Governor Youngkin's Plan

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<p>I strongly urge that Governor Youngkin do his absolute best to stop this craziness and evil in our public school system. Please Governor Youngkin stop all this transgender nonsense from being taught to our small and precious children. Please stop all the nonsense about using someone's preferred pronouns. God created us all either male or female and you are either a man or a woman, a boy or a girl. You cannot say that you are one gender while you are biologically a different sex and gender than what you are claiming. This nonsense is very well liable to cause problems in our schools and I do urgently urge Governor Youngkin to do whatever is in his power that he can do to bring this evil to an end in our state. I truly believe that God has placed Governor Youngkin in the position that he is in to make a difference in our great commonwealth and to stand up for what Christian values we still have left. </p>


I support Parental notification for Meds, Injuries, bullying, AND Social and Emotional issues

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<p>I believe parents should know what is happening with their minor children in school regard to their socializing and mental well being. If they identify as someone else at school, it is the school's responsibility to talk to the parents about this. Keeping secrets of any kind in regard to someone else's child is not best practices! We are the legal caregivers and kids can not step foot in a doctors office or counseling center without their parent unless they are over 18. School officials can't even give the kids cough medicine without parental consent. Why is this issue any different? You are not "protecting" a child by doing this. </p>


Strongly support

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This is common sense guidance that supports children. Schools should not withhold information from parents about their children. We should revert to previous policy on bathroom use for everyone’s safety. Using office bathrooms don’t call out student, they provide safety for all.


Transgender restriction

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I oppose this policy.  While corporate America and society educate and open minds to kindness and inclusion, this is so backyards.  A school is a place for acceptance.


OPPOSE

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<p>Strongly oppose this transphobic policy that will be harmful to kids. </p>


Girls' sports and showers

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I believe that most of our daughters and granddaughters have a strong sense of modesty and would feel threatened and embarrassed if a biological male were to stroll into the girls’ shower room naked while they were showering after a game.

I also believe that it would be the end of girls’ sports and sport scholarships for girls if biological males were allowed to compete to compete in girls' sports.

It is time we protected our daughters. This is what parents must do.


I support Governor Youngkin's Model policy

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Thank you Governor Youngkin for respecting parent's rights, protecting free speech, and looking out for all of the children in Virginia's public schools. I fully support the Model policy you have proposed. I wish it wasn't necessary to make it, but after the terrible policies of the last administration, I realize there is a lot of cleaning up you have to do. Keep up the good work. You're doing a great job.


Get the Government off our kids bodies

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I want to share my support for Youngkin’s policies that enshrine the rights of parents - not teachers, government, or any other party - to determine what is best for their children’s physical, mental, spiritual, and medical health. Thank you, Gov. Youngkin! Don’t cave!


Eliminating single-sex spaces is rape culture

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<p>Single-sex spaces exist to protect women and girls, who are physically vulnerable to men and boys. Giving more men and boys access to spaces where women and girls are vulnerable and unclothed will inevitably result in more sexual offenses. I support this sane policy--girls shouldn't have to give up privacy and security to coddle male feelings. </p>


I OPPOSE these proposed policies

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I vehemently OPPOSE this proposal and urge the VDOE to reject the draft policy. I am a cisgender Latina who has grown up with and spent time with LGBTQ+ family members, friends, teachers, and colleagues. Their gender identities, sexual orientation, and gender expression have never affected me personally in any negative way nor have they ever been a threat to another human being. Trans and nonbinary students deserve to live in safety and should not be targeted by others who don't (or don't want to) understand them. Trans and nonbinary children deserve to go to a school and feel safe, accepted, and supported. Discrimination and hate doesn't belong in our schools. The trans-inclusive policies that are in place are evidence-based best practices. Personal ideology and intentional ignorance should never dictate school policies.


Oppose

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Children learn best when they are safe, seen and heard as individuals who are valued in their communities. I oppose this change whole heartedly on behalf of so many vulnerable students in the Commonwealth.


Repeal of HB145/SB161 or accept 2022 Model

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While I would prefer repeal of HB145/SB161 that came out of the 2021 session of the G.A., without substitute, I'll accept this 2022 Model Policy for the time being.


I support Youngkin. Parental rights!

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I support Youngkin and parental rights.


I support Youngkin. Parental rights!


I support Youngkin

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Our schools have been going downhill with indoctrination and not education! I believe changing your birth sex is something that is private and should be a choice for the person once they are an adult and fully comprehend the commitment. It should not be any part of our schools business.  Did anyone here on the financial benefits to the hospitals and doctors for this procedure?? Sex changes are supporting huge chucks of hospitals budgets...kinda makes you think!


Thank you!

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<p>  Thank you for adopting these policies! Parents need to be able to teach their values to their children. Children do not belong to the state. Parents have every right to know what is going on. Transgendered students need to be treated with dignity. </p>


Strongly Support the Model Policy and Protection of Parents' Rights

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I strongly support Governor Youngkin's level-headed and rational righting of the educational ship that has listed so largely to the left towards insanity under the previous radical Democrat administration with Governor Northam.  There is no scientific evidence behind transgenderism. Period, end of story. I dare anyone who claims that they are the parent of a "trans child" to show anyone the underlying science that proves to them that the child they gave birth to which was either a boy or a girl, is somehow now the opposite gender simply because they "identify" as the opposite sex.  Transgenderism is however a diagnosed mental disorder under the DSM-5, which requires treatment and compassion for those who suffer from it to cure it, not attempts to deceive, hide, and obfuscate the facts from concerned parents.  Facilitating a lie to a child by a teacher, school administrator, or school counselor to tell them that they are something they are not, and then deliberately hiding it from their parent(s) who may not even know about it is an unethical, evil, and, illegal violation of trust, parents' rights, and is antithetical to the true purpose of education: to teach the child the basics: reading, writing, arithmetic.  What ever happened to those days?

Numerous studies show that most children who experiment or "identify" with gender confusion eventually grow out of this phase and move on to lead a normal, adjusted life. Some studies, as published via the National Institutes of Health show that up to 82% of transgender individuals have considered suicide.  Continuing to facilitate a lie to very vulnerable children and withholding necessary information from their parents who have an absolute moral right to know if their children are possibly at very high risk for suicide is vile and evil.  Virginia public school administrations such as in Fairfax County and Loudon County need to be reined in and this disgusting promotion of deception and denial of parents' rights needs to come to an end. Kudos to Governor Youngkin.


Sex not Gender

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<p>I support this legislation wholeheartedly. Sex is what is important from a legal, biological and social perspective. Schools and other institutions should not eliminate sex-segregated spaces with gender segregated spaces. This eliminates women's only spaces and makes everything unisex. This legislation is the first step is battling gender ideology. Children belong to their parents, not to the schools, teachers or the state. Parents must be involved in every aspect of their child's life at school. Stop usurping parental rights by thinking teachers and administrators are better placed to determine what is best for a child. If there's abuse or neglect, there are already laws and procedures in place to protect children. </p>


support 100% -parents choice

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I support Gov. Youngkin


Good Policy Update

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Agree with the focus of this policy update driving the need for more parent involvement in their child’s education and development. As a parent it is critical that we participate and support our child’s education and development as that is the fundamental responsibility of a parent. Thank you to those who support this policy and the importance of parenting in conjunction with public education.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>I STRONGLY OPPOSE this guidance. As a graduate of Virginia public schools, this would have harmed me and my peers. VDOE should reject the guidance. </p>


I support parents being notified

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Parents are the primary educators of their children and this information should be shared with them.


What an awful proposal

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I strongly oppose the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. This small, often marginalized, group of students, faces harassement and bullying already and this proposal would only make it even worse. What a terrible idea. You should be ashamed of yourself for trying to push this piece of junk through.

Why don't you stop wasting by tax dollars harassing children and spend your time helping Virginia's children.


Kids need parental support

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How can parents support a child who is going through a major life difficulty if they are kept in the dark by the school counselor?  If a child is depressed or has an eating disorder, the counselor would be highly negligent to keep that information from the parents and not bring them into the conversation.  Why should it be any different for gender dysphoria, especially when it involves making decisions that will result in lifelong, irreparable alteration to their own bodies?  It does not make sense for a school to say that transgender children should be allowed to be who they are truly meant to be, but then tell them not to be themselves with their own families.  Let's apply some logic to our policies and put true concern for our children first.


Thank you, Gov. Youngkin!

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I appreciate Gov. Youngkin's education department rewrite of the transgender issue policies. Patents who were cut out of the process now have their basic rights restored. Student safety rights are also restored. Please continue your commonsense education policies.


Vehemently OPPOSE this policy that violates student's rights

Stephanie Stewart, Virginia Parent of Non-binary Child

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To whom it may concern,

My name is Stephanie Stewart, and I am a lifelong resident of Virginia. My child, Aiden, is a 10 year old non-binary student who attends Norfolk Public Schools in Norfolk, Virginia. Aiden has directly benefited from the current model policy that protects trans and non-binary students at school.

When my child was bullied and taunted because "that's not your real name," teachers stepped in and protected my child, because they were backed by the model policy. When my child informed the teachers, students, and counselors of their preferred name and pronouns, the school sprung into action to ensure that my child was addressed respectfully and appropriately, just like any other child in the building. Aiden shared their identity with others at school before they shared it with me, and I fully credit their amazing school and the model policies for my child's positive mental health, as school is still a safe, welcoming place due to these policies.

Aiden continues to be on the honor roll at school and is making excellent academic progress, including passing all of their SOL's, directly because they feel safe and secure at school. How could a student focus on academic success when they are constantly discriminated against or treated poorly by the students and administrators? They cannot.

I have strong concerns that the governor's newly proposed policy will directly negatively impact my child's (and other children's) education, by removing the protections that contribute to their safety and security at school. The proposed policy violates the motto of Norfolk Public Schools, which is "Equity and Excellence for All," for there cannot be excellence where the is no equity.

Students who feel safe at school have fewer absences and better grades. Aiden, in their words, fears being "heavily bullied" by the other students if these protections are revoked, as it would send a message to the commonwealth that the rights of trans and non-binary students do not matter as much as the rights of cisgender students.

Students who are trans and nonbinary have suicide rates that are well above and beyond those of cisgender students, even though suicide is already the second leading cause of death among ALL young people aged 10-21 (Hedegaard, Curtin & Warner, 2018), and we know that the pandemic has caused these numbers to rise even higher. Why would Virginia adopt policies that negatively impact student mental health, when mental health was one of the MAIN reasons cited why children needed to return back to the school environment in the first place?

The governor states that these policies are being crafted in the name of "parent's rights," but my rights in no way were violated by the school protecting my child. If anything, I am so utterly grateful that the school stepped in to secure my child's safety and well being. We live in a time where our children are constantly monitored by their parents, via tracking apps, "nanny cams," apps that allow us to see our children's grades in "real time" and even tell me exactly what my child ordered in the school cafeteria and what book they checked out in the library. There are even apps that allow us to see all the texts our children type--and yet, children's mental health is worse than ever. Where do my child's rights begin? What is next--that teachers would be required to inform me of who my child has a crush on? Of who they sit next to in the cafeteria?

I am unfortunately very well aware of children who have been kicked out of their homes, beaten, and abused by their parents who were unsupportive of their LGBTQ identities. We must not place these already vulnerable children in harms way, and these policies seek to do just that. Please do not adopt these policies that are directly detrimental to student success and mental health. Please stop targeting our children. Please reject these policies.

Thank you for your time and your consideration.

Stephanie Stewart, MSEd

parent of non-binary student in Virginia public schools


Proper Transgender Question

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All persons, Teachers, Pastor, etc. should ask the transgender one question.  First trust must be established between yourself and the transgender person then ask "What happened to you that caused you to dislike yourself the way you are?" This will lead you to the underlining problem and allow you to address this issue properly.  https://waltheyer.com/


Strongly SUPPORT new policy

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<p>It's frustrating that the majority of the people who oppose this policy do not have children. I understand that some do, but when you dont have kids of your own you really cant understand how harmful it is to take away parental rights. I support the governor and this policy. PLEASE read it in full. Our kids need sound judgment of sound adults. This policy keeps their safety and wellbeing in the hands of the parents, where it belongs. If there is concern for the FEW kids who have unaccepting parents then lets place bills to up affordable counseling for children and families, instead of isolating families from one another. </p>


Support Youngkin 2022 Model Policy

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I have thoroughly read the 2020 "Model Policy For Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public Schools" and many of its referenced documents. This original 2020/21 Model Policy is egregious and onerous. Egregious because it strips away parental rights and adds punitive action to un-supporting parents of a confused child wrestling with transgender or LQBTQ+ issues. Onerous because the weight it puts on educators to wade through all the gender confusion terminology and myriad of pronouns with punitive recourse, prevents teachers from focusing on educating a child in key knowledges, because their energy is absorbed by these onerous inefficient social policies.

The collateral damage the 2020/21 Model Policy creates is legion, including the cost and infrastructure changes to genderless bathrooms, locker rooms and confusion to children as well as molestation risks, far outweigh any benefit. All children need to be loved and understood, but this tyranny of the minority to help some has strong elements of major dysfunction.  Good Bullying policies exist and the teachers and educators need to be given the authority to return discipline to the bullying offenders. That ridiculous 2020/21 policy will not solve the bullying issue, but rather create tremendous sexual problems down to the elementary age. Just read pgs. 8-9 of that policy and Kindergarten age children are now in the site of perverted hypersexual grooming methods.

I have also thoroughly read the revised and new "2022 Model Policy On The Privacy, Dignity and Respect For All Students and Parents in VA Public Schools". It provides a proper compromise to re-engage parents that the first policy unconstitutionally removed. The 2020/21 Model Policy rooted in sexual ideology violates religious rights and its approaches were shameful and frankly disgusting with such a violation of children's and parental rights.  This new 2022 Model Policy rights a sinking ship. Without this policy and the other policy in play, the only recourse of parents is to practice a free market solution and remove all non-conforming kids and parents from the public schools.

So thank you for the new "2022 Model Policy On The Privacy. Dignity and Respect For All Students and Parents in VA Public Schools".


Support Governor's proposal

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I strongly support this proposal. Parents HAVE TO be involved in these delicate and difficult decisions regarding gender identity. It takes a village.


This is awful - oppose strongly

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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, requiring teachers and staff to forcibly “out” students, prohibit staff from supporting trans and nonbinary students such as using a students affirming name and pronouns, and prohibit access or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity.  All our students deserve a supportive and affirming school environment, especially our vulnerable and marginalized populations like our transgender and nonbinary youth.


Youngkin's proposed 2022 Model Policies on Transgender Students

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I strongly oppose this action


Protect ALL Kids

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<p>Taking rights away from any child is disgusting. Doing it to the most vulnerable is deplorable. LGBTQ youth deserve respect and reassurance. Parents deserve to know their child is safe and protected at school. If the Governor is so concerned about parents’ rights than that should be extended to ALL parents. With the mental health crisis in this country, everything should be done to help kids feel safe and comfortable at school, which can already be a very stressful place for them. </p>


Leave trans kids alone

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These guidelines will harm trans and non-binary kids. These kids already have a higher rate of suicide. What the governor is proposing will actively harm these children. I strongly oppose these guidelines. All children should be accepted. Keep right wing politics out of our schools!


Oppose: The 2021 Model Policies are just fine

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This 2022 proposal is rubbish. The 2021 Model Policies are just fine. As the parent of a trans child, I am saddened to see where we might be heading if the 2022 Model Policies are adopted. It makes no sense to require parents to request something in writing that a student might not be comfortable telling them. Allowing students to be who they are - and allowing schools to refer to them as who they are - does not need to be couched as in conflict with parental rights.

And while we're at it, I see that "the 2022 Model Policies also consider over 9,000 comments submitted to the Department during the public comment period for the 2021 Model Policies" -- Shouldn't those have been considered when finalizing the 2021 policies? Before approving the 2022 hogwash, I hope you consider the tens of thousands of comments that have been submitted in response to this misguided effort to fix what ain't broken.


Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender Students

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While I hope all parents are supportive of their children, I oppose this measure because schools should be safe spaces for all students and this might put the most vulnerable students at risk.


Transgender policies

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<p>I strongly approve the transgender policy changes that Governor Youngkin wants to make. </p>


strongly oppose

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These policies are based on hate and fear, and act to harm young people.  We should be uplifting young people who are working to find their place in the world, pursue happiness and self-reflective enough to articulate their feelings.


I support this proposal.

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It’s ridiculous that this cause du jour is eating up so much of our time , funds, and attention.
What if people were this passionate about actual school subjects and real world problems?


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Politics has no place here. Transgender children, like all children, just want to belong.  Glen Youngkin's proposed policy panders to those who believe they should be able to discriminate against transgender people.

The proposed policy promotes bullying and marginalizing certain children in our public schools.  Hateful behavior toward others is not a protected right or belief system.

There is a mental health crisis among our youth and the proposed policy will make it worse.  Data indicate that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth.

If students are being abused by their parents, they should be able to get help from adults at their school.  The proposed policy will make it harder for students to get help.


i STRONGLY oppose

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You will be directly responsible for the spike in young kids’ suicide rates. I hope you realize that.


Schools must be safe for all children to be whoever they are

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This new policy by Gov. Youngkin about transgender kids is shameful. All kids should feel safe in school. Just because Youngkin is a religious zealot does not mean he can endanger children who are struggling to figure out who they are and how they fit in our society. The statistics tell the truth: kids who feel unsupported or ashamed are so much more likely to self-harm. This policy will hurt children. Period. Schools often intervene when there are issues at home affecting the child: drug use, physical or sexual violence, poverty. That's a GOOD thing. We all have a responsibility to children. I chose not to have children, but I still care about their education and safety.


I Strongly Approve of Gov. Youngkin's Transgender Policy Changes

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Our schools need to focus on their real job: education. Not indoctrination. Teachers in our schools have the responsibility to teach children the objective subjects of reading, writing, math, science, and history.  Parents have the responsibility to teach their own children their morals and their belief systems, not teachers. Parents have the ultimate authority over and the ultimate responsibility for their children's lives, not school administrators and teachers.

Children who are too young to legally drive or vote or consume alcohol are also too young to make irrevocable choices which will mutilate their bodies and/or chemically castrate themselves.

Gov. Youngkin's policy is a good first step in preserving parental rights over the upbringing of their children.


Transgender Policy in VA Public Schools.

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Parents need to be the determining vote for this policy decision. The Children belong to their parents or guardians…not the school board and teachers. Sports teams, locker rooms and rest rooms must conform to the students’ biological gender.

 Thank you!


Supportive of parents rights

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<p>I work in a school and it is overwhelmingly trendy for teens to identify as the opposite gender. As a person who was once in a same sex marriage, I am not a bigot but I do believe that gender identity is not a decision to be made before adulthood. There are alot of changes, hormones, and environmental factors that occur in teenage years. Children can dress in their gender identified clothes without needing to rename themselves. It is overkill. The parents need to be involved because maybe there is something else going on. </p>


Strongly Support the 2022 Transgender Guidance

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I strongly support the proposed updated Transgender guidance suggested by the VDOE.  Parents have the important responsibility of guiding their children through many different phases of development before they reach adulthood.  Our children are bombarded by many different influences, many of which, we, as parents, would prefer to protect them from.  This is a difficult task in this day and age.  This policy reinforces the fact that parents are the ultimate influencer and decision maker in a child’s life. I applaud Governor Youngkin and his staff in their efforts to draft a fair policy that addresses a very sensitive topic.


Strongly agree

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I strongly agree with this, and as a parent, I should have the right to know what is being taught to my child in school.

please keep fighting for our children, they are the future of this country!

Mary


I strongly oppose this policy!

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<p>This policy will do nothing but harm vulnerable children. </p>


Parents need to be involved.  Support!

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Parents need to be involved in decisions related to their child.  Period, full stop.  Strongly support this change.  Regardless of what the left will say, children need their parents and need their families.  Stop trying to divide families!


Sensible

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Protect ALL of our students by doing the sensible thing. Make bathrooms and locker rooms safe for all students by allowing those individuals born as males to use boys bathrooms and locker rooms. Furthermore, allow only those born as female students to use girls bathrooms and locker rooms. Keep kids safe. Do the same and sensible things.


Support 100%

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Children are better off when parents are involved and aware, regardless of what your liberal school board thinks.  Strongly support keeping parents involved!


This policy is the right thing to do

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Well done, Governor Youngkin.  Thank you for doing the right thing by Virginia parents AND students!


I oppose this policy.


Parents over School Boards

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Parents should have primacy over school boards when it comes to their child's well being!  Parents first!


Support!

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We strongly support this effort by Gov. Youngkin to give power back to parents where it belongs!


Protect kids

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Gender ideology teaches children that they may be in the wrong body and may need different hormones or surgery to feel complete.

This is not supported by science, and while society should be inclusive of all people, schools should not be a place of indoctrination.

We need to let parents support their children rather than hiding information from them, and we need to protect girls by having single sex spaces.  This is just common sense.


Strongly oppose

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As a retired educator, I strongly oppose this change of policy.  The Governor does not seem to grasp that parents have always had a say in their children’s education. This policy change has the potential to be highly detrimental to a group of students who need all the support they can get. Please focus your energy on healing and healthy outcomes, not continuing to stir up controversy where it shouldn’t or doesn’t exist.


Revisions to VDOE policy on treatment of transgender students

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<p>These revisions are hateful, ignorant and wrong.  These proposed regulations do not protect students but instead harm them.  School should be a safe place for all students, and teachers should be concentrating on teaching them rather than betraying their confidences.  The policy is fundamentally wrong, and its outcomes will be tragically unacceptable.  It helps no one, but it harms many.  This is not about bathrooms, just as the civil rights movement was not about water fountains.  Let's concentrate on loving one another.  Please do not allow these proposed regulations to become policy.  </p>


I support the changes

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It’s important that female only spaces/ sports are preserved for safety, dignity and fairness.  Boys are male, no matter how they identify. Girls are female no matter how they identify.  Boys should learn to accept males who identify as something other than male ( TIM) into their sex class and girls should learn the same for TIF. The point is that no matter how you identify, you never change sex class and that biological reality needs to be respected at all levels of society.  The new rules that Youngkin has adopted support biological reality.


I support the changes


strongly oppose this policy! it's bad for virginia and dangerous for students

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I strongly oppose this guidance. It is bad for Virginia and extremely dangerous for our trans and nonbinary students. All students deserve a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment to learn in and if implemented this policy will negatively impact their education and their lives. This policy is rooted in transphobia and hatred, and does not represent Virginia values. I urge VDOE to reject this guidance and protect trans and nonbinary students.


I’m disgusted by this proposed change.

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<p>This discriminatory proposed change will lead to more children struggling to find acceptance. School should be a safe place. Do not make it a place that tells some kids they are not ok. You, Governor Youngkin, will have blood on your hands if you push this terrible change forward. </p>


I oppose

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I oppose this, it will harm trans kids and teenagers who deserve their freedom in the land of the free and home of the brave


In Favor of Proposed Change

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Parents are the first line of defense for their children from birth to 18 years of age.  Schools/teachers should keep parents informed of all social, medical, and educational issues.  Teachers need to teach the subject they are scheduled to teach without direct or indirect reference to social LGBTG+ issues and/or political opinion.   Teach history the way it happened…the good, the bad and the ugly.

Parents should be able to take their students’ school dollars to the school district/school they feel i]best meets their children’s need/goals.


Support this - it intentionally respects everyone's rights.

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If you read this policy you cannot logically oppose it. It very carefully spells out how everyone's rights are protected in school on this issue. The previous policy ignored Parents and the rights of teachers and students whose moral values don't agree with the emotions based trans movement.


022 M ODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY , DIGNITY , AND RESPECT FOR ALL S TUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA

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I strongly disagree with this policy. This policy will harm students and encourages bullying.

Furthermore, the policy makes it very difficult for supporting parents to ask the school to refer to their transgender child with the correct pronouns for said child. If this was truly about parents rights, then the policy would provide a hassle free way for parents to update the childs records with the childs wishes in mind. This policy is a disservice to protecting the privacy of our children and is a determent to the mental health of a trans child. children should be treated with respect and dignity, that means honoring their pronouns, respecting their preference for restroom usage  (in alignment with their identity).

As a tax paying, voting citizen of loudoun county, I strongly disagree with this policy and it should not be put into effect.


I strongly oppose

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This proposal is preposterous and limits the rights of trans and nonbinary students. I know the main argument is on parent rights, but what about us students? If I do not feel comfortable  or welcome in school because I cannot be who I am, then I will learn nothing besides how cruel people can be. Is that really what we want to promote in our school system?

School is the time for students to explore their identity, and it should not be decided for them by their parents, the school system, or the government. Please do not pass this bill for the sake of every student out there because this is not just about trans students. If trans students are not accepted, then their mental health will surely decline and possibly lead to more suicides, which is an issue for everyone.


vociferously opposed to this guidance document!

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The proposed guidelines roll back a host of protections for some of our most vulnerable students.  They are dangerous, discriminatory, and unethical.  They put youth at increased risk for harassment and bullying.  Misgendering and outing students is extremely harmful to their mental health and emotional well-being.


Strongly oppose - vulnerable children are scared

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In other states when things like this passed, children immediately harmed themselves. Not all children have open minded parents, some will be abused if the schools tell their business. Most are simply changing name/pronouns socially, no different from requesting a teacher use a nickname. If we changed state policy based on the actions of 1 or 2, there would be no children in school at all


Opposed to cruel DOE proposal for Trans community

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I oppose the new DOE proposal which does not provide privacy, dignity or respect for a group of vulnerable children.

Thank you

Aubrey Hess


Support Transgender Policy Revisions

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Thank you for putting parents back as responsible for their childrens' education and giving them insight as to what they are being taught. Teachers need to stay on reading, writing and arithmetic subjects. Leave the social and moral subjects to the parents. Your revised model school transgender policies put the responsibility for our children's education in proper order. Great job!


I oppose this new policy it won't bring parental rights but repressive control

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Wake up stop being ignorant and let children be who they want to be . You treat them like they're objects and only care for them until they start having their own opinions and try to be who they are.


Governor Youngkin is wrong and bad for Virginia

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My family strongly rejects hateful policies such as this.  Protect those who need protecting. Stand up for Tran’s rights!


I oppose

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While I am in favor of opening lines of communication with families and building stronger school communities, I oppose this proposed legislation. I believe it will harm Virginia's children.


For shame. This transgender policy attacks some of our most vulnerable students.

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I am appalled that Virginia would consider this policy change. Governor Youngkin has clearly never had conversations with transgender students, and he has ignored research and best practices for helping them navigate their exceptionally challenging teen years. The increased number of teen suicides directly attributed to this misguided policy will be on you, Governor.


I Strongly Approve Gov. Youngkin's Transgender Policy Changes

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<p>Stop the WOKE agenda in our schools. STOP CRT.  Let the kids be kids. It’s okay to say boys and girls. Stop the madness. </p>


“Model Policy” for Virginia schools re trans and non-binary youth

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<p style="text-align: center;">I OPPOSE the proposed “model policy” changes.  I  treasure my relationships with transgender friends, and appreciate their diverse and invaluable contributions to our communities.  I’m privileged to know some of their private, painful stories from their youth — when denied the dignity they have always deserved.   Inclusive, respectful, science-based school policies benefit EVERYONE by fostering civility, respect, fairness, and kindness among ALL youths and adults , who then can grow up to enjoy their common humanity and share an enlightened future together.   The proposed policy threatens that future by permitting or even promoting the perpetuation of unfounded or exaggerated fears, or ignorance, however inadvertently.  Virginia must not go back to allowing hostile environment in schools. </p>


Transgender School Rules

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Fully support what governor Youngkin has proposed. Parents have the final authority on how their children are raised, not strangers/teachers. Biology is science too.


I support and thank God for Gov. Youngkin

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I stand with Gov. Youngkin!


Common Sense in a Hypocritical Society

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Thank you Governor Youngkin for bringing commonsense to our society where a minor can decide that he/she can flip-flop from one sex to another while they cannot even take an aspirin at school unless they have their parents' permission and a bottle of aspirin stored in the school clinic.

Your policy will support our families and make them stronger.

Stand strong. What you are doing is right.

God bless you and your administration.

Kevin Kubota


THANKS fully support

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Fully support  thanks for keeping your promise


Fully Support - Thank you Gov Youngkin!

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I have lost so much trust in the public school system because they think they are so much more than what they should be.  Please stick to teaching and leave the parenting to the parents and stop making our schools political.  It is so scary how these schools think they know better than the parents and think the teenagers know better than the parents!  A teenager whose brain has not fully developed yet!


Strongly oppose - This will harm transgender students

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I was extremely lucky to be accepted by my mother, and my peers and teachers in school when I came out, but I also knew many students who went to the same school who could not afford to let their parents know because they would have been harmed physically or psychologically by their parents. School was the only safe place for them. Having other adult figures in their lives who they felt safe around was extremely important for them because they did not feel safe at home.

If this policy is put into place, this will encourage transphobia, contribute to a very major issue of parents abusing their children just for being transgender, and drive many students to self harm and suicide. Many transgender teens who are not accepted by their parents are verbally and physically abused, have needs withdrawn from them, and there have been many occurrences of transgender teenagers getting kicked out of their homes by their parents just because they are transgender.

It is not an exaggeration to say that if this passes, kids will die, and it will certainly not be a surprise to many of us who know the dangers of removing that privacy and safety from transgender students.


Opposed: Disregards research and harmful

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As a parent of a non-binary child and an LCSW, I cannot oppose this enough. My child struggles with serious depression and has been bullied, targeted and assaulted endlessly for their identity. My child is terrified, and that is with the support of caring administrators. Compared to their cisgendered sibling who has not once been targeted. Please, please consider the research, as we should for any policy:

56% of transgender youth reported a previous suicide attempt and 86% reported suicidality. School belongingness mitigates these risks and is a significant predictor variable for reducing suicidal ideation and attempts among transgender youth (Austin et al., 2020).

Transgender and nonbinary youth whose schools prevent them from using the restrooms/locker rooms that best matched their gender identities were significantly more likely to be sexually assaulted, 26% for transgender males and 149% for transgender females (Murchison et al., 2019).

28% of transgender youth whose pronouns are not affirmed attempted suicide in the past year. In fact, when pronouns are respected, transgender youth attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected (Trevor Project, 2020).

Transgender adolescents experience significantly disproportionate levels of childhood abuse compared to cisgender adolescents and experience greater levels of homelessness as a result of being kicked out or abused (Thoma, 2021).

Fewer than 2.5% of transgender youth re-transition to cisgender (Olson et al, 2022).

 This is about keeping kids alive and safe. Additionally the American Academy of Pediatrics, Virginia School Counseling Association, NASW (the list goes on) are supporting trans and non-binary rights. Explain to me how and why leaders in education and policy makers also not following best practice? As a parent, I am pleading to support these youth and to help keep my child alive.


Generally Support but it's not as clear as I'd like

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The 2021 transgender model policy was an Abomination so thank you for replacing that. That said that said I'm not fully satisfied by the approach of treating this as simply a parental Choice issue. Parents can't simply redefine reality any more than their children can so implying that children must be allowed to use the facilities of the opposite sex if the child's parent agrees that the child has changed their gender doesn't make sense. The 2022 policy seems to support separate facilities for children with gender dysphoria which makes all the sense in the world. However, it then cites the Gloucester case which is confusing because that decision required schools to affirm the delusion of children with gender dysphoria by allowing  them to use the opposite sex bathroom. So which is it? The mosel policy is very duzzy on that point. I understand that rhe nonsensical Gloucester decision makes that difficult but some guidance on how to require separate facilities in the face of that fringe decision woyld be greatly appreciated.


Strongly oppose this policy

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy. It will most certainly hurt Trans Kids. </p>


Guidance document regarding transgender students in schools

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The governor's oft-repeated statements that the purpose of his new policy regarding transgender students is to protect parents' rights in not logical or true.  What about the rights of transgender children and youth?  Don't they have an equal right to expect their child to be safe and free from taunting or bullying at school?  Forcing such children to use a public bathroom that matches their gender at birth puts them in danger.  Such policies also increase the odds -- already too high-- that these children and youth will suffer serious emotional distress or even commit suicide.   How does this honor or respect the rights of their parents?  The governor's talk of parents' rights is camouflage for a policy of blatant discrimination against these students.


Strongly Support parental rights

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<p>I strongly support this revision. The very idea that a school, or staff member would encourage and facilitate a child's deception of their parents is abhorrent to me. That a school staff member believes that they somehow trump my interest in my children's well being is the utmost in hubris. Thank you </p>


Strongly oppose: listen to medical and education experts, not transphobes

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<p>We have a wealth of experts in education, child development, child psychology, and medicine in the commonwealth. Consult some of them and create evidence-based policies that help ALL students succeed and feel safe. Governor Youngkin, stop posturing for a potential presidential run and pandering to your extremist MAGA republican base. </p>


I OPPOSE THIS POLICY

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<p>I strongly oppose this proposed policy and support transgender people in however they want to live their lives to find belonging and thrive. </p>


I strongly oppose

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I strongly opposed Governor Youngkin's despicable attempt to push policy through that will further endanger our your LGBTQA+ population. He should be ashamed, coward.


Oppose revised policy

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Trans students belong. Trans students and all students have rights to their own identity. Teachers do not get to define students' identity. Parents don't get to define their child's identity.

Not all parents are good and loving people. Some  parents care more about what the neighbors or their friends might think than about the emotional well being of their child.

If a student trusts a teacher, that trust is sacred. Youth desperately need trustworthy adults in addition to parents.


Protect Trans Students

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<p>I oppose Governor Youngkins proposal because it fails to provide a safe and embracing learning environment for trans students who are already at risk for a variety of negative adverse life experiences including suicide. Trans students deserve to decide when it is safe to come out to the people in their lives on their own terms. </p>


Strongly Oppose Proposed Policy Change

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I strongly oppose the proposed policy and ask the VDOE to reject it.  The 2022 policy will be harmful to transgender and non-binary students who should have a safe, non-discriminatory educational experience.  Many studies support the harm that this policy will cause including the one cited that follows. A 2021 peer-reviewed study by The Trevor Project’s researchers found that transgender and nonbinary youth who reported gender identity acceptance from teachers and peers had significantly lower odds of attempting suicide in the past year. Why would you want to institute a policy that could result in increasing deaths of students?

         During my employment history I served as a social worker and dealt with abused and neglected children. From that vantage point I am saying this policy is harmful.  Please reject it.


God should be taught in every class, including gym

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He created the pushup and Presidential Challenge

Trump be praised


Opposition to proposed policies.

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The Department of Education argues that a natural conclusion of their mandate to ensure that "[a]ll students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying," is to protect people–whether they are personnel or students–who choose to discriminate against, harass, or bully transgender students by misgendering and dead-naming them. The weight of the evidence is clear: transgender people are at far higher risk of harm when they are not allowed to use their preferred pronouns and/or names. Requiring them to go through their parents (who are often unsupportive to only the student's detriment) and not being guaranteed the basic respect they deserve in school puts transgender students in the way of unnecessary harm. It turns the classroom, a place that should be welcoming and safe, into another battleground of American life, forcing transgender students to endure harassment and often mean-spirited debate over their identities.

As much as students and teachers have the right to free speech, transgender students have the right to be protected from harassment. By allowing personnel to misgender students if their identity and self-concept goes against "personal and/or religious" beliefs, VDOE is endorsing viewpoints that are inherently harmful to transgender students as valid and worthy of active protection by the government. We obviously should respect teachers' beliefs, but not at the expense of specific marginalized students. Similarly, the state recognizes that parents do not always know what is best for their children (reflected in mandated requirements for education, immunization, and living conditions among other things), but for some reason it is now prioritizing a nebulous idea of parents' rights (more of a political slogan than a coherent ideology) over children's well-being.

Remember that in the 1900s, Virginia was one of the states that fought vehemently against Brown v. Board of Education; don't be on the wrong side of civil rights again.


Opposition

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<p>I oppose this and all policies that violate human rights.   Lifelong Virginian and taxpayer.  I vote. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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Strongly opposed these proposed guidelines and urge them NOT to be adopted!!!


FULL SUPPORT of 2022 Model Policies: Parental Rights and Child Safety

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Thank you Governor Glenn Youngkin for taking a stand with the 2022 Model Policies, defending parents rights and protecting children.

Parents send their children to school to be educated on how to read, write, solve math problems, and study science and history. The school is not there to serve or fulfill the desires of a child without their parent/guardian being informed. The 2021 model policies violated the right of a parent to care for and protect their child.

You do not treat suicide/depression by affirming the individual in their oppressive thoughts. Instead, you seek help for them so that they can know the truth that their life is valuable and they are valuable. You do not treat anorexia by affirming that individual in their oppressive thoughts/emotions that they are “too big.” No, you seek help by correcting their mindset of their bodies/food. Easy things to do? Perhaps not, but allowing one to continue because of how they feel would have grave consequences. Affirming a child in their desire to be transgender is only harmful to them. They are fearfully and wonderfully made, like every individual and need to be encouraged that absolutely nothing about them is a mistake!

There are testimonies of real young adults who because they believed at a young age that they were another gender (male/female)  than what they are (based off of fleeting feelings) and transitioned only to later regret it and de-transitioned. The unfortunate thing is even if they do de-transition, what is done has been done and they will live with those consequences that are heartbreaking. No less valuable, however they were affirmed at a young age before they really knew those consequences.

The more the Gender Ideologies are pushed on children, of course the more you will see it. Children are vulnerable AND impressionable. The voting age is 18, the driving age is 16, the drinking age is 21. Why? Because of the development and maturity of a human being. Children are not developed enough or mature enough to make such decisions without the guidance of a parent who provides for them.


Oppose DOE proposal

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To whom it may concern at DOE:

I strongly oppose the DOE proposal to replace the existing model policies for the treatment of transgender and non-binary students in Virginia. Schools are a place where students, ALL students deserve to be who they are, to express themselves as they see fit, and to reach their full potential through a good education. The best education is one that looks at all aspects of being a human - the mental, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and creative. Creating policies that ignore how a child identifies on the spectrum of gender is cruel.  The mental health of youth is precarious as it is, and this policy will add another layer of stress and anxiety to this particular group of youth.

Couching this policy as focusing on the rights of parents is a false premise. LBGTQ people exist. Trans children exist. Non-binary children exist. Parents cannot forever hide something that exists right in front of the eyes of their children. This is not parents protecting their children; this is government hiding the truth of the human experience and doing it through fear, misinformation and misunderstanding.

Lastly, if this policy is being created under the umbrella of Christian principles or for political expediency, then shame on you. Christ would never want ANY children treated so cruelly. Please, in the name of God, do not replace the existing model policies. Open your hearts and your minds and do the right thing for these children.


In Opposition

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I could make an appeal based on a description of my uncompromising love for my child. I could try to persuade you of my child’s merit and worthiness of such love. I could try to do that in the hopes you might think of your own child and then you might feel sympathy and that sympathy might change your position to agree with me. I could tell you about the moment my child told me about their identity. And the transformative experience it had on me, knowing that nothing would ever be quite the same in my life. Or theirs. I could try to explain the profound emotional realization I had of what the Pride movement was about. Because only in that moment, looking into my child’s eyes and hearing their tentative words explaining to me what was happening to them, did I truly begin my path toward understanding. But I won’t.

Instead, I will offer you this: my total and complete rejection of the notion that laws will identify my child in a way other than how they self-identify. I will deny the attempt to do that in any way possible, regardless of how one may see my child as a threat to their children. You see, my child and others like them are the ones in need of protection and that begins with recognition. Recognition of their status as something different than our society would ever have permitted or acknowledged when I was a child.

I stand with my child and with those like them and with the future, regardless of what others sign or vote for.

I hope these words find some resonating heart, some comprehending mind. If they don’t, no matter. My duty as a parent to a nonbinary child is clear and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, which will cause me to lose sight of my mission to vote against every single public official who has opposed this cause for equal rights.

There are watershed moments for individuals, much like for nations in history. If this law is meant to create one for thousands of citizens across the Commonwealth, then it has achieved that aim.


Gov. Youngkin K-12 Transgender Policy Rewrite

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<p>I support the rewritten K-12 Transgender Policy as submitted by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Adopting the rewritten Policy as Governor Youngkin has submitted will help to begin a reversal of the reckless actions of the previous Administration that would serve to endanger the children in our school systems emotionally, mentally, and physically, as well as destroying family relationships, which are critical to the health and development of children. Decisions concerning sexual orientation and things of that nature belong within the family structure, where the parents can guide their children until the child reaches adulthood and has developed a mature mind that can process the ramifications of such weighty decisions. Thank you Governor Youngkin for standing up for our children, their parents, and for supporting healthy families. </p>


Youngkin's policy is a grave violation of human rights

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I'm a high school student at West Springfield High School, and I strongly oppose Governor Youngkin's proposal to require parental permission for students to use their preferred name and pronouns. This proposal will put students in danger. For example, I have a friend whose parents are very homophobic, and this proposal would put him in danger from his parents if he wants to be called by his name. Also, enforcing the new bill could increase suicides of students. One of my friends is on antidepressants and went to a mental hospital, and if this change to the policy were made, they could commit suicide. A great many students would feel unsafe if this change were implemented, so please do not change the regulation on transgender students.


I do not support these policy changes.

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The policies are masked as “parent rights” policies. But really they force schools to “out” children who may not feel safe revealing their identities at home. The policies also clearly try to limit who is afforded equal rights and protections in school (by creating strict definitions of who can be considered trans or non-binary and whether their parents “approve”). Gender (or any other element of identity) is not up to the state to define, limit, or control, and it should not affect a child’s access to safe public education. Sadly, many children who are not cisgender or who do not fall within the gender binary are not supported at home. Some are literally in physical danger at home for expressing themselves authentically. Forcing school personnel to “out” children may literally end in irrevocable harm or death to children. All in all, these proposed school policies provide less ability for kids to be themselves safely in school. This harms ALL children.


Strongly oppose.

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How dare you judge others and put them in harm's way!!


Support Govenor's  Poliicy

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I strongly support the Govenor's policy on parental rights regarding the use of child-selected pronouns, gender identity preferences for bathroom and locker room use and sports  participation.


I strongly oppose.

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Stripping these rights from our children will cause undue stress, anxiety, and could endanger them.


Bring God back to School

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God and the teachings of Christ our Lord, Donald Trump, should be taught in all classes including Gym. Totally rational.

Praise Trump


Wrong side of history

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<p>Don't do this. I get that change is scary and you don't "get" today's kids, but there is nothing but harm in this bill. How can you pass something that will not help anyone and instead will harm a whole subset of the population? How can you consider passing something so backwards? </p>


Stop the liberal insanity, I stand with Gov. Youngkin

VDE must stop the politicization of our children’s education!stick with teaching children basic education ie reading, writing, arithmetic, art, science history etc. Life lessons should be a personal matter for the parents to decide what is appropriate for their child/children! Exposing our children to the liberal agenda is has never been acceptable in the past. Liberals going ahead and changing the rules to suit their ideology won’t go over very well with in what’s supposed to be a democracy. It’s disgusting to watch liberals trying to normalize drag queen shows for kids, drag queen story time in local libraries, pride parades exhibiting sexually explicit behavior including beastiality and introducing & encouraging sex change operations to minors. In the past all the above behaviors used to be illegal until Democrats suddenly changed the rules. It’s nothin less then child endangerment and is a direct threat to normal societally behaviors as listed within the constitution and Bill of rights. Every Virginian best wake up, research what’s going on and if you oppose Democrats sick ideology and get out and vote on Election Day to vote these evil people out of positions of authority... you and your children’s lives depend on it, YES REALLY!

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VDE must stop the politicization of our children’s education!
stick with teaching children basic education ie reading, writing, arithmetic, art, science history etc. Life lessons should be a personal matter for the parents to decide what is appropriate for their child/children! Exposing our children to the liberal agenda is has never been acceptable in the past. Liberals going ahead and changing the rules to suit their ideology won’t go over very well with in what’s supposed to be a democracy. It’s disgusting to watch liberals trying to normalize drag queen shows for kids, drag queen story time in local libraries, pride parades exhibiting sexually explicit behavior including beastiality and introducing & encouraging sex change operations to minors. In the past all the above behaviors used to be illegal until Democrats suddenly changed the rules. It’s nothin less then child endangerment and is a direct threat to normal societally behaviors as listed within the constitution and Bill of rights. Every Virginian best wake up, research what’s going on and if you oppose Democrats sick ideology and get out and vote on Election Day to vote these evil people out of positions of authority... you and your children’s lives depend on it, YES REALLY!


Opposed - new policies are rule by “executive order”

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The current model policies were created based on General Assembly action and based on a number of voices and the federal judgement to uphold the rights of a transgender student to use the bathroom of their choice. They were designed to prevent other school divisions from being sued and paying heavy penalties. Divisions have been carefully working through the current policies with their staff, impacted families, and the communities they serve. Divisions have adopted their variation of the current model policies after this careful deliberation, knowing they needed to help all students feel welcome and be successful. The new policies are simply disruptive when schools have been focused on trying to get all students back on track after the pandemic. If the governor wants to improve test scores then he needs to stop undermining them with executive orders.


Oppose new transphobic VDOE policies

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Hello, I am from Mechanicsville, Virginia, and I am extremely opposed to the new model policies put forward by the Virginia Department of Education and Governor Youngkin's administration. I am a former Youth Program Coordinator at a gender equity nonprofit. In this role, I ran afterschool programs and summer camps in conjunction with local schools for middle school and high school youth. I spent my time creating more equitable learning environments and curriculum, and working with schools to better serve girls, transgender youth, and nonbinary youth. I saw firsthand the power of gender-affirming spaces, and the positive impact of honoring and respecting students' chosen pronouns.

The new model policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education are transphobic, and actively seek to harm transgender and nonbinary youth in Virginia. Research overwhelmingly shows that gender-affirming care is crucial to trans and nonbinary youth's safety and wellbeing. This includes use of students' chosen pronouns and recognition of their gender for bathroom use, sports teams, lockers, etc. For example, the Trevor Project's 2021 national youth survey data shows that, "42% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth." However, "LGBTQ youth who had access to spaces that affirmed their sexual orientation and gender identity reported lower rates of attempting suicide."

Schools must remain a safe, positive, gender-AFFIRMING space for all youth, and most especially for our most vulnerable youth. Gender-affirming care at schools - the place where youth spend a majority of their time - is life-saving, and the new model policies proposed are antithetical to creating a safe and healthy learning environment.


Parent support

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<p>A child’s mental and physical health is best monitored at home. A institution can not replace the flexible care a home can provide. Children who have mental health issues are best supported at home. Any institution who closes the door on parents do not have the best interest of the child at heart. </p>


Opposed: Fails to meet statute & harmful

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The statute requires that the Model Policies cite evidence-based best practices. None of the studies cited have anything to do with transgender youth. They are a list of sites about the value of parent engagement in general and then some information about bullying. Therefore, these policies fail to meet the bare minimum requirements of the statute.

As an educator in Virginia, I am concerned for the damage that will be done to young people due to these policies. Evidence-based studies show us that transgender youth are at a high risk of suicide and self harm.

Additionally, if this policy were truly about parent rights (I suspect political gain via culture wars is more likely), it places an undue burden on the parents of transgender students to submit paperwork reflecting a legal change to their child's name, birth certificate, etc. If the governor is insistent on the paramount rights of parents, parents should be able to state what name their child is to be called and what pronouns they are to be called by and that should be the end of it. No documentation required.

If this had anything to do with education and helping students focus on their education while at school, it is entirely counterproductive. Already vulnerable students are being distracted from their education by the specter of this policy, because they fear the Commonwealth is attacking their right to be. Educators are losing time to the outrage over these unnecessary policies. Just the draft of these policies is damaging - continuing to sow anger, fan fear and widen division when they will likely be struck down on legal grounds.

I am proud of the students across Virginia who are walking out to demonstrate how unwelcome these policies are in their schools.


I support parents' rights.

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I am in agreement with the policy change and I strongly support parents' rights.


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Our schools need to focus on their real job: education.  Teach our children reading, writing, math, science, civics and history.  Too many children are being influenced at an impressionable age by social media and far-left ideology that has crept into our schools.  Parents have responsibility for the moral upbringing of their children, not schools.  Therefore, parents must have a say when their child expresses gender dysphoria.  Too many children are being mutilated and later regretting those irreversible decisions one they reach maturity.  This has to stop.  Gov Youngkin's policy is a good first step in preserving parental rights over the upbringing of their children.


I strongly disagree

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<p>I strongly disagree with this policy </p>


Read "Irreversible Damage" and support the Governor's policy

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A view of gender that ultimately results in teens having healthy, functioning body parts removed surgically and their bodies pumped with powerful hormones on the simple basis of what that child believes about his or her gender identity should not be allowed to drive the actions of public school counselors, administrators, and teachers while leaving parents in the dark about their child's social transition at school.


Support Parental Rights

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As the Governor Youngkin's bill points out, the Constitution and the laws of the land hold parents responsible and accountable for raising their children. If a child is neglected or otherwise abused at home the law holds the parents accountable. To suggest that somehow when it comes to gender and sex, that parents are not accountable is to deny the most basic tenants of our laws and the Constitution.

If the existing 2021 bill that denies parents those basic rights stands, where does society draw the line? What if a child wants to go home with a stranger after school? Is that the child's choice? Does a parent have a right to intervene? If a child is "old enough" or "mature enough" to make a decision about their sexual orientation, are they old enough to make what appears to be significantly less weighty decisions about who they go home with after school or where they want to play or whose house they want to spend the night at? No parent I know is willing to give that up, but a bill like the 2021 bill discussed in this forum opens up the door to just that!

Think about it another way. Currently underaged boys and girls (under age 18) can join the military with parental consent. Would any parent want their 15 or 16 year coming home from school and announcing they had dropping out of high school and that they have joined the military? I think parents want a say in weighty matters like these and more importantly, are required too - that is why the Department of Defense requires a parent's consent!

Governor Youngkin's bill continues to protect each and every child. It specifically calls out bullying. If specifically addresses support of children who identify as transgender and disallows discrimination. This bill, however, squarely requires that parents be informed, just a parent would be expected to be informed about other issues/concerns impacting their children.


Student services

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<p style="text-align: left;">I strongly oppose this policy. </p>


I oppose changes to the prior policies, particularly bc this just for Youngkin's political gain

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<p>This policy is casually sacrificing protections for LGBTQIA+ kids solely for Youngkin's personal political gain. The cruelty and callousness of such political moves are astonishing. </p>


TARGETING TRANSGENDER STUDENTS

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<p>TARGETING ANY STUDENT OR GROUP OF STUDENTS IS DANGEROUS TO THOSE STUDENTS. AT THIS AGE NO ONE WANTS TO BE SINGLED OUT AS DIFFERENT. AND DOING SO MAKES THEM VICTIMS AND INVITES BULLYING AND BEING ABOLISHED FROM SOCIAL GROUPS. THIS LEADS TO ISOLATION, DEPRESSION, A GIVING UP.  HOWEVER, IF EFFORTS ARE MADE FOR EQUALITY INSTEAD OF DISCRIMINATION, YOU WILL FIND THAT OTHER CHILDREN TEND TO BECOME ACCEPTING AND CARE ABOUT THE OTHERS AS EQUALS, NOT BEING CONCERNED WITH SPECIFIC DIAGNOSES. THE SCHOOL BOARD EXISTS TO SUPPORT THE CHILDREN, NOT THEIR PARENTS. PLEASE DO NOT SINGLE OUT TRANS KIDS OR ANY OTHER MINORITY. IT IS DEVASTATING FOR ALL WHO ARE SINGLED OUT. </p>


I do not support this.

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Supposedly its all about putting parents in charge.  But there are many parents that don’t want books removed, that don’t want controversial topics removed, that support various degrees of support for inclusion of transgender and gay students.  Both groups can participate in elections.  The ‘right’ does not have any moral authority greater than anyone else.  Let the elected board control the issues they were elected to perform.  Don’t like the current system, that vote.  The governor has no more moral authority than anyone else in this situation.


Strongly Approve Gov Youngkin's Transgender Policy Changes


Fully Support

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


Please listen to the children whom this policy affects

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I am a parent of two children in Virginia schools, and am appalled that the Governor is using "parental rights" and "dignity and respect of students" as a cover for pushing through a destructive, mean-spiritied, and completely unnecessary policy. Such a move is egregious and harmful to young peoples' wellbeing, who have the right to live into who they are. Describing it as a way to help parents is disingenuous.

I have directly listened to the personal, lived experiences of a trans student in a Virginia school that was not welcoming to him. I would respectfully ask the Governor to take the time to do the same - really listen, with an open heart rather than a political motivation to the voices of those whom this policy affects.


Thank you Governor Younkin

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I agree that parents should be totally informed on what's going on with their children. I believe that sex education should only pertain to disease prevention. There should be no talk about teaching children how to be somebody they're not. Children should be learning home economics  and auto shop and other Hands-On classes that will benefit them in their future. Not everyone is cut out for college, but everybody needs to know how to survive and make a living in this world. School should be teaching not indoctrinating. I thank you Governor Younkin. Good Sense and your faith and your appreciation and care for children.


I support revisions to K-12 model policies

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I support the revised K-12 model policies submitted by Governor Youngkin.  Parents must be involved in decisions regarding their children.  Thank you, Governor, for supporting families!


"Parent" appears 99 times in the model policies; "transgender" 11 times, "nonbinary" 0 times

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As an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, an educational researcher, and a resident of Albemarle county, I would like to express my profound opposition to Gov. Youngkin's 2022 Model Policies regarding the treatment of trans and non-binary students in the school system.  Our community's number 1 priority in schools should be creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment that fosters academic and personal growth for all students.  To the contrary, Gov. Youngkin's policies are not only disempowering gender minorities and putting their academic performance in jeopardy, but the policies are also putting these students at risk of significant physical, psychological, and financial harm.

According to the Trevor Project's 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, "Fewer than 1 in 3 transgender and nonbinary youth found their home to be gender-affirming" and "45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year" (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/).  If only a third of households are perceived to be gender-affirming, how can we require educators to alert parents of their child's gender identity, when doing so may cause that child to be disowned by their caregivers?

Given that transgender and nonbinary youth face a disproportionate amount of harassment, violence, and psychological distress, we need to prioritize their protection and well-being above the so-called rights of parents to dictate their child's gender identity.


I oppose this new policy

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I oppose this new policy!


I strongly oppose this policy

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I strongly oppose this harmful policy that removes critical support and protections for transgendered students.  We need to protect all our children, including children in this at-risk population, who have a higher rate of suicide compared to their cisgender peers.  Our community recently lost a transitioning teen to suicide, and we need to ensure protections stay in place to prevent future loss of irreplaceable lives.


Thank you Governor Youngkin for standing up for parental rights!

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<p>Thank you Governor Youngkin for standing up for parental rights and fulfilling your campaign promises. </p>


This policy will harm children- I oppose this

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As a Social Worker who has been involved with trans and non-binary children, the policy being suggested will be harmful.  Many children come from homes with parental support, but not all.  There are times when it isn't safe to be yourself in your own home, LGBTQ+ people know this and have experienced this.  Children who are trans or non-binary or even questioning are more at risk for self harm and suicide.  This kind of policy does nothing to offer a safe haven, even in the instances when parents may indeed come around and educate themselves and become more understanding.

I strongly oppose this policy.


Policy change harms VA students

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<p>This proposed policy change is harmful to Virginia’s trans and non-binary students and is a blatant disregard of their right to a free and appropriate public education.  As a graduate of Virginia public schools, a teacher with 31 years in Virginia public schools, a parent of students in Virginia public schools, and a life long voter who supports public schools, I oppose these proposed changes. </p>


Strongly oppose

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Trans kids deserve to be loved and respected, and respect includes using their chosen name and pronouns. Data already shows that trans kids are more likely to attempt and commit suicide; this policy will exacerbate suicide rates among trans kids. The governor and anyone else who supports this cruel and deadly policy should be ashamed of themselves.


I oppose

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This is harmful and cruel to trans people.  Do not pass this law.


Protect trans and nonbinary kids!

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These proposed policies will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Please don’t let these changes take effect; I have numerous nonbinary friends and acquaintances who could be personally impacted by these new rules. I’m worried about what will happen in their lives and the lives of countless other nonbinary individuals if this policy change is allowed to proceed.


Oppose Governor's Policy

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Hello, I'm writing in to say as a lifelong Virginia resident, I strongly oppose the governor's new guidance with regards to LGBTQ+ children. It defies all medical advice and guidance from those who work directly with children and teens, is short-sighted and cruel, will inevitably end up harming children, and - I know this is the only thing that will get the governor's attention - be bad for business in Virginia. Companies will not want to associate with a Commonwealth that puts party ideology over the wellbeing of its citizens. This has been proven time and time again all over this country, yet we continue this way here? How utterly irresponsible. This guidance will hurt vulnerable children, educators, and frankly all Virginia workers. Thank you for your time.


What would Freud say?

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If Freud were alive today, he’d say that a Transgender male or female must have a deep-seated hatred towards their mother.    Fortunately, Trans people are playing in some kind of elaborate fantasy that the majority will eventually snap out of.   Adults who enable these children were probably abused themselves during their toilet training years.


No Thank You Governor

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<p>We don’t want these backwards policies </p>


Policy is wrong


Thanks to the Governor

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Thanks to Governor Youngkin for ensuring parents are informed of matters impacting their children and promoting informed parenting in our schools.


Strongly support the governor’s policy

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<p>Children should not be making these decisions. </p>


I strongly oppose this policy!

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This policy is wrong and will cause irreparable harm to young people who are already struggling.


Strongly oppose-stick to the 2021 model

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The Youngkin administration claims to be responsive to the individuality and needs of the students. Still, this policy is insulting and dangerous for the minority of students who need support and a safe environment. I would wager that most trans students live in households where the parents recognize AND support who they are and how they identify. However, other trans children live with families who not only do not recognize their identity but wish to ignore the changes happening to their child. These parents can be physically and verbally abusive, usually citing religious beliefs to "justify" why they are right and why there is something "wrong" with their child. In these situations, you cannot take away the acknowledgment that the school provides. As a teacher, I don't care what gender or sex my students are....I can only reach them if I see them for who they are. It is utterly disrespectful to ignore each child's identity. Youngkin is catering to his small conservative nationalists who use God as a justification to change all things that are different than what they believe. The purpose of public school is to provide a general education that reflects all aspects of our world, our cultures, and our history (all of it--good and bad) to ALL students. If parents don't like that in a public school setting, please homeschool your child. I am beyond tired of parents and politicians with zero education experience dictating what should happen in our schools. Come back to me when you have your Master's Degree, and we can talk.


Support for Governor Youngkin's Policy

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<p>Governor Youngkin's policy is spot on. Parents are responsible and held accountable for their children. As such, parents are not only entitled, they are required to know what is impacting and affecting their children. At what point did parents become the enemy of education and educators? </p>


Exact Verbiage - why I SUPPORT

What's the policy actually say?  have any of those in opposition actually red it?! ...(1) Each child is unique, should be valued and respected - zero tolerance for bullying(2) Schools will respect parents' values and beliefs, defer to parents and keep them informed(3) School shall serve ALL students' needs.Regarding #3 it can't always be both-and.  The girls who were raped/assaulted in Fairfax school bathrooms should never have to share a bathroom with a boy in a skirt again.  We need to step back to some basics: BASIC NEEDS like reading writing and math.  And they need lunch and access to a bathroom during the day.  They don't necessarily need the bathroom of their choice - just a toilet will do.  It's gotten so nutty that some bathrooms are leaving litter boxes out for kids who identify as "furries."  THAT is NOT education.

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What's the policy actually say?  have any of those in opposition actually red it?! ...
(1) Each child is unique, should be valued and respected - zero tolerance for bullying
(2) Schools will respect parents' values and beliefs, defer to parents and keep them informed
(3) School shall serve ALL students' needs.

Regarding #3 it can't always be both-and.  The girls who were raped/assaulted in Fairfax school bathrooms should never have to share a bathroom with a boy in a skirt again.  We need to step back to some basics: BASIC NEEDS like reading writing and math.  And they need lunch and access to a bathroom during the day.  They don't necessarily need the bathroom of their choice - just a toilet will do.  It's gotten so nutty that some bathrooms are leaving litter boxes out for kids who identify as "furries."  THAT is NOT education.


Strongly Oppose Proposed Policy

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The March 2021 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools does respect and include parents.

The difference is that the 2022 proposed change prioritizes the parents’ wishes ABOVE the student’s wishes. Therefore, under the 2022 proposed policies, in a case of disagreement between the student and his/her/their parents, the school will be required to adhere to the parents’ wishes and ignore the student's wishes, thereby violating its Guiding Principle to “respect all students.”

The existing policy includes a common sense approach to handling disagreement between students and parents: “In the situation when parents or guardians of a minor student (under 18 years of age) do not agree with the student’s request to adopt a new name and pronouns, school divisions will need to determine whether to respect the student’s request, abide by the parent’s wishes to continue using the student’s legal name and sex assigned at birth, or develop an alternative that respects both the student and the parents.” (emphasis mine)

I am a parent of 3 teens and have worked closely with my children to develop their own sense of individuality and values, long before they turned 18 years of age. I strongly oppose this proposed change in policy.


Stop Harming Students

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I do not agree with the revised 2022 Model Policies. We need to work together, not against each other, to help all students grow and learn.  These "parents rights" policies are really a way to make people angry at teachers and schools so that they don't think calmly and logically. Of course parents should be involved in their children's lives and educations. But targeting groups of students instead of fully supporting them, is not the right way to go.

Do not implement these new policies.


I'm getting a divorce

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Honey, all you do is watch fox news all day and it's gotten pretty pathetic. I can't continue to treat you like a baby, I've already sent a letter in to the lawyer for an official divorce. I don't love you anymore.


Stop playing politics with our children's lives

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A thousand times  "no" to this proposed change. Our children deserve to go to school in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance. School administrators and teachers should not be turned into agents of the police state unmasking the sexuality of our students. It is established in medical literature that LGBTQ students are at great risk for suicide and self harm. This proposed policy magnifies that risk.

There is blood on your hand, governor.


If this was a policy while I was a student at Gloucester HS I probably would have committed suicide

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Your pandering to the most reactionary elements of society for your own careerist benefit is disgusting. These policies you and your party support (and the Democratic party ultimately support because they will not fight you sufficiently on this) will literally kill kids. The worst elements of society will be further emboldened to hurt our transgender youth who already have a difficult enough time, and I know that you will be coming for me as a trans adult next. You will be remembered in hell, I hope the rain today flushes you down the James.


Love Youngkin's policy

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Our kids have never been more vulnerable, never been more self-destructive than our current days.  Parents need to be informed and in the know.  Kids won't tell us everything but warning signs and advice from teachers is always welcome.  Governor Youngkin is saying lets bring it all into the light.  He doesn't want ANY kids to suffer by keeping information from their parents you will cause more to suffer.  This policy is for the GOOD.  Secrets are to be kept between peers and between adults but NOT between children and adults and witholding that info intentionally from parents.  All we want is to be informed.  Why is the other side so hostile to this?


Yikes

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<p>Little unhinged are we?? </p>


Gov. Youngkin's transgender nonsense

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Youngkin is wrong in his attitude toward transgender youth in schools.  They must be allowed to use the names and pronouns that they themselves choose, without parent involvement.


I support my Governor

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<p>Protect our kids. I support my Governor. </p>


Not my kid - shut up.  Our family SRONGLY AGREES

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You're not my kid and it's not funny.  One just graduated and expressed a longing for a safe hetero space before graduating.  Safe white male heteros are spoken to, spoken of horribly in public school.,  And my other kids begged for private school/home school so they wouldn't have to stay in pubclic school.  My kids talk to me, and I do everything I can to help and support them.  That includes speaking up for them and with them.  The previous governor's policies made them feel scared and unsafe on multiple levels in school.  And they SUPPORT and AGREE.  My kids say shut up too and don't impersonate them.


Hypocrisy Identifier is Wrong


100 Percent Opposed

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<p>I oppose this policy and will specifically vote against any politician that supports it. </p>


CS Emswiler Sr, what hypocrisy! (AGREE)

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<p>Your child wants your rights to remain in place, to protect him/her.  And you say he/she is wrong?  Your child wants to feel safe in school.  And you say he/she is wrong?  Heartbreaking.  But it's also your right as the parent - and your household needs to work it out. And that is exactly what Governor Youngkin is doing his best to preserve. Not the teachers' job, not the school board or government's job.  Parents' job!!  </p>


Strongly Opposed

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I strongly oppose Governor Youngkin's proposed policy changes. Stop targeting and bullying transgender youth.


Furious Father is wrong


Strongly Opposed

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<p>I strongly opposed the new policy pertaining to transgender students.  It prioritizes politics over student-teacher interactions and the well-being of our students.  As a retired teacher, I am very aware of the epidemic of anxiety among students.  This policy will place another stressor on our students and exacerbate this issue.  </p>


Youngkin education policy

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Strongly oppose Youngkin’s new education policy for transgender students


Strongly Oppose 2022 Guidance for Transgender Students

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<p>The proposed guidance makes about as much sense as allowing abusive parents to dictate what punishments schools should administer to their students. Transgender students who are unfortunate enough to have parents who, out of ignorance or due to irrational evangelical beliefs, don't recognize the genetic variations that can determine both physiological and behavioral traits of their children, will be without a desperately needed lifeline of understanding and counseling that could otherwise be provided by the school. </p>


My child, my responsibility - STRONGLY AGREE

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My child is my responsibility, and their life is in my hands - teachers, school boards and others are available to help us but not to hinder or keep me out of my child's life.  Teachers and school board members don't know what is best for my child.  I DO.  Youngkin is simply aiming to return parental rights, and they should have never been challenged in the first place.  You don't make changes that require the other 99% to accommodate for 1%.  You put special energy and effort into that 1%. You don't make the rest bend over backwards.  You don't withhold information/ignore rights of all parents b/c a few are unsupportive.


C.S. Emswiler is wrong


Oppose Youngkin’s transgender policy

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Vehemently oppose this hate filled policy


Duh…I was joking

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No way I am doing this.  I would have to be a dummy to implement something so cruel.


Oppose Youngkin’s transgender policy


Strongly Opposed

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This policy puts children in danger.  Period.


STRONGLY SUPPORT !!

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Governor Youngkin has the right approach to how to keep ALL children in our schools safe and respected. I strongly support the new model policies.


Schools Should Teach Skills, Not Culture Change

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I strongly believe that the education system is misguided in its shift from an emphasis on reading, writing, match and history to teachers sharing feelings and cultural preferences.

Therefore, I write in support of Governor Youngkin's initiative to support the role of parents in shaping their children's lives.  The Guidance Document is well-conceived and deserves to be implemented.


Keep government out of our children's lives!

I am getting so tired of big government stepping in and deciding what is and is not moral for us.If you don't support your child being transgender, then that is your business.But this law effectively turns teachers into secret police to report on children that don't follow the government's idea of what is "Acceptable."That is far, far more harmful than any perceived notions of what being Transgender will do. The overwhelming majority of children that have the freedom for self exploration and discovery will grow up to be better functioning adults and not just goons that guzzle down propaganda before telling big brother government to put others down.Governor Youngkin ran for the Republican party, an organization that has stated in the past that "government is not the solution". Well I say they should Stick to those ideals, and keep the government away from our children!Sincerely,A Sassy Trans WomanP.S Transgender children and the parents that support them, I have nothing but respect for you, keep the fight going.

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I am getting so tired of big government stepping in and deciding what is and is not moral for us.
If you don't support your child being transgender, then that is your business.
But this law effectively turns teachers into secret police to report on children that don't follow the government's idea of what is "Acceptable."
That is far, far more harmful than any perceived notions of what being Transgender will do. The overwhelming majority of children that have the freedom for self exploration and discovery will grow up to be better functioning adults and not just goons that guzzle down propaganda before telling big brother government to put others down.
Governor Youngkin ran for the Republican party, an organization that has stated in the past that "government is not the solution". Well I say they should Stick to those ideals, and keep the government away from our children!

Sincerely,

A Sassy Trans Woman

P.S Transgender children and the parents that support them, I have nothing but respect for you, keep the fight going.


Strongly Opposed

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Policies like this are not in Virginia’s interest.


2022 Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender Students

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<p>I am in favor of Gov. Youngkin’s revised policy for the treatment of transgender students. Ultimately, parents are responsible for their children and Northam’s policy was an over reach of government into the authority of the parents. </p>


Strongly Opposed

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I am strongly opposed to this language update. The previous language promoted a safe school environment and respect for all students as they explored their identities. This change claims to support parental rights--unless you support your transgender/nonbinary child. This change promotes disrespect, erasing of identities, and bullying of an already vulnerable population. We can't go backward! Please restore an emphasis on dignity, respect, and inclusion of all learners in our public schools!


Strongly Oppose New Policy

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Hello.

Just over six years ago, our now 18 year-old son woke me up in the middle of the night to hand me a note that said "I think I may not be a girl."  That note set off a journey we never in a million years anticipated.  There's so much I could say about what we've learned (and continue to learn) and the support we've received from unexpected places, but in the end I can unequivocally say that the freedom and protections he had at school to explore who he was early in his journey allowed him to transition successfully.  He took his transition slowly and thoughtfully, and was not ready to change his name legally until he was several years into the journey.   He's shared that with me that "If I had to use my old name all that time it would have been all I could do to go to school and come home and get back in bed; I never would have been able to do so much in high school."

I wish there was something I could say or do here that would help people who support this policy understand how critical these supports are and make them feel comfortable with the concept of being transgender.  I get how foreign it can feel to understand how a child assigned one gender at birth could identify as another gender--I was scared and totally out of my comfort zone when I started this journey.  Nothing made sense. I still don't understand all the science or why's behind it.  But I do know that as my child has transitioned, he has blossomed, and headed off to college a few weeks ago confident in himself, and ready to take on new challenges.  Isn't that the goal of public education--to help all of our students thrive?

Supporting transitioning teens is a life or death matter; over 50% will contemplate suicide each year.  Our community just lost a transitioning teen to suicide.  By stripping students from the protections they need to be supported at school, this policy will undoubtedly contribute directly to many more.  Please, let's protect all of our children.


I strongly oppose.

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i strongly oppose and think that this is a horible idea.