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

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STRONGLY against this.   Let kids be kids!  They aren't hurting anyone!   YOUNGKIN needs to step down!


Children are not political pawns

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<p>Children are not political pawns that you get to villiafy one day and victimize the next. There are so many matters that could be helping all families that could be addressed but instead you focus on the election points for the moment. Focus on helping all kids. </p>


Protect Trans Kids

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<p>This document proposes taking away children's ability to express themselves as individuals in the public school setting. It's deeply dangerous, especially for any children who may be exploring their gender identity while living in an unsupportive household. Republicans, please live up to the "small government" motto you love to say that you agree with, and leave the government out of people's gender and sexual identities. This document is absolute garbage, and I strongly oppose. </p>
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Some parents will never allow their child's transition

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The simple fact is some parents hate that their children are transgender, and they will never accept recognition of who their child really is. Their children are still trans regardless. Forcing the school system to hold up such a parent's delusion about who their child is helps nobody.

A child only has so many communities. Family, school, perhaps a church/hobby/friend group outside the house if they are lucky. This change in policy means that when a family is not accepting, for the vast majority of their waking hours this person will be forced to live a lie. For years. And that's after they've got up the courage to tell someone, a trusted someone, that something feels wrong.

Personally, I'm lucky enough to have an immediate family that supports my transition (been a few years, I'm 27 now). But others don't have that. And the parent able to say no to everything will, unsurprisingly, say no to everything. Every clause in this policy that defers to parents will -- in the case of bad parents who would rather pretend to raise a different, imaginary child than the one actually in front of them -- result in the school helping to shove a student right back in the closet. This isn't going to go down well.

My Radical Leftist Woke Take™ is that parents should not own their children. One's life is one's own. For without that, what else could possibly be theirs?


OPPOSED.

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To the Virginia Government

are there not higher priorities when it comes to “protecting children”? Such as protecting them from COVID or mass shootings? No it’s important that we torture trans children in particular. Such a joke. Do you people not have any shame? Get a life. It’s embarassing how evil you people are. One day you’ll be judged for this. Glenn Youngkin is inhuman.


Policy marginalizes our most vulnerable children

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The Governor claims to recognize that each child is unique and that Virginia must encourage and respect the individual needs of all students.  Yet, his proposed policy does just the opposite.  Implementation of this policy certainly does not take into account each child's specific situation and will only result in "outing" already vulnerable children merely to pander to a very loud minority of transphobic adults.  I strongly oppose implementation of this policy.


OPPOSE - trans people are people

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<p>I strongly oppose the 2022 guidance. It assumes and ideal world where all parents are supportive of children and always provide the best possible situation for a child to be in. The stories from trans children clearly indicate we do not live in this ideal world. This guidance will cost lives and seems to be a thinly veiled way of allowing religious beliefs to be a ticket to behave cruelly. We are talking about children who should be treated as human beings with compassion and respect, not pawns in a religious liberty fight. </p>


Opposed - harmful and dangerous bill

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Opposed - harmful and dangerous bill


New DoE Trans rights policy

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The fact that the document's title contains the phrase "...PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT FOR ALL STUDENTS..." is ridiculous. It's clearly casting aside a majority of compassionate folks and elevating an opinion of a small minority of conservatives who judge others based on sex and gender. This is not in line with what a majority of students and parents want. These policies are playing to the lowest denominator and denies the right of people to live their authentic self so that they can be happy and actually have the headspace to learn. I find these policies to be discriminatory and they should be reviewed to determine whether they are even legal.


Protect Trans Kids!!

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<p>All people deserve to be unconditionally loved, not just accepted and certainly not marginalized. Protect trans kids if you love mankind. </p>


I Thought VA Was Better Than This

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As the parent of a 12 y.o. trans son, I don't get the hate. Before socially transitioning about two years ago, my kid was withdrawn, angry, and experienced suicidal ideation. Now he's outgoing, "quirky" (as he calls it), and happier than he's ever been. He blows everyone away with his artistic talent and last year wrapped up the 5th grade with honors. All this because he's allowed to live as himself both at home AND at school.

I'm fortunate enough as a parent to not worry about his school being unsupportive or hostile. They won't deadname or misgender him, and almost nobody outside of the school administration even knows he's trans. I haven't received a call from a concerned principal about my child being "one of those transes".

Not every trans kid is fortunate enough to have a supportive home. That's why forced outing will put kids in literal danger. Others will be forced back into the closet. If I were more pessimistic, I'd almost say that was the point.

So let me set the record straight for anyone who thinks trans kids are some kind of anomaly to be suppressed. My son, and other trans kids like him, are not a wedge issue to score points with a rabid base before the midterms. They are human beings, not political props.

DO. BETTER.

~Morgan


Strongly oppose; ignorant and dangerous

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Good morning. I am especially qualified to speak on this topic, as I am a middle school counselor and I have a trans teen. The GOP needs to stop cruel  political theater to pander when it will absolutely hurt the kids it is “protecting”.  Not all kids are safe coming out at home  but want  peer support at school. Schools should be a safe space no matter what.  This is a small percentage of kids we’re targeting, can we focus on more pressing and relevant issues???


STRONGLY OPPOSE. SUPPORT TRANS KIDS

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This policy will kill children. Kids deserve to feel safe in their own identities and to have the same freedom of speech the rest of us do. Do not silence them or force them into hiding. You will never get rid of trans kids or trans people and we will never stop fighting these policies. Freedom and safety for all our children!!!


Children are not property

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Youngkin’s policies are disgustingly out of touch. Children are human beings, not property that parents are free to use or command any way they desire. We already acknowledge that these limits exist, which is why the state removes children from unsafe environments.

Every human has a right to their own identity. If parents are concerned that their children are hiding something from them, they should look at their own parenting to answer why they don’t have an open and loving relationship. Students have a right to seek help for questions and issues they encounter in their own lives. Exploring their identity does not harm them, so there is no responsibility for a school to disclose a student’s personal business.

Youngkin is not trying to help Virginians. His transparent attempts to jockey for national attention are disgusting and will harm real children.


Opposition to Youngkin new model policies

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The proposed policies claim to foster privacy, dignity, and respect. They instead require changes that undermine privacy, dignity, and respect for students and their parents.

The proposed policies received no public input while being drafted, were not developed in accordance with evidence-based best practices, are directly contrary to the law they purport to implement, and will put transgender and non-binary students at risk for harm and discrimination at school.

The proposed policies violate the Virginia Human Rights Act.

The proposed policies do not respect the parental rights of those parents who want their transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive children to live their lives safely as themselves.  Similarly, they do not respect the rights of patents and students who want to make sure VA schools provide a positive and welcoming learning environment for all.

As Governor, Youngkin’s  job is to protect ALL  constituents regardless of their beliefs. This policy endangers our youth by not offering protection for those that have a different opinion.

I oppose this new model policy.


Governor Youngkin’s Policy on Transgender Students

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I completely disagree with Governor Youngkin’s new policy on transgender students. It is very wrong to force those students to use bathrooms that don’t align with the gender they identify with. Let students use what pronouns they prefer, as well as which bathroom they prefer!


STRONGLY OPPOSE - PROTECT TRANS KIDS

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I strongly oppose this guidance. This is illegal discrimination at both the state and federal level and is categorically and intentionally harmful to the trans community. Instituting cruel policies like this to score political points and stoke division is disgusting behavior every American should reject.

This policy will kill trans kids. It will cause despair and fear and depression. These policies are actively violent towards vulnerable children who deserve our protection and support. Countless studies done by the ACA, APA, and AMA have proven that transgender kids are 1) real and 2) are at a greater risk for suicide because of these types of policies and politicians who refuse to support them and back well documented research. Kids are not being groomed - they are finally being allowed to express themselves wholly as they are and if we allow our kids to express themselves that will lead to a happier, more productive society. Isn’t that what any politician wants?

Please follow the research and the medical guidance created by thousands of well-trained scientists, therapists, and medical doctors and SUPPORT TRANS YOUTH.


Strongly oppose!

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Protect the safety of all children! You are creating unnecessary problems. Focus on gun safety!


Authority must be returned to parents.

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Authority over health and mental issues must be returned to the parents. Additionally, schools must be kept from being a cesspool of degenerative left wing politics. Kudos to Governor Youngkin for restoring decency to the Virginia Public Schools.


A terrible, harmful policy- oppose

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This policy serves no purpose other than scoring points in the political culture wars, at the expense of the well-being of trans students. I strongly oppose this guidance, which will inflict harm on children who deserve our support and protection.


Strongly oppose--this is morally wrong to discriminate

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<p>Appalled Virginia is making legislation that discriminates against certain students. I adamantly oppose it. </p>


These guidelines hurt children

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<p>The new guidelines on the treatment of transgender and nonbinary students in schools are misguided and harmful. Many LGBTQ+ kids are not safe in their homes and are especially susceptible to bullying at school. Why would you put teachers in a position where they have more latitude to contribute to the bullying than to protect their students? I find it impossible to believe that those who crafted these cruel and harmful policies have ever spoken to a transgender or nonbinary child (or adult for that matter) - they are human beings who are infinitely more likely to be the victim of violence or bullying than the perpetrator. They are not political pawns - they are children who need to be supported as they go through the incredibly important period of figuring out who they are. </p>


Strongly Opposed To This

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<p>I am voicing my disagreement with this decision.  </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS BIGOTRY

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I strongly oppose this This guidance is a thinly veiled effort to hurt and humiliate transgender students, and I am ashamed at the backwards movement of my beloved commonwealth.

First - requiring teachers to get parental permission to use nicknames is ludicrous.  Many VA teachers have 150+ students.  Many of these students have parents who speak little to no English.  It is an unnecessary burden to force teachers to call the parent of every child who doesn't want to be called the name on their birth certificate.  This will also hurt the teacher's relationship with their student, especially when peers are using a nickname that a teacher cannot use according to state guidance.  Put simply, you are creating a burden for teachers and damaging the classroom environment in your zeal to hurt transgender children.

Second - being transgender is not inherently wrong.  While I agree that schools should keep parents informed when a child engages in wrong behavior (bullying, cheating, stealing, etc.) it is ridiculous to demand teachers inform parents of not-wrong behavior (diet, religion, grammar, dress, etc.).  If a child declares they are atheist in class, does that require a call home?  If a child does not wear a hijab to class who usually does, does that require a call home?  If a child eats a Twinkie, does that require a call home?  Unless the Commonwealth is prepared to argue that gender identity is more important that religion, you are placing another unnecessary burden on teachers to interfere in a child's family.

In short, leave my family out of your culture war and let teachers do their jobs and TEACH. If a child wants to be called a certain name, treat them with respect, use the name they prefer, and get back to the lesson.  When they need to go to the bathroom, let them go to the bathroom.  I can't believe I have to write this.  This is 2022.  Please don't pull us backwards.


Oppose this policy

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This proposed policy is a dangerous, ill informed, and discriminatory.

The previous model policy for the treatment of transgender students included input from a wide variety of stakeholders, including educators, students, professionals, and parents. It was written with the best interest of transgender students in mind.

Why propose a policy that isn’t informed by or supportive of the population it will impact?


Youngkin's New Policy on Transgender Students

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This new policy shows Youngkin's complete and utter disregard for the lives of transgender students. This policy is not protecting anyone.


Strongly oppose. Trans rights are human rights

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Strongly oppose. This is a danger to trans people.  Trans rights are human rights


Rapist Trans

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We all know of the case in Loudoun County where a teenage male pretending to be trans raped a girl in the school bathroom. People supporting trans hate women and girls


Trans children deserve safety and autonomy

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This guidance represents a callous disregard for the safety and well-being of vulnerable students. Members of the lgbtq+ community are greater targets for bullying, harassment, shaming and as a result, face higher risks of self harm and suicide. For those who feel excluded, different, and alone in their schools or in their own homes, you should be REINFORCING NOT REMOVING THEIR SUPPORT SYSTEMS. You should be doing everything within your power to protect their lives.


I support Youngkin and thinking of ALL children

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<p>This is not about hate. It's about protecting all children and not only thinking of a few. Most people opposing this probably heard about this on the news and aren't even from VA. As long as your own children aren't affected, you probably don't care right? </p>


Virginia is only as good as its most marginalized. Protect trans rights!

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I am writing today because I would like to make a public comment or at least comment about the bill Youngkin is proposing to strip away the rights of trans youth.

I am AGAINST this action! I am an ally for trans/LGBTQ and others that I can help speak for.

   My son is in a committed relationship with a young trans man. We adore him. He is one of the wisest people I know. He is dedicating his life to helping other trans young people to be included in our civil society, by becoming a counselor for trans people.

   Through him, I have learned that being trans is NOT a choice, it is who they are. I have also learned that many families have family members that are trans. This number is growing, as we begin as a society to learn that trans people ARE, SHOULD BE and we NEED THEM TO BE part of our society. We can learn a lot from the trans community about acceptance, facing uphill battles and conquering their fears and about loving someone for who they are.

  Sadly, many trans youths are not supported in schools and at home. Many suffer debilitating depression as a result. And statistics show that fewer than 1 in 3 trans and nonbinary youth felt affirmed in their gender at home, and 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. The survey found that LGBTQ youth who reported their school to be LGBTQ-affirming also reported lower rates of attempting suicide. Even more alarming is the fact that 59% of transgender boys and men reported seriously considering suicide in the past year, as did 53% of nonbinary youth and 48% of transgender girls and women. 22% of transgender boys and men reported attempting suicide in the past year, compared to 6% of cisgender boys and men.

  We should be better than this as a society and certainly as Virginians.

I ask that the citizens of Virginia step up and fight for the rights of all people and in this case, for members of the trans community. Certainly the governor of our state should be protecting the rights of our trans youth and adults. Let Gov. Youngkin know that Virginia is better than this new policy to discriminate against trans youth.


Protect Transgender Youth

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For many students school is a place of learning and acceptance, it is a place to explore new ideas and to find community. This new policy targets an already marginalized community, and worse it will make trans students feel as if they do not exist. As a cis woman, I have had the honor of loving someone who is trans and playing alongside trans athletes as a collegiate athlete on a women's team. I have witnessed the cruel and unfair treatment that they have received in both an educational and collegiate athletic setting. I hope that trans youth do not have to face these same challenges, and policies such as this one are simply heartbreaking. I ask that you speak to trans youth and to the families of trans youth who simply want their children to be able to succeed in school. Trans youth are just like any other students, they simply want to be seen and respected. Finally, imagine if you replaced the word transgender with any other marginalized group, it would be considered outright discrimination. So why is this discrimination suddenly okay when it involves trans youth?


Strongly Oppose. What is wrong with you people?

Paige Lindblom Charlottesville City Schools

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<p>Something is seriously wrong when teachers are being asked/required to enact harmful policies that could endanger the lives of children. I will never support this and am willing to lose my job if it means protecting the lives of trans and gender expansive students. </p>


Oppose

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I do not agree with this guidance. Transgender kids have rights too.


Opposition to the 2022 Model Policies

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<p>I am opposed to this guidance. The guidance doesn't properly acknowledge and account for the potential harm that may be inflicted on trans students through use of pronouns or a name that they no longer identify with. With regards to the rights of the personnel; it is not and should not be protected for someone to call someone a name or pronouns that they don't identify with. Not all beliefs are constitutionally protected especially when they clash with the rights of others or involve discrimination based on a protected class. It is not permissible for someone with a belief that is against the law to assert that the belief protects them from the law and there already exist situations where school division personnel can express inappropriate beliefs or comments which cause them to lose their job even if not against the law. The proposed guidance seems to suggest that the previous model policies oppose parental involvement when they in fact encouraged it. The support of parents is an incredibly important component to ensuring that children remain safe and protected from harassment in schools (especially trans children). The policies just recognize that the parent isn't the only method of supporting children in school and that the school itself plays a large part. </p>


Protect Kids!

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<p>Strongly support!  Truth is absolute. Not relative. I strongly support that kids should be protected by telling them the truth. </p>
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Stop using our children in your culture war

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It is clear that the Governor and his party are determined to use our public schools as pawns in the culture war they continue to orchestrate in service of their political and economic goals. This "guidance" is nothing more than ammunition for this war. It has no value in improving our schools or the welfare and education of our children. The Guidance should not be adopted, and it should be filed in the trashcan.

If the Governor had interest in improving public education and our state’s economic and cultural inclusiveness, he would invest more in teacher compensation, school facilities, and social services, each of which would provide every child in Virginia with a better chance to excel for themselves and create long-term, sustainable prosperity for their families and communities. But that obviously isn’t the Governor’s interest at all. Rather, the clear, transparent goal is to eviscerate the public school system by reducing investment in it, and turning public opinion against educators and school administrators.

The public school system is intended to embrace diversity of thinking, intellectual inquiry and discovery, and connection between peoples of different cultures and values. These are essential to the health and prosperity of our state and its people. But the Guidance achieves none of these goals: it limits thinking to prevailing norms that do not accommodate difference; it prohibits intellectual inquiry and discovery by demanding homogeneity and conformance; and it destroys any hope of social connection by fomenting anger and division between people of different cultures and values.

It is terrible guidance, cynical politics, and clearly constructed in bad faith. It should be acknowledged for what it is: a side-show theater in service of specific political and economic goals. And those responsible for it should be ashamed of themselves and apologize to all Virginians for wasting time, money, and attention while ignoring the more pressing challenges and opportunities that Virginia faces today.


Disapprove of these bills affecting trans youth.

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<p>Trans kids deserve better. Not policies that put them at risk for physical and mental harm. </p>


Protect Trans Kids!

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The proposed rulings on barring trans youth from using the bathroom of their self-identified gender, and requiring teachers to use a name they do not identity with, is done without any merit as to the well-being of the children, students, parents, or teachers. Studies show using the trans youth’s preferred name and pronouns drastically reduces the youth’s chance of suicide and dramatically improves their mental health - and with that, their school performance. To bar this from happening is cruel and vindictive, evil in my opinion. Do not implement this law!


Ban traps

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The only reason these kids will die is because of the adults that have enabled the fairy tale behavior. Congratulations in 53%'ing your own kids. Go burn.


Strongly oppose - trans rights are human rights

This is not a question of religious freedom, because your religious freedom does not give you the right to push that religion on others.Trans rights are equal rights. Full stop. This harmful policy is cruel and pointless. Youngkin's political ambitions should not be used to further this harmful agenda.

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This is not a question of religious freedom, because your religious freedom does not give you the right to push that religion on others.

Trans rights are equal rights. Full stop.

This harmful policy is cruel and pointless. Youngkin's political ambitions should not be used to further this harmful agenda.


Strongly Oppose

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Stop messing with Trans kids' lives.


Strongly Support

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The proposed policy simply ensures that parents’ constitutional rights are fully protected. The previous policy allowed schools to keep secrets from parents, which is outrageous. Parents do not lose their parental rights when they send their children to school. It’s astounding to me that educators believe that they know better than parents and that their rights should usurp parental rights. Did the people opposing this policy even read it???


ALL children need to be protected!

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<p>This proposal is terrible and guarantees that trans kids won't become trans adults. This is UNACCEPTABLE! </p>


Strongly oppose new Dept. of Ed guidance

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Creating a policy that is both harmful to kids and most likely illegal both with regard to Grimm v. Gloucester, & VA Code § 22.1-23.3 is unnecessarily cruel and will be a waste of state time and resources (AKA OUR TAX DOLLARS) when it faces the inevitable legal challenges and is the opposite of fiscal responsibility.

It does does nothing to help the state and focusing on petty culture war issues is pathetic when there are real problems facing our schools like lack of teacher pay and outdated buildings. Just resign if y'all have no intentions of actually helping the state and its citizens.


Strongly Oppose - Protect children at all costs

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<p>This cruel policy is nothing more than political theatre. Our Governor is too busy courting fascists for his future presidential run. It would be helpful if he did something other than push culture war idiocy. My only hope is that he serves one term and goes back to being a wolf in a fleece sweater vest. </p>


Fully opposed to Youngkin's guidance

The very first question must be, "How do we keep children safe?"This fails as an answer. We know, as an overwhelming matter of fact, that the difference in suicide rate for trans youth is whether or not their gender identity is supported or suppressed. Whatever else can be said, we cannot in good conscience choose policies that result in child suicide rates increasing. There is no moral way to do so. None. All of the other debate may still be on the table, but the fundamental, basic question has to be this:Are you OK with children killing themselves? The answer has to be "No" and every policy decision thereafter has to be born of that answer. Not every decision will be cut-and-dried, and not every decision will be to everyone's liking-- sometimes, we will assuredly face situations where two groups have opposing interests and that can be OK, too.But no one should die over it.

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The very first question must be, "How do we keep children safe?"

This fails as an answer. We know, as an overwhelming matter of fact, that the difference in suicide rate for trans youth is whether or not their gender identity is supported or suppressed.

Whatever else can be said, we cannot in good conscience choose policies that result in child suicide rates increasing. There is no moral way to do so. None.

All of the other debate may still be on the table, but the fundamental, basic question has to be this:

Are you OK with children killing themselves?

The answer has to be "No" and every policy decision thereafter has to be born of that answer. Not every decision will be cut-and-dried, and not every decision will be to everyone's liking-- sometimes, we will assuredly face situations where two groups have opposing interests and that can be OK, too.

But no one should die over it.


Trans groomers

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Trans groomers want to have sex with children in school bathrooms. Thank you, Governor Youngkin for protecting our children.


Oppose

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<p>This policy takes AWAY rights from parents. It requires teachers to police parents and question the way they raise their children - making Virginia a less safe place to raise children. This policy hurts ALL kids no matter their identity. </p>


This policy hurts all students.

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There is no evidence that allowing transgender students to choose bathroom or locker room facilities that correspond to their gender identity puts other students at risk. Barring transgender students from facilities that are safe, comfortable, and gender affirming is discriminatory, and that discrimination causes real harm - including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. This policy places transgender students at heightened risk of harassment, assault, and bullying, impedes their ability to secure an education and participate fully in the life of their schools, and can cause damage to their physical and emotional health.

Virginia can and should do a better job of protecting vulnerable trans students and teaching all students the power of kindness.  A school community that is safe and kind and welcoming to ALL students will be better able to nurture those characteristics in all students.

This change in policy is based on ignorance and comes across as mean-spirited and cruel. Virginia's leadership should do the research, listen to experts, and lead with integrity to unify our communities and schools rather than dividing us through harmful policies like this one.


Strongly oppose

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This policy seems unaware that the appropriate role of schools in our society is to provide education in a safe place. This idea of a "safe place" has been mocked by unkind people who deliberately misinterpret it, but school is often the only place vulnerable children are safe. It is critically important that schools serve as advocates for children of all kinds, and that they provide access to the support and services children need, whether or not their parents approve.

If a student, for example, wants to remove a yarmulke or a hijab while in class, it is that student's right to do so, and the school has no responsibility to inform the parents of that behavior. In the same way, if a student chooses to dress or be addressed in a way that conforms to their identity, they have the right to do that, and the school has no obligation — nor really, even, any right — to inform that child's parents.

This policy will expose children to abuse at school and at home. This government action doesn't protect the citizens of Virginia, and it doesn't represent me.


Protect Trans students! STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>I oppose any law or policy that does not protect lgbtq+ children. They must have a right to feel some sort of safety at school, especially when y’all don’t care about their physical safety. Do something actually helpful like gun safety. </p>


Strongly opposed changing the policies

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Transgender students are a vulnerable group and should be protected! They are already often subject to bullying and sometimes have to hide their true selves for fear of backlash from their community. Schools should be a safe space where they can be seen for who they truly are and where they are free to express themselves safely!


This policy will kill children

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It is well documented that LGBTQ+ youth are significantly more likely to attempt suicide when they are in unsupportive environments. The policies proposed create an environment which is actively hostile to Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming youth, and will result in a higher occurrence of self harm. The current policies supporting and protecting trans youth are the policies which need to be kept in place. That is how you protect kids.


I VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE THIS POLICY!

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If Republicans were actually pro life, they would be against this policy, too. The amount of children who commit suicide due to bullying for being different than their peers is truly devastating. Virginia schools should embrace our differences and be inclusive to all. Separation of church and state!

Virginia is for LOVERS! not HATERS!


So unbelievably out of touch

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This bill is beyond the pale. Absolute rubbish. Trans kids have just as much right to their own bodily autonomy as any cis kid. Not only that, who are you to force exposure on some of the most marginalized people in this country.

You, and your ilk, are the reason why the US is no longer that shining beacon on the hill. But, it will be these kids, that you so callously demean that will light that brazier up again, brighter than before.


Strongly Oppose the Proposal

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Protect our precious lgbtq kids! This proposal is a political stunt that will harm kids and teachers directly, and further fans the flames of far right political violence. The policy proposals must be rejected.


OPPOSED - Wasting tax dollars on needless gov overreach

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Of all the problems we could solve with a government system, THIS is what we choose to focus on? Not progress, improving quality of life, betterment of the state and its people. But instead bickering on who can call whom what? WE DO NOT PAY YOU TO WASTE OUR HARD-EARNED TAX DOLLARS ON NEEDLESS BUREAUCRATIC OVERREACH.

Stop thinking of creative ways to be cruel and divisive and do something useful for once!


Normalcy, transparency, decency and common sense back in schools

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<p>Transgender Identity has no place in our schools. This is between parent and child. With the sexual grooming, pornography, CRT, Equity issues in our daily classes it is no wonder our children can’t read. Leave our children out of this and turn these issues to the parents. Teach our children cursive writing, math, science, English, history. They don’t do homework any longer, books and we don’t see what they are doing. Secrets, secrets and more secrets. Give us transparency about their daily lessons. INVOLVE the parents! Leave our children alone and let them be children. Va Beach School Board has now decided that we are sharing our parental right with them! </p>


Youngkin's proposed policy change violates civil rights and best practices in medicine.

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We are the healthcare professionals who take care of Virginia’s children and families, dedicating our lives to serving you and your children in your greatest moments of need. Rooted in our tenets of healing, beneficence, and self-determination, we are called to advocate for the transgender and gender-diverse youth for whom we care, who will be irreparably harmed if the proposed 2022 Model Policies on Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools comes into fruition.

Affirming a child’s gender identity, whether at home, at the doctor’s, or in school, is crucial to the child’s health and wellbeing. We know the statistics, that in 2021, over half of all transgender and gender-diverse youth considered killing themselves, and one in five attempted suicide.  But for us, these statistics are more than numbers; they are the names and faces and memories of children we’ve met and cared for. In their moments of hopelessness, we find hope together knowing that when a child’s identity and pronouns are honored, their suicidality lessens.

Unfortunately, the aforementioned proposed school policy enacts dangerous barriers to the safety of transgender and gender-diverse children. First, in mandating schools to inform unsupportive parents of their child’s identity, this policy obliterates the one affirming space a child may have and increases the risk of suicide and abuse by unnecessarily provoking parental hostility and rejection. Additionally, it bans any measure to affirm a child’s identity without written parental instruction by requiring school employees to use the student’s legal sex and name instead of affirming their pronouns and name. This extraordinarily harmful mandate has no legal basis. The referenced US Supreme Court cases of Troxel v Granville, Wisconsin v Yoder, and Pierce v Society of Sisters refer to matters of familial visitation and the right to withdraw from public school - not a parent’s right to deny their child’s identity and access to critical health services, such as gender counseling.

Furthermore, the proposed policy mandates students to participate in extracurricular activities and use bathrooms according to their assigned sex, despite legal precedent considering this unlawful discrimination.  In fact, this proposed policy eliminates every effort in its predecessor to create a nurturing and supportive environment, apathetic to the psychological and physical consequences to our transgender and gender-diverse youth. This policy claims that, “All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying,” yet persecutes children by denying them their identity. Any policy that directs teachers and staff to mistreat their students in this way is discriminatory at best and deadly at worst.

As Virginia’s healthcare workers, we are the ones who see children in emergency departments when they decide their lives aren’t worth living anymore, when the trauma in their bodies manifest as seizures or psychosis or debilitating pain. We are the ones who listen to these children weep as we try to convince them that their future is bright and real, that the bullying will one day be in the past, that acceptance of who they are will come. When we say that this proposed policy will devastate our children’s safety, we know from witnessing it ourselves. This policy will negatively impact the health and wellbeing of our children, leading to higher rates of suicide and self-harm, and we demand this proposal be denied.


Strongly Oppose

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This policy is dangerous to transgender children. It helps nothing and only harms children. It shows a clear disregard for children's safety or happiness.


LGBTQ Teacher and Pride Coalition Sponsor

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I was a public school teacher for 34 years. I had hoped to make it to 40 but the stress of a political response to public health policy and the anxiety over policies enacted in my state with regard to “CRT”, transgender students being banned from sports and the restrictions on literature that disproportionately excludes the voices of Black authors, LGBTQ authors who are only quite recently even being published, the angry parents voices who scream that teachers are “groomers” - it all became far too much for me to endure in an increasingly thankless profession. Some of you may be delighted that you have driven me away, despite my having successfully taught the highest levels of mathematics, while earning advanced degrees (the only way we have to increase our salaries) and sending thousands of students on to the best universities with a foundation for success.

I was openly gay throughout my career. I didn’t speak of it in the classroom but I stifled all racism, homophobia, or sexism as it occurred. My classroom was always a safe space. I also sponsored a Pride organization for LGBTQ+ students and I have come to know and advocate for hundreds of these students. We engendered a culture in my school that intentionally and proactively included LGBTQ students. This is not to say that we solved anything - there were still incidences of bullying and hatred, particularly to the most intersectional of our students. But, we had an administration with a consciousness around these issues and they were addressed. It wasn’t Utopia but every inch of progress is so deeply felt and appreciated by the students who are marginalized.

What I cannot understand is what real threat you believe we present to your children. My Pride Coalition only asked to be accepted and respected. We weren’t handing toasters out in the cafeteria, trying to recruit people to become LGBTQ. We only wanted allies, to be heard, to see ourselves represented. Why is it so hard for you to just leave us alone?


Trans Students Deserve Equal Rights—- OPPOSE

Wendy Radding, Harmony Psychotherapy Center

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The proposed ruling under Gov. Youngkin is a terrible mistake and will ultimately result in suicide s in an already vulnerable population. The statistics speak for themselves.

Wendy Radding, LCSW


Virginia Must Increase Protective Factors for Students

Beth O'Connor, Virginia Rural Health Association

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The Virginia Rural Health Association is troubled by the new guidelines announced by Governor Younkin that address parental rights for transgender students.  VRHA remains committed to the health and wellbeing of all rural Virginians, inclusive of mental health.  VRHA launched our Pride of Rural Virginia initiative last year and is aware that support and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth is harder to access in our rural communities.

The new guidelines state parents must be informed and given the opportunity to object before the school provides counseling services related to gender.  The implementation of this restriction will mean that parents who are unsupportive of their transgender child can refuse counseling services for the student.  Additionally, notifying the parents may increase the potential of a student being verbally or emotionally abused by a non-supportive parent.

The University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center recently released the policy brief “Key Informant Perspectives on Supporting Health and Well-Being for LGBTQ+ Rural Residents.”  That document outlines a number of barriers to health equity for our LGBTQIA+ citizens with lack of services and an unsupportive environment listed first.  “Discrimination is not uniquely rural, but when it happens in rural the impact is much more profound” stated one respondent.

The majority of Virginia’s rural communities are classified as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas by the US Human Resources and Services Administration.  Virginia must increase protective factors that prevent mental health crisis for all community members.

Research suggests that among LGBTQ youth, only one-third experience parental acceptance, with an additional one-third experiencing parental rejection, and the final one-third not disclosing their LGBTQ identity until they are adults (Katz-Wise et al., 2015). Young adults who report high levels of parental rejection are eight times more likely to report attempting suicide and six times more likely to report high levels of depression (Ryan et al., 2009).

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.

In April of 2022, the Virginia Department of Health released the report, Self-Harm and Suicide Among Virginia Youth Aged 9-18 Years, 2015-2021.  While the report does not separate by sexual orientation or gender identity, it has a number of troubling statistics, including:

Self-harm ED visits and nonfatal self-harm hospitalizations are increasing.

Young Virginians were hospitalized for self-harm-related injuries for 1,588 days with more than $13 million dollars in hospitalization costs in 2020.

The Commonwealth of Virginia should work to reduce factors that lead to self-harm and suicide, particularly in rural areas where resources are limited.  Ideally, a student would have both supportive parents and a supportive school environment.  The new guidelines create an environment in which a student may not have either.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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This will hurt transgender youth in a horrible way. They already go through so much and this policy is horribly insensitive.


Protect trans youth- oppose this bill!

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<p>This bill is an attack on an already marginalized group of people. I highly oppose this! </p>


Trans supporters want to erase women

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You are entitled to believe whatever you want but do not expect others to accept your mental disease.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!

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Thank you Governor Youngkin for protecting our children


This is an abhorrent display of power over individuals who need support.

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<p>This is disgusting, unnecessary, and a slap in the face to people who without a support system are otherwise helpless to displays of transphobia, like THIS display of transphobia from Virginia govt. Be ashamed of yourselves. </p>


Oppose

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This policy assumes that all parents will be or are caring to their trans children. This oversight is dangerous and failure to revise is a deliberate harm to the well-being of students.


Strongly oppose this guidance

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I strongly OPPOSE this guidance.


Pretending to be a woman does not make you one

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<p>No matter how much ever the trans groomers and their supporters try to gaslight parents into accepting their degeneracy we the parents will not allow you to take our children.  </p>


Protect Trans Kids

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Every peer-reviewed and reputable piece of research shows supporting, protecting, and respecting trans children greatly reduces rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide. This legislation IGNORES all of that.

KEEP SCHOOLS SAFE FOR ALL CHILDREN.


OPPOSE GY Anti-Trans Policy

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I oppose the governors new trans policy. I’m afraid this will lead to sucide among the trans youth. Just because you don’t understand doesn’t give you the right to take away their rights. If your truly about educating and protecting ALL youth this is definitely not how you do it.


Strongly oppose!!!!!

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Please let trans kids exist and support them!!!

stop bullying trans kids for your political adgenda.

trans kids deserve love and support.


STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS CRUEL GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

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"The Code of Virginia reaffirms the rights of parents to determine how their children will be raised and educated"

I don't want my kids educated within an ignorant and prejudiced system that does not respect and celebrate diversity.  Where are my parental rights when my tax dollars are being spent on policies that are not conducive to the learning environment I want for my children?


Protect Trans Kids and reject hate

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I strongly oppose this guidance. This is illegal discrimination at both the state and federal level and is categorically and intentionally harmful to the trans community. Instituting cruel policies like this to score political points and stoke division is disgusting behavior every American should reject.

This policy will kill trans kids. It will cause despair and fear and depression. These policies are actively violent towards vulnerable children, and anyone who supports this policy will have blood on their hands.

This has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with extremist fascist policies a minority of people in this country are pursuing. Please reject this guidance and protect children.


Strongly OPPOSE Gov's Anti-Trans Policy

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Trans and non-binary students are among the most vulnerable groups in schools. These students are the ones likely to experience violence and discrimination, not the other way around. I think Governor Youngkin's new policy is cruel, full stop. There is nothing students, teachers, or parents will gain by discriminating against trans and non-binary students.

I strongly oppose school boards taking up this policy.

Lucy Hartman


Oppose, stop bullying trans kids

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<p>These policies are a hateful attempt to appeal to your extremist right wing base. Stop bullying already marginalized children. Virginians are sick of this nonsense. Trans rights are human rights, not taking about them isn't going to erase them from existence. </p>


Trans Policy

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Driven by the venom and hatred characteristic of the GOP today, the Party of Jefferson Davis.   Shame on Trumpkin and his sycophants.


Support Parental Rights

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<p>Parents should know what gender their child(ren) are identifying with at school.  If it is different than that with which they identify at home, there is a disconnect that needs to be known. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE the governor’s transgender policy

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I am totally opposed to Youngkin’s wrong-headed transgender policy.  It is wrong for Virginia and wrong for its citizens.


I oppose this guidance, it is discrimination

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I strongly oppose this discriminatory guidance and policy by the VDOE. It was written to hurt children, to score political points with bigots. That is unconscionable.

For emphasis:

THIS POLICY WAS EXPLICITLY DESIGNED TO HARM CHILDREN. IT SHOULD NOT BE ADOPTED.

It really is that simple.

Those responsible for creating this policy proposal should be deeply ashamed, and furthermore disallowed from participating in the education system.

Once again:

THIS POLICY WAS EXPLICITLY DESIGNED TO HARM CHILDREN. IT SHOULD NOT BE ADOPTED.

Full stop.


As a parent and aunt: Strongly Oppose Rolling Back Protections for Students

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As a parent and aunt to several students who would be impacted by this or similar decisions, I strongly oppose the roll back of existing protections for all students, especially LGBTQIA+ students. It is the government's job to protect all, and that includes those who could be put in extreme danger from disclosure of their personal identities. The government should not be in the business of policing bodies, choices, or rights of any one.

If my daughter decided to identify as something other than a cis female, that is her choice and right to do so, regardless of how I feel (although of course, I would support and love her no matter what). Her choice would not put any other students or herself in harms way, and as long as that remains the case, I am happy to let her be her authentic self, no matter what that looks like.

Public schools should be apolitical, areligious, and inclusive. As someone who identifies as agnostic at best, my child should not be exposed to religious doctrine, phraseology, or teachings without my consent. By taking a stance on gender identity, I firmly believe the government is making a religious statement. Public schools should be for the protection and betterment of those in its care.


School should not operate in loco parentis

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The guidance “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools” sets a terrible precedent for schools to act in loco parentis, which is outside the constitutional precedent. Should schools have the responsibility of telling parents about their kids’ political or social leanings, about crushes and friends? This is a very slippery slope. Let schools do what they do best: teach. And encourage parents to listen to and establish a loving and trusting relationship with their kids at home.


Strongly Oppose

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As  a parent I strongly oppose these rules.

My heart breaks reading the fear and anguish from LGBTQ youth that now feel unsafe and threatened by this administration cruel and vindictive "rules": https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/09/23/virginia-transgender-youngkin-students-outing/

We should all protect kids and give them all the tools to find and protect who they are. As a parent I know this is not about parents right. In fact it's the complete opposite where it takes away my ability to protect my child and have them learn in a just and tolerant society. This forces extremist conservative views into school administration and makes it harder for all parents to provide a safe and supportive education. These documents teaches our children that intolerance and that bullying and shaming others for self promotion is acceptable. This is not the type of society I want to live in.

Rarely have so few (4000 out of 1.2M) been targeted and threatened by the government that should be protecting and helping our most vulnerable kids thrive. Gov. Youngkin is using kids as political pawns to wage a shameful culture war and raise money from conservatives extremists that have forgotten their religion used to be about protecting the vulnerable and disenfranchised.


OPPOSE THIS POLICY

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<p>I oppose this policy by Governor Youngkin. IT can be very dangerous to out a transgender student without their consent or prior knowledge, as the rate of homeless trans people compared to the size of their overall community - along with those who get discriminated against in the workforce and in healthcare is already much higher than the general population. Please keep students - including transgender ones - safe! </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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The Youngkin govt (and many people responding to this forum) don't understand the issues around trans youth and will cause extreme harM to a vulnerable population because of outdated, misguided policies. This is personal for me. I’ve known several people who had never felt comfortable in their assigned gender and came very close to taking their own lives after living years with depression and despondence. After “coming out” as the gender they always experienced, their outlook improved greatly. The only danger to their well-being comes from people who want to attack them -- politically, ideologically and/or physically. The movement to express one’s true gender, to use their preferred pronouns and to live the lives they choose is growing and society needs to adjust outdated beliefs, not impose dangerous laws that harm. Stop attacking trans people.


STRONGLY OPPOSE, TRANS KIDS BELONG!

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Trans kids deserve just as many rights as any other student! Stripping youth of their basic identity is a hateful and unjust act of violence toward an already at risk population!

Let youth tell you who they are! And respect them!

Keep them safe and let them learn!


Trans people deserve the right to self identify

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Get your religion out of government, it’s not an excuse for bigotry


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>Gender affirming care is PROVEN to save and improve lives! Refusing to provide or prohibiting gender affirming care is child abuse. No one is grooming kids to change genders. What would the point of that be? Who would benefit from that? Trust kids and look at the research that is readily available! 1 in 5 trans youth will attempt suicide before age 30. Kids will literally die if this policy goes into effect. </p>


Strongly Agree with this new guidance

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I am not a Republican.  I am a lifelong Democrat.  Based on that, I'm told that I'm supposed to find this new guidance hateful.  However, I find myself strongly agreeing with this new guidance.  My school district in Central Virginia currently has policies stating that my middle school age child can change her name, pronouns, and gender at school all without me as a parent being notified if my child asks for this information to be kept from me.  Further, the policies in our school district state that they will give my child counseling to help her make these transitions, again without any notification to me as a parent if my child asks that I not be notified.  That is an absolutely insane policy.  At 12 years old, my child (and all children) lack the cognitive development to make these life changing decisions without my guidance.  My 12 year old thinks bed time should be a choice, that dessert is acceptable for dinner, that she should be able to go where she wants when she wants, and many other simple things that I as a parent must help guide and direct.  A life changing decision as important as altering gender is clearly something that as a parent, I need to be able to discuss with my child and provide guidance given the clearly not-fully-matured cognitive state present at this age.  The proper upbringing of my child is my parental right.  Schools do NOT have the right to keep important life decisions private from parents.

Further, with regard to bathroom and locker rooms, my district's policy currently states that students can use the facilities of preference and that alternative arrangements will be made for those who this makes uncomfortable.  This policy makes it clear that "comfort" is the driving issue.  But whose comfort should be respected?  If a private changing room is adequate for students made uncomfortable by a biological male entering a girls locker room, or a biological female entering a male locker room, than why is it not adequate for that student who is uncomfortable using the locker room matching his or her own biological gender?  Clearly, providing a private space to anyone uncomfortable with utilizing the facilities matching biological gender is a reasonable accommodation.  If this reasonable accommodation is not enough, than the only logical conclusion if we follow the current path to the end is to allow all students to utilize whatever locker room they choose regardless of biological or stated gender, or to remove locker rooms entirely and have all students change clothes out in the open.  Given that this topic is one of "comfort" and that somebody will be uncomfortable no matter what policy is put in place, the only logical path forward is to choose the policy that minimizes the number of uncomfortable individuals.  That path is to maintain division of facilities based on biological gender.


We must protect all LGBTQ+ kids, period.

Christine Romboletti parent, trans non binary kiddo

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<p>My kiddo was safe at their high school (graduated June '22), during a period of coming out as trans non binary, due to the ability & willingness of the staff, teachers, advisors, & counselors to call them by their correct pronouns. They are alive today because of this affirmation, visibility & support. </p>


Stop pushing this on our kids.

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We trans people HAVE HAD ENOUGH of this right wing agenda being pushed on us and our kids.


This will 100% cause problems at home for VA lgbt children

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<p>As someone who just finished working on a school board campaign in Maryland, I spoke to a former school board member who was telling me about the LGBT liaison within the school system specifically citing the fact that the largest group of homeless youth are LGBT. Children come out at school and keep it from their parents because many aren’t accepting. We should not be putting pronouns and sexual orientation on the same level as in school fighting where parents need to be notified about it. This sends a wrong message and will encourage self-harm, suicide and that their identities are something to be ashamed of. This is completely regressive in nature. </p>


Protect trans kids

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<p>A bill that prioritizes ignoring the thoughts, feelings and experiences of the very people it addresses has no place in a discussion of morality in government. Laws are meant to protect people, not to invalidate them or subject them to pain, suffering, displacement, discrimination, and in the worst cases, death. These children deserve to feel safe and loved unconditionally as they are. This bill plainly states that there is no such thing for them without permission from someone else. It is ignorant to suggest this policy, and sadistic to carry it out. </p>


oppose strongly

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<p>I was proud to be a citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia when we were a leader in protections for all of our school children. The current proposal most definitely does not support all children, in fact, it denigrates a vulnerable group. My child is nonbinary and though their journey to personal identity has been challenging, I cannot imagine how much more difficult it would have been without their 100% parental and school support through their adolescence. No child should have suicidal thoughts in our state because they fear acceptance from their community. This proposal makes the fear a reality and clearly states that anyone who is different is not accepted. Every person deserves the right to feel safe. Other people's comfort level is a non-issue in comparison to one person's actual physical safety. Trans kids are not rapists. Show me one evidence-based study that suggests that conclusion. Meanwhile, the research on the dangers trans kids face in an intolerant community are evident in the disproportionate numbers of suicide and self-harm that this group suffers. Educate yourself. This is not a political issue. It is a human rights issue.  </p>


STRONGLY oppose policy change

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Many of our transgender youth do not have the support of their parents, and leaving this decision up to the parents could cause significant harm to our transgender students.  Schools must remain a safe place for students, where they can be who they are without judgement or persecution.  This is not a matter of religion, this is a matter of respect for a human.  The policy needs to remain and not be changed.


100% Support the 2022 Policy

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The Northam 2021 Policy was not a measure to PROTECT trans students, but rather a political and cultural PUSH to force ALL students to question their sexual identity, to pit child against parent, and to take away the personal and religious freedoms of teachers who would not support this Big Lie.  It is NOT the role of the school division or teachers to make transgenderism and sexual identity part of school curriculum.  The Public School setting should NOT be a political playground where our children are used as lab experiments.  I'm grateful that the new 2022 Policy will protect ALL children from the previous policy, and I'm hopeful that professional mental counseling will be encouraged for our kids who see themselves as anything other than beautifully-created in God's Image.


This policy is dangerous to children

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<p>Respecting the identity, names, and pronouns of students is life saving care. Outing children to their parents is dangerous. </p>


Fully Support

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Fully support the change in guidance to protect parental rights, as well as protect our children from further destructive sexualization.


Strongly Oppose

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Why are you politicizing a completely normal decision made by teachers. Did you know that if a trans kid has a single supportive adult, their suicidality is cut in half. The reality is that Trans children need any available support and taking this away from them is akin to genocide. Speaking from experience, existing as a gender that you do not identify with is mental torture. Please do the right thing and reverse this decision.


Very strongly oppose because I love Virginia

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I'm 54 years old, and grew up in Front Royal. I love the fields, rivers, the forests and mountains of my home. It broke my heart to love a place so much, and to be so unwelcome among the kids I grew up with, and victimized by parents and adults I’d never met. I was then, as now, transgender. I didn’t know other trans people existed until adulthood. Despite not having a name for it, or even understanding why, I was the target of slurs, bullying, and violence. Called a ‘,’ ‘queerbait,’ ‘cocksucker,’ starting in first grade. Teachers laughed, said they were praying for me, that I had to toughen up. I was pulled out of classes with other kids in 5th grade because one of the teachers didn’t want “that little  in my class.” They threatened to hold me back a year if I didn’t stop ‘acting like a girl.’ But the thing is, I wasn’t acting. That was almost forty years ago. I left home, transitioned- which for me was the beginning of a long, successful, and extremely happy life. But the scars of my first 18 years on this Earth are deep, and it hurts so deeply to know that the place I grew up has not only not changed, but that the cruelty I endured has been polished and made official state policy.


Opposed

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<p>This policy is both unnecessary and cruel. I thought Republicans thought smaller government and local control was better?  How about you let individual schools and districts decide what is best for the individuals they serve.  Stop worrying about how people pee and more time solving real problems in this state.  Let the kids figure it out.  It isn't hurting anyone to let a trans child go by their preferred name and pronouns. </p>


Protect our children - OPPOSE this change

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As a parent of two public school children, and as a pastor, I am deeply concerned by this proposed policy change. Trans students are among the most vulnerable of all children and youth. For many, school may be the safest place for them, just as it is for children who live in abusive homes. This proposed policy could put students in danger, and is clearly discriminatory against trans students. I strongly oppose this.


Revisions will harm youth

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I am very concerned about the revisions to the Department of Education's Model Policy that revoke protections and support for transgender and gender non-conforming youth. These revisions create an environment of shame and hostility for gender diverse young people and compounds the risks they already face, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, and isolation from peers and supportive adults. To be clear, those risks are not inherent to diverse gender identity but are a result of society's discrimination toward gender diverse people.

I urge Governor Youngkin and the Department of Education to repeal these revisions and instead institute a Model Policy that offers greater protections and support for all young people, including and especially those who are gender diverse.


Oppose This Cruel, Inhumane Policy That Will Harm Children

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I strongly oppose this proposed policy that tramples the rights and safety of trans and gender-conforming students. In its zeal to protect the rights of parents Virginia is overlooking that schools ought to be focused on making sure that STUDENTS flourish. Forbidding students to express themselves and explore their gender identities without written permission from their parents and requiring schools and teachers to tell parents information that students wish to keep private is needlessly cruel and excessive government interference and red tape. The rights of parents do not supersede the rights of students. We should respect that students know their own families and home situations better than state legislators do; if a student has not shared sensitive information with their parents they likely have a REASON for that and their concerns should be respected.

This policy is going to get children hurt and killed if it goes into effect, both from self harm and psychological distress and from family abuse. Do not do this.


Strongly oppose -It is our duty to raise children who can think for themselves and act accordingly.

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"The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees the rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. The U.S. Supreme Court has characterized a parent’s right to raise his or her child as “perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.” Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57, 65 (2000). Schools may not abrogate the rights of parents."

The 14th Amendment is referring to how a child is raised IN THEIR OWN HOME. This does not refer to how a public school must function. If parents want to dictate how their child thinks, behaves and is referred to then they must then invest in home schooling or any number of private schools that will indoctrinate these children to their way of thinking.

This new set of guidelines will allow parents to bring their beliefs into the classrooms and usurp the authority of the teachers and administration by breaking the trust bond between the students and staff. As teachers and parents, it is our duty to raise children to be independent. It is our duty to raise people who can think for themselves and act accordingly. This new set of guidelines is a misguided attempt at indoctrinating our children to conform rather than be independent thinkers. Shame on you!!!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>These laws infringe on a child's right to privacy and subject them to cruel and unusual punishment for simply expressing who they are, and anyone who genuinely cares about chindren's well-being will not bring this law into fruition. It is part of a ghoulish coordinated attack against the trans community and I implore the lawmakers to side with reason and morals rather than hateful rhetoric. </p>


The governor needs to stop being obsessed with little kids genitals

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This policy is a downright embarrassment. Instead of focusing on things that are actually impacting large quantities of the population, you're focusing on a niche issue. Get out of people's crotches, and focus on things like teacher pay, funding schools properly, curbing youth gun violence, and improving the conditions for at-risk youth across the commonwealth.


Trans are groomers

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Everybody who supports hiding important information about children from their own parents is a potential groomer, or a supporter of groomers.


Women will die

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<p>This is a comment of vehement dissent </p>


Protect Trans Kids

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Trans kids deserve to feel safe and respected in our schools.  Their identity is valid and their lives are important.


SUPPORT! Thank you Glenn Youngkin

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If you were born with a penis, you are a male. If you were born with a vagina, you are a female. If after you are an adult, 18 years of age you decide you want to change your sex, then go for it. Children shouldn't even have these ideas in their heads. They should be worried about who's going to be at the monkey bars and who's it for hide and go seek. Stop cramming this idiocy down their throats and you'll be surprised how innocent and child like children can and will be. Whatever you were biologically born as is what restroom you visit.

For the love of this world, stop changing the true definition of what everything is to meet your beliefs. That's not how it works!


Protect Trans Kids

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Transgender people deserve the respect and basic dignity of being allowed to live as their genders and use the facilities they need. Gender Dysphoria is a painful experience and is recognized as a legitimate medical issue by  medical authorities. Attacking trans people is grounded solely in politics and not grounded at all in dignity, human rights, or science


Support Trans Kids

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy. Not only will it endanger trans students, it violates VA state law. We know that trans kids are at a significantly higher risk for suicide and self harming behaviors. We need to support them and keep them safe, but this policy does the opposite. As a Virginia parent and teacher, I strongly oppose this policy. </p>


Strongly oppose! Protect Trans kids

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Trans kids lives are hard enough without the state forcibly making their lives worse.  This must not be passed!


Trans students deserve dignity and agency

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This is just yet another hate-fueled act of bigotry specifically designed to hurt a group already suffering higher rates of abuse, stigma, depression, and suicidal ideation at the hands of a few in power who desire to control everyone.


Support Youngkin

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<p>I believe the governor's ideas are fair for everyone.  </p>


Strongly Oppose - STOP BULLYING CHILDREN!

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<p>I strongly oppose this and think it is shameful to bully children. </p>


Trans policy not well considered.

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This policy will force trans kids who are in HRT and passing as another gender into a situation where it seems like a boy is using a girls bathroom or a girl is using a boys bathroom. If parents are learning their kid is trans because of a call from a school, there's a reason the child doesn't feel safe coming out to them and its an intrusion of the government (via schools) into private homes.


We don’t need more suicidal trans kids. Please stop

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<p>I’m so tired of this anti-trans legislation. Please redirect your paranoia somewhere else. </p>


Trans Rights


Unacceptable targeting of an already at-risk population

Fairfax Resident, Student, and Healthcare Provider

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Transgender and gender non-conforming (GNC) youth face a disproportionately higher risk of negative physical and mental health impacts. These policies are in direct opposition to activist groups and educators who work daily to improve public education and address alarming gaps in inclusivity within our public institutions. As of 9/6/2022, at least 28 transgender individuals in the United States were recorded as victims in violent homicide cases. This number steadily grows as a result of hate, lack of education, and that of policies that fail to protect transgender and GNC youth as they seek to grow within our public education system. These policies WILL result in a significant increase of both in-public, institutional, and at-home harm for students. Forcing teachers and students into a constant dance of regulations will remove the limited protections that were in place for students that come to public institutions (i.e. students who have a lack of resources or face domestic violence in their homes). Inclusivity should be at the forefront of this discussion, and our governor should prioritize ALL youth that he claims to protect.

For information on inclusivity and anti-transgender violence, please read (it doesn't take a genius to use Google and find these sources):

Michael Kokozos & Maru Gonzalez (2020) Critical Inclusion: Disrupting LGBTQ Normative Frameworks in School Contexts, Equity & Excellence in Education, 53:1-2, 151-164, DOI: 10.1080/10665684.2020.1764881

https://www.hrc.org/news/hrc-mourns-dede-ricks-black-transgender-woman-killed-in-detroit

https://vawnet.org/sc/serving-trans-and-non-binary-survivors-domestic-and-sexual-violence/violence-against-trans-and

https://www.hrc.org/resources/fatal-violence-against-the-transgender-and-gender-non-conforming-community-in-2021

https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/14054?autologincheck=redirected?nfToken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-00000000000


Stop taking away freedom!

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This is supposed to be a free country with a right to privacy. Freedom to be who we want and achieve our dreams! This bill not only takes away freedom, it will lead to increased parental abuse, increased suicides, and more negative health effects. Stop bullying children who are different. Stop taking away freedom!


Strongly Opposed

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I am strongly in opposition to this policy.


OPPOSE THIS DISGUSTING ACTION AGAINST TRANS YOUTH

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It’s is despicable that ADULTS are working to pass legislation to make the lives of young children even harder than it already is, especially for trans-youth. Supporters of this legislation should be ashamed of themselves. Shame shame SHAME!


Youngkin’s bigoted transgender policy

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I have relatives that are transgendered and they are so much happier and offer a much higher contribution to society now than they did previously.  Youngkin’s approach is not just wrong for Virginia citizens - it is wrong for Virginia as a whole.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>These policies strip away the rights of our most vulnerable students. School should be a place where all students feel seen, supported, and cared for. It is the responsibility of the state of Virginia to provide that environment for all students. The 2022 Model Policies do the opposite—creating a hostile environment that invalidates and erases trans students. The Board of Education should be using its resources to improve the lives of students, not harass and dehumanize the most vulnerable among them. As a public school teacher, I intend to use my students' preferred names and pronouns. My fellow teachers and I refuse to work for a public school system that prohibits us from treating all our students with the dignity and respect they deserve. If it comes down to it, we're prepared to find work outside of Virginia. The state already has a teacher shortage on its hands, and these policies are sure to drive away talented educators. </p>


Choose kindness - do not cause our LGBTQ students harm

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I am writing against the proposal to require students to be referred to by their legal name and gender on their birth certificate. I do not understand why it is necessary to make a few people feel less uncomfortable at the cost of creating a life or death situation for a large number of LGBTQ students who are at risk of suicide if they must hide who they are. Please choose common sense and kindness. It does not cost us anything to let people be their authentic selves. Leave enough alone.


Support women

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Women should be respected and supported. The invasion of trans men into women's  spaces is unacceptable


Protect trans kids. Even from their parents if necessary.

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<p>Not entirely sure what the issue is with letting kids be who they are. I will say forcibly outing a child can get them killed, stranded, and/or abused. I'd actually look at the prevailing medical and psychological opinions for guidance here. Key word being prevailing, NOT some lunatic with a degree but the majority of medical communities. </p>


Thank You. Reason and the Law Prevail.

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Thank you for careful attention given under the law, to retraction of the destructive policy and unlawful attack on parents, families and children in Virginia - and replacement with common sense and Constitutional order.


Strongly opposed

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I fear this overly cruel and draconian policy will, needlessly, inflict harm on youth deserving of care and support in other to score cheap political points.


Thank you Gov for bringing sense back!

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I fully support Gov. Youngkin making schools about teaching the basics again.

Activism has NO place around impressionable children who do not have the agency to make decisions for themselves. I can't believe anyone in a school setting would ever dare to keep a secret from a child's parents!

Parents make the decisions for THEIR kids until they are 18, end of story.

Schools have become overly concerned with "equity" and now our students are the last in the nation academically- Go back to teaching reading and math!


Trans rights are human rights


Strongly Support the new policy

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The new policy takes care of the safe spaces that elementary/middle/high school daughter have. Girls should not be subjected to having to share their bathrooms with men.


OPPOSED

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Protect trans kids. This policy is ridiculous.


Keep Gov't official's religious beliefs out of Family Freedoms

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Simply put, the decision on the extent and type of health care for a child is between the family and their medical advisors. The Gov't, and its representatives have no right or moral authority to insert their religious beliefs / morals into that private institution.

If you are pro-life then you should be anti-suicide.


I support our children and teachers

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You are on the wrong side of the law. Not only will this new policy negatively impact our teachers, students and families, you are opening up the floodgates for financial loss for our schools and Commonwealth when the ACLU comes after you (you will loose again)!


Strongly Oppose, it endangers vulnerable children

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<p>Simply: this change of policy will endanger some of the most vulnerable children in our Commonwealth. Frankly, many children have to live a second life as their parents would harm them if knowing the truth about their sexuality or gender identity. The state has no right to be involved in mandating such a backwards policy -- this was settled years ago, leave it that way. </p>
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Strongly oppose

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This policy is harmful to trans teens because this opens up the possibility of family abuse and bullying from peers because they are not given any opportunity to explore their gender. This policy is obviously transphobic and wants to remove all acknowledgement of transgender people. As an adult who is transitioning after being married cis-male it must not be ignored for the mental safety of teens


Transgenderism is not science only mental illness.

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Transgenderism is simply being pushed on children with undeveloped minds by mentally unstable pedophiles. This has no place in schools. It is child abuse by those who are supposed to teach these children.


Youngkin wants to control bodies

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Protect trans youth and their families. This proposal by Youngkin is dangerous in its deliberate attempts to control the bodies of trans youth in public education. He has no place in making this decision that affect childrens’ lives and safety in being themselves. If you support this controlling move by Youngkin, you need to examine yourself and what you stand for.


Oppose!!!

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<p>Strongly oppose. Protect all of our students, not your harmful beliefs! </p>


Trans Rights are NOT Anti-Parent

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<p>The new 2022 guidance regarding transgender students assumes that in order to support parents' rights, they have to be informed of all decisions pertaining to their child. We don't do this with other things - we don't get parental consent before serving children lunch or assigning homework or going outside to play. This isn't really about parents' rights at all - it's about limiting the ability of transgender students to be themselves, particularly when parents and caregivers are not supportive of their students. If a parent/caregiver were abusing their child, we wouldn't ask for consent before having them talk to a school psychologist. We would act in the best interest of the child - we would PROTECT the child. Yes, I am comparing not supporting a transgender student to abuse. There are consequences when transgender students don't feel the support and acceptance for who they are. There is research on this which the VDOE has completely ignored in their willingness to pander to a handful of right-wing politicians and extremists who feel that it is their job to suppress the rights of others. We can support parents' rights AND protect vulnerable students from abusive and unsupportive parents. </p>


Strongly SUPPORT

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strongly support what governor Youngkin is proposing


Trans students are not a threat

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<p>I’m a public school teacher and strongly oppose Youngin’s cruel policy. </p>


Strobgly Opposed.  protect transgender youth

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I strongly oppose this legislation.  Protect transgender kids.  This would put their lives at risk.

This legislation is wildly contradictory.  While in one section it states that it intended to protect each unique child, it also says that transgender people have no right to how they are treated.  It states that no personal ideologies can be pressed upon another person, but then says that transgender people cannot express themselves fully because of other people's opinions on who they are.  This policy would allow the opinions of individuals to dictate the lives of others.

This is not freedom.  I am a parent, I am Christian, and I believe that transgender people should be able to express themselves fully as they feel they are as an individual.  I also believe that anyone looking to press their beliefs by not acknowledging the individual has violated their rights.

This legislation encourages the discrimination of transgender people.  I believe that Virginia has an obligation to protect EVERY student.


Believe Youth and Protect Them

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As a teacher, we are asked to do so many things to protect students; from active shooter drills, to fire drills, to tornado drills, etc. The one SIMPLE thing that we could do to protect youth is to believe them when they tell us who they are. Youngkin's roll back is dangerous and unacceptable on so many levels. Schools should be welcoming and inclusive, not exclusionary.

The main concern should be on students learning, and what we can do to ensure that they are getting the best educaiton. If, as folx have been saying, we need to get students caught back up because of pandemic learning, then we need to focus on that. Students who feel threatened or not welcomed, will not come to school creating an even larger learning deficit.

We are literally talking about life and death for some of these students. Recent surveys show that transgender and non-binary students are far more likely to commit suicide than other students. Much of the most recent data on this is from the Trevor Project and CDC, linked below. A quick google search will let you know how important it is to protect these youth who identify as Trans and Non-Binary AS WELL AS all of the other LGBTQ+ youth.

 We owe them support, love, and dignity...not.

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

https://www.cdc.gov/lg


SUPPORT!! Parents have the right to be parents!

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I completely support Youngkin's new guidance for schools. Parents have the right to know what is going on with their children. I have always disagreed with the idea that a child can go to school and be a completely different person from the one they are at home. It is wrong for schools and teachers to "hide" information from parents. Parents have a right to know what their children are doing in school, from their grades to their friends to everything. How can a mother or father or grandparent effectively parent their child without the knowledge of what is going on in that child's life? I have a 4 year old grandson about to begin pre-k, I have honestly considered homeschooling him due to the current policy and because I NEVER want my grandson to learn in school about transgender and non-binary and make a decision about his life without all of the information I believe he should have. I will love my grandson regardless of his chosen sexual orientation, I just don't think he is mature enough to make that decision in elementary school, especially without my guidance!! I deserve to know! I also deserve the right to decide when he will be introduced to the world of sensuality. When I was in school my mother had the right to choose whether I would be allowed to participate in the sequel education classes! I deserve that same right!!!!


Oppose! Do not harass children.

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Oppose! Do not harass children.


I love my trans kid

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I agree that all people regardless of sexual identity be able to voice their identity and uniqueness.  I want to know my child will be respected in school and be socially accepted.  I want equity in the schools and these proposals will take all of that away.  Please consider the fact that every child has the right to be respected and has the right to express themselves regardless of gender status.


Opposing Proposed Policy

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I strongly oppose this proposed policy. This proposal would create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment for our VA transgender and nonbinary youth. It will require teachers and staff to forcibly “out” students. It will prohibit staff from supporting trans and nonbinary students, such as using a student's affirming name and pronouns. It will prohibit access or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity.  All our students deserve a supportive and affirming school environment.


Strongly Oppose

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These proposed policies require teachers to forcibly out transgender students to their parents or guardians. This is a dangerous practice as it may cause physical, mental, and/or emotional harm to a student if their parents or guardians are unsupportive. If you want to protect trans students, this policy needs to be removed. Additionally, trans students should be allowed to use the proper bathrooms. For example, trans men should be permitted to use the men’s restroom.


Strongly opposed

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All this bill does is hurt marginalized children.


Transgender Identification Policy: Highschool

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This policy is highly restrictive and it places children in a harmful and self-doubting position


Strongly Oppose - Children Have Rights

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This policy seeks to violate the dignity of transgender students for the sake of propping up backwards beliefs about parental rights. Children are not properly, they are not things for adults to project onto and abuse for the sake of propping up prejudice. Children have a right to grow in an environment of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality, and solidarity- an environment that encourages confidence in themselves and the right to express themselves freely. Transgender children have a right to a safe and supporting environment fostered by their peers and their teachers, especially when that is often denied to them at home.

I strongly oppose this proposal and everything it stands for.


STRONGLY OPPOS3

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<p>Every major health organization agrees that providing children with care that affirms their gender identity is the best for the child: care includes the way they're treated publicly. Why would you ignore every major health organization? </p>


Strongly Oppose


Protect freedom for children!

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According to the values of this country, we must protect the freedom of children to express themselves however they see fit. This will allow them to grow with confidence and become the world leaders we want to see tomorrow. Restricting them will only backlash and introduce suffering where no one wins. Protect freedom of expression!


Strongly SUPPORT

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I strongly support this policy!  Thank you, Governor!


STRONGLY OPPOSE — STOP PLAYING WITH CHILDREN’S LIVES!

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<p>LGBTQ+ kids aren’t going anywhere, as much as you may try to erase their identities. Just because some people are uncomfortable with other’s sense of self doesn’t mean it will cease to exist if we will it so. That is insane, and frankly, an uneducated thought process. All this does is lead to depression and lack of feeling like they are valued as people. Policies like this are the reason that suicide rates for LGBTQ+ teens are so high. This is not the Virginia we know. Children are not disposable and most certainly not to be used for political pawns! Disgusting behavior!! Youngkin should be ashamed to be promoting this rhetoric. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This proposition will not help anyone. You all should focus on issues that are legitimately important. Not culture war nonsense. </p>


Step in the right direction - keep up the good work!

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This policy is a step in the right direction. It could be stronger to prevent schools from promoting child mutilation and chemical castration (aka "gender affirming care"), but it's a great step to acknowledging parental constitutional rights and protecting children from the harmful trans ideology.  Thank you for looking out for the welfare of VA kids and protecting parental rights!


Don’t bully the children - strongly oppose

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Don’t bully the children, this family strongly opposes the actions proposed by Youngkin.


Strongly support

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Parents have rights and according to the Virginia constitution, parental rights trump educators who want to hide things from parents.

Allowing boys to compete as girls is a violation of Title IX and a slap in the face to every female athlete.


Attack on Trans Students' rights

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Trans students deserve better. Everyone needs a place where they can feel safe, welcome, and accepted. This policy should not be allowed to be put into action or it will harm many already vulnerable children.


I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS BILL

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This bill is not only offensive to trans kids, it is both actively harmful and dangerous! Forcefully outing trans kids could subject them to abuse both at school and at home. As we know the high rate of suicidal ideation amongst transgender folk, we also know that legislation like this only causes that statistic to rise! If you really, truly, cared for the children, you'd see that this barbaric bill is not showing of your care and is instead hate filled and lacks and scientific or moral backing.


Impeach Glenn Youngkin - Oppressor of children

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<p>This is cruel and we should remove any politician who sees suicide rates of a community and chooses to continue or make worse their livelihood. Impeach this absolute fascist. </p>


Srongly opposed to the draft policy

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I am a senior transgender woman who helps all ages of those transitioning as well as assisting parents who have reached out to me for guidance to help their children. In my years of transitioning many years ago I was shunned, harassed, refused service, discriminated of job opportunities and told I should take my own life as there is no place for people like me.

The draft of Governor Youngkin's transgender policy will continue the discrimination, harassment, the mental, physical and emotional stress of the next generation. When will the common decency of allowing all individuals live as they wish, be accepted?

I strongly oppose the draft policy and ask each and every one of you, what would happen if you had to live with these degrading and senseless policies if you or a family member were transgender, non-binary or any other gender that did not fit the governor's normal person definition.

Will you be able to live with yourself if one or more young individuals can't take the pressure, harassment etc and take their life as so many transgenders and others have done in the past due to the hatred of allowing them to live their lives.

PLEASE don't allow this draft policy to take effect.

Thank you for your time.