Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I oppose this and any other hate fueled policies. Please start legislating for the people. </p>


This will bring harm to trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will bring harm to trans kids.


I oppose this fully.


I am strongly opposed.


I support Youngkin’s decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I support Youngkin’s decision. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Strongly opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy is a threat to the mental health and ultimately to the lives of transgender kids in Virginia. Please respect and honor their choices and protect their lives.


I fully oppose this.


Strongly Opposed!!!

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am strongly and fully opposed to the new VDOE policies that put trans kids in the crosshairs. Trans kids are entitled to the use of the pronouns and names that they best identify with. Prohibiting that or requiring teachers and schools to out these students will cause severe harm to a group of kids that is already going through too much. As a former teacher, I cannot fathom having to use the dead name of a child or being forced to out a child in a school setting. The VDOE needs to create safe schools for ALL children and not cater to the transphobes pushing their religious agenda. These new rules CANNOT go into effect, and if they do, children will be harmed.

My own children are participating in school walkouts to protest these changes. The students don't want it either! NO TO THESE RULES!!!


This is a terrible policy decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible policy decision.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Strongly oppose.


This is a terrible policy decision.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Do not do this.


Terrible policy that wins votes on the backs of students.

<!DOCTYPE html>

These draft model policies target, rather than support, transgender students.  At best a cynical political pandering and at worst an intentional infliction of harm against our schools most vulnerable students.  The guidelines established under the last administration reflected the best practices recommended by medical and psychological research.  These are the policies that should remain and the model policies proposed by Youngkin should be deleted.


Governor Youngkin - Restoration of Female Privacy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I was not sure about Youngkin but I thought I would take a chance and vote for him based on the DOJ, the disgrace in Loudon County & what I experienced in Prince William County.  I am glad that Youngkin is fulfilling his promises.  My daughters are encouraged about the bathroom situations.  We feel safer, Thank you Gov. Youngkin!


Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose the proposed changes to the policies on transgender students in Virginia schools. The current escalation of hatred directed at transgender people, is extremely troubling and has already led to violence in the United States. The proposed policies will contribute to more potential violence and discrimination directed at transgender students. Do not take Virginia backwards.


Do not pass this. Will increase suicides.

<!DOCTYPE html>

Data exists that shows Suicide dramatically decreases when trans kids are called by their chosen name and pronouns.  If they feel safe at school but not at home, then teachers should be allowed to use their chosen names without disclosing to parents.

In a perfect world parents should know what’s going on. But we all know there is plenty of child abuse, abandonment, etc that will get worse for some trans kids. I trust the kids more then the parents in these cases. The kids know if they would be harmed by coming out to their family.

my husband is a teacher and the stories he shares about the parental treatment of kids in some cases is horrifying  - let’s not make it worse

Schools should never out  anyone who isn’t ready.

This new policy would 100% have harmful consequences on trans kids. These kids are not the enemy. Leave them alone!  Do not pass this!


I oppose this fully.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

These proposed changes will cause harm to an already marginalized population. Please do not support these changes.


Victimizing children for national fame is disgusting

<!DOCTYPE html>

Glenn Youngkin's vile effort to do as much harm as possible to vulnerable schoolchildren, with little to no regard to the legality of his actions, in order to raise his national profile for upcoming national campaigns should be seen as nothing short of disgusting, disgraceful, and despicable.

These policies should be seen for the cruel, insipid sham that they are and rejected accordingly.


I strongly oppose this cruel policy.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this cruel policy.


I am strongly opposed.


I am completely opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am completely opposed.


Our chance to get something right in the 21st Century

<!DOCTYPE html>

Dear Virginia legislation,

With such a rich history of limiting/denying rights and liberties to those that fall outside of what the folks holding power deem to be "normal", we have a chance to make a positive impact on a non-trivial amount of individuals. Please don't implement this new policy. The policy only protects the insecurities of those that fail to understand others that are different from themselves. This policy will not change the individuals in question but only oppress them.  I want to believe that you do not stand for oppression but instead the values that this country was founded on.

Kindly,

Nick C


I strongly oppose the adoption of this model policy

Mother of two elementary aged kids in LCPS

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose the adoption of this VDOE model policy. In this country, transgender, non-binary, and gender queer individuals deal with a wide variety of challenges, including efforts of some around them to try to negate their identity and delegitimization their very existence.   Bullying and harassment of these individuals is rampant, and this policy contributes to that detrimental environment, further alienating these students and making it more difficult for them to live their truths in their day-to-day lives. In many cases, supportive staff, friends, and classmates in school can provide a safe haven and support network for these students who may or may not have supportive parents at home. Taking away teacher’s and school staff’s ability to use gender-affirming names and pronouns without legally-binding  name changes makes a tough situation even more difficult, and asking school staff to “out” their students who might be exploring their gender identities could be dangerous to their well-being if their parents are not supportive. This only contributes negatively to an environment where trans and gender non conforming individuals are significantly more likely to attempt suicide or other self-harming behaviors or activities. Forcing students who do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth to use facilities or play on teams that don’t align to their gender identity can also be harmful. While there has been a lot of attention given to “threats” to cisgender girls/women in bathrooms that trans girls/women could use, I believe strongly that trans and gender nonconforming students are at significantly higher risk of violence or harassment than many of categories of students.

As a mother of two elementary school kids in Loudoun County, I respect a parent’s right to be involved in their children’s lives and schooling, but this policy takes that too far and could cause harm. A parent or educator’s religious beliefs should NOT automatically outweigh the rights of trans and non-binary individuals to live openly and without fear of violence or harassment while at school (or anywhere else for that matter)! Please do NOT move forward with adopting this policy.


<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Please pass this bill

<!DOCTYPE html>

I agree 100% with this bill


Horrible

<!DOCTYPE html>

Trans children deserve to feel safe in schools. This is a highly damaging and repulsive move


Opposed!

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am 100% against this policy! I’m in elementary so I haven’t seen this issue arise yet, but if it ever does I do not want to be the one a child confides in and then have to be the one who tells the parent. (The parent who will do God knows what to that child!). There’s a reason these students tell teachers - it’s a safe space. And with guidance from the school, hopefully that student will eventually tell their parents.
My 17 year old senior has a couple of stories where friends came out as gay to their parents and one didn’t end well at all. Why force a child to tell their parents they’re possibly transgender before they are ready or the parents are ready. It’s just not right.
i strongly oppose this.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I oppose all of these new board of education policies.

<!DOCTYPE html>

Education should be guided by science and knowledge, not hatred and ignorance.


I am extremely opposed to this

<!DOCTYPE html>

Transgender children have rights to privacy, dignity, and decency from the adults in charge of caring for them. This bill is harmful, full stop. Requiring school staff to report trans and non-binary students to their parents opens up risk for unsafe environments, abuse, and being cast out from their families who feel this is a “political issue” rather than a fact of the child’s identity. Gender affirming environments that allow a child to use their preferred pronouns and restroom facilities promote an environment of inclusiveness, trust, and support from their community. Failure to be inclusive in this arena fosters a dangerous precedent for the treatment of the many trans citizens of Virginia.


Transgender students

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I strongly oppose this bill!! </p>


Do not do this.


Strongly oppose.


Strongly oppose; will harm children

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This policy is regressive and will ultimately hurt those we need to protect and nurture the most - our children. Please remember they are just children.  Transgender kids have a right to feel safe in schools and receive the same education as their peers. This is not possible with a policy that will lead to bullying and/or make the kids hide who they are. </p>


Strongly opposed to this infringement on our freedoms

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Trans children should be allowed to be who they are and supported in whatever gender they are, not forced to conform to their parents or teachers expectations or pressures. Support trans kids, and don’t force this policy into schools. </p>


I am fully and wholeheartedly opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am fully opposed. These changes will have dire consequences for trans children and their families.


I oppose the draft policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose the draft schools policy regarding LGBTQ children. Trans affirming school policy is very important to me. I'm a graduate of a Virginia University with a PhD in literature and raised 2 children in a rural part of the state.  I know from experience that it is so important to support young people on the journey to figuring out who they are and how to feel comfortable in their bodies. I have a gender plural child, now a Virginia college graduate, who was able to find themselves and understand their differences at the tail-end of high school and in college. Without supportive school policies, teachers, parents, neighbors, this journey could have been much harder. Even so they had some dysphoria and mental crises, came through these OK and are now thriving, but I know from my (and their) lucky experience that trans youth (and gender plural and gender neutral and all the flavors) need affirmation, to be helped in their journey to understand their inner selves and to have reassurance that the adults will help them find their way so that their inner being matches their outer expression. They don't need to be excluded from the sports teams they feel they belong on, from the bathrooms they want to use, to have the books that could help them be banned, to have their teachers terrified of saying a kind, acknowledging word that could lead them to understand they are not alone. This policy is like a guidebook on how to increase rates of suicide among LGBTQ youth and how to deny what science tells us -- that gender expression is complex and varied, in humans as well as in many other animals, and what history and literature tell us -- that we've always had LGBTQ people and now at last we have the knowledge and moral imperative to treat LGBTQ youth with kindness and care and as equal to their cisgender peers.


I am completely opposed.


This is a terrible policy decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible policy decision.


I strongly oppose this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this.


I fully oppose this.


I oppose this fully.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will bring harm to trans kids.


Cruel Governor

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I oppose this horrible decision in the strongest possible terms </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.


Please do not pass this

<!DOCTYPE html>

You are a representative of the people, and the majority of Virginians are obviously saying we do not want this. Please do not pass this, we do not want it.


Oppose as a Gender Dysphoric Woman

I am a woman with gender dysphoria who chose not to transition. I know painfully well that my condition is tied to my sex. I also know that my sex is a reality I cannot change and that there is no objective way to measure gender dysphoria. I also know that social contagion is widely being accepted as a motivator for choosing to identify as different genders in youths. Social transition, while not invasive, often leads to medical transition. Because of laws against "conversion therapy", most exploratory methods are ignored out of fear of conversion therapy accusations and children are pushed down the medical transition path before they've had any time to get through puberty.How can a child know they want to transition out of their sex/gender, if they haven't had any time to live as that sex/gender beyond childhood when it barely influences our lives?By going along with gender identities in schools, you are promoting harmful and regressive stereotypes. Girls and boys do not have to dress or present certain ways in order to fit into the categories of boys and girls. By going along with gender identities, you're also creating gender dysphoria in children who may not have presented with it otherwise. Being trans is often celebrated and seen as popular counter culture on social media. Because of this, children idealize trans identities and the mental health condition of gender dysphoria. These patterns are similar with eating disorders, Tourette's Syndrome, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and even self harm. However, non are so popular as GD.Simply by adopting new pronouns and the trans label, you are seen as a brand new person who is "living their truth" and "finally happy", but also very vulnerable and in need of special attention and privileges. This can cause children - particularly those who didn't fit in or are on the Autism spectrum - to be attracted to gender dysphoria and trans identification.Unfortunately, because of the nature of gender dysphoria, it can cause children to hyper fixate on presentation, language, and their bodies to a point of great anxiety.This is why it is so dangerous to continue to push forward these ideas and allow social transition. As someone who had gender dysphoria in childhood, I hope no child ever feels that way. Perpetuating these ideas and encouraging it in kids, as opposed to finding the root cause in exploratory therapy and being realistic could cause more kids to seek out medical transition that may be severely harmful to them in the future and cause them immense, undo anxiety.Any educators that truly cared about kids wouldn't want that for any child.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am a woman with gender dysphoria who chose not to transition. I know painfully well that my condition is tied to my sex. I also know that my sex is a reality I cannot change and that there is no objective way to measure gender dysphoria.

I also know that social contagion is widely being accepted as a motivator for choosing to identify as different genders in youths. Social transition, while not invasive, often leads to medical transition. Because of laws against "conversion therapy", most exploratory methods are ignored out of fear of conversion therapy accusations and children are pushed down the medical transition path before they've had any time to get through puberty.

How can a child know they want to transition out of their sex/gender, if they haven't had any time to live as that sex/gender beyond childhood when it barely influences our lives?

By going along with gender identities in schools, you are promoting harmful and regressive stereotypes. Girls and boys do not have to dress or present certain ways in order to fit into the categories of boys and girls.

By going along with gender identities, you're also creating gender dysphoria in children who may not have presented with it otherwise. Being trans is often celebrated and seen as popular counter culture on social media. Because of this, children idealize trans identities and the mental health condition of gender dysphoria. These patterns are similar with eating disorders, Tourette's Syndrome, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and even self harm. However, non are so popular as GD.
Simply by adopting new pronouns and the trans label, you are seen as a brand new person who is "living their truth" and "finally happy", but also very vulnerable and in need of special attention and privileges. This can cause children - particularly those who didn't fit in or are on the Autism spectrum - to be attracted to gender dysphoria and trans identification.
Unfortunately, because of the nature of gender dysphoria, it can cause children to hyper fixate on presentation, language, and their bodies to a point of great anxiety.

This is why it is so dangerous to continue to push forward these ideas and allow social transition. As someone who had gender dysphoria in childhood, I hope no child ever feels that way. Perpetuating these ideas and encouraging it in kids, as opposed to finding the root cause in exploratory therapy and being realistic could cause more kids to seek out medical transition that may be severely harmful to them in the future and cause them immense, undo anxiety.

Any educators that truly cared about kids wouldn't want that for any child.


As a parent I feel that all kids, ESPECIALLY TRANS KIDS, deserve protection

<!DOCTYPE html>

Please empower parents like me to protect kids like mine. Other parents have hateful ideas and I don't think they should be empowered to harass my children, through educational policies or otherwise. I don't let racists and bigots determine how my kids should be treated, and neither should the Commonwealth of Virginia. I strongly oppose this policy.


Trans kids deserve support & safety from our schools

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I strongly oppose this — transgender children deserve to be treated with care & be supported by our community, which obviously includes school. Schools should respect the autonomy of these kids; they know themselves, and this policy actively punishes them for daring to be true to themselves. This is intentionally cruel & hostile to children, & supporters of this policy should be ashamed of themselves. Trans children have the right to be themselves and receive nothing but love & support from our community. </p>


I am strongly opposed.


I strongly oppose this policy.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I strongly, absolutely oppose this policy. This will bring nothing but harm to these kids. </p>


Strongly oppose this bigoted policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>They governor’s bigoted and hate-filled proposal is just a way to rally his base for him but will have life altering and possibly life ending consequences for trans kids. Let’s keep Virginia schools a loving and welcoming place for ALL students.  </p>


I completely oppose this trauma-inducing policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This policy is a grave mistake. This will put many kids at risk. Many will even try to take their lives because they don't feel safe anywhere. If this passes, you may as well be sentencing these kids to death. This policy will not help kids, it will only hurt them. </p>


Strongly Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am strongly opposed to this change.


Do not do this.


<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


I oppose changing the current law.  I support trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>As an LGBTQ mom I was so pleased with the 2021 model policy. It showed kindness and compassion to the population of kids who are most likely to experience homelessness and attempt suicide. It harmed no one. As a teacher I saw how the changes in policy freed kids to be themselves at school. I saw students open up and blossom. It has been lovely to have the freedom to openly support them. I strongly oppose Youngkin’s revisions. He claims the changes support parental rights, but what about the parents of LGBTQ students? Under his revisions, my rights as a parent would be overturned and the dignity of a subset of vulnerable children would be trampled. </p>


As a mother, educator, and Virginia resident - I strongly condemn this policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

Governor Youngkin,

At the beginning of each school year, teachers often ask their students how they want to be addressed. This small gesture demonstrates to students that they are a valued member of their classroom community. Furthermore, according to the NIH, "chosen name use is linked to reduced depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and behavior among transgender youth."

Educators strive to create a school community that allows all students to learn in a safe and welcoming environment. Unfortunately, research published by SAMHSA demonstrates that not all parents strive to do the same. According to the data, 26% of LGBT youth report being forced from their home upon revealing their sexual identity to their parents."

It is because of this that I, a mother, educator, and Virginia resident, strongly condemn your policy that forces teachers and staff to choose between putting students' lives in danger and treating them with respect.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Meadors


Heavy Opposition

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will do nothing but endanger countless lives and mental well-beings. Trans people have just as much a right to exist as cis people do, and we as a society need to all not just respect, but stand by them.


I fully oppose this.


Common sense

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I can’t believe the clown world we live in where this needs to be stated. Biological males should be using the boys/mens bathroom and locker room. Biological females should be using the girls/woman’s bathroom and locker room. </p>


I oppose this fully.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Sounds great


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Disgusting and hateful policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

Everything this policy will do is the antithesis of its claims of protecting parental rights and children’s safety. This will only put trans children at an even higher risk of suicide.


This is a terrible policy decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible policy decision.


As a mother, educator, and Virginia resident - I strong condemn this policy


I am completely opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am completely opposed.


Strongly oppose.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I strongly oppose. </p>


Strongly opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

Very opposed to this policy.  It only hurts those who need to be allowed to be who they are.


This is a terrible policy decision.


OPPOSE STRONGLY

<!DOCTYPE html>

You are hurting trans kids if you pass this law do not pass it.


Completely opposed to Youngkin's proposed transgender policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Youngkin's proposed transgender policy requires  teachers to report to the parents of a transgender student that the student is transgender, forces the student to use the bathroom of their sex at birth, and requires the use of pre transgender name and pronouns.  Youngkin's shortsighted and ill-informed policy proposal will cause psychological damage to transgender students and should never be enacted. </p>


This will bring harm to trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will bring harm to trans kids.


This policy will kill children

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy is absolutely disgusting and abusive, and will kill many children. These children, and all trans humans, need support and protection, not this.


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly and fully oppose this.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I am strongly opposed.


Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

Just no, why make things worse for trans kids. This is harmful!


No. This action relies on a misstatement of Constitutional rights.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Parents have no fundamental constitutional right to determine everything about how their child will be educated, let alone in a public school. Parents have a constitutional right to share their views with their child, which is not at all impacted. But they are not entitled to head off eduction about topics or standards of conduct simply because they disagree. </p>


I oppose this fully.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Policy on Transgender Youth

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy is one of pure discrimination. If there is no outcry about a Christopher preferring to be called Chris or a student telling their teachers they go by their middle name instead of their first name, why the outcry over particular students being called a different name?

Childhood is all about discovering  who you are and how to confidently express that and use your unique essence to make your mark on the world. This new policy is directly preventing particular students from being able to do just that and in doing so, putting them in a position to feel like who they are is wrong or not accepted which has been proven to cause higher rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide.

As an educator, I refuse to be a part of the problem. I refuse to intentionally and knowingly cause harm to students and, quite frankly, I am appalled to have a governor who is asking me to do so. I want to teach my content area. In order to do so, I need my classroom to be a place where students are seen, heard, and feel safe. This policy WILL cause students to feel unwelcome, uncomfortable, and unsafe and therefore prevent them from being able to learn and reach their full potential. Being that this policy is aimed at a particular group of students who will then suffer academically, emotionally, and socially, this policy is discriminatory. Being discriminatory toward these students also does not benefit other students. There are no studies to point to that show that discriminating against one particular group of students helps other students to perform better. It will only demonstrate to our youth  that discrimination is okay and that you don’t have to learn to work and live with anyone who is different from you, which I doubt anyone would consider a positive lesson. So I ask, why? Why are you pushing this agenda? Who are you serving?


Disgusting

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>For someone who campaigned so hard on doing right by our kids, this is NOT it. </p>


Human rights

<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose Governor Youngkin’s proposal to restrict accommodations for transgender students.


absolutely not

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>hi! with the utmost and full disrespect: this is nothing thing but harmful. this will lead to trans ppl killing themselves. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is a grave mistake to pass this.


School is for learning and not social issues

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Children appear to be worrying more about identity and social issues then learning core subjects and practices on being a better human being. </p>


I am completely opposed.


Model Policy for the treatment of transgender students in VA public schools

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this creel policy.


Strongly oppose the proposed 2022 Model Policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am the grandmother and sole legal guardian and custodian to a 15-year-old transgender boy. His mother, my daughter, passed away five years ago from Huntington’s Disease; his father is not in the picture. Due to my daughter’s illness, my grandson has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and clinical depression. When he first told me he is transgender, it was difficult to understand. I am going through the process of educating myself and finding the best support team for him, for his mental health issues and for his gender identity journey.

Part of that support system includes the terrific counselors, social workers, psychologists, administrators and teachers at our local public school. We are very fortunate in Northern Virginia that our Fairfax County Public School Board has fully adopted the 2021 Model Policy. Those guidelines treat our transgender and gender non-conforming youth with dignity and respect. Because of that support, my grandchild is thriving in school, with many friends and earning great grades. Several years ago, he refused to attend school at all and only got through sixth grade by being home-schooled.

Since September 16, when the draft 2022 Model Policy was announced, my grandchild and his friends have become very fearful about how they will be treated in school. My grandchild has been feeling physical pain and cut school twice this past week. Some of my grandchild’s friends are not out to their parents yet as they figure out their identities and the best way to tell their parents.

I fear some of them would rather be dead than be dead-named and misgendered, which is what will certainly happen if this draft 2022 Model Policy is adopted.

The Virginia Values Act bans discrimination against LGBTQ people in places of public accommodation, which includes educational institutions like public schools. Trans youth are fragile. We must protect them. Schools must offer a safe and equal learning environment to all students, teachers, and staff, including those who are LGBTQ.

I fully support the 2021 VDOE Model Policy that Fairfax County Public Schools is following now.

I strongly oppose the proposed 2022 Model Policy.


I am completely opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am completely opposed.


I support this initiative

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I support this education initiative </p>


Strongly oppose.


Do not do this.


This bill is harmful and promotes hate and alienation of transgender students

<!DOCTYPE html>

The provisions regarding non-binary and transgender students in this bill do nothing to protect students and only propagate hate and harm towards non-cisgender children. Non-binary and transgender students should not have to use the bathroom with a gender they don’t align with, and singling out these students increases the stigma and transphobia against gender non-conforming people. This bill accomplishes nothing but codifying hate and bigotry against children in our school systems.


I am strongly opposed.


I oppose this fully.


I HIGHLY oppose this

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>It is extremely transphobic and life threatening to transgender and gender non-conforming students. </p>


I fully oppose this.


Treatment of Transgender Students.

<!DOCTYPE html>

Why is it that the only thing we hear from Republicans is how much they want to deny some group of people the right to equal opportunity in life, the right to vote etc. As a one time Republican, it baffles me that the party of Lincoln is now the party of haters and this policy proposal from Governor Trumpkin to limit access to Transgender Students is a perfect example of the exercise of phobias that have infected the GOP. The State of Virginia should be the leader in opening access and support for people not discriminating against groups.

This proposal is nothing more than an attempt to polish the apple of hate spewed from Governor Trumpkin and his religious right wing white nationalists so he can soar to national prominence.

A pox on all of them.


I oppose


Trans Kids need advocates not legislators who deny human rights

<!DOCTYPE html>

Trans kids don’t threaten us, they are trying to live their best lives with the freedoms we all should enjoy.  Please Virginia, don’t deny basic human rights to people who are so disadvantaged already. So many are suicidal and fragile.

Just stop with these denials of basic respect and freedom!


This will bring harm to trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will bring harm to trans kids.


Please don’t impose this policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

Hello! I ask that you please not require parent permission for transgender students to be acknowledged with their preferred pronouns and names. My concerns here are outing kids to their parents unwillingly; by making it more of an issue, making those students more liable to be bullied; and potentially putting parents at risk for harassment as well. This is a crummy idea, please don’t implement it.

Thanks for your consideration.


I Fully Support this New Policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I fully support this new policy.  It is fair and balanced and involves the parents.


This is a terrible policy decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible policy decision.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I strongly oppose the proposed document. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Strongly oppose this action.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I strongly oppose such bigoted polices. Protect ALL children, Governor! If a child doesn't feel safe sharing things with their parents they need a safe place. Keep your transphobia out of our schools. You are creating problems that will harm children. Stop it. </p>


homeschool if you don’t like diversity

<!DOCTYPE html>

As a parent, when you send your child to school for FREE education, you cede (that means give up) some of your rights.   If you don’t want your kids to be taught commonly accepted morals, mores, ideas, history, books, etc . . . then you are FREE to send you kids to private school or FREE to home school them.

Every parent meddling in schools about what book their kid can’t read, or what food their kid can’t eat . . . disaster!   Public schools address students’ needs, not their parents’ desires!!  Schools are run by educated professionals, not a few kids’ extremist parents.

I never had kids. Still I pay tax for schools. My parents sent me to private schools. I never heard them complain about paying taxes for schools.  Parental freedom is freedom to choose other educational routes, not bully the whole system into submitting to your views.

If your kids can’t possibly share with trans kids, or anyone else, that’s YOUR problem, not Virginia’s.


OPPOSED: THIS WILL CAUSE TRAUMA (and already has)

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia specializing in working with children and teens who have experienced trauma. This very often includes youth who identify as LGBTQ+. I have seen first hand the differences in those youth who have support from their communities and those who do not. Long term outcomes research shows that this new proposed guidance WILL cause trauma to this population and those who love them. Schools should be a safe haven for all youth, not just those deemed appropriate by the religious right (who should not have a say in policy anyway with separation of Church and state). This guidance will force people who could save the lives of these youth to put them in harms way (physically, emotionally, etc). The mental health community is already struggling to support youth as we begin to process the COVID pandemic. This will put an enormous strain on an already strained system. I know this policy will lead to suicides. I VEHEMENTLY oppose this guidance and implore the VDOE to do so as well. Below is some research to ensure you use evidence based decision making when considering this disgusting and violent guidance. Make good choices.

Polling shows that 85% of transgender and nonbinary youth, and two-thirds of all LGBTQ youth, say that recent debates around anti-trans bills have negatively impacted their mental health.

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

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

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

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

A 2020 peer-reviewed study by The Trevor Project’s researchers, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, found that transgender and nonbinary youth who experienced bathroom discrimination had more than 1.5 times the odds of attempting suicide in the past year compared to those who did not experience bathroom discrimination.

Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all or most people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected.


Strongly oppose.


Strongly Oppose Policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This policy is dangerous for trans and other LGBTQ students. Depression, self-harm and suicide are much higher for trans youth. Policies like this one exacerbate that situation, rather than providing them the support they need. It is vital that our schools are safe, welcoming and supportive of all students and this proposed policy flies in the face of that. Furthermore, unfortunately some parents are not only not supportive of their trans children, they may be abusive or force them out of their home. Therefore, by forcing educators to out vulnerable students to their parents, students will be subjected to even more danger. Finally, this policy appears to violate both state and federal law and clearly does not implement the intent of the Code of Virginia, section 22.1-23.3 Treatment of Transgender Students. </p>


Opposition to Model DOE Policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am opposed to VA DOE implementing this

policy.


<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Thank God. Stop talking about YOUR rights, start thinking about OUR FREEDOM

<!DOCTYPE html>

Do you want the government and strangers telling your kids about their sexuality?  Teachers are influencers.  They should not be a counselor, a person that gives political opinions or give sexual advice, ever...  What if a teacher suggest to your child, they think homosexuality is a mental illness, is that okay with you?  Do your "RIGHTS" offend and oppress others?  Do you want the government to raise your children?  I don't.    Our freedom to raise a normal, healthy child is being challenged.


I am completely opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am completely opposed.


Gender Laws


I am strongly opposed.


I am completely opposed.


Governor Youngkin’s policy for treatment of transgender students

<!DOCTYPE html>

I support this policy which upholds and respects the rights and responsibility of parents to guide their child/children’s education.


Governor Younkins Gender pronoun policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I agree with Governor Youngkin’s New policy. Teachers have enough to do without worrying about being sued over using a child’s correct pronoun. This transgender issue has gotten way out of control. Unfortunately nowadays to please a very small minority everyone has to change. If a parent feels strongly enough that a child be called by a certain pronoun then change it on their child’s transcript. The school should only do what is on the official records that they have. It’s not up to the school system to second-guess what kids are saying to them. Governor Youngkin is very smart to follow these rules. You can’t have it both ways. Unfortunately nowadays to please a very small minority everyone has to change. Thank goodness for Governor Youngkin who is hopefully making life easier for these poor teachers who are just trying to teach kids without all the drama.


100% Support

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Keep politics out of education. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I oppose this

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I 100% oppose this action. Our LGBTQ youth are some of our most vulnerable. Schools must be a safe space where they can speak to teachers and staff. They must have confidence that the staff will protect them and this includes maintaining confidentiality. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Strongly oppose youngkin’s policy on transgender students

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I strongly oppose youngkin and republicans attacks on transgender children and people.  Shame on all of them! </p>


Protect girls

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>We need to protect our girls too, not just trans people. Everyone here saying trans will kill themselves, but this is not something you get to threaten and say we will let anything happen so that trans are happy. What about the girl in loudon county?  Does her life not matter? Was she protected? Girls deserve to be safe and comfortable too. </p>


Do not do this.


This is a terrible policy decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible policy decision.


I oppose this fully.


Strongly oppose!

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose these proposed changes. Trans and gender expansive students should have affirming and safe places in all settings!


This is a terrible policy decision.


Support

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>We fully support this common sense policy. </p>


I oppose this new policy.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This proposed policy is designed with only one intent, to harm those who identify as transgender, and I oppose it.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>It's time to trust teachers or at least their judgement. It's time to realize there are family situations where the only trusted adult is OUTSIDE the family. You are endangering lives. </p>


Strongly opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

I live in Florida, but I have trans friends who live in Virginia. This is absolutely unfair and will cause a lot of suicides if it is passed.


I am strongly opposed.


This is appalling

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is the year 2022. If you all haven't figured out that people come in all shapes and sized AND serial orientation, maybe you shouldn't be in charge of matters pertaining to the above.


Strongly oppose.


I fully oppose this.


<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Gov. Younkin’s purposed changes in VA educational system

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I completely agree with Gov. Youngkin’s purposed changes. Our educational system nationwide needs a complete overhaul and especially in VA. School boards in public schools need to represent ALL parents and students, teachers need to stop pushing their own personal agendas and beliefs and teach students appropriate educational curriculums to become self-supporting citizens that contribute positively to society as a whole.  Students need to respect administrative staff, teachers, and other students whether they agree with their choices or not. Students should be going to school to learn, not to push political agendas. I also completely support school vouchers. If a parent or child does not wish to attend public schools for whatever reason, then the money that would normally be sent to the county or city school district where the child resides should be provided to parents to pay for tuition for their child to attend a private school of their choice.  If our VA schools were providing the education and learning environment that school districts schools be providing, I seriously doubt there would even be a need for school tuition vouchers. Thank you for the opportunity to address these issues. </p>


What is wrong with you?!!!!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Seriously. What? Why is an even better question. My suspicion is you don’t have anything meaningful to contribute so you cherry pick this idea to gin up your base. Picking on the little guy so very very unattractive Glen. Hurting kids is just cruel. And this bill so very unnecessary. Get a real problem would you please?! </p>


I oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

The governor's and DOE's proposed changes will put Trans children in danger. While many parents are supportive of Trans children's need to change their name and/or pronouns, not all are. And the student may simply feel safer coming out at school first. Also, Trans students need to feel comfortable using whichever restroom feels safer for them. They are more at risk of bullying or violence than cis students so they should choose the restroom that is safer for them.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will bring harm to trans kids.


Protect Trans Kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this policy. It is harmful to trans kids and puts them risk. Trans kids deserve to be their authentic selves. This policy is inhumane.


Strongly oppose abusive and damaging policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>These policy changes will endanger vulnerable children. It will increase the risk that we will lose these children to suicide due to exposure to emotional and physical abuse.  Only people with no respect for human life would push this forward. </p>


Strongly oppose this policy.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am writing to express my strong opposition to this proposed policy. This proposed policy is hateful and does not in any way support Virginia students. It is based in fear and ignorance. It also does not support parental rights - what about the parents of LGBTQ+ students? It doesn't protect students, either - what about students who would face harm at home if a school outs them? This is a terrible change to a good policy and would cause irreparable harm to students across Virginia.


Opposed to this policy, this will harm trans children.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This policy is using children as political pawns. Trans kids deserve the right to exist as their authentic selves at school. This policy will harm trans kids and is not good policy. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is a grave mistake to pass this.


These regulations will harm children

<!DOCTYPE html>

These regulations will harm children.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I strongly oppose this. This is dangerous legislation, we must support trans youth. </p>


Trans kids


Danger of Anti-Trans Legislation

<!DOCTYPE html>

As a researcher, for 20 years, in the field of trans-identified individuals I have heard hundreds of stories about  violence, abuse, anti-trans behaviors and how it seriously negatively impacts the trans-identified population. For children, anti-trans dynamics has a long-term negative impact on the child; an impact  that can  carry though all the way to old age. The scientific literature on the negative impact of trans-phobic behavior on trans-persons is large and well-documented. The proposed anti-trans policies should not be adopted. They can only lead to negative outcomes.


Strongly oppose.


This is a terrible policy decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible policy decision.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Do not do this.


I am completely opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am completely opposed.


I am completely opposed.


Proposed trans policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am most strongly opposed.


I am opposed to this new policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

This policy will result in the potential abuse and endangerment to our trans students’ lives!  I am a parent, former teacher in Henrico Co Public Schools, and of course, I may think I know what’s best for my child, but in actuality I don’t. Every human is beautifully genetically diverse, from our physical to emotional characteristics. Everyone’s identity deserves to be protected and safe. This new policy would endanger too many children who have parents who lack the understanding and professional training to deal with issues as complicated and important as gender identity. We need to leave it to trained professionals. Parents can certainly be involved if safety becomes an issue however I feel there are parents who are far more dangerous to the child than the child may be to themselves.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


This Will Be Detrimental to All Children

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This will not just affect Trans children and their parents. It will affect all children. The schools will see a rise in child abuse in the home, mental health issues and ultimately adolescent suicide rates. No child is the definition of "normal" and when they see their peers being singled out, abused and discriminated against for something they cannot change about themselves they will be less likely to ask for help when it is needed for fear of the same treatment. </p>


I oppose this fully

<!DOCTYPE html>

Virginia’s new “model policies” for K-12 public schools related to trans, non-binary, gender fluid, gender-questioning, and otherwise non-cisgendered students, are deeply flawed, harmful, and wrong. 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. All in all, these proposed school policies provide less ability for kids to be themselves safely in school. This harms ALL children.


I oppose this fully.


Stop the hate. Trans kids deserve support and protection.

<!DOCTYPE html>

Our government and our education system are intended to HELP kids and IMPROVE society. They should be doing everything in their power to PROTECT trans kids, not causing them harm and intentionally, vocally silencing and isolating them. We should not be policing their bodies, their gender expression, or anything else about who they are. They have every right to exist just as they are. They have every right to be accepted in school and have a normal childhood, whether or not the Youngkin Administration agrees with it. What happened to freedom? Oppose this guidance and any other discriminatory guidance.


<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will bring harm to trans kids.


I strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

As a parent, educator, and human, I strongly oppose the 2022 MODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT FOR ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS. These policies will cause undue harm to some of our most vulnerable students. Many transgender and non-binary students find trusting peers and adults at school that help them to understand their gender non-conformity. These children rely on these relationships to develop their authentic sense of self. This often happens before children are ready to talk about their gender journey with their parents, even loving and supportive parents. The ability for students to feel safe at school and to feel seen is imperative as these students explore their identity. Please do not take this away from them. Furthermore, some students' parents are not ready to accept their child's true gender identity. It takes time to understand your child and during that time, the child is so vulnerable to mental health concerns. Please do not approve these policies that would endanger students when they are at their most vulnerable.


100% Support

<!DOCTYPE html>

I fully support this and feel like the schools have overstepped in allowing children to change fundamental aspects of themselves without parent's involvement. They need to be informed of any issue that could potentially alter the students' lives whether it be for the better or worse of that child. Thank you Gov. Youngkin!


These Regulations Will Harm Children

<!DOCTYPE html>

The Governor's proposed new regulations would do the following:

Require transgender students to use the bathrooms and other facilities corresponding to their birth gender.

Require the submission of legal name change paperwork in order for schools to use a trans student's new name.

Allow teachers to still use a trans student's old name, even if the paperwork in No. 2 above is submitted.

Require teachers who become aware that a student is trans to inform the student's parents or guardian.

All of these present a danger to the mental health and physical well being of trans students.

No. 1 will expose trans kids to additional bullying and ostracism.

No. 2 would put an undue burden on the parents of trans kids who are under privileged, who are people of color, or whose parents don't speak English. Additionally, intolerant parents might not submit the name change paperwork at all.

No. 3 would allow bigoted teachers to continue to deadname and humiliate trans students, even if proper paperwork is filed with the school. We should not allow bigoted speech in schools, especially from teachers.

No. 4 is perhaps the most harmful. Coming out is a deeply personal decision that has to be made carefully with safety, family, and economic situations taken into account. Many trans kids don't come out to their parents are intolerant and will abuse them, throw them out of the home, or kill them. This regulation will force teachers to choose between keeping their jobs and keeping their students safe. That is a choice that no teacher should ever have to make.

Governor Youngkin says his proposed rules will increase the rights of parents. But it sounds to me like they'll only increase the rights of bigots and abusers, while simultaneously exposing trans kids to more bullying than they already get on a daily basis. Further, the rules ignore the rights of the parents to expect a safe and supportive school environment for their children.

LGBTQ kids suffer from much higher rates of depression and suicide than straight kids. When there is a supportive environment at school, where students feels safe to express who they are to peers and trusted teachers, the rate of suicide drops significantly. Support saves lives. Removing support costs lives. More trans kids will die if the Governor's proposed rules take effect.

I don't want to turn straight kids into queer kids. I just want queer kids to stop turning into dead kids.


Fully oppose.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I am a lifelong resident of Fairfax County, having grown up in FCPS and attended four of its schools. Being a kid is tough. I see no reason to make it harder and more uncomfortable for children who are already subjected to disproportionate bullying and unfair treatment. This is unacceptable. Allow kids to be kids and don't make their lives needlessly more stressful and difficult. </p>


I oppose this policy.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Trans rights are human rights, and this policy protects no one. Instead, it encourages hate and fear. </p>


please don’t do this in order to avoid the suicide and abuse of transgender students!!!!

<!DOCTYPE html>

i oppose. not everyone is like you and you should really respect people’s humanity. there are so many important things you could be doing with your position of power and you’re choosing to inflict misery upon transgender kids. that’s really mean, rethink your actions please please


Strongly oppose.


I strongly oppose this guidance

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This is a vile policy that further marginalizes and harms lgbtq+ children. I stand in solidarity with trans folks who will be impacted and targeted with this discriminatory policy that’s contradictory to state law. </p>


I oppose the bill

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>protect the rights of trans kids. </p>


I fully oppose this.


This Is a Violation of Children's Rights

The issue of "trans kids should use the bathroom of their assigned" sex is ridiculous in several areas. First of all, how do you know what their assigned sex is? Are you going to check their genitals? That's a violation of their body. Their karyotype to tell you what their chromosomes are? How are you going to get that? Besides, how are you going to know for certain because chromosomes come in a variety and so does gender. How are you going to check their gender? For the goddess's sake, they are children. Why are you taking your hatred of trans people out on bloody children, trying to make them out to be demons? Oh right, your religion. Get your religion out of state issues, including education.Another issue. You're going to force teachers to out their students? You don't understand how dangerous that is. Do you want more children being abused? Because that's how you get more children abused. You're just asking for child abuse rates to skyrocket. You're also destroying the trust these children have with their teachers. Taking away their only safe haven. All in the name of bloody religion. Stop making trans people out to be devil. We're sick of it.

<!DOCTYPE html>

The issue of "trans kids should use the bathroom of their assigned" sex is ridiculous in several areas. First of all, how do you know what their assigned sex is? Are you going to check their genitals? That's a violation of their body. Their karyotype to tell you what their chromosomes are? How are you going to get that? Besides, how are you going to know for certain because chromosomes come in a variety and so does gender. How are you going to check their gender? For the goddess's sake, they are children. Why are you taking your hatred of trans people out on bloody children, trying to make them out to be demons? Oh right, your religion. Get your religion out of state issues, including education.

Another issue. You're going to force teachers to out their students? You don't understand how dangerous that is. Do you want more children being abused? Because that's how you get more children abused. You're just asking for child abuse rates to skyrocket. You're also destroying the trust these children have with their teachers. Taking away their only safe haven. All in the name of bloody religion.

Stop making trans people out to be devil. We're sick of it.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Fully Support This Statement of Principle

<!DOCTYPE html>

The basic principle is the following: Who owns your children? If the parents do, then it follows that

“. Parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children . . . “ as stated on page 2 of the document under GUIDING PRINCIPLES.  This clear statement of this principle is to be congratulated. You have my support.


I OPPOSE this completely. Stop fearing something that is different from you.

<!DOCTYPE html>

ALL of our children deserve love and protection. This legislation will lead to homelessness for many youth and suicide. Why would ANYONE support this??


Agree and support


I am strongly opposed.


Youngkins 2022 Model Policies

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I am adamantly opposed to this attempt by the Governor to slander and disgrace trans gender children. I am a proud grandparent of a transgendered girl who is working hard to maintain a life balance in her endeavors to find her path in life. She continues to grow every day in her life and existence. There are no morals in what the religious right is attempting to do by making these youth feel less than human and/or 2nd class. There is nothing wrong with any of them and we should not disgrace them as though there was. I encourage everyone to stand up and fight back against these proposals. Religious oppression was fought during the revolutionary war against the English rule. Why must we now attempt it within our own government. </p>


Do not do this.


This will kill trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>My child has a trans friend. When they are around with their mother, I have to be careful to refer them by their birth name and gender. They are afraid of their parents. While we would like to think that all parents love their kids in unconditionally and would always do the best by them, that is not always the case, especially when hateful religious beliefs trump science in some homes. A school should be a safe space for all, not a place where teachers are forced to endanger their students by outting them to their parents. This policy will lead to the death of children, either by suicide or on the streets when they are thrown out for simply being who they are. You are killing children who are in most need of protection & support at school. </p>


I fully opposed this policy.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>The governor's policy is a violation of human rights and should be fully opposed. </p>


A dangerous policy meant to demean Virginia students for political theater. Model Policies for the T

<!DOCTYPE html>

As an educator, I am appalled at this document for several reasons. They are as follows:

It requires anyone to out students to parents who are not supportive can result in abuse in many forms. Homelessness, mental abuse, physical abuse, and in some cases cases, death. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/05/homophobic-transphobic-parents-abusive-homes-lgbt-kids

It gives teachers and peers who do not support LGBTQ+ youth an out citing “religious freedom” if they do not wish to respect them is creating a way to abuse students.

It creates complicated steps for parents and legal guardians to change names on school documents(including required legal documents).

Students will be required to have an “official nickname” on their school record. I guess I will have to call “Joe” Joseph and “Kathy” Katherine since that is part of the suggested policy.

It requires that the only pronouns to be used be those ascribed to the student’s “biological sex.”

The document itself targets trans youth in a way that scares them (I have had three students thus far come to me terrified that they will be outed.)

These are just a few of the problems with this document. When time permits I will post again.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Completely oppose


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I am completely opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am completely opposed.


I oppose this fully.


Strongly oppose - will hurt trans kids and everyone!

<!DOCTYPE html>

Regarding this Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools, this guidance is terrible. It is ridiculous to create a policy that leads to more harm for a group of kids who are trying to be themselves in this world. Not only that but the vague wording of some of these policies will hurt ALL students, not just trans students.

For one thing, this policy presumes that all students have supportive and kind parents or guardians. However, 30% of sexual abuse cases are perpetrated by FAMILY MEMBERS of the victim, per Virginia State Police Crime in Virginia Data. Clearly we exist in a world where not all parents and guardians have their child's best interests at heart. Do I think it is the government's job to be everyone's parent? No. Children and teens have their own bodily autonomy and, while not the full self-determination of an adult, that certainly doesn't mean anyone, parents included, have full dominance over every aspects of a child's existence. Especially if that parent is abusive or violent.

Additionally, according to The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, more than half (54%) of people identifying as transgender or non-binary experienced some form of domestic violence, including acts of coercive control or physical harm. Often these kids are not supported at home. 40% of transgender youth HAVE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. Any policy that leads to further isolation and fear in a student's life is unacceptable. Especially when the simple act of using a name or pronouns of their choice, of being welcomed onto recreational sports teams or clubs of their choice, of wearing the clothes and hair styles of their choice, of using the bathroom or locker room of their choice (or non-gendered space for such) - all of these things are such small accomodations that can literally save the life of a student.

Thirdly, the language surrounding nicknames in this policy is just ridiculous. Parents must give approval for a student to be called something different than their given name? A student named Grace wants to go by Coco, or a Benjamin wants to go by Jaime. According to this policy parents must give written consent - and not only that they must legally change their child's name if they want to be called something different at school. Come on. So much for the party of small government. This is overreach, not giving safe space to students who happen to be trans, non-binary, or queer.

There are maybe 4000 trans students in Virginia, out of 1.2 million. That's less than 1%. Why would creating ridiculous rules around names and pronouns - which affect all students - be the answer? Just help kids feel safe and accepted. That's it. That's all they want.

Kathryn Bertoni


This will bring harm to trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will bring harm to trans kids.


I strongly support this policy.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This policy will not bring harm to trans kids, but will protect all kids as well as parental rights.  I strongly support the way this is written and think that it is reasonable and measured.  </p>


Strongly oppose.


<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


This is a terrible policy decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible policy decision.


I fully support


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

Hello! This policy will only serve to make schools a more hostile, unsafe place that will cause active harm to the students who need the most protection. Children deserve an opportunity to learn in an environment that does not force them to be someone they aren't.


I fully oppose this.


No!

<!DOCTYPE html>

I fully OPPOSE this policy. DO NOT do this!! You are harming INNOCENT KIDS with this policy.


I am strongly opposed.


Strongly agree! (2+2=4)

<!DOCTYPE html>

Thank you, Governor Youngkin!

"We shall soon be in a world in which a man may be howled down for saying that two and two make four, in which people will persecute the heresy of calling a triangle a three-sided figure, and hang a man for maddening a mob with the news that grass is green. " - G.K. Chesterton

That time is now.


Support for this policy

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>It seems like everyone feels this will cause suicide rates among trans students to increase. Suicide is the result of a mental health problem. Sane rational people do not commit suicide. Perhaps get mental health help for these students. But keep this nonsense out of the schools! </p>


Harm to Virginia Trans Students

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>It is cruel and shameful to cause this kind of harm to trans students in the Commonwealth. This kind of persecution can cause injury, even death, to young men and women who only want the joy of living their lives as their authentic selves. As a political stunt to draw attention to the governor's ambition, it is abysmal. </p>


I oppose the Transgender regulation proposed by VDOE.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I fully oppose this regulation. Our values should be to "do no harm" to our students. This may result in further discrimination and marginalization of our transgender students. </p>


Strongly and emphatically opposed!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>The policy that Governor Youngkin is proposing will be detrimental to many vulnerable children. Trans kids deserve to be supported by the school system, and not abandoned. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.


Parental Rights First

<!DOCTYPE html>

The rights of parents and heterosexual children are being trampled on.

I support the changes Gov. Youngkin has put forth.


I am completely opposed.


Strongly Support Parental Rights!

<!DOCTYPE html>

Strongly Support Parental Rights!


No.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Fully oppose this! </p>


Do not do this.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

We should do all we can to create a welcoming and loving environment for all out students.  Governor is out of touch and out of line.


I am completely opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am completely opposed.


This policy will harm, not help, children and families

<!DOCTYPE html>

As a former VA public school teacher who taught trans students, and as a citizen with many transgender loved ones, I strongly oppose this model policy.

Virginia’s public school teachers and staff work hard every day to do right by their students. This includes calling them what they wish to be called. The model policy is wrong to state that how people address one another is a matter of ideology. It is not. It is a matter of kindness and respect, plain and simple.

One of the essential roles of public school is to be a safe place for kids who do not feel safe in their homes. This policy would penalize teachers and staff for trying to help their trans students feel safe at school. Trust teachers and counselors! Let them do their jobs!


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I don’t appreciate the constant fear mongering that parents have no say in the lives of their children. The action taken with this policy on gives the illusion that parents have control and sadly at the expense of children… specifically those who are usually most vulnerable. Let’s work to support all of our children and their parents. </p>


Strongly oppose.


Transgender rights bill

<!DOCTYPE html>

i oppose the bill you proposed about the treatment of transgender people in schools because people can’t control that they’re transgender and using the wrong pronouns and name and bathroom often really upsets people. if this bill is put into place you will make a bunch of transgender kids really sad and even kill themselves so please don’t do that!!!!! and i know the bill is about like “parents rights” or whatever but some kids aren’t comfortable with their parents knowing that and some parents are really mean and transphobic and will like kick their kids off of their house or engage in other forms of abuse so please please to avoid the suicides and abuse of transgender kids please do not enact this bill!!!!


Strongly oppose - this hurts so many and helps nobody.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This proposed change doesn’t help anyone.  It hurts trans kids and even those who may just need a counselor to help them through a tough time.  I see zero benefits to this.


Strongly opposed to this

<!DOCTYPE html>

Clearly this proposal was created to pander to irrational fears of and prejudices toward transgender people, and it is especially bad because it will negatively impact kids. While using language claiming to respect the dignity of transgender kids, it would do the very opposite by, for instance, requiring that they not be addressed according to the gender they identify with.  This proposal is based on very backward thinking and ignorance.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Fully Support

<!DOCTYPE html>

Parents are the primary educators of their children. Parents should remain in control of decisions regarding their children. Fully support. Pass and implement!


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Disgusting idea

<!DOCTYPE html>

As the patent of a non-binary child and a Trans child, I find this bill to be horribly cruel to kids who are different. To make it so teachers out the kids is so unfair. You are putting teachers and kids at risk. Don't compete with DeSantis, do better. The kids if the Commonwealth deserve better!


<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


I am strongly opposed.


I am completely opposed.


I oppose!


I oppose this fully.


Fully support

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I fully support this decision </p>


I fully oppose this.


This is a terrible policy decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible policy decision.


OPPOSE! You all have lost your mothering minds~!

<!DOCTYPE html>

The beginning of the end of Virginia was Youngkin. RECALL! RECALL! RECALL! RECALL! RECALL!

Trans youth ARE youth.

Thought republicans were pro-life?

This is pro-death. Republicans are pro-death.

If you do not support protecting trans children what will you oppose next? Removing ramps for children in wheelchairs? Peanut butter in all schools because why remove it to protect a small group with allergies? Will you be requiring prostate checks for all male students and gynecological exams right in the front offices so everyone knows everyone's sexual business? Teachers and staff too of course, right? None of that "special treatment" if you are deaf or blind - you just have to live like the "regular" kids? Any parent that beats or injures or potentially kills their child for not fitting into your non-trans world is just fine and you support them? Will you be setting up your very own camps for kids so they are imprisoned until they are all "fixed" for you? The spiral of ridiculous considerations knows no bounds with you all.

It is unbelievable that Virginia would even ENTERTAIN Youngkin as a candidate. His winning is ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! Now you want to allow him to make moves that can and likely will result in the deaths of children. That isn't very pro-life of you all. I, for one, am disgusted by Youngkin and all of you that have the audacity to support him and anything like him. Virginia needs to recall your position before we watch the ENTIRE thing go to nothing.

ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS THIS IS A HORRIBLE, DISGUSTING PERSON. YOU ARE THE ONES THAT WOULD HAVE A CHILD COMMIT SUICIDE AND THEN WONDER WHY. YOU ARE THE ONE THAT MAKES REMARKS ABOUT TOYS ONLY BEING FOR A "BOY" OR "GIRL" WITHOUT THE COMPREHENSION THAT TOYS ARE TOYS ARE TOYS. YOU ARE THE ONE THAT WANTS TO HOLD ONTO BIGOTRY AND HATE AS YOUR RELIGION. YOU ARE TRASH HUMANS. 100000000% TRASH!

You do not have to have liked our previous Governor. You don't have to think he is a great guy or want to share a meal with him. But you DO need to respect that he cared about ALL the people here and wanted what was best for ALL of us. It wasn't about political power and being a smug man (like the absolutely despicable crap we have now). He tried to help Virginia move forward, into this decade and appreciated people as people and as individuals. Youngkin just wants to prove his level of Trumpdacity. Virginia is NOT that ignorant. Virginia is NOT that awful. I am SO UNBELIEVABLY SICK OF THE YOUNGKIN CRAP ALREADY!

Virginia IS for Lovers! Youngkin DOES NOT represent US! We are SO MUCH BETTER THAN THIS!


Do not do this.


Teacher Strongly Opposed to These Regressive Proposals

<!DOCTYPE html>

As a educator, I can testify that transgender students cannot learn in hostile environments that fail to acknowledge their identities.  When they are rejected by staff members at school, denied access to the correct facilities, deadnamed and misgendered, transgender students exhibit chronic  absenteeism, unstable mental health, inattention, disengagement, and task avoidance. By pandering to uneducated fears rooted in sexism and bigotry, the governor has doomed children in our schools to years of pain, humiliation, and bullying. This policy reverses the good acts put forth by our legislative body in 2020. Now, school boards are authorized to enact policies in direct opposition to the best practices upheld by medical professionals for over a decade. In areas of Virginia where transgender students are most at risk, these policies will be approved by school boards despite their detrimental impacts on the education of transgender children. I’m ashamed of the department of education and of our governor who seeks to convert our commonwealth to a haven for regressive zealots. Transgender students are not harming anyone. They are not a threat to the safety or education of others. They are just children and they have a right to be respected and supported alongside their peers.


Strongly oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This legislation is harmful and should not be passed. </p>


Protect our trans kids

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This does nothing to protect our children, does not provide them any sense of security or inclusion,  and has no basis in sound, legislative foundations! It is radical religion-based fear mongering and political partisan rhetoric.  Youngkin should be for all Virginians of all ages, of all races and ethnicities, of all cultures, of all orientations and of all political parties and not select the few who he “wants” to represent. He is a disgrace and should be ashamed. </p>


Protect Trans rights.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I oppose anything that goes agains trans rights. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.


I am completely opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am completely opposed.


Completely oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

As a recent (trans) graduate of Virginia public schools, this proposal is awful. Gender is a complicated, personal situation. We don't let parents tell their children exactly who they have to be-- parents cannot dictate everything about their children, because children are people trying their best, their hardest, to figure out the world. As a transgender person, part of figuring out that is having spaces where you feel safe experimenting and asserting your identity, where you can stop lying to protect yourself and find out what you actually think and feel. I had the really lucky chance to have my school be that place. I didn't have to make any permanent decisions or come out to everyone in my entire life. I could find my own subtleties. Many of my school staff supported me through this or made it a non issue, and I've seen how valuable this is for other kids. Schools are the place where children become community members. This sort of policy creates an environment that is really stressful, scary, and pervasive for a whole lot of people.


Strongly oppose!!!

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is 2022 and time to stop the fear and stigma of this community!  There should be NO second class citizens.  We all have the right to be who we really are.  Youngkin-what if it was YOUR kid??    Respect our children and their privacy instead of dismissing them as though they are not human beings, for God's sake.


New Transgender rules are good

<!DOCTYPE html>

The majority of kids in Virginia are not transgender. Why should they be treated so special. Teachers should teach reading, writing and arithmetic!!  Leave the social and personal issues to the parents! Don't want my kid in the bathroom with a kid that is not the same sex. I hate to break it to you but you ARE A BOY or GIRL!!!


Strongly oppose.


I am completely opposed.


Trans rights are human rights

<!DOCTYPE html>

Referring to Governor Youngkin’s 2022 proposed model policy:

The governor’s policy is rooted in transphobia, violates human rights and rights to privacy among some of our most vulnerable children. It prohibits teacher and staff from supporting trans and non-binary students. It creates a culture of fear, making it difficult for students to focus on learning, which is the opposite of what schools should be doing.

The American Pediatric Association explicitly supports gender affirming care for trans and non-binary children. So this proposal goes against expert medical research and opinion.

The American Psychology Association cites research, documenting extensive experiences of stigma and discrimination reported by trans and non-binary people and the mental health consequences of these experiences, including increased rates of depression and suicidality.


Totally opposed to this hateful policy.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is just another example of our Governor's hateful policies towards the LGBTQ communities. This will cause undue harm to transgender youth. These children have rights! Suicide rates may increase. Lawsuits will follow any implementation. Work on the real problems facing our society instead of fighting fake culture wars.


I fully oppose this.


We need to protect trans youth, these policies are dangerous to them.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>As a student, these draft model policies make me concerned for the health and safety of my LGBTQ+ friends. These model policies directly endanger the lives of transgender students by making school into a hostile environment, when school should be a safe and welcoming place for all students, especially Queer students. We all just want to learn in a safe environment, but this attack on LGBTQ+ students rights renders us unable to do so. These policies are a direct contrast to the statement made by the VDOE itself, “All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. The Department supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students. Thus, we have a collective responsibility to address topics such as the treatment of transgender students with necessary compassion and respect for all students.” These policies are disgusting and an attack on LGBTQ+ students that lack “compassion and respect” for their wellbeing. </p>


DO NOT PASS THIS

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Never in my life have I seen a piece of legislation or regulation that I oppose more than this. This policy is not only cruel and inhumane but is a violation of student first amendment rights. You cannot force someone to use a specific bathroom, you cannot force teachers to out their trans students, and you can't force them to address them by specific names. These policies will do nothing but contribute harm to trans students who already have it difficult in many aspects of their lives. Schools are supposed to be a safe place for them and this will cause them to fall back academically, intentionally miss school, or other situations that will result from them not feeling safe there. This policy is only being passed to promote the Governor's anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and forcibly indoctrinate it on young kids in schools. Whether or not this goes through there will be people who simply do not follow it because it is wrong and there are educators out there who will not allow this to be on their conscience. Many of my friends are transgender students who have stated that if these policies were in force when they were in school they may have turned to suicide or self harm. If you're an educator or a parent you would know better than to allow this to happen. </p>


I am strongly opposed.


Model policies issued by the governor

<!DOCTYPE html>

I fully support this new policy as the parents should first and foremost have the right to look out for their child. transgenderism is mental illness and genital mutilation is irreversible.


PROTECT LGBTQ+ CHILDREN

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>We deserve rights and respect just like you. </p>


Support mental well being of our students, this does the opposite

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am very proud of our school system in Virginia.   I have two sons that went to public schools and then on to Virginia universities.    I support focus on the well being of our student but this policy proposal is counter to that effort.   We should be accepting of all; unfortunately, I am concerned by this state proposal that gets too involved in the family's household and does not treat all students the same.

I read this proposal and Annex 1 and thought of the phrase "Don't Tread on Me"   For example a proposal directs some parents that seek to change the name or sex of the student on forms of the school first must have an acceptable legal document to change how a student should be addressed.   This matter should be left with the family without the Virginia school system taking on a responsibility that is far from the focus of its primary objective.

Stay in your lane VA Department of Education.  This effort is well off a beaten path which will wind up going nowhere.

Sincerely,

Tom Wasilewski


Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose this policy. It will harm young people. It is wrong.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is a grave mistake to pass this.


<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Testing the comment system - can you post more than once?

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am posting this as a second post to see if the system will allow one person to make more than one post.  If it goes through, then I question all the negative posts and wonder if the people in opposition are using this flaw to inflate the numbers.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will bring harm to trans kids.


Attacking trans rights is not protecting children

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I strongly oppose any decision which could lead to isolating or endangering transgender or gender non-conforming youth. This bill could have gotten me disowned or worse. Outing children to potentially unsupportive parents absolutely will lead to kids getting hurt. Too many LGBTQ+ youth end up homeless or dead as it is. We do not need to do this. Do not do this. This will not make transgender kids cis. This will get transgender kids, and any kid that doesn’t adhere perfectly to gender norms, hurt or worse. </p>


I oppose this fully.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Strong opposition

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>All children deserve a quality education from the state of Virginia, regardless of their religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender identification. This is not a religious problem, this is a symptom of ignorance. A person's sexual orientation or gender identity does not equate with being a sexual deviant. The fact that people continue to demonize these children for trying to express who they are as an individual is appalling and highly disrespectful to that person's autonomy of one's self. We should be focused on providing them a safe environment to learn, grow, and thrive so they may become a well rounded citizen. Please do not ostracize these children. </p>


Do not do this.


Strongly oppose.


Strongly oppose these guidelines

<!DOCTYPE html>

I strongly oppose the new guidelines/policy changes proposed about the treatment of transgender students in schools.  Please do not play politics with the mental health of some of our most vulnerable children.  The whip sawing of the policy and wholesale reversal of protections that have been put in place is cruel and will have many negative effects.  All children deserve to feel safe and affirmed in school.  The policy as proposed seems overtly bigoted and unnecessarily derisive of trans children.  These are some of the children who most need our love and acceptance. They should not be subjected to discriminatory “dead naming”.

 I  do allow that the current bathroom /locker room policies need revision as all children should feel safe and comfortable in these facilities.  Given the sensitivity of these concerns and the relatively small numbers of students needing accommodation, could schools mot have the leeway to determine a safe solution for all students? For example a staff bathroom might be made available to a student for a private changing area?  Seems like a common sense best practice to me. In point of fact, such a common sense accommodation was made for my own cisgendered child, who was extremely shy and modest, with not a lot of fuss and palaver.


Wonderful Policy Change For Parents Rights!

<!DOCTYPE html>

Do not allow any person other than the child's parents to make any decision to alter in any way a child. Studies show that some 95% of kids who are confused about their gender will later on find out their gender is what they were born with. What we have are sick people who think they know better and will transition kids to be something else and it is irreversible. Allow kids to be kids and stop teaching them about sexuality till they are in their teens and in an appropriate setting. And do not let anyone but the parents make medical decisions for their kids.


I support these new policies COMPLETELY!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p style="text-align: justify;">I believe schools should be concerned about educating our students in English, math, science, and history. We are failing dramatically in these areas. Schools are not for children to figure out their identity or which bathroom to use. If this is a problem for them, perhaps they should be homeschooled. The whole LGBQT has gotten out of hand. It is a MENTAL problem and should be treated as such. I do not want my kids to have to worry about what pronoun to call someone. I’d rather they learn what a pronoun is! </p>


I Strongly Oppose This

<!DOCTYPE html>

Trans kids have very little support in the first place and you're going to make a child's life far harder and more stressful than it should ever be. Additionally, this could lead to very dangerous consequences in where trans kids are harrased and ostracized. Please spend time on better issues because this is just bullying.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


I fully oppose this.


I am strongly opposed.


I AM OPPOSED

<!DOCTYPE html>

Why is religion and peoples personal views affecting legislation that will change the lives of millions? What happened to separation of church and state? Why do conservative Christians get to decide everything now? What happened to personal freedom? What is happening to this country?

you are going to be responsible for millions of suicides if you make this legislation a reality.


I am completely opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am completely opposed.


Support

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I support anything that allows parents to be fully involved in every aspect of their children’s education. </p>


YES!  Finally!

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>As the mother of a trans-identifying woman, thank you for not allowing parents to be kicked out of this ALL important time in a child’s life. Parents cannot effectively parent when the government is actively trying to undermine them.   Making parents aware of these kids is the ONLY way to prevent the abuse and grooming that these kids, particularly neurodiverse and LGB kids, face daily.  Please do NOT allow parents to be kept out of the loop. Be an example to the rest of the nation. Tell the anti-woman, anti-LGB, pro-pediphilia group that our CHILDREN are off limits.    </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This is a terrible policy decision.


Oppose Transgender Regulations Proposed by VDOEducation

<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose the Transgender regulation proposed by VDOE.

It's a sad day in our Commonwealth when the Virginia Department of Education [VDOE] proposes mandates designed to destroy the health, dignity and person-hood of  Transgender students. By manipulating and misinterpreting standing legal statutes and mandating actions by local boards of education, the Attorney General and the Youngkin administration are attempting to DO HARM to the rule of law, to public education and to the Transgender students impacted by their intentions.


It seems everyone wants more school age suicides

<!DOCTYPE html>

I can guarantee to all those that think schools are handing out medical interventions to children, you all are wrong and incredibly ignorant. The proposal will cause hundreds or even thousands of more attempted and successful suicides of your children. The current laws are in place to protect ALL children, trans or not. It is absolutely certain that if this passes, depression and anxiety rates in school kids will sky rocket. These policies should aim to PROTECT everyone, like the current policy does, instead of aim to separate and cause harm to children who's parents think they know more about their child than the child (who is their own person) knows about themselves. No trans children are trying to abuse or harass your cis kids (non trans); trans people, especially trans girls/women, are incredibly likely to be harassed, raped, and even killed solely for the fact of them being trans. This policy change is supporting your children becoming suicidal and is a breeding ground for discrimination.


Suicide/self harm rates will skyrocket if you do this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

How many young children, no not kindergarteners, but children ages +10 will feel belittled, called out, and made to feel less than that of there peers, before they eventually take their own lives?? Think of the children, Virginia is 40 years in the past still it feels.


<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Strongly Oppose This

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am so afraid of what this policy will mean for transgender and non-binary students. I am afraid for the students who have just a few hours each day where they feel free to express themselves or explore gender identity because they know that their parents would be angry, possibly violent, if they were to do so at home. I am afraid for the students who feel suicidal and need support, but will be too afraid to ask for help if it means teachers and counselors are legally obligated to out them to their parents even if they did not feel safe to share that information yet.

I am even afraid for students who have loving and supportive parents who support their gender identity, chosen name, and pronouns. They may be forced to use a bathroom and locker room that triggers their dysphoria - or would have this policy protect any teacher who refuses to use their name and pronouns despite having parent support.

Please reconsider these policies, they will increase discrimination against transgender and non-binary youth.


policy can lead to suicide

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I have supported a transgender grandson since knowing the diagnosis of gender dysforia at age 14, now 21.   These policies are hurtful and will lead to suicide.  It is not a choice, but who an individual identifies as and not a matter of government overreach.   </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

<!DOCTYPE html>

It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Opposed

<!DOCTYPE html>

Wtf are you thinking man, thats not right, thats gonna hurt the kids more than its gonna help them


Oppose this discriminatory legislation

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Legislation like this harms our children. Are children need more understanding and more support. Sometimes kids can't tell their parents things because their parents will kick them out of the house. Sometimes they're safe. Space is their school, their teacher. I support 100% trans and non-binary students. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I fully oppose this idea. This is harmful to our children and society.

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This is completely disgraceful and should never be passed. This is harmful to the LGBTQ community. </p>


I oppose this fully.


STOP YOUR BOT PLEEEEEEASE YOU AREN'T HELPING

<!DOCTYPE html>

Posting this for the third time in the hopes they see it:

This law is cruel that is true and I've already posted a comment about that. But whoever it is that also opposes law that clearly has some bot posting the same six comments over and over again, you're not helping. There are a number of comments from actual Virginians talking about how this will harm actual Virginians and you are watering them down and making them not be heard. The right wing psychopaths implementing this will use your bot as an excuse to disregard the many many comments from people concerned about the harm this will do. Your heart is in the right place but that is not the way to do it, if you truly oppose this law and want Virginians to be heard saying so, please stop.

P.S. Also you spelled "manner" as "manor" and it's been bothering the crap out of me.


Do not do this.


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>Students across the commonwealth deserve equal access to a safe and welcoming learning environment when they attend public schools regardless of gender identity. I strongly oppose this legislation as it seeks to out transgender students to their teachers, peers, and families. Students deserve to be referred to by their preferred pronouns.  As someone who grew up with a sibling who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community and watched firsthand the detrimental effects being outed to our family had on them, i can do nothing short of beg that you do not enact this. Trans students are real, they deserve to be acknowledged in their own space, on their own time, and to be protected. This legislation does none of these things. We do not always have to understand one another's opinion's, but we should seek to respect them. Please, please reconsider-we can do so much better. </p>


Inhumane treatment and harm to children, must not pass

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>I have been a teacher for 15 yearsand a mother for 23. This policy will absolutely cause harm and put our most vulnerable youth at risk. I've attended funerals for students who took their own life because they were treated as though their existence is unacceptable. As a state, we must not let fear and narrow minded hate put any child at risk. Before you sign a bill that will absolutely cause physical and emotional damage, please consider the many families that are trying their best to let their precious child know they are loved and accepted. The many advocates for LGBTQ + will show up and vote and never let our voices fade in defense of ALL of our children/families/friends/students in their diverse and unique form. </p>


This will bring harm to trans kids.

<!DOCTYPE html>

This will bring harm to trans kids.


Don’t do this!!!

<!DOCTYPE html>

I oppose this. It’s wrong and potentially trauamatizing. No one should have to go through this. Listen to us & DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!


This will bring harm to trans kids.


I am completely opposed.

<!DOCTYPE html>

I am completely opposed.


Strongly Oppose

<!DOCTYPE html>

<p>This is designed to harm trans kids and it will. We are better than this in Virginia. </p>


I am strongly opposed.