Opposition to Life-Denying Policy Proposals

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I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed changes to the policies toward trans and nonbinary students in Virginia's K-12 public school system. I am the aunt of a six-year-old nonbinary first grader. My nibling (a preferred term for a nonbinary niece/nephew) is a happy kid who loves school, their teachers, and playing with their friends. At this young age, my nibling already has had to learn to navigate a world that wants to deny their existence. No child should have to fight for the right to be who they are. The proposed changes would in effect criminalize my nibling simply for needing to use their preferred bathroom. And in the future, if they choose to use a name other than what their birth certificate says, this policy would force them and their family to jump through unnecessary hoops that do nothing other than single a child out for being who they are. And this is all from the perspective of a family who fully supports who this child is. I cannot imagine the challenges that trans and nonbinary kids from unsupportive families have to deal with. Without families to fight for them, they will be less likely to navigate these extreme policies in a way that supports their personhood. These policy proposals do nothing to protect gender conforming children and do nothing but harm those who are the object of their scrutiny. I strongly urge you not to pass these life-denying policies.


Strongly opposed

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<p>This is harmful to children and an overreach. Clearly politcly driven and not based in any actual research about how to protect children. </p>


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose the draft model policies.


Leave our beautiful kids alone!!

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<p>How dare you think that you should enforce your narrow-sighted backwoods views and opinions on todays youth. They should be praised and admired for their bravery and instead you want to push us back to the dark ages!! </p>
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Nope

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<p>You are not protecting trans youth by enacting this. Please, do some learning and educate yourselves before inserting parental dictation (and potentially harmful restriction) over children’s autonomy. </p>


reversing the policy is child abuse!

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<p>A carefully conceived policy plan that made a difference in children's and adults' lives should not just be overthrown because some people, including the "governor," are intolerant of others or, more clearly, can score political points on the backs of our youth in this way. </p>


Student - Oppose

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I think we shouldn't go through with Youngkin's proposal because first of all, it's not going to help trans students who probobly already struggle with issues involving their identity and feeling comfortable being themselves. In fact, it will probably make things much worse.

I'm a transgender middle schooler who already doesn't feel as comfortable being myself as most cisgender students probably do, and being denied the right to use the bathroom of the gender I identify as deffintly has bigger consiquses than some parents not feeling comfortable with kids like me using the bathroom they want to.

Second of all, Youngkin's reason for this is to 'make parents in charge' although for supportive parents it actually makes them less in charge since they don't have a say in the sports team or bathroom their kid gets to use. And for kids with unsupportive parents their lives are already harder than most others, and taking away their right to be themselves at school, a place that is supposed to make you feel safe and welcomed, isn't going to make anything easier.

So Youngkin, if you're reading this I just want you to know that you should quit being a jerk and picking on kids who are different than you.


Protect and Love our Biological Girls! I fully Support Gov Youngkin!

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FEMALE Rights Are Human Rights- Protect our FEMALES!


I Strongly Oppose this Policy

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<p>Outing trans children will not make the school environment a safer place for children, only a more violent one. Putting in laws requiring people to “out” others as a specific targeted identity isn’t a new practice, you’re correct, but last time this was common practice we all decided to make sure it happened “never again”. Don’t implement the same systems the nazis did to isolate and dehumanize certain groups of people, this only leads to increased violence across the board, which is the last thing children need in schools. </p>


Vote NO on harmful guidance for trans and nonbinary students

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<p>I am an out and open transman. At this point in my life, I am healthy, happy, and successful. That was not the case in my formative years as a young, closeted trans child growing up in Kentucky. My struggles as a trans child were not because of my trans identity, it was because I was not offered safety or support in the same way cis children were. My mental health suffered for years until I finally sought the proper therapy and eventually medical affirming care in my 30s which finally gave me peace of mind. I cannot imagine what types of trauma I would have been subject to if a teacher or educator of mine had found out about and then seen fit to tell my conservative Christian family that I was a trans child. It would have resulted in exponential religious trauma and potentially irreversible and untreatable mental health issues. Trans students must be allowed to be themselves in their learning environments without fear their privacy will be violated by an authority figure. If I had that type of learning environment as a kid, I probably would have found my peace much sooner in my life, saving me years of stunted emotional development. Do not allow these measures to go through. Outing trans children is dangerous in physical and psychological ways, and every single major medical association agrees. Do not ruin the lives of children just because you do not understand the reality of trans existence, it is not your decision when anyone else reveals pieces of themselves to their family, why would you think it is your decision when a trans child would? </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE! This will cause tremendous harm to trans youth

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It takes a huge amount of bravery for trans youth to confide in others and be open about who they are. Taking away that support and agency will put many of them in danger and can cause lifelong harm. How dare you subject children to alienation and denial of expression.

To the disgusting people who support this, I hope no person in the LGBTQ community ever has to come in contact with you. You are genuinely terrible people with no compassion.


Strongly Support Youngkin in Overhauling the VDOE policies

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<p>There is a reason why we cannot drink, vote, rent a car, or go to war before the age of 18.  It is well documented (neuroscience / medical studies) that critical parts of the brain involved in decision making are not fully developed until age 25.  We all have seen our children and teens act and react emotionally - not rationally.  Sometimes they convince themselves that they agree with the 'fads and new ideas and follow the crowds' so they are not 'left out'.  The outcomes can be unpleasant and some cases harmful to our kids.  Same thing goes for the decisions about altering ones gender.  Children should not be making life altering decisions until they are adults (age 18 and older).  Discussions are in order....life altering reactions must wait.  Parents must be their child's advocate and strive to make the best decisions for the health and welfare of their kids. Don't succomb to the hysteria and don't let others who see your kid for a few hours a day make critical decisions - that are NOT their business -  for you and your child.  </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

Research has shown time and time again that transgender and non-binary individuals are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide when compared to the general population and marginalized sexual orientations. These occur at an alarming rate within the trans and LGBTQ communities and putting these policies into place will only increase the rate of these mental health issues. The policies will quite literally put our students lives at risk.School should be a safe place for all students and the policies proposed do the exact opposite of protecting our students; it puts a target on gender non-conforming students backs and sets a precedent that the misgendering and mistreatment of trans individuals in school and in society is okay.

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Research has shown time and time again that transgender and non-binary individuals are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide when compared to the general population and marginalized sexual orientations. These occur at an alarming rate within the trans and LGBTQ communities and putting these policies into place will only increase the rate of these mental health issues. The policies will quite literally put our students lives at risk.
School should be a safe place for all students and the policies proposed do the exact opposite of protecting our students; it puts a target on gender non-conforming students backs and sets a precedent that the misgendering and mistreatment of trans individuals in school and in society is okay.


FEMALE Rights Are Human Rights- Protect our FEMALES!


Strongly Oppose- Protect Trans Kids

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<p>As an adult who is part of the LGBT community, I know that these anti-trans policies will cost CHILDREN their lives. Truly horrific policies. Protect trans kids. </p>


Trans rights are human rights

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I oppose this model. Protect trans kids!


STRONGLY OPPOSE. Trans rights are human rights.

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<p>Strongly oppose. </p>


Parental rights in Virginia schools

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<p>Any and all parents should be the decision makers of what their child is exposed to seeing or learning especially in Virginia public schools. As a taxpayer, the school system is given my money to educate my student to be an intelligent citizen. At no time have I ever given up my rights as a parent just because I paid taxes. Children need reading, math, science, and history to be good, contributing, and dependable citizens. Teaching them sexual ideology, and to distrust their own parents is not productive to accomplishing this goal. Please vote for parents to retain their God given rights to protect their children. </p>


I am against the proposed 2022 change to the Guidance Document

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In 2020, "the American Psychological Association (APA) and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) declared in a resolution that 'all persons, including children and adolescents who are diverse in their sexuality and gender identities, expression, and/or presentation, have the inherent human right to equal opportunity and a physically and psychologically safe environment within all institutions.' The American Academy of Pediatrics (2018) also acknowledged that, 'variations in gender identity and expression are normal aspects of human diversity.'"

Based on this and other extensive research studies, a large group of professionals advised the Virginia Department of Education as it wrote its March, 2021 "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools."  This policy gives the professional staff in each of Virginia's public schools broad guidelines to help it ensure the safety of all transgender students in its school.

According to a recent study, "disclosing a student's gender identity can pose imminent safety risks, such as losing family support or housing."  Furthermore, "LGBTQ youth have a 120 percent increased risk of experiencing homelessness compared to youth who identified as heterosexual and cisgender."  As the 2021 Policy goes on to state:  "School divisions will have to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their gender identity, and schools should address this on a case-by-case basis."

On the other hand, "Research has shown that transgender youth with supportive families experience a 52 percent decrease in recent suicidal thoughts and 46 percent decrease in suicide attempts."

Thus I feel it is imperative to leave the previous policy in place for the safety and wellbeing of transgender youth.  School districts thus have the freedom to choose what is in the best interest of each of their transgender youths. One size fits all is not good policy--especially when it could be a matter of life or death!

G. Michau

Parent, grandparent of an LGBTQ grandchild, and retired Fairfax County Public School Teacher


Governor is Spot On Accurate!

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Parents have, and MUST HAVE, authority and control over their minor-aged children and the decisions which permanently affect their lives. To argue otherwise is nothing short of ignorance. NO MINOR CHILD, unless they have been granted legal emancipation,  should be allowed to make a decision of this magnitude without their parents full and advised consent (which, I  argue, would also be ignorant, and would border or exceed the border of CHILD ABUSE). The only reason the NEA and the VEA want this permission is to give them control over our children's lives and their minds of putty. TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK! And please start with this policy guidance! Thank you! Very respectfully,  and Semper Fidelis,  Brad Shultis,  LtCol,  USMC (Retired)


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


STRONGLY SUPPORT 2022 POLICY

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Support due to protecting young girls from violence, injury and emotional abuse. Schools should be safe for females in all areas of school and sports.


Strongly Oppose

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Never thought I would see such a horrendous proposal.


Trans Rights are Human Rights

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Being trans isn't a mental illness. Trans children get mental illnesses from others telling them that their existence is wrong or bad. PROTECT TRANS CHILDREN, TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS.


I oppose


Support this Rule: Policies should enact the LAW and not board member opinions

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The General Assembly has the role to determine the broad social policies of the Commonwealth.  This change in Rules is intended to restore the primacy of the General Assembly in the decision-making process.  Everyone who objects to this policy on the basis that they believe the underlying concepts to be wrong (an opinion I find to be wrong itself) needs to recognize that the correct forum for their advocacy is the legislature, not an appointed board.  This change -restoration, actually, is needed to ensure that public policy is made in the right venues and is not held hostage to emotional arguments like those being made here.  As President Obama pointed out in 2009, "Elections have consequences."  In that case, he was gloating in the face of his defeated opponent, SEN McCain.  In this case, opponents of this change are trying to re-fight the 2021 VA gubernatorial election, which Glenn Youngkin won.  The next proper venue for this fight is in the House of Delegates election in 2023 and the state Senate election in 2024.


Agree

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How can you not agree with this.


Disapproving of Guidance

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Our family disapproves of the Governor's guidance on this issue. The way to protect our kids and young people is to let them be who they are. By forcing students to go by identities they don't identify with, you are harming them and putting them in unsafe conditions. On top of that, children who do not feel comfortable telling their family about their identity will be outed by the school if they seek any mental health guidance. This clearly puts some children at risk for danger not just in schools, but at home. It also allows for abuse, and children will no longer have a safe space to talk. All this is going to do is allow discrimination and bullying to happen. We cannot go backwards. Support trans rights. Be HUMAN.


100% Support

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100% Support the proposed updates.  Documents what was always common sense.


Trans policy

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<p>Strongly opposed to new guidelines. I am the grandmother of a dearly loved trans child. They are now happy , healthy, and alive! I cannot imagine the agony other parents will endure if their children are treated like this. You never know how you feel untill it concerns your very lovef ones. Literally, a choice between keeping them on this earth. Or not. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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This will kill kids. The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that over half of transgender and nonbinary youth seriously considered suicide and nearly 1 in 5 of transgender youth attempted it in the past year. However, LGBTQ youth with LGBTQ-affirming schools report lower rates of suicide. (Source)

The 2022 model is taking away the safe spaces that trans kids need. Without these LGBTQ-affirming spaces, there will be higher rates of suicide. Kids will die. Imagine if your kid killed themself because of who they are. It's devastating. Preserving the lives of kids should come before anything else. Please, I urge you to repeal the 2022 model policies and reinstate the 2021 model policies.


Strongly appose

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<p>I strongly oppose these policies. I am a parent of a transgender son. These are harmful policies and have no business coming to fruition. As humans, we can do better in supporting our transgender youth. </p>


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Supports! Youngkin is Protecting Girls and Kids from Child Mutilation.

Thank you Governor Youngkin!


No to discrimination

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<p>I support ALL children to have access to a quality education. This includes feeling safe at school with protections and policies in place for all children. School should be a safe and nurturing learning environment. No one should be discriminated against. This is a dangerous road to go down. Who decides who's acceptible and who's not? We are all different. Someone being transgender is not a threat. People tend to fear what they don't understand. That doesn't mean there is actually something to fear. </p>


Strongly Opposed

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<p>As a parent of students attending Virginia Public Schools and a doctor that has had the privilege to work with many transgender and non-binary adolescents, I strongly oppose this policy and I am very concerned about the effects it will have on all of our students. Our schools should be a safe place for our children. Their individuality should be supported and respected so they can focus on their education and learn to respect others for their own individuality. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>I strongly oppose this new policy. It’s harmful to our youth. Trans rights are human rights. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. Anyone who is for this should be ashamed. How dare you? Let’s do better. We can do better. As humans. </p>


Protect trans youth!!!!


Protect Transgender Students

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As a concerned grandparent, I strongly advocate for transgender kids to retain their privacy at school. Being able to use their preferred name and pronouns ensures their safety and well-being and promotes their mental health. Teachers and administrators must be able to correct bullies when they harass transgender students.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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This policy will open many students up to abuse. Coming out is a personal decision, and if someone is not out to their parents, there is a reason for it. It is not the school's job to force students to expose their identities to potentially unsupportive or even abusive parents. Parents rights do not supercede the right of the student to have privacy.


I oppose Youngkin's proposed policies concerning the treatment of transgender students

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<p>I am a public school parent with two young children and I adamantly oppose the Youngkin administration’s proposed policies regarding transgender students.  These students need our support and extra care.  Any policy that attempts to shame or harm them is unacceptable.  </p>


I oppose this policy

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Dear Virginia Department of Education,

I oppose Governor Youngkin’s proposed guidelines for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools. There are multiple reasons for my opposition, including the guidelines’ very selective application of terminology such as “particular ideological beliefs” and “specific viewpoints aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation”. Chiefly, however, I object because they are designed to harm not only transgender students but also transgender Virginians in general.

I earned a PhD in the biomedical sciences, and I therefore understand the importance of evidence-based treatments. As the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association have already stated, multiple studies support gender-affirming care. Contrary to this proposal’s claims to respect scientific evidence as well as the sanctity of parental rights, its incoherence would allow the state to disregard medical decisions made in full alignment with clinical guidelines and in consultation with students’ families.

Many scientists before me have discussed the evidence supporting gender-affirming care and the legitimacy of transgender identity. So I will take this opportunity to address an issue with this proposal that cisgender members of my audience may not have considered: I am cisgender, but, like many American women of color, I have been misgendered nevertheless. Had Governor Youngkin’s guidelines been in effect when I was a student athlete, I may not have been allowed to compete without submitting to gross and traumatizing invasion of my privacy. Discrimination against transgender individuals ultimately hurts everyone.

Thank you for your time.


Strongly Oppose

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As a transgender Virginian, I must make it abundantly clear how incredibly important it is that students are allowed to self-ID their genders. It is utterly inappropriate to characterize transness as a "belief" that one's gender is different from one's sex -- rather, for a trans person, their gender simply is different from their sex.

When close-minded parents oppose allowing their own trans children to express their gender identity and to be consistently referred to with the correct gendered language, this is not an expression of political belief but instead a full denial of a child's identity and ability to self-actualize, and it is an act of utter hatred and discrimination.

Children must be allowed to express truths about themselves regardless of whether their parents are willing to accept those truths -- this goes for all children, not just trans children, and the state must be ready and willing to accept a child's self-ID and take it seriously as one of those truths.

It is also worth remembering that there is precedent for this in other cases. Consider for a moment the teaching of evolution in our schools. This is taught despite some parents expressing fringe beliefs in religiously based theories of speciation, because evolution is extremely strongly supported by evidence and scientific rigor, and those other theories are not. Transgender identity is likewise fully supported by evidence and strong scientific rigor, and support of transgender people is the recommendation of all major medical institutions.

Please do not make these changes -- listen to trans people and their friends and family.


Trans children deserve support

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Trans children are as much normal as cis kids. Acting otherwise harms and kills children.


These proposed policies are unsafe and unfair

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I am completely against these policies because they are completely unfair and unsafe. As soon as they are put in place, kids will no longer feel safe in their community and school, which is currently a safe place. If teachers and staff members were to out these kids, it could lead to bullying and harassment by students and/or their parents. That would be the more unsafe of things. The unfair part of it is the fact that kids should be comfortable at school, have trust in the adults at school and not see them as threats, and these kids should feel like they can just be themselves. Not everyone is a boy or a girl, not everyone is straight or gay, everyone is different. And when being pushed to all be the same, and all be so-called, “normal”, it can cause damages to anyone, which can lead to an even worse future. The bottom line is, don’t put these proposed policies into play. It can lead to terrible things, all of which will lead back to being your fault.


Strongly oppose this hateful policy

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I strongly oppose this policy; it is not based on any science or sound reasoning, but rather on fear and hate OF CHILDREN. Trans children deserve a safe and accepting learning environment, and I find it abhorrent that you find it morally acceptable to use them as pawns to gain political power. Trans children suffer from much higher rates of depression and suicidality, and this law will cause more harm to this group of kids. These are kids! Shame on you!


let our trans kids live.

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please allow our trans kids have an opportunity to be themselves.


OPOSE SEVERELY

i am a trans person living in a severely transphobic household and this is absolutely unacceptable. misgendering isn't free speech. disrespecting someone's preferred name isn't free speech. even if you don't support trans ppl, even if you think it's all silly, isn't it basic human decency to be kind to people?being kind to people includes respecting how they identify and express themselves. even if you don't support it, you can do the bare minimum of respecting how they want to be referred to. making laws to restrict this will only make matters much, much worse for trans kids.vote against these laws.we deserve basic respect. we are humans just like you.

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i am a trans person living in a severely transphobic household and this is absolutely unacceptable. misgendering isn't free speech. disrespecting someone's preferred name isn't free speech. even if you don't support trans ppl, even if you think it's all silly, isn't it basic human decency to be kind to people?

being kind to people includes respecting how they identify and express themselves. even if you don't support it, you can do the bare minimum of respecting how they want to be referred to. making laws to restrict this will only make matters much, much worse for trans kids.

vote against these laws.

we deserve basic respect. we are humans just like you.


Support SUPPORT SUPPORT #GirlsRights

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Women's Rights do not involve Trans-MALE Rights *Inequality in Female Sports*


STRONGLY OPPOSE - PROTECT TRANS AND LGBTQ+ YOUTH

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You all don’t care about protecting kids or schools, you just want to harass and traumatize queer and trans people! You’re ing monsters!


Terrible idea

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Discrimination against trans people is known to negatively impact mental, emotional, and physical health. Why would you do this to children?!


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I am a parent to a transgender child and live in NoVa where we have had nothing but positive, accepting interactions with school and city officials.  My child was born here and we have lived here happily for many years.  But because of this and other anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans rhetoric coming from VA state government, we are going to leave the state.  We aren't the first and won't be the last either.  The NoVa bubble, at the end of the day, is just that, a bubble.  We will move across the river to where our existence isn't criminalized, legislated against, and medical care denied.  VA loses productive tax-paying citizens who could have continued to make this area a great place to live and work. </p>


Strongly Support - Parents are a Child's First Teachers

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I strongly support this policy. Moral and religious teaching, discussion, and decisions should  occur and be made within the family body and with the parents' knowledge. Parents know a child’s needs better than anyone and should be kept fully informed of ALL activities concerning their child. Society does not own children.

Students should participate in sex-specific athletics, school activities, and events as  determined by their sex. Similarly, students should use bathrooms corresponding to their sex. Single-use bathrooms and facilities should be made available in areas accessible to all students.

ALL children are important.


Some parents don't treat their children well (opposition)

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There are many instances of parental abuse (specifically verbal/emotional) that are certainly undocumented because children do not feel safe to expose their parents' wrongdoings.  In instances of families with queer children, school is a place where at least part of the day isn't spent around parents who continually reject any support whatsoever for being queer.  Schools should not have to report to parents because this can make at-home situations worse for many students.


Women's Rights are defrauded by Trans-MALE Rights *Inequality in Female Sports*


Defend Parentally Rights

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I support Gov Youngkin new policy. I agree with this. KR


Teacher & Mom who STRONGLY OPPOSES

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<p>I strongly oppose this proposal as a mom & teacher! </p>


Respect Trans Children

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If a child wishes to be referred to by a certain pronoun, it does not cause anyone any harm.  I have no doubt that there will be a bit of a learning curve for those that do not quite understand the reasons why that child chooses to be called what they wish to be called, but that curve is the only “threat” that people, who are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with transgender people, will be facing in this matter.  There is no real threat to those uncomfortable people or their culture.  Abiding by preferred pronouns is a show of respect.  Please respect children that do not think and feel the same as those who are considered “mainstream” or “normal”.

As far as the “bathroom issue” is concerned, there’s a simple solution: genderless bathrooms - install them.  Public sinks, and private, secure (floor-to-ceiling walls and door) stalls.


Children are entrusted to parents - not strangers I.e., teachers

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<p>I strongly support this initiative to ensure the right of children to be nurtured and guided by their parents. Teachers unions in particular, as well as individual activists who have ensconced themselves in the educational system, have neither the authority nor the competence to unilaterally interfere in life-impacting decisions that are the purview of the family. Particularly given the recent exposure of abysmal reading and math levels, it would seem obvious that the skills and knowledge children need to flourish as human beings and citizens have been jettisoned. A person’s brain is not fully formed until he/she is about twenty-five years old. But teachers are enticing students to self-mutation before they’ve even been given a pass through high school. This is abuse. Of children. Of authority falsely claimed. Of honesty, trust and integrity. The Governor’s plan is at least a step in the right direction. </p>


Basic Human Rights

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I'm sickened by the fact that what should already be considered a natural right for any human being is getting taken away from an already persecuted community of people. Trans rights are most definitely human rights. And I hope for the sake of this being a nation that is supposedly fair to all, corrects this injustice.


I support the Governor

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Why should I  support this, it will cause the morality of every student to be I jeopardy.

My tax dollars give me the right to say this because it goes to help educate others.


Fully Support q

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Parents have every right to know what is occurring at school that involves their child.  You can’t have inconsistent policies.  Tomorrow will knowing your child grades also be kept from parents?  Stop the nonsense and I fully support the updated change!


Parental Rights

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<p>Parental rights are primary to anything else: school, community, health, and all the other groups who (would like to) make the claim to speak first for our children. Parental rights were entrusted to us by God and we must never give up that sacred duty to our children for the option of convenience or laziness in carrying out and completing that sacred trust. Our children are our legacy and we have the first responsibility for their upbringing, again, entrusted to us by God Himself. Please do not allow the government or any other body of leaders to usurp our children's freedoms and goals for a truly healthy life. </p>


100% support

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<p>I support parents rights and involvement in the life and guidance of their children. </p>


Support parental rights


Strongly support policy;

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I strongly support this policy update; it corrects the previous overreach and violation of state and constitutional rights.  The updated policy puts parents back in charge of their children and removes the forced indoctrination of the previous administration.  The updated policy affirms the protections given to students and parents to NOT be forced to agree with positions that violate religious beliefs


OPPOSE 2022 Model Policies

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51% of transgender and gender non-conforming youth contemplated suicide in 2021 (The Trevor Project). Forcefully outing children to unaccepting and potentially abusive homes will DIRECTLY cause more deaths in the transgender and non conforming community. I STRONGLY OPPOSE the 2022 Model Policies.


Support Policy! Transgender athletes’ victories mean women & girls lose

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I Support 2022 Policy because people have forgotten it effects GIRLS & WOMEN!

Stop the transgender mutilation!


Si! Si! Quiero!!!


Trans Rights are Human Rights

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Protect trans children, they deserve to be protected.


Town hall

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Strongly Agree!! I’m the parent!! I decide!! Stay out of my families life. That’s what’s wrong with our children now, other people trying to tell me how to raise my kids/grandkids!! Mind your own business and I promise this country will be a whole lot better!!


I’m a trans kid and this won’t effect me at all. I still oppose it

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Youngkin cant even pass the right things to screw us over.


Strongly support Gov. Youngkin!

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Parents are responsible for their children up to age 18.  They are legal guardians and have the right to make or help make important decisions for their children.   I support Gov. Youngkin's policies.


Supported!

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<p>Strongly Support This! </p>


Live and Let Live; Judge Not lest Ye be judged.  Youngkin's "policy" goes against God

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Youngkin's policies on gender in schools are unconstitutional and discriminatory, protecting the comfort of some while denying others'.  It is merely fear and cowardice that would lead someone to make these policies.  Hate and the intolerance of the differences in fellow humans...all of these things seem incredibly un-Christian, bordering on evil.  Not to mention it is cowardly and ignorant.

The reason we have separate men and women's bathrooms is for the comfort & privacy of those using them-- so why is it that only some kids' comfort is respected and not others with this new policy?  This is a simple one-- do nothing, and have unisex/non-gendered bathrooms in addition to men's and women's, and everyone has a choice where they feel most comfortable.   Protect the rights of ALL kids, especially during this fragile time of emotional and physical development.  Not doing so could lead to a disastrous uptick in mental health crises in young adults down the road.

The reason boys and girls are separated in sports has to do with biological limitations, strengths and weaknesses, physical differences between the sexes that don't change with a decision about societal gendering.  This is just confusing sex with gender.  I understand keeping biological sex separated on sports teams, as it has nothing to do with gender.

However, kids should not be mandated to tell their parents anything.  Again, if a child told their parents they were transgender, and the parent was against this, this could lead to an increase of child abuse, suicide, addiction, crime.  Violating a child's privacy is the worst way to damage their emotional development, causing so many problems to our population in the future.  It is God's policy to love ALL, to live and LET LIVE, to respect everyone regardless of disagreeing, and mind your own.  Thou shall not throw stones...glass houses...judge not lest you be judged...you all know the sayings...  Not doing that ONLY leads to more and more problems.  His policy will not solve any problems.  It is just a policy created to make fearful, uncomfortable, weak people feel safer, but it doesn't actually help further humanity in any way.


I support this change. Please pass.

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I support this, please pass policy.


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I Support 2022 Policy because people have forgotten it effects GIRLS as young as 5yrs!


Strongly oppose this legislation. It violates basic constitutional principles, yet  pretends not to.

concerned parent believing in fundamental rights for all

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This legislation makes it seem as though kids simply are choosing to find an alter-ego, which is incredibly insulting and insensitive to what trans children are actually going through in an effort to properly find themselves.  Their way of "identifying" should not be denied. That tells them that what they're feeling and going through is not valid and has no value in our society.  Obviously this messaging is harmful to our kids!  Schools are designed to help our children "find themselves" as they mature.  This process of finding ones-self and self-identifying is an essential element of growing up and maturing. Our schools need to be safe spaces which not only "tolerate" this, but instead, support and comfort and aid our children as they are exploring their personal growth along with their educational development. They should never feel judged or suppressed by the school system.  That will be harmful and could lead to losses of life for young individuals with nowhere to turn at home, and now at school.

The current policy addresses the needs of parents and students alike and does not prioritize one's needs over another. that is a much more sincere way of balancing parental rights with the needs of the students.  there is no reason for a change, other than an intent to single out trans children.


I support the government and the parents

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It is a wise and well thought out decision to honor parents and their right to decide what happens in their homes. I appreciate the work that teachers do, but if they are not partners with responsible parents then they are not adding to the positive and mortal needs of our culture.


Strongly support the guidance document

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<p>I support the guidance document, especially on the role and place of parents in their children’s decisions </p>


Trans rights are human rights. Shameful model policies!!!!!

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These policies take away the freedoms of transgendered children, while stoking the flames of transphobia. We are not all Christian nationalists. Quit forcing your shortsighted,  bigoted policies on all of us. You are a disgrace- the worst governor ever. The only freedoms you care about are those of straight, white, “Christian” men!


Oppose the proposed transgender policy changes

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This policy is cruel, destructive, and dangerous to our most fragile youth, and it is based on untrue assumptions about gender uncertain, gay and transgender youth. It also falsely accuses our public school teachers and counselors.  Stop telling untrue tales and pushing a political narrative to damage our schools and most fragile children.  It is an unethical stunt .


Trans/non binary mids

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I support a kids/persons choice to be who they are!  These policies make it harder/more difficult for kids IF the state is “calling” them out!


Protect trans kids

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Trans kids are just kids and deserve happiness


Transrights are human rights

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As a transgender adult in her senior year of highschool, this is terrifying. Kids need to be able to express themselves in a way they like. Even if it's just for a week, experimenting with who they are and learning to be okay with change is an important part of growing up. Ostracizing us by requiring administrative appoval will only lead more of us to suicide. The high suicide rates come from parents of abusive and or unaccepting households. This document would only hurt them more. This does nothing to help the kids and only gives them more fear and less trust in their school. Please reconsider.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Governors Guidelines

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<p>This is elementary to high. Children do not possess the maturity or experience to scratch their churning hormones. They have to grow!!! Leave bathroom regs as they are. Cease creating situations that will be interpreted incorrectly. Learn from building a new facility for disruptive students, who are still disruptive and do not attend. No one should have to listen to what a person identifies as; like flying on a.plane next to a turkey. </p>


Thank You Gov. Youngkin

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Thank you so much. We need this, our kids our going to be infected with this disease. And I don't know about you, but I want to see my kids in heaven when they die. Not in hell witht he rest of those lgbtq weirdos. They are ruining our children and are abandoning the Lord. We need to stop this now.


Strongly oppose this policy

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<p>It is not the job of schools to tell children who they are and who they are not. There is so much biodiversity in humans and we should not be shoving these kids into one of two buckets. </p>


ALL lives are equal under the law I support Gov. Youngkin's effort to reform the Guidance Document

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This transgendern issue doesn't need to divide. As a retired county middle school teacher, I am well aware that many, many teachers do not stand in the hall and supervise students during class change.  They do not alert themselves to student dynamics and do not take advantage of proactive intervention.  They don't correct bullying, define it to their students, or make efforts to provide the inclusive environment of caring and trust that needs to be in place before learning can be optimized.  They are often about their own agendas.  Many leave asap to carry on with their own lives.

To be fair, they are tasked with many assignments that take time and energy away from time to instruct, plan, and prepare lessons.  The class sizes are so large, learning is difficult.

School needs to nurture a culture of caring.  Denying rights to parents and children who are comfortable with their biological sex for the benefit of a few children  who have sexual confusion or dysphoria is counter productive and illogical.  There are solutions including providing stalls on the doors of male and female bathrooms, private accessible bathrooms, cameras in the bathroom common areas to monitor behavior of groups, hall cameras for the same purpose, strictly adhered to measures made known and enforced by all staff and administration (teachers are notorious for not enforcing school rules if they disagree with them or want to be the student's friend) (very bad lesson regarding rule of law) to hold offenders who intimidate or bully accountable, including parental notification and involvement, mandatory counseling, and law enforcement when called for.

Enforcing existing laws, rules, and regulations will go a long way to solve all these problems.

It is much harder than making more rules and regulations that aren't followed by all in authority, but more effective.

Reducing the student population in classes and school buildings will enhance the teacher student  relationship and help administrators and counselors to be more effective.


Support the framework of this policy

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The policy is, at the core, fundamentally sound and a welcome revision to previous model policies.


Agree with proposed changes: Based on science of cell hormone receptors

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As a nurse, I hope others have commented on the  importance of the biology of human cell receptor sites. From conception, cells develop and have receptors for either testosterone (M) or Estrogen (F). Cell DNA at birth can never be changed; hence, the receptor sites will ALWAYS be either primarily male or female. No amount if hormone therapy can change cellular DNA.

There are only very RARE congenital birth defects where cells have deformities.These are very unusual cases where pediatricians and endocrinologists work closely with the parents for prescribed medical treatment.

Children are not mature enough to change "Gender Identity"  UNTIL WELL AFTER PUBERTY, when the effect of the many human hormones fully hit cell receptor sites. There are normal body changes during puberty, which ALL parents & their children work through.

SCHOOLS & Educators should be teaching reading, writing, math, skills for future, etc.

Parents  & school employees who push gender changes should be reviewed for child abuse.

In cases where children are having difficulties with their own hormones and gender confusion:  ONLY Parents should have responsibility to work with their children and HCPs /school counselors until the child reached legal age of adulthood, 18. After the age of adulthood, the young adult should then (and only then) make decisions about gender identity changes.

just call me "old school"...


STRONGLY OPPOSE! this is not freedom of speech

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freedom of speech isn’t freedom of consequences. freedom of speech isn’t freedom to hurt people. trans kids deserve to be just that, kids, without fear of all the harm that policies like this cause.


Oppose - Transgender Youth Have the Right to Choose When to Disclose their Gender Identity

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I write in opposition to this proposed Policy because transgender youth should have the right to choose when to disclose their gender identity to others, especially parents. This Policy disregards the autonomy of transgender youth and fails to take into consideration the fallout when parents are not supportive.

Studies show that transgender youth are more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide when in an unsupportive environment. Implementing this Policy will lead to higher suicide rates in school-aged children. Their lives are at risk, and those who wrote this Policy are to blame.

You cannot create “a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment” for a transgender student who is afraid to be themself in fear of being outed to an unsupportive parent. Oftentimes, when outed, transgender youth experience rejection, disownment, or abuse. If you want an environment where all students thrive, let transgender students be themselves and make their own decisions, including and especially how they want to be referred to in the classroom as opposed to home.

Transgender people are valid; they deserve to be treated equitably and with respect. This Policy may claim to do so, but it does the complete opposite. Abandon this farce of a narrative and uphold the 2021 Policy.


Strongly Oppose this Policy

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<p>The policy regarding transgender students is discriminatory and needs to be rescinded. It is the government's job to protect its most vulnerable citizens, and this policy does the exact opposite. </p>


I support the governor

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I fully support the governor and am against transgender as a Christian. It is not of God according to Romans 1. It is unnatural and should not be allowed.


Strongly Support

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Parents know their children's needs better than anyone else, and if a child is struggling with their identity, it is in the child's best interest for their parents to know about it. Research has shown that children, whose parents are involved with their education, earn better grades. If this is true academically, is seems logical that this would also apply to children's emotional and developmental needs as well. Keeping parents well informed can only be beneficial to children. The majority of parents love their children and want what is best for them.


Support 100%! Trans kids, you are not 100% identified by feelings!

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If you feel like you’re in the wrong body just give it a little time. You were not created as a whoops. You are not a mistake. Just wait it out and give it a year or two. You never know how you may feel in the other end and you could regret life altering decisions. I don’t hate you.


Virginia is definitely for haters with these model policies!!

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Don’t tell us how much you love all babies, then tell us how much you hate gay people as these policies imply.

Stop trying to use coercion to steer us back to your hypocritical sense of “Christianity.”

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward." Matthew 6: 5


Restore a bit of normalcy to VA by passing the 2022 policy

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<p>Let parents help their own kids if they are getting swept into the traps of trans activists that have been infiltrating all parts of our society. There have likely always been a small fraction of people suffering from gender dysphoria, but such large numbers identifying as trans today is primarily due to the ills of society, and not from our natural biological evolution. Those that are confused, plus those very rare people that truly have real gender dysphoria, should be treated with the utmost care and concern for their well-being short- and long-term. However, while caring for them we need to protect our institutions from trans advocacy that is driving abnormal behaviors and high levels of questioning and confusion that are not normal or natural. There is absolutely no reason to shut parents out of any of their own kids lives that are struggling with these or any other issues. It is unfortunate that so many of our kids have been pulled into the artificial belief system that gender is just a choice, and gender occurs along a spectrum. While it’s being promoted by activists as a choice, it’s actually not. We have two sexes based on our biology and evolution. The rest is contrived by modern society, with very few exceptions that are no longer what we are even talking about. Our kids are precious - let’s teach kindness as we always did, as we do our best to protect and cherish them all. Please return a bit of normalcy to Virginia by replacing the 2021 policy with the new 2022 policy. Everyone would maintain their rights. Our kids need their parents supporting them as they work through all of the challenges in their lives, and they don’t need to be bombarded with radical viewpoints and falsities that would never to have occurred to them without the indoctrination some are pushing. Thank you.  </p>


Could not disagree with the new policy more

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While the policy says it's about safety, it seems to me that it's not creating a safe policy for trans students in any way. These are kids who need protection and understanding. School should be the place they receive this protection.


Change this

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Everyone should be treated the same


Evidence-based best practice is the law.  These policies are out of compliance.

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Virginia Code 22.1-23.3 authorizes VDOE to promulgate Model Policies "concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools that address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices." The proposed Model Policies cite no evidence base for their effectiveness and are in conflict with what the evidence base does say about best practices - that supportive, inclusive, and affirming schools save lives. I will not repeat the research and evidence that others, like the ACLU of Virginia, have already shared - please refer to those comments. As a social worker (MSW) who has worked with children, youth, and families for over a decade, I have seen the harm that anti-trans practices, like those described in the proposed Model Policies, have on young transgender and non-binary people. Suicide rates for this population are horrifying. Having at least one supportive and affirming adult in their life can reduce this risk by 40%. For young people who do not have this person at home, school is the next best place to find them. These proposed Model Policies encourage the opposite. If child and youth safety - for ALL children and youth, not just those cis-youth who fit into an archaic and unfounded gender binary - is truly a top priority, these policies would never have been written.

At the end of the day, these policies are a recommendation to local educational agencies who will choose whether or not to adopt them. Some of our youth will be lucky enough to attend a school that rejects the hatred in these policies and instead provide supportive, inclusive, and affirming safe spaces to learn and grow. Unfortunately, many will not. Either way, what the release of these proposed Model Policies did was tell transgender and non-binary students in every school division that their state leadership does not care about their life, safety, and well-being. What a disgustingly awful message for you to send. Transgender and non-binary students deserve better. All students deserve better. They deserve better then this. They deserve better than you.

VDOE is required to follow the law. You have already done too much damage with the release of these hate filled proposed Model Policies, but you must repeal them in order to be in compliance with Virginia Code.


Opposed. Trans rights are human rights.

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<p>This is an incredibly dangerous and discriminatory policy. Shame on you youngkin. Trans rights will always be human rights and no child is more or less important than the next. Let kids live. </p>


Protect Trans Youth | Oppose this policy

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This guidance will directly causes harm to trans children. If your goal is to protect children, protect all children. Using preferred pronouns harms no one. Refusing to use preferred pronouns harms trans children.

I’m a parent of a trans child in Virginia. I’m thankful for the support my child is receiving in school from administration, staff, and peers. This guidance would make that support impossible.


Reconsider proposed polices re: transgender students

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To Whom It May Concern:

As a teacher in Virginia's public schools, I am vehemently opposed to the proposed policies regarding transgender students. Transgender students who are not supported by their families are exponentially more likely to experience depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts; teachers and schools must not be forced to exacerbate the tragic and potentially life-threatening consequences of emotional abuse that trans children so often face at home. Schools are safe spaces for students. We love our students, and feel a deep responsibility for their mental health and safety. It is our ethical duty to accept students as they are.

Requiring teachers to betray their students' trust undermines the relationships we work so hard to foster each and every day. Please reconsider these proposed policies, and ensure that schools remain safe spaces for all students.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Sara Spizzirri


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose these proposed policies.  Trans rights are human rights.


University Student Who Strongly Opposes

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I oppose the model transgender policies draft as a Queer VCU student who attended middle and high school in Northern Virginia. These policies will place larger targets on the backs of students who already face challenges from the close minded individuals and institutions around them. As you probably know, school is not easy; finding your crowd and support network is a big step towards having a good educational experience. VA students should have the freedom to explore and navigate their identities without the fear of being harmed by the proposed policies.

As demonstrated by the walkouts, many students oppose these policies and will not let their voices and determination be overtaken. Listen to your students.


Strongly oppose - alternatively support 2021 VDOE policies

Concerned parent and mental health clinician

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<p>As a parent of a transgender adult and as mental health practitioner, I am acutely aware of the harmfulness of this proposed policy to the wellbeing of youth. I oppose this proposal as  something written inconsistently and without consultation of any research or  best practices for education, parenting, or mental health.  I support the 2021 VDOE model policy fully. </p>


OPPOSE


Protect Trans Youth

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The 2021 Model Policies prohibited “any and all discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on an individual’s actual or perceived . . . sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.” The 2021 Model Policies also required that “[a]ny incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention” and that “[c]omplaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived gender identity shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” Finally, the 2021 Model Policies required the establishment of a school contact for both students and parents should the complaint be “not resolved at the school level.”

The 2022 Model Policies make disappointing and harmful changes to bullying, harassment, and discrimination policies. First, it removes the explicit protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Instead, the only gender identity term it protects explicitly is “sex” which is defined by the 2022 Model Policies as “biological sex.” While the bullying, harassment, and discrimination prohibitions also protect “any other characteristic protected by law,” the removal of sexual orientation and gender identity as explicit categories sends a clear message: VDOE does not care about LGBTQ+ youth being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against.

Second, the 2022 Model Policies require that “[s]chool personnel shall be trained annually on health and mental wellness support to, and safety of, all students.” This is a drastic change from the 2021 Model Policies which required “[a]ll school mental health professionals shall be trained annually on topics relating to LGBTQ+ students, including safety and support for LGBTQ+ students.” The 2022 Model Policies therefore explicitly erase required training for staff on LGBTQ+ health and mental well-being.

Thankfully, the 2022 Model Policies keep the language of the 2021 Model Policies that “[a]ny incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action, by the school administrator.” It also keeps the language that “[t]he [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students and parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” It also adds additional language that “[b]ullying of any student by another student, for any reason, cannot be tolerated in our schools. Intervening immediately to stop bullying on the spot can help ensure a safer school environment for all students.”

Stopping bullying for any student is an important goal for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. My concern is that gender identity and sexual orientation are no longer explicitly protected classes under the 2022 Model Policies and that school personnel are no longer required to obtain LGBTQ+ specific health and mental wellness professional development. In fact, it feels like VDOE is bullying the very trans kids they are claiming to protect by removing resources and policies aimed at supporting and protecting them.

This is wrong. The argument that the model is being reformed for the safety of our children is not just paradoxical but hateful. The argument that this model is going to be for the protection of our children does not stand when the policies being put in place are putting them in direct danger, either from other students, faculty, and admin or themselves. Transgender students, regardless of age, should be treated the same as any student. They should be respected the same way any student is. The 2022 Model is setting up transgender students to be the target of bullying without consequence from within schools and within government. Trans youth are one of the highest at risk groups for bullying, harrassment, and intimidation. If you disagree, all you have to do is look at the comparison of the 2021 and 2022 Models.

This affects me, my family, my friends, my community, and my future. The change of the 2022 Model affects everyone around me. If this model stands, we will all have to learn how to emotionally cope with knowing that the Virginia state legislature doesn’t care about us. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I worry everytime I walk into a room. I am constantly wondering what group from this community will need to be defended today and how much of the unseen hatred and violence will have to be taken until people recognize us as equal members of society. If we use this 2022 Model, my friends and my community will suffer the consequences. The consequences will be higher suicide rates among youth, higher rates of mental disorder diagnosis such as depression or PTSD, and youth will never feel comfortable in their own skin.

To dictate what a student may be called, what pronouns they can use, where they are allowed to go to the bathroom, what activities they can participate in, what clothes they can wear, and where they are and are not allowed to participate is creating the basis for a totalitarian regime in spite of a marginalized group of Virginians. Totalitarian policies. But this is for the protection of children? Or is this for the preservation of heteronormativity and the gender binary?

It is so important to educate people on the differences between “sex” and “gender”. Additionally, understanding the implications of anti-trans, transphobic policies that are being implemented out of the hatred of the Glenn Youngkin administration. The clear targeting of LGBTQIA+ youth is dangerous and when children begin to take their own lives over the hate, transphobia, homophobia, and inability to be themselves, I hope Glenn Youngkin has enough courage and respect for the people of Virginia to take responsibility for the resulting tragedies.

For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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PROTECT TRANS KIDS. This will kill trans kids. Please do not let the scare mongers on Fox News demonize children.


Transgender, shouldn't have no rights in the same bathroom as girls

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Transgender s have no Right to go into the same bathroom as the girls.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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As a Virginia voter, I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to the repeal of the 2021 guidelines. Providing a supportive and nurturing environment for trans kids does not harm non-trans kids and does not infringe on parental rights. Not supporting trans kids leads to much higher rates of depression, social isolation and suicide in these children- this has been show in study after study. Why would the VA Dept of Education deliberately choose to implement these 2022 guidelines that will continue to foster these negative outcomes in our kids? The authors of these 2022 guidelines fail to recognize that being trans is not a personal choice or a matter of preference, it is who these kids ARE- it's how they were biologically wired from birth. They don't choose to be trans anymore than the authors here choose to be straight and cis-gendered. Life is hard enough for them, no one is deliberately choosing to be trans just for fun. The 2021 guidelines were put together with the input of numerous well qualified experts AND the very kids you think you're protecting- your kids had a voice in those guidelines and this is what they came up with. The repeal of the 2021 guidelines is anti-trans policy dressed up as parental rights because waging culture wars is easier and more emotionally explosive than creating policies that address our real problems- focus on things like the housing crisis and rising poverty, rather than going after a minority of kids who are already struggling more than you'll ever know.

Do NOT implement the "2022 MODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT FOR ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS"


Strongly oppose

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I OPPOSE the guidance. Gender identity acceptance creates a safe and more effective learning environment for LGBTQ young people. Kids should be enjoying their childhood and be afforded the opportunity to learn without being subjected to hateful policies.


Support Youngkin

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Students are minors. This is a parental rights issue. It is not appropriate for schools to interfere with parents’ rights.


Strongly oppose

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I am an educator and a parent of a trans child. This new guidance will put children at risk. School should be a safe place for all students. By discriminating against marginalized students you decrease acceptance of all children and increase thé likelihood of bullying. Trans students already experience great anxiety about being different, do NOT increase their anxiety and depression.


Strongly support it

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Thank you very much for protecting all students. The current policy is detrimental to all students, including students with gender dysphoria. Although it might be too late for Yareli Martinez, there is no doubt this new policy can save other kids’ lives:

https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/education/experimental-lab-transgender-ideology-feds-accused-complicity-students

https://www.heritage.org/gender/event/protecting-our-children-how-radical-gender-ideology-taking-over-public-schools-harming


I support the governor


Parents Involvement Matters

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I support this bill. Students are minors and therefore it is the Parents responsibility to keep them safe.  It is already challenging enough with the obstacles in the schools, but to keep these types of secrets from parents would create more challenges.  Some feel that it protects students by keeping the parents in the dark but instead it could potentially cause more harm.  All parents aren't monsters or out to harm their own children.  If the schools feel that parents will hard their children then that's what CPS and social services are for.  Students are MINORS and therefore all decisions refer back to the parents and guardians. It's hard for parents and guardians to weigh in on topics or challenges their children may face when they don't even know what they are.   This also makes parents wonder what other secrets are the schools keeping from parents.  Parents need to be more involved rather than excluded more.  It would be a injustice to shut parents out and take away their ability to be involved. Shutting parents out causes more harm that some realize.


Transgender in the schools

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I disagree with transgender it’s against God and His deity.  Kids should not have a say in what gender they are. God makes that decision. I agree with what the Governor is trying to pass.


I support this policy 100%

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I support this policy and any others that expand safety of girls in school.


Not all of us want to live as “Christians”!!!!!!! Shameful model policies!

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From WAPO:

Contrary to statements that suggest otherwise, the 2022 model policies do impose a specific ideology. Christian nationalism is not relegated to churches, extremist groups or religious-political leaders; it exerts control and fosters political violence through public policies and institutions that seek to exterminate non-White, non-Christian, and non-heteropatriarchal thought from the nation.


Whole heartedly reject!!

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I vehemently oppose the proposed 2022 changes and support the 2021 inclusive guidelines!


I Support the Governor

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I am in support of the bill from the governor


Schools are meant to be welcoming

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<p>Schools should uphold the standard of a love of learning and a place where everyone can feel welcomed in order to receive their education.  These proposed laws completely undermine that principle, making school void of welcome to queer students.  Oftentimes, students who come out at school do so because they feel safe and welcome, and this may also be in addition to feeling unwelcome at home due to their identity.  Public schools were made to educate the next generation so students can one day run the state and the country, and no education with bad experiences can equip students to do so. </p>


PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS STRONG SUPPORT!!!

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Let it be known, we have elected Gov. Youngkin to represent We The People - the VAST MAJORITY of people!  If those few want to push a gender ideology on the rest the society succeed, that is not a government run by We The People!  The People have spoken!  And we SPEAK loud and clearly AGAIN!!! Parents!  Grandparents! Stand up and fight this outrageous push on our rights!!!


Absolutely Support!!!

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<p>Of course the school should not force actions, words, policies on children that are against natural law and religious beliefs.  It is common sense.  It is also the job of parents to be informed and involved in everything regarding their children.  </p>


Youngkin's transgender and non-binary student policies

Catie B-parent in Alexandria City Public Schools

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It is clear that the recently proposed “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools” will, if implemented, endanger the health, safety, and well-being of transgender students, especially those who live in unsafe or unsupportive households. (Sources include https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2019-03/transgender-public-facilities-issue-brief.pdf, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/transgender-teens-restricted-bathroom-access-sexual-assault/, and https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/#affirming-spaces.) For this reason, I strongly oppose these policies, as I oppose any and all policies that are harmful to students.


Vehemently opposed

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Incredibly opposed, trans rights are human rights


I support 100%


Teacher opposed to these policies

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<p>Trans students belong in our schools. Everything possible should be done to assure they are included, comfortable, and supported. These policies stand in the way of trans inclusion. As a teacher, I see the difference it makes in the lives of trans kids when they are treated with dignity. School boards shouldn’t be permitted to stand between trans students and their education. </p>


Guidance Document

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Why are we having a discussion on wether or not my rights as parent are irrelevant.why do the schools have more say in my child’s life than I?? Stay out of my families business!!! I agree with the gov!!


Parents right

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<p>As a Catholic and a parent I believe God has given parents the authority in guiding our children and desiring what’s the best for them. . We are called to live out faith. Government shouldn’t be implementing and forcing its views on parents. </p>


Strongly oppose 2022 guidance

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<p>Students need to be supported in school. This is the only safe place for some transgender and gender non confirming students . Even students that are confident they will be affirmed  at home tend to come out first to their peers. Teachers play an important role in our students day to day life and it’s detrimental that they are given the opportunity to be a positive influence. Although I can sympathize with parents that want to be the deciding factor in all aspects of their childrens  lives , not affirming a transgender child has the potential to not only make their lives miserable but also take them away from you ( look up statistics on suicide and trans kids that are not affirmed) .As a parent if you truly love your child but are still not understanding fully what it means  to be transgender wouldn’t you want someone to be there for them to help while you work through your own thought and emotions? This guidance is bullying our most vulnerable children. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS POLICY

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My pronouns are she/her. I am a mother of three children. I am active in my children’s academic lives and I have helped to create an atmosphere in Henrico that is accepting of all students in our community. I am concerned that the policy being advocated by the Governor of Virginia will cause undo harm to students/children in our community who identify as someone other than binary gender roles. Any policy that requires a student to have a parent come into the school in order to actively present the gender identity of the student is meant to intimidate not only the student, but also the parents. This type of public shaming and intimidation causes stress on families and students which makes learning in such an atmosphere impossible. I do not wish to give anyone in the school system administration that amount of power over my students. No one should have to make this presentation under duress. The state should have to consider the pain and suffering that this type of mental judgement and discrimination puts on our future young adult citizens and on tax paying adults.

When my trans child asked to change his pronouns during his junior/senior year at High School, I admit that I was not ready to go into that discussion with school administration.  My child, however, was very ready to express himself to each of his teachers without my permission or support. I was comforted by the support he received from teachers and administration personnel. I didn’t understand what my child was fighting for, but I have put the work in to figure it out with my family.

My pronouns are she/her. I mow the lawn and I hate cooking. I pay the bills and I do many things that do not fall under gender roles of past generations. I reject the gender stereotypes of the past and I support the upcoming generations for asserting their own gender identity examination. I support the youth as they come to their own conclusions about who they are. If we understand and value those students, then they have much better chance of attaining a successful academic life that will lead to a positive impact on our communities and our country. That should be the goal of education.


I support the Governor

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<p>I am against the transgender act </p>


Please help the mental health of the children at any cost, even at your political goals.

Concerning regulation: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools ; and proposed regulation: 2022 MODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT FOR ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS; in Department of Education, Student Services.I don't have much time to read comprehensively either the old or new document, so I can't definitively oppose or support the change. However, after skimming the old regulation, the motivating ideology is clear. My experience with that ideology is that the supporters don't believe that children who believe they are a different gender and have distress due to it are mentally ill. Rather, because they wish to get rid of social classes such as sex, they will pretend like there is no difference between men and women, even if it severely harms children. The concept of gender helps them separate the realities of biological sex from their ideology. There may be concerns about restricting what schools and teachers can do, and the new regulation seems to put much more power in the hands of parents, but the reckless treatment of children by the ideology does seem to warrant some changes. When skimming the old regulation, I noticed that the majority of "lgbtq+" children have mental issues. The ideology I mentioned will pretend like all of it is due to bullying and bad treatment, but based on my experience with this ideology, I have a hard time believing it is due to only that, and believe that it is rather mainly due to high rates of mental illness (or by definition, in the case of 'transgender'). For this reason, I am mainly worried about the treatment of mentally ill children. In this case which this regulation concerns, it is possible that teachers or schools did not tell the parents of the children that they had gender dysphoria, because ideologically they believed that it was in the best interest of the child to keep that information away from the parents. I also understand that telling the parents could make them treat their children poorly. However, in both of these cases, I don't know if it is the case, or to what degree, because I don't have any good sources, but if any changes are to be done or kept in the proposed document, they should focus on making sure the children have appropriate mental health treatment, rather than ideologically driven 'affirmations' which seems to be the biggest problem with the previous regulation. Additionally, don't go off the rails regarding parents' rights, as at the end of the day the parents only have limited control over another human being, though I don't know what that would look like and didn't see anything like that in the proposed regulation. Thank you.

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Concerning regulation: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools ; and proposed regulation: 2022 MODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT FOR ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS; in Department of Education, Student Services.

I don't have much time to read comprehensively either the old or new document, so I can't definitively oppose or support the change. However, after skimming the old regulation, the motivating ideology is clear. My experience with that ideology is that the supporters don't believe that children who believe they are a different gender and have distress due to it are mentally ill. Rather, because they wish to get rid of social classes such as sex, they will pretend like there is no difference between men and women, even if it severely harms children. The concept of gender helps them separate the realities of biological sex from their ideology. There may be concerns about restricting what schools and teachers can do, and the new regulation seems to put much more power in the hands of parents, but the reckless treatment of children by the ideology does seem to warrant some changes. When skimming the old regulation, I noticed that the majority of "lgbtq+" children have mental issues. The ideology I mentioned will pretend like all of it is due to bullying and bad treatment, but based on my experience with this ideology, I have a hard time believing it is due to only that, and believe that it is rather mainly due to high rates of mental illness (or by definition, in the case of 'transgender'). For this reason, I am mainly worried about the treatment of mentally ill children. In this case which this regulation concerns, it is possible that teachers or schools did not tell the parents of the children that they had gender dysphoria, because ideologically they believed that it was in the best interest of the child to keep that information away from the parents. I also understand that telling the parents could make them treat their children poorly. However, in both of these cases, I don't know if it is the case, or to what degree, because I don't have any good sources, but if any changes are to be done or kept in the proposed document, they should focus on making sure the children have appropriate mental health treatment, rather than ideologically driven 'affirmations' which seems to be the biggest problem with the previous regulation. Additionally, don't go off the rails regarding parents' rights, as at the end of the day the parents only have limited control over another human being, though I don't know what that would look like and didn't see anything like that in the proposed regulation. Thank you.


Strongly Support Gov Youngkin's Policy on transgender students

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Need to recognize the distinct differences between boys and girls to protect their corresponding needs and privacy.


SUPPORT 2022 Trans Gender Policy

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I believe the parents have the right to be informed about such significant changes with their child.


Policy is Discriminatory

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<p>The policy regarding transgender students is discriminatory and needs to be rescinded. As a state with a deeply negative history with race relations, Virginia should be looking to be more inclusive. It should not shame students and potentially make their home situation worse. It is the government's job to protect its most vulnerable citizens, and this policy does the exact opposite. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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As the parent of a transgender child I strongly oppose this new guidance.  It represents a major reversal of the few precious rights previously afforded to this incredibly brave population of kids who are just trying to be themselves.  The policy claims to support efforts to protect our trans children but in reality it only panders to the parents...not the kids who are most vulnerable.  If the state really wants to protect children, it should not enact policies which will imperil them and cause irreparable psychological damage.  It is already challenging enough for these children to navigate their own journey towards gender affirmation.  They do not need to be forced to be called by their "dead" name or outed prior to their own timeframe.  Our children need love and support; not cruel, authoritative and shortsighted dictums.  I pray that compassion towards this wonderful population will prevail and this proposed guidance will be reconsidered.  Thank you.


Support (follow the science and look at the facts - here is one very compelling one)

Parent, Biology Teacher and Nurse with 2 children

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FACT #9 – Most young children confused about their sexual identity generally come to accept their biological sex as they grow up, in fact, 80 percent to 90 percent accept their biological identity upon reaching adulthood—that is if they are not pushed otherwise, for example, if they are given puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones.[10]

Source - https://familywatch.org/resources/fwi/16facts/#.Y1nOO3bMJhE


I support this policy and I’m for the well being of all kids

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Some of the words and actions of pro-trans activists is scary and hateful. I see a lot of confused little kids looking to be led and loved, not brainwashed. If these are the people

who want to keep secrets from me and other parents I am for all kids but quite opposed to those activists who say they’re working hard from a place of love and care. It isn’t kind  to confuse and stir up hate. Trans aren’t being hated from where I’m seated. Anyone  who doesn’t celebrate “alphabet soup” is being hated and bullied though. Look at all the expletives that have been blacked out in these comments - all by pro trans haters, not by my side.


Undue burden and the codification of one religion into law above all others

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I am morally opposed to this outrageous punitive overreach. it seeks to punish children and their parents to satisfy a personal vendetta by the Governor to appease the tenets of his specific religion.

It also places an undo hardship on working parents to satisfy Youngkin's need to cause harm on the citizens of Virginia.


Trans Rights are Human Rights

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<p>Trans kids are just kids. Being Trans is NOT a mental illness, but many Trans kids have mental illnesses because of things like this. People make laws that go against their very exsistence. Do not do this to children. Trans rights are Human rights. </p>


Strongly Oppose this Policy - Protect Trans Kids!

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy, which if enacted, will cause harm to trans/non-binary kids.  In a perfect world, "outing" kids to their parents would not be an issue.  But unfortunately, we live in a world where some parents will kick their child out, abuse, or even kill their child for being LGBTQ.  The safety and well-being of ALL children should be top priority.  </p>
<p> </p>


Support

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<p>I support parent’s rights until the child turns 18 and I support this policy. </p>


Strongly opposed these Model Policies

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Your political stunt is dangerous to the lives of our Trans and LGBTQ+ students. Shame on you for using our students as political pawns.


Oppose with a caveat

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I oppose the proposed 2022 Guidance with the caveat of parental inclusion. I agree that the 2021 guidance disregarded parental rights, however the proposed guidance is entirely regressive. Transgender youth will undoubtedly be harmed by this policy. I am unsure as to whether teachers will be held accountable if the parents and student decide on their preferred pronoun and teacher(s) decide to disregard that decision and call them by the pronoun they see fit. It seems this guidance considers it compelled speech even though it would be the case in any other circumstance.


Strongly Oppose

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Stop using queer people as a scapegoat for firing up your political base.  This is intentionally going to harm children.


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I deeply oppose Governor Youngkin’s transgender policies


I support trans and non-binary youth. I oppose the 2022 Model Policies

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As a member of the ACLU, I agree that ALL students should be safe, welcomed, and included in Virginia’s public schools. I oppose the 2022 Model Policies in their entirety and demand that the VDOE rescind them, leaving the existing 2021 Model Policies in place.

I am a parent of a 4th grade student in Richmond, VA and know students who would be adversely affected by the 2022 Model Policies.  Spend your time and efforts to help support our schools becoming safe, inclusive, and welcoming for ALL students - trans and non-binary youth included.


I am strongly opposed.


Trans students

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My identity is not a political statement. My existence does not threaten anyone. fvck off and let me live my life.


Horrible.

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These policies are absolutely disgusting. Trans rights are human rights.


Not all kids are safe

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The lives of some kids may be in danger by outting them to their parents. The trauma that can come with this would be mind blowing. And then those same people will say that the newer generation has horrible mental health. You wonder why? It’s because of stupid policies like these where adults just want power, blind and oblivious to what goes on in a child’s mind. For these lawmakers, kids are just a statistic. A number. And that right there just shows that ther lawmakers don’t deserve to be in power. Because what type of person, in their right mind, would risk the lives of innocent kids?


This policy would increase child abuse, homeless youth, & suicide

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<p>I wholeheartedly oppose these new model transgender policies. They would keep any child from receiving any kind of counseling if their parent opposed them getting counseling. This would result in school’s being less able to learn of a queer OR non-queeer child being abused or in danger, & more likely for that child to continue being hurt. It would make it easier for abusive parents to hide, and continue, their abuse. It would result in more children committing suicide. Forcing schools to inform parents of a students choice in name, pronoun, gender identify, sexual orientation etc will also result, without question, in more children being abused, kicked out of the house, & possibly being killed or killing themselves. This policy will hurt all children, & queer children especially. You don’t need to understand someone to agree that they have value & worth & don’t deserve to be hurt, homeless, or killed. Supporting this policy is supporting violence against children, & that is why I am opposing it. </p>


Guidance  Document


MY RIGHTS ARENT YOUR DEBATE. STOP TRANS HATE.

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Let me keep my rights you dips


OPOSE THIS IS HORRIBLE

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Whoever thought this was a good idea??? this is so screwed up. look up trans youth suicide rates. too scared? about 82% of trans kids consider suicide. 40% actually attempt. I'm not making up statistics, I swear. look up "trans youth suicide statistics" one of the first things you will find is a government made website with this information. Do you really want to make things harder on trans youth? as if they already don't go through enough?


Adamantly Oppose

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<p>I Adamantly oppose! Protect Trans Kids! </p>


Guidance Documents

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100% support for all proposals.


I was taught that we were all made in the image and likeness of God. These model policies are awful!

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"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward." Matthew 6: 5

You ran on lies and deception. Pray for your soul. You are the worst governor ever!


Strongly support

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The new policies honor the sacred role of parents in the care of their children during school, athletics and other activities.

Parents know their children’s needs better than anyone. If children are struggling with gender dysphoria, they need guidance and emotional support from parents. Under the new policies, school officials must keep parents fully informed, and require schools to enforce laws, regulations and policies that prohibit and deter bullying or harassment.

Student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities and events should be determined by sex, e.g., for overnight travel accommodations and locker rooms.

Students should use the bathrooms that correspond to their sex. Single-user bathrooms and facilities should be made available in accessible areas and provided with appropriate signage, indicating accessibility for all students.

The new policies protect the fundamental religious liberty interests of personnel and students.


Strongly oppose - Don’t strip children of their right to be themselves

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<p>A child’s right to be themselves is a human right. It harms no one to allow them to be addressed by different pronouns and use whichever restroom or be part of whatever sports team they choose. They are CHILDREN. Let them live and let them and their families decide what’s best for them, not a regressive policy. Stop the hate and fear mongering and let people live their lives. It doesn’t effect you AT ALL. </p>


Transgender policy

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<p>Parents have a right to know what the schools are pushing their children to become.  Confused children have a right to have their parents aware of their situation.  </p>


Strongly support

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<p>Thank you for standing for the constitution and for the protection of our children! </p>


Strongly oppose

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These policies introduced are going to increase suicide rates of children, homelessness rate of children, abuse rates of children, and bullying statistics of children. I strongly oppose these policies and urge Younkin to oppose them.


Treatment of Transgender Students

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I kindly suggest that the education department abandon this ill-conceived policy.

The word “educate” comes from Latin to “lead out” or “lead forward.” Inherent in the practice of education is one with wisdom teaching, leading and instructing one lacking wisdom. It is deceptive and therefore immoral for a teacher to be leading one lacking wisdom astray with sinister falsehoods. In this way it is not compassionate to deceive and lie to young students.

After reviewing the guidance documents, I urge you to abandon this proposal. Toss it on the ash heap.

My wife and I moved here in 2019 from Nevada for work. It has been a great place to live and we’ve enjoyed it immensely. Early next year our family will be expanding with the birth of our first child. If this policy is enacted, I will not hesitate to move from this state to a state that aligns more with my values.

Thank you for considering my comment.


Do not support this bill

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Protection of students should be the focus, this bill rolls back protections and can potentially inflict pain and hardship to students.  I appose this bill.


Support The model Policies 2022

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Support The model Policies 2022


Vehemently Oppose

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<p>This policy endangers children who do not feel safe at home. All children have a right to be educated in a safe place. These policies target a small minority of students who are also the most vulnerable. </p>


New slogan: Virginia is for transphobics!

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Republicans continue to strip away basic freedoms, and this is just another example. Think beyond white, “Christian” men, and find some compassion for all. These are bullying and hateful policies that are a disgrace to a large amount of Virginians. Cannot wait until you are out of office, and there is a return to basic human decency!

I was taught that we were all made in the image and likeness of God.


Since this applies to ALL - ensuring the school is ready for a permission slip for ALL nicknames

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Since this applies to ALL - guess that means there will be a permission slip for all

Robert = Bob

Christine - Christy

etc.


Strongly support Gov. Younkins policy

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<p>Students are minors and parents have rights. Schools need to follow the law. </p>


STRONGLY Oppose

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The new proposed policy of Governor Youngkin is dangerous for the transgender students of Virginia.  I strongly oppose the proposed policy.  Our students deserve a safe environment in which to learn, grow and be accepted.  The new policy will endanger the well being of these students.  They already fear being outed and this policy will only exacerbate this feeling.  Often, school is the only place these children feel accepted and teachers may be their only confidant.  It is not up to the school to "out" these students.  They may fear their family's repercussions and the students confidence should be protected.  I would encourage Governor Youngkin and a bipartisan committee to consult a number of mental health professionals regarding this proposed policy.  Transgender students should be offered the opportunity to speak to the committee (anonmously,  should they be in fear) or submit written testimony.  Not all parents are as loving and supportive as the governor would like to believe.  The student may suffer great emotional or physical trauma, or worse, by a parent who is unable or unwilling to accept their child's life.  The government and school system should not be responsible for harm towards the student.  No religion should have any consideration in this decision.

Again, I strongly oppose this disastrous proposed policy.


Strongly opposed. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.

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The world said 'never again' after the Holocaust, Following through on that promise includes protecting queer people from attempts by present-day supremacists to weaponize the machinery of government through legislating oppression and discrimination. This is only the beginning - queer people are only the first target for being oppressed and un-personed. Any successes in targeting them will only encourage expanding attacks against other minority demographics and anyone that dissents against the right wing supremacist movement. The only way to stop that is to not give this movement an inch. Trans rights are human rights. Queer LGTBTQ rights are human rights. Minority rights are human rights. The proposed model policy is the leading edge of an atrocity in the making and must be opposed by all people that believe in a civilized and free society.


Trans right are human rights

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<p>Trans rights are human rights. Strongly oppose. </p>


I hate this

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This is transphobic I oppose it


“Parental rights” for who? These policies can be dangerous if parents are transphobic!!

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Youngkin said during a recent interview: “We must have parents at the front of the line — not at the exclusion of a trusted teacher or counselor — but parents must be the first stop for these decisions.”

How shortsighted of you! Not all of us are so dumb to fall for this.

While this might work if the parents are loving and supportive,  but what if they aren’t? Then what? You may end up with blood on your hands.

What basis do you have to overrule all of the major psychological associations that have designed standards of care for trans minors over the last several decades?


strongly oppose

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students should have rights and freedom of expression!!


Disgusted this is even being considered STRONGLY OPOSE

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It's adorable that insecure cis [someone who identifies as their gender assigned at birth] parents and legislature have such a problem with trans kids living their lives happily. honestly anyone commenting hurtful, transphobic things should really be ashamed of themselves.


Strongly oppose

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<p>These 2022 Model Policies do NOT protect children. They pose a significant threat to the well-being of trans and nonbinary youth. Please reject these policies. </p>