Fully support Youngkin and rights of parents to be parents

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This comment is copied from another commenter but expresses my feelings as well:

Wholly support the 2022 guidance

I fully support the proposed 2022 Guidelines.  The 2021 Guidance put schools in the position of severing the parent-child relationship, of deciding what is best for a child and of unduly influencing a minor child.  While supportive schools are essential, and the rights of every student are equally important, parents know, love and care for their children far more than schools, which are transient in a child's life.  The previous 2021 guidance went far beyond State and Federal Law in wresting decision-making and authority away from parents and handing it over to schools and non-guardians.

This new guidance appropriately revokes the deceit authorized by the 2021 guidance, which in practice directed schools to conceal its interactions with a minor child, whether over counseling or use of pronouns, facilities etc. This deceitful aspect of the 2021 guidance was one of its most problematic and dangerous features.

The previous guidance also cited and relied on resources only from ideological groups and smaller committees of medical professionals.  There is growing evidence, internationally and nationally, of harm from rushing children to gender transition, and the previous guidance fostered this by its complete omission of full research.  Most countries in Europe are moving away from the gender-affirming only approach, because of the accumulating evidence of harm to children.  Schools should never take on the role of influencing a child's sexuality or gender identity, and the previous guidance put schools in this position by an entirely one-sided approach to gender, rather than a balanced one as would be true of an evidence-based approach.

Additionally, the previous guidance put girls and women in harm's way by allowing males into all their safe spaces.  While the intent of the 2021 guidance is to allow transgender students to chose facilities, the practice in the way it is worded disallows questioning of any male entering a female space.  Further, the population of girls and women who have been victims of sexual assault is far greater than the population of transgender students, and it is wrong and dangerous for these women to have to fear males entering private spaces with them. There are reasonable and fair ways to protect transgender students without taking away the right to privacy and safety of every female in the system.

Further, the former guidance unlawfully compelled speech as to pronoun usage, again going far beyond both State and federal law.  Every child deserves equal respect, but the law does not grant them the right to compel the speech of others.

Every school will have to work out ways to respect and support transgender children, including for children who may face danger at home. It goes without question that support, compassion and respect are essential to caring for transgender children in schools. The answer, however, is not a blanket order affecting all families by unlawfully removing parental authority and involvement from a child's life, as was the effect of the previous guidance.  Schools and counselors should be partners with children and parents, not usurpers of parental roles.

This policy is a great step forward in removing the excesses of the 2021 Guidance.


JOHN OLIVER PLEASE TALK ABOUT THIS!!!!!

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<p>Shine a light on this terrible policy and Governor </p>


JOHN OLIVER PLEASE TALK ABOUT THIS!!!!!


Strongly oppose this harmful to children policy

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This is a cruel, vindictive, politically-driven policy that endangers the mental and physical well-being of extremely vulnerable young persons.  It further perpetuates inaccurate information and prejudice.  If children safely and concern for health were at the heart of this policy you would be offering developmentally appropriate, scientifically and medically factual sexual information to our students and dispel unfounded "fears" on the part of all students.  This horrible policy will endanger lives of children.  Period.  Not very “pro-life of you.


Absolutely support! Thank you for advocating for our kids and teachers!

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<p> As a parent with a child who feels compelled to follow the agenda</p>


OPPOSE

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<p>I OPPOSE this policy and feel it will do more harm than good. </p>


This bill is a horrible idea, and will get people killed.

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This bill is made with gross negligence of the subject matter, if not outright malice towards those effected by it.  This bill would prevent any form of gender nonconformity, expression, or independence, under a bill with harmful theocratic philosophy.   This will make trans suicides soar from the lack of mental health and other medical support, for the younger and older groups, it’ll get non-trans people killed for not perfectly conforming to an arbitrary pink or blue box and adjacent set of values/features, via harassment from staff and students alike.

This bill is a perfect example of why trans people don’t have the same rights as other people, we cannot support this bill, and call ourselves a “Land of the free, home of the brave.” If the “sensitive snowflakes” are the ones making these bills.  Shame on those in support of the borderline human rights violation.


Strongly oppose this policy, it does not protect children

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<p>This policy endangers children who do not have safe adults in their lives. </p>


Infringement on Human Rights

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I strongly oppose this legislation. It infringes on students rights to freedom of expression and puts teachers in the position of either misgendering a student or going to court. This is in direct violation of their 1st amendment rights. This legislation should not go through.


Protect Trans Youth

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<p>Please protect the youth! There is no need to degrade or bully anyone for who they are! & the government for one shouldn’t legislate this!! This is Christian fascism. Kids have a right to free public education and that should come with by being calling by their CHOSEN name and their pronouns that they ARE!!! And who are you to say different?!????  </p>


Strongly Support!

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<p> I strongly support this bill. Stop normalizing mental illnesses.  </p>


PROTECT TRANS CHILDREN

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<p>This is ignorance at it’s absolute finest. Stop trying to push religious beliefs on our children. Stop trying to push religious beliefs onto others who do not hold those same beliefs. This is unconstitutional and we WILL see justice before we let your religion bleed over OUR own rights. YOUR RIGHTS ARE NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN OURS. You want a fight, you’ve got it. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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STRONGLY OPPOSE DIVISIVE AND DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION.


COMPLETELY OPPOSED

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This will literally cost children their lives. PLEASE STOP DOING  LIKE THIS!


Oppose this policy - it will lead children to hurt themselves

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<p>This policy will contribute to the marginalization of a population of children who are regularly dehumanized by this governor and those who support him. Make no mistake, this policy will cause additional harm among a group of people who have disproportionally high levels of depression and suicide. Ignoring their suffering and deaths is a shameful price to pay for the governor to gather political capital from those who believe that compassion and kindness toward the vulnerable is the largest threat we face. </p>


Strongly oppose

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


Teachers power over children

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<p>I am a teacher and I am a parent and teachers MUST NOT usurp parent's authority. </p>


Fully Support

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<p> Parents should have an active role.  </p>


Parent in support of the model policies

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The model policies proffered appropriately support the development of students, the rights of parents, and reinforce that the role of schools is not to indoctrinate or otherwise impose a liberal secular view upon children in the void left by separation of church and state.

By all available evidence, the policies being ameliorated or otherwise replaced by the proffered model policies will lead to better mental health and stability for children, assurances for parents, and rightfully walks back, albeit modestly, the school system's imposition on a specific set of worldviews and values onto children to the discrimination of a variety of other worldviews. In doing so, this will reinforce the bond between school and community which lies at the heart of best results for students education.

The model policies provided reinforce the notion that the primary role of schools is education. Rather than battling this policy, resources would be better allocated towards teaching critical thinking, not critical theory, and empowering students to question and evaluate their curiosities rather than slamming children through whichever available avenue exists to certain worldviews and lifestyles.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>As a parent of school-age children and active voter, I strongly oppose this policy. What Gov. Youngkin is proposing is based on out-dated science and transphobia and will hurt a group of students that are already vulnerable to mental health crises.  </p>


Fully support

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<p> Fully support  </p>


Strongly Support

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<p>As a parent, former teacher and coach I strongly support the new guidance. </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT - Social contagion needs to stop

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<p>The adults (parents, teachers, medical professionals) need to stand up for the children and stop confusing them with transgender policies and mutilating/carcinogenic treatments. Stop the madness and lies. I support this new policy. </p>


Fully support school policies

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Psychiatrists writing in the Wall Street Journal point out the human brain us not mature even at 17 or 21; often not until age 25, yet gender counselors are putting kids on irreversible drug therapies or more radical therapies including surgery! Its profitable income for hospitals; Planned Parenthood has even injected itself into this travesty!
      Stand by this modest common sense way of ordering  the culture of the schools! If indeed some students feel threatened mechanisms can be designed to protect them even as ut is already dine in Henrico for at risk students. Teachers are already versed in how to deal with kids reported under stress either at home or elsewhere.
Just a question: if as sleep experts advocate, teen agers in puberty need more sleep and beginning classes earlier  than 8 am may upset hormonal balance—school busses start running in Va at 7 am!  How many of these so identified trans kids are actually sleep deprived?

      I absolutely support the Governor’s draft policies as a step to protect these kids!


Strongly Support Parental Rights!

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<p> Strongly Support Parental Rights!  </p>


support

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<p> Why do you fear parents being informed about their children?  </p>


I heartily support this policy!

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I heartily support this policy.

Schools shall respect parents’ values and beliefs.  The Code of. Virginia Section 1-240.1 recognized this fundamental right as well.   This is a well-written and carefully thought-out policy.  Please stop indoctrinating our precious children!


We support you and will fight alongside you!

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<p> We support you and will fight with you!  </p>


Policy is trash, divisive and endangering to children's lives, will encourage abuse from home/school

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In a period of time where this governor wants to protect the unborn but endanger the living. It speaks volumes that only certain lives matter to the all lives matter crowd.  Engulfed in their own hypocrisy, all they do is be loud about things they are afraid of because they over indulge in propaganda.

What a bunch of don’t tread on me snowflake babies totally willing to do the things to other people they claim are happening to them.  Ever the poor victims of society, being forgotten and out numbered certainly has them lashing out and any little thing they could dream of.

 What’s next?  The return of segregation?  The silent hope that the queer community will die off to aids2.0?

the belief that all kids should be indoctrinated to a straight lifestyle while anyone who’s different from them is made to suffer is pathetic and completely ignorant of any sort of “godliness” or even the slightest attempt to be Christ-like.

Your god that you worship loved all humans, your god that you worship “created” all of this apparently and it is by “his” omnipotent and omnipresent design.  So go be mad at your god and figure your  out.  Treat your neighbor as yourself, mind your own business.  Or just go ahead and admit that your overwhelmingly scared you are loosing some holy war for some god you don’t even remotely follow the teachings of.


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STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS COMMON SENSE POLICY


Support: What about the rights of girls abused by males?


Strongly support

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<p> Stop the exploitation of our children  </p>


Strongly support

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<p> I strongly support this change that protects parental rights and allows them to keep informed of all aspects of their children’s health and wellness.  </p>


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

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<p>It is responsible for parents to be involved in these types of decisions.  If we hold parents legally accountable for the actions children take, we should allow the parents to be actively involved in how their children are treated at school - especially when considering the permanent nature of labels placed on students and the impact to their life.  </p>


Strongly support protecting children


I oppose this policy


I FULLY SUPPORT THIS POLICY AND GOVERNOR YOUNGKIN !!!


Strongly Oppose This Policy!

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I strongly oppose this policy. Trans youth need support and this policy is discriminatory and short sighted.

Each of us have the right to be who we are and that includes identifying as a gender that differs from the sex you were born with. Trans children are vulnerable (they are statistically more likely to be homeless and commit suicide and be murdered before they reach age 30) and this policy will further isolate them and open doors for additional violence.

Virginia needs to lead the way on inclusivity and this is taking a massive step backward due to ignorance and fear.


Strongly support!

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Parents have a right to know regarding issues of their own child's health and welfare.


MAGA no place in Virginia


Oppose this policy - stand with trans kids

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<p>It’s very frustrating that trans children are being used as political pawns. This policy will only hurt children more from the party that ostensibly cares so much about children. </p>


Nothing is more disruptive than a dead child

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This policy is inhumane garbage. Any proper parent should actually see this as what it is-- a threat to their children-- but for all the parents who disagree with this, may I remind you of the trans youth suicidal ideation rate (82%) and attempt rate (40%), as a result of an unsupportive environment and lack of treatment (treatment meaning, of course, assuaging sex dysphoria.) This is straight from the 2022 documents in the National Library of Medicine.

I implore parents who support this to engage in an exercise of the imagination. Say, your child's school calls you, noting your child's desire to be called another name or go by different pronouns (pronouns are I, we, her, him, etc., in case you didn't know). Would you, honestly, take this as an opportunity to have a supportive conversation where your child is given a fair shot at explaining themselves? Would you research the phenomenon of gender dysphoria, using only accounts from peer-reviewed scholarly journals? Would you self-reflect on why your child wouldn't tell you this information about yourself?

If you answered "yes" to all these questions, honestly, I can't see why you would support this other than "it's the parents' right to know," which Governor Youngkin has repeated ad nauseum in press releases. However, I cannot see how a child using a different name and identifying as something other than their sex-assigned-at-birth would disrupt the educational environment.

If you disagree, please reflect on why. What is so troublesome about a young transgender boy wanting to use the men's restroom and have his teachers call him what is, for all intents and purposes, a nickname? It is a law that is impossible to enforce. How does one prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, transness in a court of law?

If you are an illiterate government official, this is my summative take at the bottom--

This law puts you on the wrong side of history, honestly. You're losing speed and losing time. You may cling to the dying Republican party as a runt piglet runs for the teat, but the people of Virginia love their children. I have no doubt that administrators around our state will not give this childish law a second thought inside actual schools. And unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it.


I support


Vehemently oppose these ludicrous policies!

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To those parents who are supporting the model policies - don’t impose your hate and bigotry on your child/children. Their bodies and sexual identities are not for you to dictate. If you are so concerned about “protecting” the kids, let’s see you protesting against the rabid gun violence problem that is a very real threat to their lives. Public schools are not your personal property, you have absolutely no right to impose your ideas on others!

Youngkin, get your dirty hands off the students and their bodies!


Trans/ lgbtq rights

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We need to encourage a system that supports and uphold our students


Harrisonburg voter opposed to this policy

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<p>I'm opposed to these policies.  I'm also wondering if the Youngkin Administration is aware that "X" is a legitimate gender marker on a United States passport, and how he would square his policies, say gender corresponding bathrooms and sports team participation, with an official US document.  </p>


Support

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<p> Parents have a right to know about any issue their child is dealing with. Thank you Governor Younkin!  </p>


TOTALLY SUPPORT our GOVERNOR in PROTECTING our CHILDREN!!!!

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<p>Communication among schools and parents is CRUCIAL for our children's wellbeing. Schools and teachers should not be in the middle of all of this political craziness. Our kids go to school to learn MATH, Science, History, and Literature. Everything else in regard to their sexual education should be left to the PARENTS! We are blessed to have a governor that cares about PARENTAL RIGHTS!!!!! </p>


I agree with this Policy!

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<p>I agree with this policy. The parents need to have a say so. If the school system is afraid to disclose this information to parents, then that is not for the school system to decide. </p>


Fully Support

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<p> Parents should have an active role.  </p>


Support for change in Giudelines.

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I agree with the changes in the new 2022 Policy guidelines.


Disgusting legislation, don’t burden our children with your discomfort

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It truly hurts my heart that this is what the government of Virginia is utilizing its energy for. Absolutely disgusting policy that will only further harm our states children. Shame isn’t the answer, silencing self expression isn’t the answer. Do not pass this legislation!


"It Takes A Village to Sexually Mutilate Your Child" -DNC

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<p>Children need to be protected from pedophiles in the public schools. When they turn 18 they can use their free will as far as sexuality is concerned. Fully support Gov. Youngkin's policy. </p>


Support

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<p> This brings schools back in line with where they should have been all along on this issue.  </p>


Oppose Transphobic Policy

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<p>I strongly oppose this political stunt and transphobic policy. Every major medical society in the US opposes these transgender "policies" that threaten the well-being of youth. This will no doubt drive up bullying, harassment, and higher incidence of suicide among youth at a time when suicidal ideation is up 50% for youth in America. This is yet another example of disrespect for teachers, school counselors, and other professionals using their professional judgment in looking out for the well-being of youth. The idea of checking with parents on the use of pronouns and names or nicknames for students is absurd and harmful and a testament to this political stunt. This is not about respecting parents' rights, it's about singling out transgender people for ridicule.   </p>


Fully support the proposed policy

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<p> A civilized societycannot survive without guiding principles that remain timeless. Parents have the right to remain fully aware</p>


Strongly Support!!

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Thank you for looking out for the people of Virginia. This is not against trans kids, this is for the protection of all kids!


I support this!

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<p> This law promotes the dignity and respect of ALL children and recognizes the rights of parents. Fairfax County Public Schools have completely overstepped their bounds in this area.  </p>


Parents are against the policy change

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<p>Parents do not want these backward policies </p>


Parents are against the policy change


Mean spirited, dangerous, and impossible to enforce

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Is it 1952? The entire pretext of these rules is that gender identity is a simple choice that these kids can simply wave away at any moment without complication or issue.  It also assumes that every child is born into a household with parents that are involved with their children's lives and bound to their best interests.  Neither of these things are true, and as such you have children battling to come to grips with their identities, within an often hostile environment and now we are imposing upon them even more obstacles, and pressures that make it even more difficult to simply be who they are.  These policies are mean, and they are targeted specifically at Trans kids without means and without support.

These policies are also dangerous, it leaves the kids targeted without any where to turn, it exposes them to increased bullying, shaming and even disciplinary actions.  My god, are we really all the way back to disciplining children for what they want to call themselves? Really? And yes, some of these children will sink so deep into sorrow that they will end their lives.  Lives that could have been saved simply by being compassionate and by NOT being targeted by adults in power.

These policies are also impossible to enforce.  I have 3 children (all of whom are CIS gendered)... my 10 year old is about as masculine a boy as masculine can get.  He plays ice hockey and is a brute on the ice.  He also happens to absolutely love HOT PINK.  It's just his favorite color.  When given the option he will choose hot pink outfits to wear to school.  He is so secure in his boy gender identity that if anyone challenged him for choosing pink he would literally laugh at them.  What does "sex-based" dress even mean? Does that mean that my masculine son will be penalized for wearing a pink coat to school? What if he decides to wear a pink kilt? If my 12 year old daughter decides she wants to shave her head to look like GI Jane, is she going to be subject to discipline?

What about these nicknames? My name is Max... if I were in school does that mean you'd call me Maxine if I wanted you to because it's related to the name Max... and I couldn't call my self Betty or Al? What about kids that want to use their middle names or use names other than their legal name just because they don't like their middle name? Are we going to go out and crack down on educators using nick names not closely tied to the student's legal name?

I know that were I a student in Virginia schools under these policies you'd be giving me everything I needed to rebel against these idiotic, mean spirited policies.  I'd wear a dress to school every day, I'd demand to be called Maxine, and I'd pronoun every teacher however I wanted.  Just to stick it to the man.

Shame on Youngkin and shame on Virginia.  You can anticipate my voice, my vote and my wallet to be aligned against you going forward.

Max Pfeferman


Transgender policy  change

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Hi Folks, I have tried to keep track of the transgender issues in Virginia schools. I found the policies passed in 2021 by the Northam administration to be excellent. They were fair, respected input from parents, teachers, and students, and most importantly, they were legal. This issue has been litigated in the Grimm case and made it through all the various levels of court, all the way up to the USSC, and the 2021 regulation conformed to that case.

The new policy proposal does not, and it should be rejected. Respect our students, respect our teachers, listen to them. Please do not try to pass your new policies as they will be rendered null and void by the courts and all you will do is alienate the various stake holders.


Totally support our governor


Terrible Policy that will exacerbate and harm transgender youth

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<p>This proposed draconian policy will do nothing to protect students and will only exacerbate stigma and discrimination against transgender youth. Students should feel safe at school. This policy does nothing but harm to transgender youth. </p>


TRANS AND LGBTQ RIGHTS

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<p>taking away these rights are not fair. We have grown up in a genartion were we progressed as a communtiy and as people to accept others no matter the race, sexual prefrence and gender roles.We need rights to keep this world going. so many bills that have been passed that have hurt this world and if this does get passed it will hurt millions. WE NEED OUR RIGHTS. </p>


Strongly support this common sense guideline

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<p> Since we already KNOW that at least one child was raped in a school bathroom</p>


Thank you Governor - STRONGLY SUPPORT

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<p> Thank you for putting parents back front and center.  </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!

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I am the parent of a transgender high school student in Virginia, and I strongly oppose the new language in the guidance.  My teen has support for their identity at home, but there are many students who are questioning their gender and sexuality and do not have support from their parents and family members.  For some, their school counselors, teachers and administrators are providing a safe space for these students to express themselves and their true feelings.

The health and well-being of the students should be everyone's top priority, and this policy does not do that!  This issue should not be some kind of political stand-off.  Do the research and read the statistics:  Youth who feel supported are much less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression and are less likely to attempt suicide!!!  I am very disappointed in the Governor's Office and the Virginia Department of Education for putting forth this policy revision and even suggesting this guidance is good for our students.

My teen said it best:  "A teacher using a student's preferred name and pronouns does not cause any harm to the teacher; A teacher NOT using a student's preferred name and pronouns causes lasting harm to the student."


Support saving our children


I strongly oppose

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Governor Youngkin is doing exactly what he said he would do.  He has not lost my support, as he never had it.  This proud, patriotic Independent does not support draconian, repressive legislation or legislators.  I am concerned for the children of Virginia, particularly those who do not fit into Mr. Youngkin's neat little boxes.


Strongly support saving children


Support Schools: Don't Politicize Children

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Several school districts across the Commonwealth have previously passed policies either affirming or undermining the rights of LGBTQ students — and those districts in opposition to this new policy have stated their staunch determination to reject it.  Indeed, whether for or against these ideas, school districts have demonstrated their ability to determine their own paths.

Thus, as a practical matter, the Governor’s effort here accomplishes nothing, and only serves to normalize the questioning of students' sexual identities and orientations.  That is a scurrilous, absurd intrusion into privacy at odds with the pursuit of limited government as historically embraced by Republicans.  What's worse is that it turns the power of the executive and the ugliness of a political fight against children.

Glenn Youngkin ran for office claiming to support teachers and schools.  His effort here only brings them more hassle, further politicizing their vital work.  Already, teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers, and Virginia teachers face the third-largest pay gap (compared to other college-educated professionals) among educators in any state.  If we want to support teachers — and we should, firmly and unequivocally — then we ought to do so in the ways they advise us, rather than pandering to social politics and scoring political points.


transgender legislation

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<p>I STRONGLY OPPOSE GOV. YOUNGKIN'S TRANSGENDER POLICIES.  </p>
<p> </p>


We support you and will fight alongside you!

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<p> We support you and will fight with you!  </p>


Teachers need to teach

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Our children and grandchildren are in school to receive an education. Teachers should not have to police sexuality. It is not their job to call every parent and discuss how Johnny is identifying today. Politeness stipulates that we use the name and pronouns that people  ask us to use. Providing safe, clean restroom facilities for everyone should be common sense. Developing sports programs that are fair and encouraging all children to participate in physical activity is an important goal as well.  Neither the old policy or the new policy seems to address the fundamental issue, which is how are we going to prepare our children for the future. Please look for a compromise.


Protect trans kids - oppose this policy

Rebecca Nelson, concerned Christian voter

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Christianity is love, and anything that is not based in love is not Christian. This policy is not based in love for trans students.

As a Quaker, my Christian faith compels me to oppose this policy. Protecting trans students, who are already among the most vulnerable people in society due to their youth and gender identity, must be our primary concern. The wellbeing of children is what we're actually debating here, and we need to focus on what will make children safer and happier. This policy could result in the suicide deaths of persecuted trans students. It's that simple.

It's well-established that children have their own rights, above and beyond family relationships. While most parents have their children's wellbeing at heart, many do not understand gender identity or how to support a trans child appropriately.

Schools are incredibly important spaces for students to grow and learn who they are and how they want to live in the world. In schools, students find role models and mentors, and expand their network of responsible, vetted, trained adults who can provide professional counseling. In the most extreme context, we've all heard of cases where school teachers have helped students to protect themselves from abusive home situations. It happens every day. So, recognizing the central function that schools play in promoting students' growth, self-development, and emerging autonomy, it becomes clear how damaging this policy will be.

This policy would severely limit the ability of educational professionals to treat trans students with respect and dignity. A central institution in children's lives would be forced to start invalidating their identities. We can avoid the harm this will cause to trans students by rejecting this policy.


Completely support

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My support is for: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools


We need to support kids

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<p> It is a simple matter to support all kids</p>


SUPPORT PARENTS

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I support Gov. Youngkin's policies that restore parents' rights to be parents and protect the relationship between parents and their children.  We need to assure public schools protect the physical safety and privacy of children in restrooms and locker rooms.  We do not need policies that promote deviant behavior and mental illness, no matter how appealing to social engineers.


Rethink This Harmful Policy

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Dear Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin,

Regarding your new policy on LGBTQ and transgender students needing parental permission to use their preferred name and pronouns, I would like to share some perspectives with you:

From a straight-A student and accomplished athlete: “They’re just going to stop coming to school. Or worse.”

From a school psychologist: “Out of respect for the student’s autonomy and mental health, and in the interest of adhering to current research-based practices, I will be using the student’s preferred name and pronouns.”

From SAMHSA .gov: More than one in four teens are forced to leave their homes after they come out to their parents.

From youth .gov: The top two causes for homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth: family rejection; physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

From the NIH: “Chosen name use is linked to reduced depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and behavior among transgender youth.”

From the Trevor Project: “LGBTQ youth who report having at least one accepting adult were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year.”

So I ask you, Governor Youngkin, when teachers, school psychologists, and your own government websites warn that policies like this *will* lead to increased levels of homelessness, drop outs, poor academic performance, abuse, depression, and suicide among our students - what will your legacy be?


STRONGLY OPPOSE — THESE BIGOTED POLICIES WILL KILL CHILDREN

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Trans rights are human rights. You are exposing non gender conforming children to violence, body dysmorphia, and ultimately this will result in an increase of suicides among young trans people. This will result in the death of innocent children and you should be ashamed.


Strongly support this common sense policy

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The policy, in my view, strikes a proper balance between the needs of individual students, the student body at large, and parents. I fully agree with the principle that in the vast majority of cases, parents are in the best position to guide children through emotional challenges and crises.  Where a child does not enjoy a parent/guardian’s emotional support, the policy compassionately allows for options on which the child can safely rely to navigate such challenges.
Nowhere does this policy encourage, facilitate or enable one iota of discrimination against children undergoing an emotional crisis.  Anyone who claims otherwise cannot have read the policy in good faith.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!  Gov. Youngkin will ensure that parents are in charge.

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Parents have the right to be informed!  The 2021 policy released by the Northam administration denies this.  Children are put under the protection and guidance of their parents & adults for a reason.  To manipulate children for an agenda is criminal!


I Fully Support This

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<p> I fully support the model policies you have put in place. Schools have zero right to indoctrinate kids with their woke garbage. They also have zero right to pressure kids to change their identities and take drugs without telling the parents. Thank you for standing up for the rights of parents. These policies are long overdue.  </p>


This is terrible.

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Trans kids are kids too


THIS IS A HUGE STEP IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

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As a parent to a transgender teen this proposal is disgusting and just another way to make children feel unsafe in their schools. It's a thinly veiled attempt to tell trans kids that they aren't human beings with human rights. It's disgusting and just another way for youngkin to encourage schools to bully and spread hate to students across the state. He has tried BS like this before and been blocked, it needs to be blocked this time too!


I strongly oppose this policy

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This policy is mean-spirited and ignores the reality that gender identities are complex and nuanced. We need to be open to learning about and supporting the experiences of transgender youth, not trying to force them and their families into unreasonable and unrealistic situations. These policies are in flagrant violation of Virginia law and they will do serious harm to transgender students. We should have policies that are based in science AND compassion. We should have policies that protect ALL students. We should have policies that prevent bullying and harassment of marginalized youth. Is it too much to ask that every student be referred to by their proper name? We all want to ensure safety and freedom for our children. We want to encourage a vibrant and engaging learning experience for every student. By advancing these policies, the Virginia Department of Education is rejecting the values of freedom and safety and vibrant learning experience and instead embracing a narrow and fear-based approach that will target LGBTW kids for harassment and mistreatment eject these policies!


I strongly oppose this policy


I support our Virginia Governor!

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<p>Parents need to be able to parent their children ALL the time, even at school! These policies protect the parents as much as their children!  Transgender boys and girls need their parents’ guidance as well.  I am a former teacher and treated all children equally.  It saddens me to see the direction where the education associations are trying to take our children! Thank you Governor Youngkin for supporting parents! </p>


AGAINST THIS POLICY!!!!

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We are better than this.  Move forward, not backwards.


AGAINST THIS POLICY!!!!


Support Youngkin - parents need to know

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<p> Parents should know what is happening with their children at school.   </p>


Fully Support

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<p> I absolutely 100% support parents rights an common sense!!  </p>


Trans Policy

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I strongly support this. Such life altering decisions should not be done at this age.


100% Behind Governor Youngkin

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Thanks you Gov. Youngkin for letting parents be responsible for raising their children.


I support the governor new policy.

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<p> I support the Governor proposed policy.   </p>


Fully Support Parents rights


Fully Support!

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I fully support this policy!

The root of a lot of today's problems can be correlated to the decline in the family unit. I support reversing that trend and doing what we can to strengthen families.

We are trying to teach our children to grow up to be responsible adults that are good people. It is a shame that a lot of adults still have not learned to grow up!!!

This policy is not dismissive of concerns that transgender students may have, it just directs the dialogue back to the place where it should begin . . . with family!


Supporting parental rights

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I fully support those policies/standards that respect the responsibilities that parents have in raising their children.  My read of the proposed document is that is walks that fine line between respecting parental rights and being supportive of the students.  These are minors, and there are just some decisions that students do not have the maturity to make.  Let's keep schools focused on the primary mission ... education.


Strongly Support Governor's Policy

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<p>I believe the Governor's revised policy is fair to ALL students. Previous policy was slated towards the tiny minority of Trans or Trans want to be students.  Glad to see sanity starting to come out of Richmond. </p>


I oppose this backwards policy

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Virginia schools should support the education of students. This requires placing trust in students to know who they are and giving them support. How can trans students become thoughtful, capable adults when they are denied a piece of their identity. How can they learn and grow when an already-difficult process of finding meaning and self-worth is made impossible by policies like this?


AGREE 100%

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Give the power back to the parents!


Support-

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<p> Protect ALL children  </p>


I support trans people AND this policy.

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First, we can support and value all kids, cis and trans kids, without allowing school staff to exclude parents from the educational process. Exclude parents from public school, try to take over the parenting job, and parents who can afford to leave will leave. We have to maintain trust between the parents and the school system, or the system will crumble.

Second, we can’t pretend that bathroom use decisions only affect trans kids. They also affect cis kids. At a minimum, adults in school need to be able to draw some line between real trans kids and a boy who suddenly claims to be trans to gain access to girl bathrooms. The fact that this will be rare doesn’t excuse not having a policy for dealing with it. The preexisting policy just let any kid declare themselves and gave adults no power to make judgment calls. Nor is the fact that the line is hard to draw excuse just giving up all adult input and claiming that any other position is anti-trans.

Again, I support trans kids and this policy


Policy going in the wrong direction

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I am strongly against the proposal to reverse the 2021 Model Policies. I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s and vividly remember the torment of boys who weren't "manly" enough -- even the heterosexual ones like me. Kids who don't conform to gender/sexual norms need support from educators, clergy, Scout leaders, and other figures outside the home precisely because they may not get that support from their own parents. I don't ask for teachers to encourage students to pursue deviations from "normal", but they should not be permitted to shame or devalue any students. This brings me to the business about First Amendment rights, teachers, and referring to kids by their preferred name and gender pronouns. Common civility dictates that one should not refer to another person using names or epithets that the other person finds embarrassing or painful. Additionally, mistreating a student in this way hinders educating that student, as no one is receptive to guidance from someone who has treated them disrespectfully. Educators who believe that their religion prevents them from being civil do not belong in classrooms, and they should really re-evaluate their faith.


Support trans kids-keep VDOE model policy

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<p>My young child is transgender. There's no arguing why or how, he just is. He wants to go to school and have the same basic rights as everyone else. I want him to graduate school without killing himself. The VDOE Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender and Nonbinary Students was such a relief to me. I felt like I finally had something that protected him from bigotry in school. If you take this away, you're putting all trans and nonbinary kids at risk. The model policy was made using research that shows these policies protect lives. Literal lives. </p>


support the policy

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<p>until you are 18, please you haven't done anything but live on someone else's money. let kids be kids.  </p>


Natural Affection of Fit Parents

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Centuries of Anglo-American legal tradition have relied on the natural affection of fit parents as the best safeguard of the well-being of children: The Natural Affection of Charlie Gard's Parents.


Strongly oppose the governor’s policy on transgender youth

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Trans kids have a hard enough time in school without adding this phobic policy. This will greenlight bullying by others and result in more problems for trans youth. Keep your religion out of government!


I strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose this bill.


I support the 2022 Model Guidence

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<p>This is a good start to protect women’s and girls sports as well as protect each child’s privacy. </p>


Strongly Support Gov. Youngkin's Policy

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<p>Having school employees counsel underage students in matters of sexual identity, without the consent and knowledge of their parents, should be strictly forbidden. We do not want our pre-pubescent children being groomed by sexual predators. Young lives are being ruined by the trans madness. </p>


Strongly Support Gov. Youngkin's Policy


Strongly support Youngkin


Strongly Oppose

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As a Virginia resident and parent of two grown children and grandparent of two grandchildren, I strongly oppose this guidance. It will harm trans kids.


FULLY SUPPORT!!!

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<p> FULLY SUPPORT!!!  </p>


Support Fully

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As a parent and Grand parent, I ask you to please finalize these 2022 model policies as written.  Do not remove any key protections to restore parental involvement in the process and protect children's privacy and safety rights.


I am all for the new policy

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I am all for the new policy.    All I Can say to the kids,   get back to school.  Learn your three Rs


FULLY SUPPORT - THANK YOU!

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<p> Fully support this! Thank you</p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT YOUNKIN'S GUIDELINES !!!!!!


I strongly support the governor on this


I support this very strongly!!!I

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<p> I believe this is what we need. Makes good common sense. Parents need to be aware of what is being taught to our children.  </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy. It will lead to increased depression and suicidality among trans youth. </p>


Quality parental rights that still allow for the needs of those struggling with gender identity

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I’m so grateful for these proposed changes by Gov Youngkin. At no time should services be offered to children without a parent’s involvement and approval. I appreciate that the new regulations allow for parents who would like for their child or teen to be referred to using pronouns different than their biological sex, or for other services in that vein, to also have the authority to approve such treatment of their child. Allowing for a school or the state to become the competitive authority figure in a child’s life undermines a healthy sense of identity and growth regardless of what the child is struggling with. Thank you also for protecting those girls, especially, who have experienced abuse who may not be comfortable having a biological male in their private spaces. It is predominantly women’s spaces that are  impacted. Thank you!


Support lgbtq


YES, YES, and YES!

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<p>I support ending the lunacy and restoring a parents right to parent.  </p>


Trans children need our support.

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<p>Children - regardless of gender identity- require loving support from their teachers and staff. Reaffirming a child’s self lowers the risk of suicide from 30-40% to 1-2%. By removing the support system in schools, you are literally killing children. We are better than this. </p>


Strongly support

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<p>  strongly support the Governor  </p>


opposed

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Strongly opposed, this will hurt already vulnerable people.


Strongly support a parents right to raise their child to adulthood.

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<p> I fully support this.  </p>


Support Kids and Their Family Support System

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<p> Kids are just that</p>


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

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Parents have rights and are responsible for their children.  Any guidance to strengthen that bond between parents and their children should be fully supported by anyone who desires to keep our country strong.  In other words, I fully support this guidance.


I completely support.


Support saving our children


strongly oppose this senseless policy

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I strongly oppose this political grandstanding at the expense of our youth. The proposal is cruel and unnecessary. I urge Jillian Balow to reject this proposal and bring the focus back to policies that will actually help our children grow and succeed.


Strongly support

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<p> I strongly support this change that protects parental rights and allows them to keep informed of all aspects of their children’s health and wellness.  </p>


Strongly SUPPORT the protection and safety of all children

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<p> I strongly SUPPORT the updated policy. ALL Children - especially young girls -deserve a safe learning environment. All students should be able to learn reading</p>


Strongly support Youngkin

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Strongly support Youngkin’s changes


SUPPORT FULLY


Oppose This Policy

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I strongly oppose this regressive, discriminatory policy. Young people must have the right to determine their own needs with support from their parents and the school system. Schools need to be a safe place for children, not a political battle ground where Republicans act out their outdated prejudice. This policy is regressive, overtly political and amoral. Passing it will persecute children and deny their civil rights. The Youngkin administration should focus their time legislating on the real issues that face our communities like the cost of living, housing and healthcare, and quit concerning themselves with who is using which bathroom.


Fully support! CHILDREN need their parents.

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<p> This is not about adults</p>


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<p> We support you and will fight with you!  </p>


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Strongly support the policy! Strongly support Youngkin! We've been waiting this for a while.


I Oppose the Guidance

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Having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ young people by 40 percent. You're putting people's lives and wellbeing at risk.


Great idea! Support the whole family

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<p> These are the right direction for the commonwealth! Keep supporting families!  </p>


Excellent policy.  Read it and support it.

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<p> This is an excellent policy</p>


Strongly support


FULLY SUPPORT. Stop confusing kids. No child is born in wrong body

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Let's put an end to this wrong body cult that is mutilating kids and eviscerating women and girl's rights.


Oppose policy. Support LGBT kids

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Dear Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin,

Regarding your new policy on LGBTQ and transgender students needing parental permission to use their preferred name and pronouns, I would like to share some perspectives with you:

From a straight-A student and accomplished athlete: “They’re just going to stop coming to school. Or worse.”

From a school psychologist: “Out of respect for the student’s autonomy and mental health, and in the interest of adhering to current research-based practices, I will be using the student’s preferred name and pronouns.”

From SAMHSA .gov: More than one in four teens are forced to leave their homes after they come out to their parents.

From youth .gov: The top two causes for homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth: family rejection; physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

From the NIH: “Chosen name use is linked to reduced depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and behavior among transgender youth.”

From the Trevor Project: “LGBTQ youth who report having at least one accepting adult were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year.”

So I ask you, Governor Youngkin, when teachers, school psychologists, and your own government websites warn that policies like this *will* lead to increased levels of homelessness, drop outs, poor academic performance, abuse, depression, and suicide among our students - what will your legacy be?


support this

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<p> I fully support this new policy  </p>


Strongly Support This

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<p> I SUPPORT THIS  </p>


Strongly Oppose - This does NOT protect kids

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Children are not mindless robots that are only in school to learn from a book. They are also there to learn about the world, about other people, and about themselves. This is not a reflection on any teacher or school policy, but just a fact of life. You're right that a student's sexuality/gender/identity should be known by their parent(s) - but often the reason it is NOT shared by the child at home is because they are AFRAID. Afraid of their parent(s)'s reactions, whether it's due to general stigma and they don't feel ready to have that conversation, or because the parent(s) has expressed anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs and the child does not want to experience that discriminatory and hateful belief directed at them. Many children believe their parent(s) would no longer love them if they knew that their child wasn't what they considered normal or "the right way to be". Let kids be able to express themselves harmlessly and without fear that it will just get reported to their parent(s). I had a friend who, when he came out as gay to his parents, was disowned, his parents would not feed him or support him in any way, and was kicked out of the house soon after on his 18th birthday. These are the types of parents that support this proposal, and you're only going to end up killing kids.


Trans kids are abused support this policy


I support this policy this family-friendly policy

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<p> Our family is very much in favor of this proposed model policy from the VA DOE on the privacy</p>


I oppose Youngkin's model policy

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<p>I stand with our trans students and oppose this horrific model policy. </p>


Support

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<p> I have read this policy 2-3 times. I fully support letting parents know what is going on with their student at school.   </p>


We support you Youngkin!

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<p> I applaud your efforts to remove the silliness enacted by Northram “protecting” the LBGT” students.  </p>


Strongly Support Governor Youngkin’s Transgender School Policy

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<p> I strongly support this policy as it protects parental rights and protects sports programs for girls. Thank you</p>


Parents need to be involved in their children’s lives. Fully support.

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It has been said time and time again that parents are the most important part of a child’s upbringing. I believe fully that all children need the support of their parents. They need to be informed of what is going on so they can address issues at home where they belong. To NOT involve the parent would be a disaster. Mental health is such an issue today. As a parent, I would want to know what my child is thinking so I can discuss this with them and not have it done by someone who I don’t even know if they are capable of addressing this sensitive issue.  Please Governor Youngkin, I voted you in for common sense rules and conservative values. Don’t let us down. Let’s start with the home first. Thank you.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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So many policies coming from this administration are attacking human rights and based around bias, fear and hate.  You can preface the policy with your flowery language, but it doesn't hide the fact that this administration does not care about the rights of women and what have been called "the other".  Instead of cultivating fear and misinformation, maybe try acceptance and understanding.  All kids have difficulties, but those among the LGBTQ+ community are heighten, for only being who they are!  My sons have grown up in a home full of love and acceptance for whatever or whoever they are or want to be.  We stand up for the rights of all people and believe in supporting folks for who they are.  Stop trying to regulate a persons right to self!  Please do not pass this policy, for it is passed, many bright lights may go dim.


Support parents and the Governor’s policy.

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<p> I support families and parent’s rights. Children who are not trans should not have to share a bathroom with a biological person of the opposite sex. Girls should not have to compete against a biological boy in sports. I support all females and their right to fair sports play and competition. All persons should be treated with respect</p>


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<p>We STRONGLY OPPOSE these new guidelines. Stick with 2021. </p>


Oppose -- Policy is will cause more harm to childern

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<p>This policy will lead to more teen suicide and cause more harm to children.  This is tantamount to sanctioning child abuse by parents and schools.  </p>


I fully support. We need to support all children !

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<p> All children deserve to be protected !   </p>


Strongly support Youngkin


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!! OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE!!!

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<p>Strongly oppose! Absolutely NO! </p>


WE ARE JUST LIKE YOU

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<p>i guarantee i’ve been in the “wrong bathroom” with your son, you had no idea because i look JUST LIKE YOU. everyone has used a public restroom with a transgender person, you want all the men you’ve been in a male bathroom with for years in the women’s bathroom? you couldn’t tell i was any different from you, and when i walk into the women’s bathroom, looking just as much of a man as you, remember that YOU chose this. </p>


Guidance document


Support Youngkin

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<p> I fully support Governor Youngkin. Transgender students NEED the help of their parents. They do not need to be further secretive about their identity crisis. Childten’s brains are not fully developed so why would any responsible adult allow a child to make a change as drastic as trying to switch genders or wanting to dabble in using new pronouns? How does being secretive benefit anyone? Being secretive is what people do when they’re being DECEITFUL. When we are honest</p>


We support the governor!

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<p> Great policy!  </p>


Strongly Support Parental Rights!

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<p> Strongly Support Parental Rights!  </p>


Parents have a right to be involved

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Congrats to all who see the need to have parents involved in all aspects of the lives of their children.  People are quick to say, "why did the parents not correct or stop their child" when the child does something wrong.  We (parents) are responsible for a child from birth until they are adults.  We should always be informed and have the right to say NO to things that we feel will physically or mentally affect our children.  If you have to hide something from a parent, it can't be good!!!  Congrats to our Republican friends who know how a family does best; when they are informed.  What a shame everyone doesn't feel that way.


Absolutely oppose this terrible proposal

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This is a cruel, vindictive, politically-driven policy that endangers the mental and physical well-being of extremely vulnerable young persons.  It further perpetuates inaccurate information and prejudice.  Let's offer developmentally appropriate, scientifically and medically factual sexual information to our students and dispel unfounded "fears" on the part of all students.  I notice that those who support this policy do so largely anonymously--does this indicate that they are trolls and not Virginia residents affected by it?


I support this policy I support children


You support 'science.' I was born with male and female anatomy.

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<p>I was born with both genitals. I appear as male but I feel mentally female. You have no right to tell me how to live or 'science' bs. </p>


I support these new policies COMPLETELY!

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<p> I believe schools should be concerned about educating our students in English</p>


Strongly oppose

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I do not believe it is the right or the responsibility of the school division to attempt to determine children's sexual identity and "inform" parents. I don't need, or want, the school to engage in this speculative behavior. Children often explore their persona during school years and, if it is not directly endangering others, should be allowed to do so.

The schools already take too much of a "big brother" approach and need to stay out of conversations that belong solely in the home...not initiated by teachers who are not experts in this arena. Let the schools focus on teaching math, language, actual science, true history, art, music, life skills, and health.

Please keep your politically-motivated, partisan bias out of my children's schools.


Need room for conversation

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With the letter that went public with the history teacher at WPHS posting on behalf of the student coalition to the entire student body as a course update.  I wonder where the approval came from. It said the media would be present as well as government representatives. It also stated the new model discriminates against the LGBTQIA community, that the policy could cause students to be outed given the perimeters. It said a lot more, but that is the jist.

I think this would have been a great time to talk with the kids before approving. When parents reached out to the principal she stated the news and media would not be there, so that part should have been omitted. Also, a missed opportunity to invite conversation. Did the kids read the 2022 proposal? They only presented partial information. Maybe they could have edited to say "without parental support" we are worried about deadnaming etc.

I love that this platform has been put in place for people to present many different perspectives. It's not us/them we are in this together and have to invite conversation.


Strongly Support

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<p>Thank you for respecting students and the role of parents in their lives. </p>


Strongly Support

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<p> I strongly support this  </p>


I Fully support this policy

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I fully support the proposed policy


100% agree.  Fully support.

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<p> Parents have every right to know what is going on with their children while at school.  </p>


All parents support LGBTQ+

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Stop these hurtful policies


All parents support LGBTQ+


Support and defend girl's rights

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Girls are at risk of sex assaults in unisex bathrooms. Girls shouldnt have to shower and change in front of males so they can feel "validated" as the sex they are NOT. Girls are not validation props for entitled males.


I support


Yes do this - I support science and biology

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<p> Schools should be for learning not social experimentation. I am for science and biology</p>


Fully Support!

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<p> Fully Support!  </p>


Individual rights

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As a former high school teacher, I am so disgusted by this bill. Do you really think you can dictate what teachers call their students? Day 1, we learn nicknames, and pronouns are just an extension of that person's identity. How disrespectful to tell a person that you will not use their name when speaking to them.

Our education system serves so many purposes,  but the most important is strengthening human bonds. We live in a society that is made better and stronger when we show empathy for others.  I wish this governor cared more about people than politics.


Fully support

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<p> I fully support this decision  </p>


Fully Support

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<p> Fully support all aspects of the proposed legislation  </p>


I strongly oppose.

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<p>I strongly oppose. </p>


Separation of Church and State

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Stop bringing 'god made us this way.' into government matters. Your religion means nothing. The crusades killed. Isis kills. Hindus and Muslims are killing each other in India. Your religion means nothing and never will to anyone but yourself and your brainwashed fellows. Where was God during the Holocaust? Where is God when children die of cancer? Oh but your perfect god made boy and girl, you know what he also made? Boys who feel like girls and girls who feel like boys. Otherwise, why would they be here and feel that way? Your god made it so...

A child will be an adult one day, they will not change their beliefs of being boy or girl just as you don't change your beliefs in false gods that don't exist. The Bible was written by man. As was Mein Kampf.

Let these children live how they choose, they will do so anyways, fighting against them is not the way. Times are changing. You can be who you want to be. Lose your tainted religion and huge ego.

For the future generations of society.


OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE

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This policy is horrific! To deny anyone

the ability to be their authentic self is draconian. Do any of the supporters even know anyone who is LGBTQ? If they loved someone who is LGBTQ or specifically trans, they would not be able to support this policy.
do not enforce or pass or subject Virginia to this

backwards ignorant uneducated policy.


YES! SUPPORT!

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<p> It’s about time we stand up for what is right! The world says everything is acceptable! Really?? You better think again! Pass this and we will start to get a backbone again instead of letting anything fly! That’s what’s wrong with the world today - especially the school system! Don’t give them a teddy bear and a coloring book - teach them right from wrong they need discipline!  </p>


Most supporting are Anonymous - hmmmm....I wonder why....

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<p>Wonder how many are real comments. </p>


100% Support Policy

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<p> I support the policy change 100 percent. Parents should make decisions for their under age children.  </p>


Support

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<p> Parents need to be included in all aspects of their children's education  </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT this policy!

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<p> Thank you Governor for all you do! Couldn’t agree more with the direction you are taking us.  </p>


Support

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<p> I have recently had friends who were teachers in the VA public school system leave their positions due to the 2021 Model Policies. I have also known students that left the public school system and enrolled in private Christian schools because of the current document in effect. The governor's proposal is sound and I am in support of this change.  </p>


Oppose-Keep parenting in the home

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I oppose this change in the way transgender/LGBTQ STUDENTS are treated. Coming from a Governor whose party wants to convey Absolute rights on fetuses from the moment of conception, the hypocritical stripping away of these children's rights to privacy and self expression is hardly surprising. The schools job is to educate…and unless it is life threatening, a child’s self expression isn’t anyone else’s business. Parents know and accept your children and don’t depend on educators to do your dirty work for you.


Strongly oppose your pedophilic bathroom rules and violation of the constitution

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Yall are just ridiculous! Gonna really need yall to stop outing yourselves with your grooming policies Youngkin! I thought you and the DOE actually cared about VA students and their education not watching them pee to make sure they are "in the right bathroom" a bathroom is a bathroom and unless you are allowing students/teachers to Sexually Assult other students this policy is pointless and shows your true colors. You just really really like watching kids urinate and think about it all the time! Sounds like you at DOE and Youngkin need to redress yourselves! YOU ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS stop like you're incharge when you will be ousted next election cycle for good and always! Don't be stupid, do your job correctly!  These "kids" you are oppressing are only a few months to years away from voting! Do you really want them to remember you this way?!


Fully support

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<p> Thank you for keeping parents’ rights in place. Government schools need to worry about teaching mathematics</p>


What happened to the Republican Party??

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What happened to the party of small government, personal freedom and privacy? I guess that now only applies if you're a straight, white, christian male. How many rights are we going to let the rethuglicans (a hate-fueled, christian-nationalist, fascist group) take from American citizens before we standup to these unctuous creeps and stop them?


Awful policy.

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These new policies will strip students of their personal autonomy.


Oppose!  Yet another attempt by CINOs (Christian in name only) to HURT CHILDREN

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Your freedom to swing your fist stops at my nose.  You are free to have and hold any "belief" - until it hurts others.  These "beliefs" you cite in this new guidance - they concretely HURT children. (not to mention your slavish dependence on "parental authority" which just enables abusers, and again HURTS CHILDREN)

Treat the minorities as if they don't have any rights, and see what happens when you become the minority. What goes around comes around, y'all.  You want theocracy, so don't bitch when it comes wearing another religion's mantle.


We support you Youngkin!

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<p> I applaud your efforts to remove the silliness enacted by Northram “protecting” the LBGT” students.  </p>


Children belong to their parents, not the state

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Support Youngkin!!  Our children are not wards of the state.  They are MINORS until they are  18.  Any decisions should go through parents.  And any surgeries to permanently alter their gender before 18 is child abuse!!!  Children cannot rent cars, smoke, drink, or vote, but you are going to let them permanently alter their bodies with body mutilation?  This is not American…this is a 3rd world idea!!  Stop the madness!!


I support


Governor’s ignorance of current scientific knowledge to serve his religious beliefs

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Many comments support teaching STEM courses only without freedom of student expression.  Let’s look at current scientific knowledge!
Sexuality is not defined by the external organs exhibited at birth. Sexuality is a result of internal organ development: female hormones produced by ovarian function and male hormones produced by testicular function. These organs are not visible externally.  Indeed, their function is stimulated by higher level brain function.

As an female adolescent I was given strict religious teachings: clothing restrictions, avoidance of Roman Catholic youth, and the female role in worship. Women are not allowed to teach the adult males. The school system served fish every Friday to support Roman Catholicism.

Our current governor-administration is attempting to enforce religious beliefs through the phrase “parental rights”.  Our adolescent students deserve education not religious instruction.  Morality police checking external genitalia at the bathroom door belong in authoritarian countries such as Iran.

Our adolescent students deserve emotional support, current scientific knowledge, and knowledgeable professional teachers not morality police!!


Save the suicide of kids and support this policy


Strongly Support!!

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<p> I am a small business owner in Virginia and watching young female students in Virginia being traumatized by bathroom attacks in their own schools has lasting repercussions. If young women do not feel safe</p>


GLENN YOUNGKIN CAN READ THE BIBLE AND A ROOM.

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<p>Glenn Younkin has my full support.  Parents must be involved.  Biological girls should compete only against biological girls.  Period. This gender fluidity confuses and harms young brains still developing. We are still a Biblically based government.  Gov Glenn has read the Bible and the room! </p>


I support

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<p> I support this new policy. All children and students are precious and made by God.  </p>


Yes! Strongly Support

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<p> This policy empowers parents. Fully support.  </p>


oppose

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<p>I Oppose the proposed Virginia policy that would require teachers to out trans students to their parents, bars trans students from using the bathroom that matches their gender (which simply leads to trans students not using the bathroom and getting UTIs) and bars teachers from being able to use a trans students name or pronouns. This policy will only hurt students. </p>


Strongly support

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<p> Strongly supposed protecting all children and our constitutional laws  </p>


Strongly support

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<p> You are doing the good thing  </p>


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<p>Gov. Youngkin should be ashamed of this cruel policy, which places vulnerable children at risk so that he can score political points with his base. Some children will die because of this policy, and others will suffer great anxiety from not being allowed to express who God created them to be, and from being forced into situations where they will be bullied. </p>


Support this policy


Fully support !!

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<p>Parents should be front and center in decisions regarding their children, a child's brain is not fully developed and children are not capable of making life decisions that will affect them for the rest of their lives without consulting with their parents.  It is also the parents responsibility to protect their children both physically and mentally! Thank for putting parents back into the driving seat. </p>


Strongly oppose

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As a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Richmond area who works with a lot of youth, including LGBTQ youth, let me be very clear in saying that this policy is going to cause an increase in suicides. We already have an alarming mental health shortage in Virginia, especially for youth. In the last 6 months 2 kiddos ai work with who were suicidal were turned away from the hospital (one had a parent who refused to take no for an answer and was eventually admitted after 2 days in the ER).

This policy is the entirely wrong approach and is going to hurt kids, significantly.

Let's connect trans youth with supports, counselors, mentors, and organizations that can help them, not hurt them during such a foundational part of their lives. A lot of these kids are very fragile, they need help.

Any policy that prioritized the rights of adults over the well-being, health, and life of kids is deeply flawed.


Strongly Oppose

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These proposed policy changes are harmful to children and will create an unsafe school environment. Why would Virginia want to roll back the rights of students? Everyone should have the right to form their own identity.


Fully support the new policy

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I completely support the policy that returns to parents the right to make decisions concerning their minor children, not the Department of Education.


Support - parental rights are important too!

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<p> I fully support this policy because parental rights are important too. Parents have a right to know if their kids are having identity issues.  </p>


Support New Policy

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<p> I support the new policy that keeps parental rights intact!  </p>


I oppose these policies

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<p>I strongly discourage the VDOE from adopting these dangerous policies and I fully support transgender and non-binary students. This is an attack on their basic human rights to feel safe in their schools. We need to do whatever we can to help these students feel safe. They are not a threat to hetereosexual students despite the fear mongering being projected. I happily stand by the mental/emotional/physical health of these students and I teach my children the same. </p>


Strongly support

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This is largely getting astroturfed by weirdos on the internet. The school which is run by the state should have no authority to bypass parental consent. Unless you want to wind up like Perez v Broskie et al you'll start to realize this.


Educator who supports this policy

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<p> Parents should always be informed when something involves their child… always  </p>


Support the Plan

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<p> I fully support the Governor's plan. The guidance engages parents in their children's education and treats ALL children with respect and honor!  </p>


Strongly support

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I support governor Youngkin's trans policy and parents rights thank you Glenn Youngkin


Gender policy

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I 100% support the revised gender policy! As a mother of daughters I have had to get accommodations to protect my child from scenarios like in Northern Virginia.  There has to be checks and balances and this allows for that! Thank you and don’t change anything!!!


I Strongly Support and Thank You

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<p> Thank you for fighting for parent's rights. Often times the educational system and educators need to be reminded that they are our employee</p>


Strongly Support. Stop the genital mutilation of children.

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<p> Strongly support. Stop the genital mutilation of children.  </p>


Very Strongly Support Our Governor

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I strongly support our Governor in opposing Virginia becoming Sodom and Gomorrah, which a minute percentage is attempting to obtain.


Read this.


Fully support this.

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<p> Fully support.  </p>


FULLY SUPPORT!

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Guidance Document Change: Every day, throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, educators and school leaders work to ensure that all students have an opportunity to receive a high-quality education. As a part of that work, educators strive to meet the individual needs of all students entrusted to their care, and teachers work to create educational environments where all students thrive. The Virginia Department of Education (the “Department”) recognizes that each child is a unique individual with distinctive abilities and characteristics that should be valued and respected. All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. The Department supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students. Thus, we have a collective responsibility to address topics such as the treatment of transgender students with necessary compassion and respect for all students. The Department also fully acknowledges the rights of parents to exercise their fundamental rights granted by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children. The Code of Virginia reaffirms the rights of parents to determine how their children will be raised and educated. Empowering parents is not only a fundamental right, but it is essential to improving outcomes for all children in Virginia. The Department is mindful of constitutional protections that prohibit governmental entities from requiring individuals to adhere to or adopt a particular ideological belief. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees religious freedom and prohibits the government from compelling speech that is contrary to an individual’s personal or religious beliefs. The Department embarked on a thorough review of the Model Policies Guidance adopted on March 4, 2021 (the “2021 Model Policies”). The 2021 Model Policies promoted a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools. The 2021 Model Policies also disregarded the rights of parents and ignored other legal and constitutional principles that significantly impact how schools educate students, including transgender students. With the publication of these 2022 Model Policies (the “2022 Model Policies”), the Department hereby withdraws the 2021 Model Policies, which shall have no further force and effect. The Department issues the 2022 Model Policies to provide clear, accurate, and useful guidance to Virginia school boards that align with statutory provisions governing the Model Policies. See Code of Virginia, § 22.1-23.3 (the “Act”). Significantly, the 2022 Model Policies also consider over 9,000 comments submitted to the Department during the public comment period for the 2021 Model Policies.


I support Youngkins policy


Support parental rights!

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<p>The loss of a parent’s right to guide the development of their own child essentially makes all children wards of the state. I can see nothing more devastating to society than that. As always, these things start under the guise of compassion, but will evolve into ever more encroaching policies. Parents, you must be vigilant against this. You’re most important job is to defend your children against those who seek to use them. You cannot let fear silence you. Be brave. </p>


Trump 2024 strongly support


Former Teacher strongly SUPPORTS the Governor's new  education policies

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As a Parent and former Teacher I strongly support these new policies which supports PARENTS as well as Students. Parents have the responsibility and the right to raise their own children.  This is a step in the right direction.


Support this stomgly


Deeply Concerned Grandmother

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I think that Governor Youngkin is doing the correct thing.These kids need to concentrate on  learning They have so many exciting things to do and learn and should not  worry about  what they should have been.God created them in a image of boy or girl apparently their anatomy explains that!This also should not be of concern to the children who like and are happy with sex they were meant to be.To even think that this is being proposed to kindergarten kids is absolutely disgusting why can’t they be taught the basics that every parent hoped for their children.This is a tough position to put any family in when they bring a boy or girl home from the hospital they hope and pray that  no educator would put the notion in their child’s head that this is a decision they need to make or think about at such a tender age.Thank goodness that we elected a Governor that will try to put sense and sensibility back in our State.


I support this guidance

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I applaud the governor for ensuring parental involvement in serious decisions regarding their  children.  The policy also speaks to respecting every child and ensuing the safety of every child.


Strongly support

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<p>Thank you for protecting children. Transgender ideology has no place in schools. We are encouraging the mutilation of children by pushing pro-trans policies. Years from now, children who had hormones or surgery will look back and ask why no one prevented them from causing lasting harm to their bodies. Do not bring gender confusion into our schools. Protect kids rights to just be kids and not have harmful policies shoved at them. Let kids be kids. </p>


We are all in this together

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<p>We need to love our people, especially in the midst of the chaos that consumes our lives today. We are all citizens of this nation, we are neighbors, we are children, we have families, we all are human and we try our best. Let’s not make policy based on hate, but rather, be good leaders, make decisions with dignity, and know that you lead ALL people. It’s what you signed up for. Make rulings based on what provides the most health, safety, and well being for ALL people TODAY. Extend grace to your fellow inhabitants of this planet, please. Look them in the eye and see their humanity. </p>


I support this policy this family-friendly policy

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<p> Our family is very much in favor of this proposed model policy from the VA DOE on the privacy</p>


Wholeheartedly Support Youngkin's Policy

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<p>I applaud Governor Youngkin's policy to protect Virginia's children from devastating life-altering decisions and dangerous school circumstances.  Parents are first and foremost responsible to protect their children in all situations.  </p>


Support

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<p> Though we need to find a solution for Trans Rights</p>


I wholeheartedly oppose this policy change.

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This change must be opposed as it will cause irreparable harm to our young people, create and stoke division based on bigotry, hate and a lack of understanding, or care, for the consequences.

Over the last 80 years societal changes have broken down gender roles and barriers.  Clearly a consequence of this is that gender norms will change, and be reflected in the gender ideology of our young people.  This is a direct result of social policies of governments over the years and damaging attempts like this will cause more harm than good in what a natural evolution of, and positive case of human development.

Please don't fall into the trap of following conservative, far right beliefs to the detriment of progress and our young people.  They deserve better.


trumpkin yumpkin must be stopped!-\

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having attended a so-called protest at a lcps board meeting, i have seen the carpetbaggers' lies & hatred up close, and now a magaT has tried to inflict his hatred on the most vulnerable children. his lies & hatred must be stopped!


Support for Parents to be in charge of their Kids

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<p> This bill gives parents back the rights they should always have regarding their own kids. It is disturbing that the school systems think they can hide anything about the kids from their legal guardians or make any decisions related to their welfare. Schools need to stick to academic instruction on assigned courses only.thank you Gov.  </p>


Fully oppose! Parents are stepping too far! Younkin is a pedophile for being so interested....

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<p>Fully oppose! Parents are stepping too far! Younkin is a pedophile for being so interested in your children peeing at school instead of their education! TALK about that GROOMING yall supporting this are pedophiles too interested in children's privacy! </p>


Fully support this.

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<p> Parents should be in control of theirs kids. Not the corrupt govt. no boys should share private areas with my girls.  </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I am genuinely horrified by Governor Youngkin's proposed transgender policies. Many teens face active resistance from their families to the idea that their physical appearance may not truly represent their gender. "Outing" these students to their parents will result in increased levels of domestic violence by the latter, and depression and suicide among the former.


transgender policies

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Code of Virginia 22.1-23.3 regarding transgender students: requires  "1. Compliance with nondiscrimination laws, 2. Maintenance of safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for ALL students. 3 Prevention of and response to bullying and harassment. " This proposed policy is clearly in violation of this law. It is harassment to call a students by other than their preferred names. "Outing" these students to others is going to lead to bullying and major mental health issues. Parents who disagree with the rights of transgender students are backward and intolerant. Everyone has the right to be who they are. Instead of moving forward, we are moving backward with such proposals. When will we ever teach tolerance to all, rather than looking for ways to restrict the rights of those who are not like us? If parents do not like it, they should move their children to a private school that agrees with their despicable ideals.


Support strongly


Strongly support

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<p>Strongly support </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose this proposed policy.  Parents have always had a voice, working with our experienced educators to support a healthy environment for our children, and continuing the narrative of ‘protecting parents’ rights” doesn’t help parents or students. All our students deserve a supportive and affirming school environment, especially our vulnerable and marginalized populations like our transgender and nonbinary youth. The same is true for our hard-working educators. This proposal would create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment for our VA transgender and nonbinary youth, putting unnecessary rules in place to hinder staff from supporting trans and nonbinary students. Let’s get back to community cooperation to fight discrimination and not pass this policy.


Fully support!!!

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<p> Our family fully supports this! Thank you Youngkin!  </p>


Support! Studies show increase in sexual assault when bathrooms aren't sex segregated

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<p> Please check out the scholarly journal article Gender-Inclusion Policies and Sexual Violence: ALongitudinal Analysis of Media Reports at Target Stores to see that sexual assault INCREASED BY 70% when public restrooms allowed people to use them based on their self identified gender. Women and children were victims 99% of the time. Protect women and girls!  </p>


This is terrible and unjust

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<p>This is terrible and unjust. Let people live. </p>


Full Support

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<p>I fully support Governor Youngkin's model policy.   Careful reading of the policy illustrates that transgender students will not have their rights to life,.liberty,  and the pursuit of happiness revoked.  It simply states that parents MUST be informed of and involved in accommodations that can be made to support trans students.  </p>


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TAKE BACK OUR KIDS AND SCHOOLS- STRONGLY SUPPORT YOUNGKIN


A substantive comment on the inherent rights of students as human beings

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I believe these proposed policy changes would bring unneeded harm to individuals who are already too-often the victims of bigotry and harassment. This is not an issue of parental rights because parents have no say in the gender identity of other individuals, even if those individuals are their offspring. We must stop the government overreach concerning individual rights and liberties.

I'll quote the poet Dylan to summarize...

Come mothers and fathers throughout the land. And don't criticize what you can't understand. Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command. Your old road is rapidly agin'. Please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand. For the times they are a-changin'.


Strongly support this policy.  The volume of opposition comments appear contrived.

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I do not believe that the volume of opposition comments to this policy are real.  In a sane world, parents rights are championed.  The state has no role in undermining that relationship.  Parents of children who have gender dysphoria should have to provide the school with the same level of documentation required for any medical condition (severe allergies, ADHD, Learning Disabilities).  Children should not be allowed to use facilities opposed to their birth gender on a whim or at the coaxing of school staff.  While keyboard warriors from the depths of Twitter want us to think that the vast majority of people believe that children with gender dysphoria should be free to do whatever they feel, I simply don't believe that is reality.


I support this bill. Girls rights matter. Parents rights matter.

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Girls deserve single sex spaces and sports. Girls deserve privacy, dignity, safety, respect and RIGHTS.

Parents need to be notified if their child is self-harming at school by adopting an opposite sex "identity" which includes the possibility of going on drugs which will destroy their fertility, health and lives.

Biological sex is real. This is movement is  misogyny and the children are being used as pawns.


Protect the minority.

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Protect the minority. Protect transgender children. Public schools must be a place of welcome and nurture for all children. I do not want my tax dollars paying for cruel exclusionary practices.


Strongly support Youngkin


Support Governor Younkin's Policy

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I fully support a policy to include parents in their children's activities at school. Parents should definitely be notified if their child wishes to be called by a different name than that given by their parents, be called by a pronoun other than that of their biology, or desire to be treated as a gender other than that of their birth. The action of transitioning is a major life decision that should not be hidden from a  parent. Though teachers and school officials may have good intentions, they do not love and care for a child the way a parent does. Parents should know what their child's wishes are and be able to deal with this situation in the manner they believe is best for their child. The parents may choose to support their child's desire to transition, but they may also wish to intervene to determine if this is actually in the child's best interest. The focus of school staff on gender identity seems to be incredibly intense. The number of children who suddenly wish to be the opposite gender of their birth has grown astronomically in recent years, and one can only assume this is a result of the focus on the issue. Children are susceptible to what they are being taught, and schools seem to be pushing the idea of gender transitioning and separating children from their parents and their parents' values. Schools should definitely be working with parents and respecting parents' wishes for their children. If a parent believes not transitioning would be best for their child, the school should respect and support this. Parents and schools should work together to identify why the child is stating he/she wishes to transition and seek counseling for a child who is facing this confusion. This is a major life decision, and children do not have the maturity to make life-changing choices. The parents, as the people responsible for their children's welfare and the ones who care most for them and want what is best for them, should be involved and allowed to determine if their child can transition at school. Schools should be focusing more on teaching reading, writing, arithmetic, science, history, and critical thinking and stop focusing on issues that confuse children and separate them from each other and from their parents. Students who legitimately wish to transition should be supported and accepted, but if the schools were not pushing this agenda, there would be less children seeking to do this. Also, students should play on sports teams that match their biological sex. This is only what is fair and allow girls to succeed in sports. Students should only be sharing locker rooms, bathrooms, and sleeping arrangements with students of their biological sex. We have already seen the dangers of allowing biological males in what should be female only spaces, as witnessed in Loudon County with the sexual assault of a young lady. Our girls need to be protected and allowed to have a safe and private space where their dignity is preserved.


Privacy matters to families and children

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I am a mother to a school aged student in Waynesboro, Virginia. He does not identify as Trans, but he could in the future, and that decision should be his and his alone. He is just a child figuring out who he is. He shouldn't have the Virginia government making these decisions for him or making him feel less for any reason. He is there to get an education, not to have anyone tell him who he is. If he decides he wants to be referred to as they or change his name I would expect that faculty respect that decision, especially if I as a parent have confirmed his wishes. They are not there to parent him or make decisions about him beyond his educational needs.

I oppose the guidance.


HATE Speach - HATE Actions

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Thank you for proposing these guidelines which unfortunately it appears so many are not even reading and providing us opportunity to comment.  I'm sorry you have to read through all these hateful comments.

We appreciate the work that is being done to protect children and family's rights. The goal of education is being hijacked by folks who do not seek peace, prosperity, freedom, or a safe place to discuss relevant life issues without screaming and name calling.

The goals outlined in this document are sane and rational. They will provide guidance for administrators to create a protective environment for families and children. These neutral goals should be the central focus of education -- not diverse medical treatments or anyone's religious dogmas. We clearly and simply just need to focus on education of children and supporting families.

Please do not bend to the race baters and social reformists who have turned our worlds upside down and threated the safe spaces we're attempting to provide for educational purposes.


Completely Support.

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<p> I completely support.  </p>


I do not support this

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<p>This change is not respectful to the student and sends the wrong message, I am ashamed of our Governor for doing this. There is no need to make a change we have respectful policies now and we should continue to allow the students to have a say. Teachers should also be respectful and use the pronouns the student prefers. Common courtesy for the student(s) is the right thing to do. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>This is regressive, transphobic and ignorant. </p>


I fully support the new policy

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<p> I fully support this policy. Parental rights and input are critical</p>


Support

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


oppose

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Sadly, not all children come from supportive homes where parents care. This updated policy does not support these children. We can do better for them.


Fully support

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<p> Thank you for keeping parents’ rights in place. Government schools need to worry about teaching mathematics</p>


Strongly oppose

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Let these kids be they’re going through enough