taken care of who are suicidal because of threats, bullying, and an overall dismissive culture from their peers, parents, and schools.  It’s not okay.  Our society needs to recognize people for who they choose to authentically be.


100% SUPPORT FROM MOTHER OF TWO.  Thank you!

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We 100% support Governor Youngkin on this issue.


Strongly SUPPORT

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Parents have the ultimate decision authority when it comes to the cultural and social aspects of the education, not the government. No school or government authorities should force the parents to do something that do not want.

Gender identity, for example, should be addressed at the public health sector since it is mental disorder. It should NOT be something that need to be pushed into the school system in any way. If someone is not comfortable with the ones who has this gender identity issues/problems, that person should not be forced to comply with the rules set up by the gender identity advocates.


Oppose this discriminatory policy

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By pushing forward this discriminatory policy, the most vulnerable children are left with little protection. We are adults and need to speak up for and look out for all children. This policy was born from myopic and calculated hate. In 2022 we need to be better than this.


100% Support

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As a parent of one current and three former public school students in Virginia, I 100% support the guidance and applaud Governor Younkin's efforts.


Support new policy

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<p>Please finalize these updated 2022 model policies as written without removing any of the key protections to restore parental involvement in the process and protect children’s privacy and safety rights.  The school/government is not responsible for raising our children, parents are responsible.  </p>


This is not a law about parental rights, this is about further disenfranchising a group of people

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If you are a parent who is loving and nurturing and will love your kids no matter what they do and who they are, that is wonderful. However, if you are a parent who abuses their children emotionally and/ or physically when they disagree with your core beliefs, then this executive order is a potential powderkeg.

I teach students who are afraid to be themselves around their parents because they are worried that their parents will react harshly and possibly violently if the student tells them that they are gay or transgender.

The previous executive order on this subject helped to protect students from harm at the hands of other people, including family members in some circumstances. Protecting students is the number one job of teachers and staff at schools. It is awful when we have to protect children from their parents, but it happens more often than most of you would be willing to believe.


Getting government out of our choices and freedoms

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It is sad that I feel that I must submit this comment anonymously, however in this charged environment it is factual that people will put effort into creating chaos against other citizens over opinions. That said, however, I want government to govern, I do not want it impinging on my rights and choices or those of my children I want that standard to apply to all families. Get rid of the talking points and score keeping of cultural wars and stand up for people, love people and protect all of our rights.

I support the lgbtqia2s+, and all identities, in opposing this measure and call it for what it is, a shameful dehumanizing political stunt.


Truly terrible

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<p>I oppose this terrible policy. We must protect ALL children, and that includes transgender youth. </p>


You CANT support this AND protect kids. SELFISH PARENTS.

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Selfish! All these parents in here ing and moaning about “parent’s rights” and “keep kids safe” YOU’RE ALL SELFISH, YOU ARE NOT PUTTING YOUR CHILDREN FIRST!!! THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU!!! YOU’LL ALL BE DEAD ANYWAYS. :) let your children enjoy their lives, stop exposing them to things YOU don’t believe in. Let THEM THINK FOR THEMSELVES!


Support of Transgender Rights

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Governor Youngkin's action against transgender students is nothing more than a cruel, heartless political stunt designed to placate the small minority who refuse to recognize, and live in, an evolving world. The Governor's order is not based on science or any other factual basis. It is, instead, cruelty for the sake of cruelty. Governor, rescind this hateful, harmful ban.


Youngkin Places a Target on the Backs of Transgender Youth

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Gov. Youngkin is placing a target on the backs of young transgender people who will now be scorned and shamed with deeply harmful long-term consequences and societal costs.  He panders to those whose ignorance and prejudice override both facts and compassionate acceptance of others.

It won't work.  Young people will continue to realize their authentic selves, even in the face of Youngkin's Cruel Controls.

As one with deep Virginia roots, I hope that the state's cities will resoundingly reject these policies.


OPPOSE

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<p>This policy is a travesty against Virginia's queer and trans youth. It is a complete breach of privacy and puts an already disenfranchised group at even more risk by taking away control over their own identity and dialouge by outting them to their parents without consent. Do better VA. </p>


why are you more worried about the parents than the childre4n

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<p>Trans students make up .003% of the 49.5 million students estimated to be in the public education system. These policies being adopted against trans teens is ridiculous. It's a targeted attack. Suicide rates for trans children are already high. Taking away these safety measures is putting children at risk. </p>


Strongly Oppose Proposed Transgender Policy

Denying transgender and non-binary kids the right to use their pronouns and to be called by their names in school only if they have the consent of their parents will create an unsafe environment for these kids. Not every transgender and non-binary kid has the support of their own family, which makes them less likely to get this written permission and makes them even more vulnerable.
According to the Trevor Project, statistics show trans and non-binary kids are 50% LESS likely to commit suicide when people address them by their chosen pronouns and names. It’s such a small step to take that can save countless lives. Why does the Governor want to make vulnerable kids less safe?Schools should support and create a positive environment for ALL kids. These proposed actions makes it less safe for marginalized and vulnerable students. I strongly oppose these new policies. Do better, Virginia.

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Denying transgender and non-binary kids the right to use their pronouns and to be called by their names in school only if they have the consent of their parents will create an unsafe environment for these kids. Not every transgender and non-binary kid has the support of their own family, which makes them less likely to get this written permission and makes them even more vulnerable.

According to the Trevor Project, statistics show trans and non-binary kids are 50% LESS likely to commit suicide when people address them by their chosen pronouns and names. It’s such a small step to take that can save countless lives. Why does the Governor want to make vulnerable kids less safe?

Schools should support and create a positive environment for ALL kids. These proposed actions makes it less safe for marginalized and vulnerable students. I strongly oppose these new policies. Do better, Virginia.


Fully Support

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<p>Thank you for bringing common sense back.  These are our kids and so many stories about kids regretting it and committing suicide.  They look to use and it is imperative we keep the the foundation of family </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>As a parent who does not have a child that this will effect but friends of my child that it will.  I oppose everything about this.  Trans Rights!  </p>


Caving in to religious extremism - OPPOSE this change

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All you hate-filled fake christians just are as intolerant and protective of your beliefs as the Taliban.

Youngkin, you're self-serving wannabe fascist using trans kids as a culture weapon to satisfy your narcissistic goals.


Revised Statutes Require Harassment

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As a teaching professional, I take issue with the following proposed change: (D3, pg 16) "[School Division] personnel shall refer to each student using only the pronouns appropriate to the sex appearing in the student’s official record - that is, male pronouns for a student whose legal sex is male, and female pronouns for a student whose legal sex is female."

As teachers and polite human beings, we follow the lead of students in their choice of name. School information systems (SIS) are equipped for this, listing student legal name AND nickname/name choice on every roster for easy reference. If Mitchell goes by Riley or Virginia goes by Ginnie or Virgil, we are informed and expected to roll with it. (In case older readers think requesting to be called by a different name is something new, cringeworthy, and egregious, consider that generations of Richards in Virginia have required classmates and teachers to refer to them as "Dick," and we have done so.) Complying with those naming wishes is simply being a polite human being and following social norms.

Requiring a teacher to call someone a name they don't recognize or respond to is requiring that teacher to harass, according to the US EEOC ("Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, older age (beginning at age 40), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history).) This administration is putting teachers in an untenable and precarious position.

Also these revisions represent an inexcusable amount of state energy, man hours, and  taxpayer funding to police a small number of students who identify as transgender. As a taxpayer against wasteful spending, I object to the administration's prioritizing of policing children/identity politics when attention and funds would be better paid to desperate needs, like upgrading school facilities, remedial education to address the steep COVID-related drop in VA test scores, filling teacher vacancies in high-need schools, and funding for smaller teacher:student ratios.


Agree

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Thank you for working towards bringing back common sense. Parents need to be involved in their children's lives 100%.


Support for kids

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I strongly oppose the Governor's proposal. School needs to be a place of support and learning for ALL children, where they are accepted for who they are. If a child's parents don't support their child's emotional well-being, the child needs to know that they have that support at school. Their voices matter, and their view of who they are is the most important one and should be supported.


Do NOT alter the present transgender policy

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     Does VDOE affirm that Black students should have equal educational rights as majority-race students. It is my belief that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 MANDATES that they do indeed have such equal educational rights. My understanding is that VDOE is unable to receive federal money if they violate those rights.

    If you enact the Youngkin policy of bias against transgender youth, you return this minority group to educational Jim Crow status. You engage in clear BIAS versus them. This is contrary to God's law, to human decency and to - I am sure - many aspects of existing statute law. DON'T DO IT.

   You are well aware that an overwhelming number of Virginians oppose these transphobic policies. These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids.

    You folks at VDOE are also ware that "Data indicate that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth. Using minority stress theory and the interpersonal theory of suicide, this [ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345113/] study aims to better understand suicide risk among transgender youth."

   VDOE must NOT be in the position of assisting the suicide of Virginia's students. YOU WILL BE LIABLE TO LAWSUITS. You must ignore the suicide-enhancing Youngkin brutalism.


New policy on transgender students

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<p>Support Youngkin’s new policy for transgender students. ALL students must be considered in making school policies. </p>


Keep boys and girls separate. I support this bill.

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<p>I support our Gov.s proposal </p>


Strongly oppose

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Not all kids have supportive parents; decisions should be made on an individual case basis. School counselors and the student should decide whether to involve the parents. The state should not get involved.

Gender neutral bathrooms should be made available to students.


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1000% opposed to this. Enough with this Handmaid’s Tale **** republicans keep pushing on us


OPPOSE

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<p>I oppose the draft policy and want the VDOE to reject them. </p>


Inclusion and Teaching are your responsibility, I will do the rest.

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Without inclusion, you condone exclusion. Without acceptance, you condone bias. Public School are to be an inclusive, healthy learning environment. You should not have school policy built around a religious belief/definition of what is acceptable, that is against our constitution!


Abuser mindset. Parents do not own their children.

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So much of the support for these violently transphobic policies is based on the idea that parents have an absolute right to control their children. That's the mindset of an abuser. Underage people are still people, and they have the right to live their lives regardless of the wishes of the people who procreated them. It's no coincidence that parents often abuse, reject, and evict their transgender children. They are enlisting the state to help them further harm their own children.

These model policies are state-sanctioned abuse of children.


100% Support

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Parents are responsible for their children (not the government; not the teachers) and so should have a decision and be informed in these important matters which nearly everyone agrees are, at a minimum, are very delicate topics.  100% support these new policies.


Vehemently Opposed

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I strongly oppose this bill.

Transgender rights are human rights. Innocent children should not be used for an attempted political gain. It's disgusting.

All children enrolled in Virginia public schools are 100% entitled to a free and SAFE learning environment. A state policy treating trans kids as "less than" is tantamount to child abuse. Furthermore, giving adults additional power to abuse and ridicule a child is not only wrong, it could be deadly.  Do NOT give power to those that seek to bully and humiliate.

Finally, this is Illegal: it is in violation of the ADA

 - Grimm v. Gloucester County

It needs to be withdrawn immediately. This should not even be a discussion.


Adamantly Oppose This Guidance

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I have worked with teen and young adult youth for decades, as a victim advocate and a teacher. The new guidance may seem well-intentioned, but based on my experience, it is incredibly harmful. Most LGBTQ+ youth have very good reasons not to tell their parents about their gender identities--especially those from traditional faiths and cultures. This guidance will "out" them before they are ready, and very possibly lead them to be further harmed by parents who believe that something is wrong with their children, that they can be "fixed" or that the only answer is to abuse or reject them.

Why are you recommending policies that will lead to an increase in mental health crises and suicides in youth? According to the Trevor Project, 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. and less than 1/3 felt supported or affirmed at home. Conversely, LGBTQ youth who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support. That said, there is no way to be sure that parents will be supportive of their children. Most are not, because they are as ignorant about sexual identity as Gov. Youngkin and his administration. What do you propose to do to educate parents about this BEFORE their children attempt to kill themselves?

Muzzling teachers  and schools who wish to be affirming violates their first amendment rights and puts LGBTQ+ children in serious danger. And by the way, one does not "groom" children into becoming trans. They either are or aren't. Just as people are not "groomed" into become lesbian, gay or bisexual. This is a biological issue, and it's time you accepted the science.

There's no shame in admitting that you are wrong on this issue. Don't be on the wrong side of history or science. Rescind this guidance document.

Claire Kaplan, Ph.D.


STRONGLY SUPPORT this return of parental rights!!

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<p>We must keep our kids safe from the liberal ideologue running rampant in this country.  Kids are confused enough without filling their brains with this garbage without informing parents. Just ask a transgender adult who regrets their decision... they're out there. </p>


Support the policy

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So many of these comments are filled with dramatics.  They are probably the same voices who said all students and teachers would be killed if they returned to in-class learning.

I firmly believe that all children (trans included) should feel safe and welcomed at school and never ever bullied.  Ever.  That said, it is unreasonable for the vast majority of children to be forced into a situation for one person if that one person can use a private facility.  Schools are not here to fix America's ills.  They are here to educate.  Period.  Parents are there to raise their children and hopefully that would include compassion.  But ultimately, I agree with parental rights.


Oppose this Archaic Rhetoric

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Looks like the Taliban is setting up shop in Virginia…


Comments From A Voter and Recent Graduate

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My name is Sophie, and I graduated from a Virginia public school in 2020. The people who made this "guidance" have zero understanding of teenagers and their school experience, and it shows. At the beginning of every year, my teachera would go through the roster and ask if anyone wanted to go by something different than their legal name. If they did, no fuss, no problem. If a kid wanted to go by certain pronouns, they'd usually approach the teacher after class and ask. That's it. No state government involved, no parent permissions, just asking soon to be adults how they'd like to be addressed. Some of these students are only a year or two from voting, and we're treating them as if they have no independence, no agency. Children need to have room to figure out who they are, to grow, to make mistakes, and school is a major part of that. By stifling these students' ability to choice something simple as a name or pronoun, we are setting them up for failure in their future. Not to mention the abuse and toxicity some of these kids may experience currently because of these guidelines. You aren't letting children be children, you're creating Footloose 2.0 and sticking the government where it doesn't need to be. I fully oppose these guidelines, and if it comes to pass, I will vote against those who made that happen.


I strongly oppose

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<p>“We the people” means everyone. Worst, most bigoted governor we have had in a long time. Lied your way into office. Quit using our children as political pawns!</p>


dumbass policies

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trans students deserve better


Strongly oppose!

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<p>This is a poor attempt to target LGBTQ people, masked as “parental rights” — NOPE. OPPOSED. </p>


Why should schools be involved in this type of decision making?

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Who is the school; teachers, school board members, etc. to be in charge of my child’s life changing decisions? Is it not more appropriate for the parent and a proper therapist to help these children determine where these feelings originate? Just because children go to public schools does not mean that they are a ward of the state.

I believe that a school being involved in such matters are one, not qualified and two, actually fueling the fire and making the child even more confused!

Who will be there to pick up the pieces for these children who in the future decide what a horrific mistake they made? Will it be the school? No... it will be the parent.

Just teach the r’s and stay out of the children’s personal lives and especially in the world of sexuality.


Leave the sexuality out of school

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Parents have the ultimate right and power over their children, no forced LGBT whatever should be indoctrinated into the kids in school!!!


Opposed

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Just more oppression from a facist party.


Fully Support Protecting Parental Rights and our kids from leftist indoctrination and grooming

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I don’t want to see more kids raped and schools covering it up.  Parents and their children is all that needs to be understood.  Support this policy.


Vigorously Oppose This Policy

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This Transphobic student policy is incredibly cruel and reckless and needs to be

rescinded ASAP. The Youngkin administration should be ashamed.


Please support us in our personal struggle to be ourselves

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Please support us in our personal struggle to be who we are. Treat us as full human beings. Love us for who we are.

Thank you.


Opposed! Trans rights are human rights

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Children are already one of the most vulnerable people in our society. They deserve the right to privacy and to respect--if a trans or gay child wants the ability to safely explore their social world they should be given that ability without fear of repercussion from the state & their family. Conservative reactionism such as this bill only ever violently harms our children.


Parental rights

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I fully support the new guidelines.  Parents should not be excluded for what’s happening to their children.  It’s ridiculous to have the education establishment to think they control the narrative.  Transparency in essential for the well being of our children.  Parents not teacher’s unions and local school boards should be welcome in the decisions involving their children.  Stop the hypocrisy!


I vote, and I oppose these policies.

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<p>I vote and I oppose these policies. </p>


OPPOSE

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These guidelines are inhumane, forcing children to go through a bunch of insane hoops just to go to a bathroom they're comfortable using.  Get your nose out of my kid's bathroom you monsters.


Support

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Parents know what is best for their children, schools should never override this responsibility.  These policies are right.


Absolutely Support!

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<p>This common sense guidance will keep VA's girls safe from sexual predators like the one who raped 2 girls in Loudon Co. </p>


Strongly appose this change

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Students deserve to have their identity respected. It is a proven fact that LGBTQ students commit suicide at rates far higher than their peers and those who are not allowed to express themselves and be who they feel they are are at even higher risk. This policy is terrible and puts our LGBTQ children at risk. I strongly appose this change.


Its a Shame...

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I support the 2022 policy. No one who actually reads the document could possibly be against it, unless they are against free speech and parental rights.

The shame I am referring to is the recognition of a mental illness, "gender dysmorphia" as anything other than a mental illness.

I say this with compassion and without moral judgment.l; however,  dysmorphias are a broad class of identity disorders, and the accommodation rather than treatment of one type only means that we must eventually recognize as reality those with racial, trans-species, disability and many other identity disorders.

Accommodating these does not change science nor does it make a white person an Australian Aborigine, a healthy person crippled nor a female a male. To say otherwise is both bad science and a blow to the effort to educate our children to think critically and rationally about the world around them.

To those who claim I am intruding on personal rights, well I assure you that I fully support an adult who elects to change their gender, race or species identity, so long as they fund that effort and don't expect my children to accept and use their adopted identities and pronouns in defiance of logic and natural law.

Our society has come so far, that it went right on past the pursuit of broad freedoms and right into an identitarian dystopia. Somehow the innocence of childhood and "learning how to learn" are now replaced by indoctrination and this most absurd idea of compassion, in which certain groups of teachers, administrators and parents call rational thought and established psychology "hate" and seek to counteract this by teaching gender fluidity to our youngest students, while many of those same students struggle to spell, read or do basic mathematics.


Strongly support, play coed sports,  use unisex bathrooms, teachers are not doctors or counselors

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<p>I strongly support the change. While I believe rights should be respected,  they should also not be infringed. My children deserve the right to privacy in the bathroom. If a child or individual wants to consider themselves something other than their god given sex, then they should use a unisex bathroom.  As for sports,  there are clear differences between male physiology and female physiology.  Play a coed sport or start a coed team.  Teachers and the facility are typically not trained psychologists to be able to children with gender identity questions. That should be left to the parents and medical counsel. </p>


Opposed to this cruel attack on non-conforming children

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Children who don't look or act as expected are still human beings and deserve to be treated with dignity.  These guidelines endanger these children by emphasizing their differences to people who might attack them for it, and sending the message that these children aren't acceptable as they are in our schools, which encourages bullying and other mistreatment.


Strongly appose this change


Support


Strongly Support

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Jeff McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

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I write today to strongly oppose these new model policies that serve no other purpose than to threaten some of our most vulnerable children with discrimination and potentially violence. In no way are transgender children a threat to learning, or a threat to the safety of other students. In fact, it is these children who are more likely than their non-transgender classmates of facing discrimination and even violence. Gov. Youngkin should avail himself of the plethora of research that backs this up. LGBTQ youth are four times as likely to attempt suicide and 75 percent of transgender youth feel unsafe at school. We should be working to protect the physical and mental wellbeing of these students, not expose them to more potential threats and danger.

Virginia is the setting for a landmark legal case (Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board) that affirmed the rights on a transgender boy to use the boys’ restrooms at school. Gov. Youngkin should support Virginia students like Gavin by withdrawing these model policies now.

It is shameful that this administration continues to bring politics into the classroom. I am immensely proud of the thousands of Fairfax County students who today walked out of class to protest these disgusting attacks on their peers. I wish our governor would show the same compassion to our kids as these students did today. It is time to let our teachers teach, let our students learn, and let children be who they are without fear.


Thankful

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<p>Thankful for our Governor for protecting all kids and involving families. </p>


Harmful proposals

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<p>There are many concerns regarding this proposed change, particularly notifying parents. Open, communicative families will already be having this conversation within their homes. The families that do not encourage openmidedness and discussion are the very families you will be exposing vulnerable children to. If they aren't discussing their personal preferences with their family members, you can be sure there's a reason. </p>


The proposed policies are horrible

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<p>Trans affirming care has been shown to strongly reduce suicides in teen, and policies like this that go against that will do immeasurable harm to a lot of children. </p>


Vehemently Opposed Gay Teen

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This new policy violates the individual freedoms given to each and every student across the state and is abhorrent to me as a gay high school student. If we do not band up against transphobic legislation, then we leave ourselves open to legislation that is homophobic, sexist, or restricts other constitutionally protected rights, like those of religious freedom. Trans youth need to feel comfortable in an environment in which they spend upwards of 40 hours a week and the proposed changes will harm every school community and will undoubtedly lead to greater self harm and suicide from trans youth, who are already one of the most vulnerable demographics to suicide.

Why is VDOE risking the lives of students throughout the state to solve a problem that does not exist?

We must stand with our trans friends. We must stand with our queer friends. I beg that those 18 and up utilize their vote this November to protect the rights of those of us who have no choice but to sit and watch our rights be stripped from us.

I am sick from this proposed policy. I am opposed to this policy that would harm the well-being of people I know, which was clearly created with no regard to the actual opinions of the people of the state or the people of it's school systems.


I OPPOSE this guidance as a trans person who grew up in Virginia Public Schools

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I spent the first 15 years of my life in Virginia, going to public schools. As a now-out trans and non-binary person, I know that these blatantly discriminatory guidances will actively harm many kids, their families, and the broader community, and set us back in ways that will take years to recover from. I oppose the guidances and advocate instead for evidence-based support of all trans children.


OPPOSE

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Protect transgender children!


LGBTQ+ Rights


OPPOSE!!


Keeping kids safe means ALL kids

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We at ASC stand with the students who have walked out in protest of the new anti-lgbtq policies. Forcing trans people out of the closet, denying their identity, and opening the doors to abuse from children and staff will result in deaths of trans and other lgbtq youth. Listen to your students when they say they do not want this policy. Listen to them when they say they stand with the lgbtq community. And stand with your students the way the rest of the US is standing with them. Teach them that their voices do matter.

Protect ALL kids.


Opposition to Dangerous Guidelines

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<p>A school's mission must be to create a safe space for our students. These guidelines do the opposite. Sad that the Governor is more interested in scoring political points and pandering to fearful parents than protecting kids. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>Government has no right to dictate how a child or anyone else identifies. Keep your laws off of our bodies. Your personal opinion has no place in laws. </p>


Fully support this common sense policy.

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This should not be up for debate.  This is separating parents and grooming our kids.  Enough is enough.


Support 100% / Our Sons and Daughters Need Us, Their Parents!

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<p>Gov. Youngkin and his administration have done it again! Thank you for protecting children and their parents' rights to do what is best by them. The original policy had language that created a wedge between parents and their children. I support the update that removes this barrier. I also support the updated language because is empowers schools to make better decisions on how to protect kids—especially when it comes to vulnerable students in a state of undress in locker rooms, bathrooms, or overnight sleeping quarters for school field trips. Protect every kid! </p>


Strongly Support this guidance!

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<p>We need to keep another Loudon County 2X rapes from happening, and this guidance will ensure that. </p>


FULLY support this commonsense proposal from Gov Youngkin

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<p>Auto correct was not helpful in my post 3 mins ago.  Please support this proposal for the reasons I listed below. </p>


I strongly OPPOSE these heinous policies!

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I am a proud parent of a high-school student in Loudoun County, and my son deserves to attend a school that supports all students.  Our Republican Governor likes to tout "parents rights" as the justification for these proposed policies, but that's a thin excuse to impose his own limited views of morality on all parents.

We need to support all our students, not isolate and divide them.  Virginia is better than this.


OPPOSE!


Thank You

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I just read and compared the 2021 and 2022 policy documents.  The contrast is quite stark.

The 2021 policy is a program for advancing a social revolution by co-opting public institutions for indoctrination and coercion.  It needs to provide definitions for much of its ideological terminology because those ideas are so unnatural and of such recent invention.  The essentially faith-based nature of its beliefs is disguised by citations to poor quality research, but there's no mistaking that it's an attempt to enforce a quasi-religious view on schools.

The 2022 policy is a breath of fresh air, a return to the historical american social contract: Parents have primary decision making rights as to how their children are raised and educated.  Schools should be responsive to that.  When parents of school children and social activists have differing ideas on what should be taught or how, schools should defer to parents.


Support

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<p>There are 2 sexes and you are born one or the other. Anyone who tells or affirms a kid who thinks they're the "wrong" gender should be charged with child abuse. Children are innocent and there are countless studies and testimonies from people who transitioned at younger (and older) ages who regret that decision. Many times it's because they came to know the Lord and had TRUTH spoken into them. Other times it's because they outgrew the phase they were in and/or dealt with the trauma that caused them to want to be something other than who they truly are. Want to help confused children, speak truth into them, get them mental help from someone who is caring and understanding and who doesn't affirm confusion formed from mental illness. Transgenderism is a mental illness and it should not be affirmed in schools. Additionally, any teacher who lies to a parent and/or encourages a child to lie to his or her parents should be fired and never allowed to teach again. </p>


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I oppose the anti-transgender policies in schools


Guarantee opposition hasn’t even READ the policy.  They look at titles and respond with emotion

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<p>Support this policy.  The majority voted you in to bring common sense back to VA.  This is not CA!  Parents have the rights of THEIR children </p>


Keep ALL are kids safe, and listen to what they say they need

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<p>Please keep all our kids safe, especially those LBGTQI kids who are going through huge personal transitions, and need adults to listen to them, and what will serve them best. Model policies should involve parents of transgender kids, but in a way that it is not punitive, but will support the kids' emotional needs. Model policies should also allow for flexibility and consideration of the local context. </p>


Oppose

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Oppose, trans rights are human rights. Just let us be!!!


I STRONGLY SUPPORT this policy.

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<p>I strongly support this policy because I believe in protecting ALL parents and therefore ALL children. We, as our children's parents, have a right and a duty to parent and protect them. The public school system is not their parent. </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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Whatever anyone else chooses to do is great for them. As a loving parent to my children, I am vehemently opposed to anyone providing medication or counseling to my children without my consent. Additionally, how many girls need to be raped or molested in the school bathrooms before we make reasonable accomodations for EVERY student? How about assigning a neutral restroom in the schools for those who prefer it?  Everyone has a right to do as they please, but it should not impinge on my right to the same. BRAVO Gov Youngkin!!!!


Children don't belong to the state

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Governor Youngkin did exactly the right thing.  Children belong to their parents, not to the state.  They are by definiton minors, and not competent to make these decisions on their own.  Schools, Teachers, and their unions are not some kind of impartial third party better qualified than parents to make decisions about children, or act as an arm of the Democratic party to carry out bizarre and extreme political agendas.  FInally, at a time when children have lost years of educational progress because of Covid, schools should concentrate on English, Math, etc.


The rollbacks correct an obvious overreach

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What rights are being infringed by these new policies exactly? The right to use bathrooms of the opposite sex? The right to transition children without even notifying parents? The right for kids to sleep with the opposite sex at overnight events without notifying parents? The right to identify as a cat and answer test questions with meow?

None of the above are constitutional rights. The schools have gone way to far with this woke ideology. If gender is purely subjective and unique to every individual how does Joe blow school staffer get off telling a Tom girl she’s actually a boy? Define boy. Define girl. Now tell me why teachers should be affirming kids’ arbitrary whims regarding gender, or pushing kids to transition. Why does a girl need her breast buds removed to correct her body to conform to her gender if gender is just a social construct that none of you can even define?

none of this garbage makes any sense and it’s sickening that school staff insist on having these discussions with children, especially without parents being involved. I am very close to pulling my child out of Virginia schools. The schools are struggling to teach basic literacy and this is what the focus is on? Pathetic. If schools insist on pushing gender theory and queer theory to children count me and my tax money out. My family will go elsewhere, but at the very least my child will not be attending Virginia schools.


Trans rights are human rights

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I strongly oppose this policy.


Protect trans kids

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<p>Opposed. Protect trans kids </p>


Oppose

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<p>This is cruel and unnecessary. Many people have articulated already why this is dangerous for trans kids. Strongly oppose. </p>


Parents right count - keep schools safe

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I voted for this Gov. to keep parents in the loop. Minors have NO say in their gender other than a boy is a boy and a girl is a girl. PERIOD. Children need to use the facilities assigned to them at birth. Keep Virginia safe. Protect our youth.


Strongly oppose these guidelines

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Parents do not own their children. Even before a child is 18, they should have the right to have a say in their own lives and dictate their own happiness. These guidelines, which tear away all privacy a child may have from their parents, serve to dehumanize children and turn them into extension of whatever beliefs their parent may hold. If a child clearly states to an educator that they want certain information regarding their sex or gender withheld from their parents, this proves they are intelligent enough to understand their parents do not want the best for them. Teens have a right to privacy, even from their parents. If passed, these guidelines will remove any gender affirmation transgender kids have at their school, which, for some unfortunate kids, is the only place they can receive it.

This is not a simple matter of kids not getting to dress how they want, or be called the beamed they identify with. Transgender kids who are forced to bottle up their emotions and live their lives as their parents want them to are a serious suicide risk. These guidelines will kill these children. These guidelines are hateful, transphobic, and simply regressive. We are past this as a society. Let kids dictate how they want to live their lives. I strongly oppose these guidelines.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Respecting parental rights to be included in education is not what this model is about - it is about silencing the voices of youth who do not prescribe to the gender constructs of larger society. If this was about protecting children, we would acknowledge that trans and non-binary youth are more at risk of homelessness and suicide than their cis-gendered peers. We would acknowledge that not all parents are accepting and the lack of acceptance negatively impacts trans and non-binary youth. If this were about parental rights, there would not be multiple obstacles to providing documentation for teachers and administrators to use correct pronouns. Please reconsider who will be negatively impacted by this, how this will increase risk for personal harm across a generation, and how we can be more inclusive in our policies. Trans rights are human rights. </p>


OPPOSE!

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STRONGLY OPPOSE! THIS WILL CAUSE TRANS CHILDREN TO END THEIR LIVES!! TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS


Oppose this attack on vulnerable children

These policies — which appear to be illegal — would enforce a double standard, preventing trans students from participating equally. They deny trans students the equal right to use accommodations, even going so far as to ban them from using the correct bathroom. For many students, this is tantamount to a requirement to "hold it" all day, and would contribute to higher incidence of UTIs among trans students on top of socially excluding them and demeaning their self-worth.These policies even require teachers to call students by names and pronouns they don't use. Since when does the state have an interest in dictating people's names? This is an obvious double standard, and if it were applied equally, would impact many cis (non-trans) students as well.These policies attack a small, vulnerable population that already suffers elevated rates of suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, and homelessness, among other problems, as a result of bigotry and social ostracism. It is absolutely unconscionable for the state to seek to further diminish their lives.Please, do the right thing, and start over from scratch on these model policies. As written they are cruel and serve no purpose whatsoever.

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These policies — which appear to be illegal — would enforce a double standard, preventing trans students from participating equally. They deny trans students the equal right to use accommodations, even going so far as to ban them from using the correct bathroom. For many students, this is tantamount to a requirement to "hold it" all day, and would contribute to higher incidence of UTIs among trans students on top of socially excluding them and demeaning their self-worth.

These policies even require teachers to call students by names and pronouns they don't use. Since when does the state have an interest in dictating people's names? This is an obvious double standard, and if it were applied equally, would impact many cis (non-trans) students as well.

These policies attack a small, vulnerable population that already suffers elevated rates of suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, and homelessness, among other problems, as a result of bigotry and social ostracism. It is absolutely unconscionable for the state to seek to further diminish their lives.

Please, do the right thing, and start over from scratch on these model policies. As written they are cruel and serve no purpose whatsoever.


Strongly oppose

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This guidance is devastating harmful to many I care about. I vehemently oppose this guidance.


I oppose this policy

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This policy is very harmful to some of the most vulnerable school kids.  It is well known that trans kids without any support are more likely to attempt or commit suicide.  Children who come from unsupportive (abusive) homes have an increased need for school personnel to recognize their essential personhood.  All sorts of school decisions impinge on parental rights.  I disagree with the amount of homework my kids were given in school, just as one example.  Parents can still communicate their "values" in the comfort of their own homes and churches, albeit to the detriment of their children's mental health.

This policy violates the enabling legislation by failing to use evidence-based best practices and the requirement of a "safe and supportive" environment.


protect trans youth.


Strongly Opposed to Proposed Changes

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I am a retired teacher. I have seen first-hand how depressed trans and non-binary teens become when they do not get the identity-affirming support they require. I have seen how much happier they become when affirmed. Parents are not always understanding. Some are abusive. Let’s prevent teen homelessness and suicides.

The proposed changes are contrary to the state law that was passed. As a taxpayer I don’t want to see my tax dollars wasted playing out in court a case Gavin Grimm has already won. It makes no sense.


Don't support for this ommonsense proposal from Gov  Youngkin

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Just makes sense,  kids conceived by parents,  raised by parents,  health decisions should be made ONLY by parents and their doctors and Movistar else should have ant party of it.


Support Parent Rights

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<p>The original policy had language that created a wedge between parents and their child. I support the new policies’ removal of language that encouraged school officials to follow procedures to essentially deceive parents when their children are making potentially life-altering decisions regarding their gender identity in a school setting.  </p>


Oppose

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I believe that this will do nothing good for students. This is a dangerous policy and will increase homophobia and abuse youth of rva. School should be a safe place for students to express themselves.


I fully support this policy!

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<p>I fully support the Governor’s policy. Stand strong against a very small percentage of our population that shouldn’t have the right to disrupt school.  </p>


I support trans- affirming policies

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If school is compulsory then it should accommodate all the children!


Gov Youngkin's proposed school policies for transgender students

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I am very very strongly opposed to this policy.  As both a parent and a former public school teacher I view these proposed policies infringement on student protection, on understanding of current issues of and impacts upon adolescent development, on teacher-student trust, on a teacher's role in helping students navigate the world, and in fostering an effective parent-teacher-school relationship. These policies indicate how out of touch and uninformed the governor and his education appointees are with the world of today that our youth live in.


VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED

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<p>This transphobic policy will further aggravate the mental health crises of queer youth by barring them from being their true selves. Youngkin and his team are pushing their ideology without taking youths’ interests and health into consideration. </p>


Absolutely not

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<p>Protect trans life’s </p>


Oppose

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<p>Trans youth in schools should be protected and given freedom of expression. To enforce otherwise is systematic bullying of children by adults. </p>


Support!

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<p>Strongly support! </p>


Thank you Governor

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I strongly support Governor Youngkin on this policy.  Thank you for sticking with parents and making sure they have the rights to take care of THEIR children.   My children  are MY BUSINESS and CONCERN.  Schools need to stick to the business of teaching Mathmatics, Reading, English and Grammer.  Not this Woke waste of space and time.  No teacher of my children needs to disclose who they screw while they are in their presence.


Thank you Governor


Thank you Governor!! God Bless you!

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Thank you for helping to stem this Marxist attempt to subvert our society through our children.  It is so sad to see so many perverted people voicing their filth in public.  Please stay strong.


Strongly Support Gov Youngkin's new policy

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<p>I support the 2022 proposed policy </p>


comments for review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Seems like the vast majority of commentors have not read the legislation

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The model policy does not put anyone in danger.

Unless Parents are more dangerous to their children than anyone else in their lives.  In Fairfax County, that is far from the case.

Students can choose their own names/pronouns - as long as Parents are also informed and give consent.

Read the Model Policies before reacting to media propaganda.


Why have research and studies to determine best-practices when elected officials simply ignore?

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Governor Youngkin is not an education mental health professional, nor are the majority (if any) of those people in his orbit. We have numerous studies to show the benefits of being more inclusive in our policies in schools, not to mention that it's simply the "right thing to do."

And yet Youngkin, like many members of the GOP that want to make a name for themselves, has decided to latch onto the fearmongering of entertainment "news" and put children at risk. It might not be my children or your children, but they are SOMEONE'S children. Youngkin and his ilk want you to be fearful of the mythological "predator" that will brazenly walk into a restroom in a school, while ignoring the very real occurrence of a child that looks different from the other kids being harassed and bullied in the bathroom ad nauseum. There are plenty of studies on where this type of continuous torture leads, not to mention sobering self-harm statistics in younger and younger youth groups.

Youngkin wants you to fear a make-believe boogie man because then he can lead you where he needs you to go.

Youngkin does not want you to be aware of the very real dangers of forcing transgender students to use the "restroom of their birth certificate" because it's not HIS kids. His kids won't be harmed by it, so why should he care?

And let's be realistic: is the governor expecting school districts to have "bathroom police" now, where each child is required to carry around their birth certificate to present before they use the restroom? How can that "bathroom police" be sure that YOUR child is using the correct bathroom without proper documentation?

What he is proposing is forcing children that look like girls to use the boy's restroom and children that look like boys to use the girl's restroom. How is that a recipe for anything other than turmoil? How is this a recipe for anything other than decreased mental health in a subset of our children?

How can these children focus on their schoolwork when this kind of actual, real fear will affect them constantly because now going to the bathroom is problematic?

But guess what: Youngkin doesn't care. He wants your angry, fear laden vote. They're not his kids, so why should he care what happens to the young child that looks like a girl but is forced into the boy's restroom?

Remember that he got into office by being one of the least knowledgeable guys on Virginia education. Don't believe me? Note that he ran on abolishing Teacher's unions in Virginia, which are already illegal. And now he has far more power than he should have to hurt Virginia's children. The latest fiasco is merely a symptom of his manipulations.

But it's okay: it won't affect his children. Just ours.


Opposed

Children should feel free and safe in their identities, this does nothing but encourage abuse towards trans and non-binary children. Especially for those children who find more safety at school than their living situations.Disappointing to see policymakers focusing on harmful measures like this rather than seeking to help improve situations for children and educators.

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Children should feel free and safe in their identities, this does nothing but encourage abuse towards trans and non-binary children. Especially for those children who find more safety at school than their living situations.

Disappointing to see policymakers focusing on harmful measures like this rather than seeking to help improve situations for children and educators.


Transgender policy

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Youngkin's policy is demanding for parents to have rights over their children's lives but, if the parent is actively in their child's life with open communication and trust this would not be an issue.   Not all parents deserve these rights we are forcing on the children. There are laws against taking away basic human rights in our state and Youngkin's  policy is pushing peoples human rights out the window. This is another way for the government to bully the LGBTQIA+ community.

We need to fight this policy to STOP taking Human Rights away from the Virginian's and the LGBTQIA+ community. These are children that will be able to SOON VOTE!!!


Oppose Younkin’s anti-child actions.

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<p>I oppose Youngkin’s actions that rollback accommodations for trans kids. </p>


PROTECT TRANS YOUTH

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<p>i have been harassed and bullied out of schools for being queer, and have been hospitalized numerous times. this is a horrible policy to introduce to already struggling students </p>


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose this cruel targeting of trans kids.  Keep the government out of kids' right to be who they are.


strongly opposed

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I strongly oppose these dangerous and cruel new policies.


I support this policy

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Of course parents should have a say in their children' education. Until they are adults children are still living under their parents'roof and this is not the place of the teachers to make a decision. Children are very driven by social média or peer pressure and they should wait until they are adults to make these life changing decisions.


Strongly support transgender-issue policies change and parental rights

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Thank you Governor Youngkin for updating these policies to restore protections for basic parental rights and ensuring that parents are no longer cut out of the process—especially when it concerns how gender and sexuality issues are handled with our kids at school. I support the new policies’ removal of language that encouraged school officials to follow procedures to essentially deceive parents when their children are making potentially life-altering decisions regarding their gender identity in a school setting. The original policy had language that created a wedge between parents and their child, at a time when they need to have more communication. I support the updated language that acknowledges students and teachers can’t be forced into compelled speech that violates their constitutional rights, including First Amendment and religious freedom protections. I support the updated language that empowers schools to make their own decisions on how to best protect kids—especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable students in a state of undress in locker rooms or overnight sleeping quarters for school field trips.

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

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

Parents are the final arbiters and have the final say regarding their children. Not schools run by those with a political agenda that is not in the best interest of the child as determined by the PARENTS!


Protect ALL students, not just special interests

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Please DO adopt the amended Virginia DoE Model Policies for 2022 which protect parents' rights. Under no circumstances should parents be kept in the dark about any matter pertaining to their minor children.  The school system does not usurp the rights of a parent, nor is the system a decision maker for any matter related to an individual minor student; certainly not related to their mental or physical health or well-being.

Additionally, these new policies protect the rights and safety of children who do not want to be subjected to conform to "gender policies" that are against their personal beliefs. Model Policies 2021 (last year) created a special group of protected students (LGBTQIA+) who end up being legally protected to force their views on those who do not believe the same.  These prior policies put the majority of students into potentially dangerous and, at a minimum, uncomfortable and belief-compromising positions.  Never should a boy or girl have to accept sharing bathrooms, locker rooms, hotel rooms, etc with a person of the opposite biology.

I and my husband are in favor of Model Policies 2022 that 1) protect parental rights and 2) protect our innocent children from unsafe environments.

To take this one step further, we support legislation in the Commonwealth of Virginia that makes any gender-altering surgery or chemical treatment, performed on a minor, a felony for any participating practitioner.


Opposed: Violation of student & teacher rights. Will damage DOE schools.

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In order to create a safe and healthy environment for students to learn, all students need to feel protected, recognized, and safe. Without these things, learning does not happen.

Trans students, like all students, have the right to privacy and dignity

Virginia has some of the best schools in the nation because of the hard work of academics, education professionals, teachers, and sociologists. Bringing excessive government oversight to dictate whether a teacher can use certain pronouns threatens this.

Policies that excessively threaten relationships between teachers and students harms all parties involved: students, teachers, and the district as a whole.

Enforcing damaging policies will lead more teachers to leave the DOE field - something we can hardly afford at the moment.


Oppose

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We need to protect trans people. I strongly oppose this.


I strongly oppose this

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<p>This bill will threaten the lives of queer and especially trans students. Outing people to their parents can put them in potentially dangerous situations. With so many homeless teens in Virginia this will only add to the problem. </p>


OPPOSE

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I oppose this as it rolls back support for those who need it. LGBTQIA+ rights are Human Rights.


Fully Support

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Our family fully supports the VDOE 2022 Model Policies regarding transgender students. A family and parents should be fully involved in their child's healthcare and wellbeing without the interference from government or public entities, especially as it applies to schools. The parents should be making any requests on behalf of the students instead of these types of significant issues being withheld from parents for their children.

The bathroom usage should strictly align with the biological sex of each student. The fact we have to have a law or policy that clearly states this is problematic and shows how far policies have gone in the wrong direction.

Parents are key to these issues for their children and should be very involved to navigate through this - parents do not need information hidden from them by schools and not involving the parents assumes the parents do not know anything yet they are legally, emotionally and financially responsible for their children and their children's wellbeing (which they should be). But a school system should not prevent information from being provided to the parents.

As stated by many transgender individuals they are in a more vulnerable state which should only reinforce the need for the parents to be the lead on these issues and fully involved with their children. Allowing transgender individuals to only seek the support of school administrators who do not have legal, financial and emotional responsibilities is extremely dangerous for the individual and the parents.

Statistics are starting to show that transgender individuals are not happier or better off because they hide issues from their parents, they are able to utilize bathrooms of the opposite biological sex or they are able to utilize chemicals and surgery to attempt to change themselves. These individuals need the full involvement of their parents to guide them through this difficult time and mental support.

We fully support this but are also shocked these policies event have to be stated.


Protect my friends

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Hello, I’m a college freshman. Many of my close friends are trans and I am worried about how this may hurt them. While I understand being confused by trans issues, I certainly was, they are still, obviously, American citizens and deserve all the rights and privileges that come with that,

thanks for considering,

Kyle W


Support LGBTQ


Hateful policy, protect children

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<p>This is a hateful policy, and unnecessary. I promise, kids who are transgender aren't just "doing this for fun" or to get a rise out of people. This will absolutely lead to the deaths of children. Shame on you for thinking this is a good idea. I know you want to be president, but please don't pave the path on the bodies of dead transgender children. </p>


W bill W youngkin

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W youngkin W bill W state


Please stop this insanity allowing schools to counsel our children WITHOUT parental knowledge.

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It is really not helpful for children to turn to school personnel when they are struggling.  They need to be encouraged to speak to their parents first. Don't be fooled that every parent will react badly. This is a very slippery slope taking us further away from keeping families communicating and working together.  Where will the school staff be when that child is 23 and suicidal because they have mutilated their bodies and ruined their chance to be a parent? Not there for that young man or woman!! But mom and/or dad will have to pick up the pieces.  Please read the science behind what is done in these cases... it does not make problems go away!


Protect Trans Kids

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<p>As a mother of two children in Fairfax County Public Schools, I am STRONGLY AGAINST these model policies. Such bigotry and hatred will result in nothing more than getting kids killed. This is TERRIBLE, immoral, and wrong. Virginia should lead the way in being a safe and welcoming place for all children -- do not drag us back to the dark ages. </p>


100% SUPPORT! Schools shouldn't be sneaky behind parents backs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


If you are "Pro-life" read this:

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Source: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018) — and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at significantly increased risk.

LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020).

The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth (13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.

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

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

Be "pro-life." Accept people for who they are and allow them to exist in physical, mental, and emotional safety. It's that simple.


Parental Rights/Protection of Children

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I strongly agree and support Parental Rights and for the protection of our Children.  Schools should not have rights or authority over parents.  If schools are seeing any kind of parental abuse they should alert the proper authorities.  Thank you Gov. Youngkin.


Strongly oppose the 2022 guidelines

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I am writing with my strong support to uphold the 2021 guidelines, which were clearly thoughtfully crafted to protect the rights and wishes of all students. As adults it is our job to protect children, and that comes with protecting their unique identities. It is not the place of elected officials to use youth's developing  identities as political pawns. The 2022 guidelines are haphazard and damaging to students going through an already vulnerable time in their lives. This is utterly disappointing that the state is spending its time rewriting guidance about identify-affirming actions and instead chooses to gaslight Virginians and other citizens in a culture war. To truly protect our youth, we must listen to them. Not tell them who they are.


I strongly oppose this bill and these policies, as do most Virginians

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This is just the latest in generations-long efforts to harass, discriminate against and punish anyone who isn't or doesn't appear to be "straight." To do this to anyone is abominable. To do it to kids is worse. At best, it's insensitive; at worst, it leads to bullying and "otherness" in the classroom, in sports, and in after-school and extracurricular activities. And the saddest and most tragic outcome for some of these kids, when they feel there's no parent, teacher, mentor or other adult to help them? Suicide. It's hard enough to be a kid today, with social media and more peer pressure than ever. Governor Youngkin and like-minded individuals, ask yourselves: if you're so pro-life, how can you justify this? It's just another version of hate. And if you call yourselves believers, believe this: these kids are no less God's gifts than are straight kids. God doesn't hate, and God doesn't make mistakes.


Strongly oppose!

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Absolutely and wholeheartedly oppose


Trans policy

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I am strongly opposed to this policy.


Vehemently OPPOSE this "guidance"

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Adolescence is a critical phase for identity development. This policy would create an increasingly hostile environment of daily bullying and harassment toward already vulnerable minors. The inhumanity and cruelty of such a policy is disgusting. I strongly oppose this and any other policy that would misuse the authority of government to promote systemic injustice.


Strongly Support

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Stay strong and protect our CHILDREN.  Don't give in to the name-calling from those that deny science and vehemently scream that the extreme majority must completely submit to the irrational demands of the few!  They probably have not even READ the model policy.


Children deserve better than this.

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<p>Gender identity is a human right, and children deserve to explore their gender identity safely and without harm or ridicule. </p>


In Support of Change

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<p>Trans kids can still be trans. If you read the bill it provides protection for girls, boys and trans kids. </p>


Oppose

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<p>Please support trans children. Suicide rates increase when folks are forced to not be their true selves </p>


Strongly Opposr

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I oppose the reversal of protection for trans children in our schools.


oppose

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When I hear about things like this, I think of this quote from James Baldwin:

I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hate so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.

This is just mean to do to kids and teachers and school staff. I am thankful that FCPS high school principals emailed all of us parents to let us know that they would always protect all of our children. If parents are worried that teachers and staff know things about their children that their children don't tell them, then parents should figure out what they're doing, or not doing, to make their children feel they can't talk to them. I'm a therapist, and whenever I work with children who are having difficulties, it almost always traces back to issues within their family system. I'm not saying that their parents are bad parents- I think most parents have the best of intentions with their children- but children conform to what will keep them safe, and it's a parent's job to create an atmosphere of safety for their children to talk to them about anything, to share anything with them. If my child felt she could only talk to a teacher about something, and was scared to talk to me, then I would feel guilty and ashamed that I had done something to make her feel that way. Sometimes this happens because a child made assumptions about their parent that isn't true, but sometimes it's because the parent failed to make it safe for their child.


Strongly opposed!

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I’m strongly opposed to this contents of this proposed legislation. This bill will negatively affect already at risk youth. It is dangerous, cruel and does not protect anyone. Please take this off of your agenda.


Don't support


Support

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

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

As a public school teacher and new parent, I honor parents as the primary educators of their children, and the ones who know their child best. Although I am honored to partner with parents in their child's education, I wish for parents to be the first authority in the decisions of their student, for all decisions made through the educational system.


Strongly opposed

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Strongly opposed to policies that are harmful to trans youth


extremely oppose

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My rights have no reason to be taken away like this. My rights are NOT dependent to ANYONES personal opinion. Documents and family shouldn't be the ones making decisions for me, I have a voice and I can tell you what I prefer. No adult or child has an excuse to tell me that I can't use a simple 5 letter name because of my genitals. It's disgusting and an invasion of privacy. Leave me alone. This is doing nothing to protect the lives of children, this will only take more loved ones away.


Keep ALL kids (which includes LGBTQ+ kids) SAFE

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All children enrolled in Virginia public schools are entitled to a safe environment to learn.  A state policy treating trans kids as "less than" is tantamount to child abuse.

Ask any teacher and/or school administrator that has actually worked in a school setting, parents are the problem NOT trans students.

If home is a safe and affirming environment for the child, they already would have shared this information.  Kids KNOW when they feel safe.

Giving adults additional power to abuse and ridicule a child is not only wrong, it could be deadly.  Do NOT give power to those that seek to bully and humiliate.

Side note - spending (millions of dollars of?) tax payer money to defend an obviously illegal policy is a waste of public resources.

Illegal:

 - it is in violation of the ADA

 - Grimm v. Gloucester County

To be clear: Youngkin has lied saying "this is the law", this is only a proposed policy.

It needs to be withdrawn immediately, in order to ensure the safety of ALL students.