Do not approve the 2022 Model Policy

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The 2022 VDOE Model Policy places undue harm on transgender students. I strongly oppose this policy for that reason. No student should have undue harm placed on them by the government. That is called discrimination.


LGBTQ Rights are human rights

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We support LGTBQ rights because we support human rights.
Our rights are inalienable, sacred, and essential.
LGBTQ suffer from discrimination, abuse, and isolation. They are valuable members of our society in the same way all humans are valuable members of our society.
Protect LGBTQ People!


I oppose this policy

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy! </p>


Protect every student-- including transgender kids

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Please protect Every student in schools, no matter what their gender or what their identity is!


Wrong headed 'Guidance' which hurts Trans kids

Patty McGrath, Creation Spirituality Communities

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In this Governor's 'Guidance' he is using the most vulnerable of his constituents as a political pawn.   I know many parents of happy, healthy trans adults, and I can not imagine the pain of parents trying to help their children understand why their own teachers can now not support them or even call them the right name.  Arlington and Fairfax are resisting but most of the state is following the new directives which erase the model policies passed in the last administration. This situation must be remedied. Trans kids are NOT expendable for political points.


This Will Kill Me.

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<p>I will actually k!ll myswlf if this law is put in place </p>


I oppose this policy

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Transgender and non-binary children will suffer or possibly even die because of what these strings of policies entail. You are not protecting children, you are putting them in danger. Not every child has a good home life with parents who support them and making the parents aware without the consent of the child is borderline fascism. We the future generation will remember the acts of the older people in positions of power and remember them for their lack of care for human life. We will remember."}'>Transgender and non-binary children will suffer or possibly even die because of what these strings of policies entail. You are not protecting children, you are putting them in danger. Not every child has a good home life with parents who support them and making the parents aware without the consent of the child is borderline fascism. We the future generation will remember the acts of the older people in positions of power and remember them for their lack of care for human life. We will remember.


Protect Emotionally Vulnerable Children and Parental Rights!

Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Laura Fischer
23 Chaparral Rd
Boise, ID 83716

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Laura Fischer
<br />23 Chaparral Rd<br />Boise, ID 83716<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148813305" width="1" height="1" />


Strongly oppose and will fight for the rights of trans and queer youth

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<p>I strongly believe this policy will be detrimental to children in Virginia and I oppose this measure. Children and parents should be provided the support and medication they need to make the decisions that are right for them. </p>


Support - Parents have primary rights with respect to their children

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I support the new rules, which honor the sacred right of parents in the care and rearing of their children in school, sports, and other activities.

Parents know the needs of their children - including those struggling with gender dysphoria - better than anyone. Parents have the primary responsibility to ensure their children receive the guidance and emotional support they need. These policies require school officials to keep parents fully informed, and also 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, such as travel accommodations and locker rooms, should be determined by sex. Likewise, students should use the bathrooms that correspond to their sex. However, single-user bathrooms and facilities should be made available in accessible areas and provided with appropriate signage, indicating accessibility for all students.

These new policies protect the fundamental rights of parents and, ultimately, the rights of students, struggling in a particularly challenging period of their lives. They also protect the religious liberty interests of personnel and students.


Disgusting

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As a disabled youth, I already don’t feel accommodated or safe in school. I am also transgender. My parents are not supportive of my identity and this could get me into a whole lot of trouble. I already have declining mental health. Please consider the toll this will take on transgender kid’s mental well-being. Trans support is suicide prevention.


In opposition to proposed policies

As the parent of a transgender teen, I strongly oppose the new model policies. My child has been in one of the districts that adopted affirming policies early on, policies that were looked at as an example when the previous (2021) model policies were created. Because of these 2021 affirming policies, my child has been able to attend school without fear of bullying. My child can focus on her schoolwork and on building healthy social skills. If the proposed policies were in place, she would feel scared and targeted on a daily basis, even though she has support at home. She would be unable to succeed academically and would likely need medication for anxiety and/or depression. The current policies in her school district and in Virginia allow her to feel safe, valued and cared for. She has been able to make a positive contribution to her school community without fear of reprisal for her very existence. It is insulting to know that the current administration would call into question the medical and psychological guidance of professionals, those on our health care team as well as professionals at large. Best practice is to create a safe learning environment where all students understand adults to care about their well-being. The proposed policies run counter to best practice. In fact, even the fact that they have been proposed has negatively impacted my child’s health. It is degrading to hear that your elected officials want your teachers to disregard your wishes, and it provokes anxiety for her to worry about being called out by teachers or worry about her safety or the safety of her friends.In addition to these proposed guidelines being an affront to human rights, they also seem ignorant of what gender transition might entail. What would they do with students who have already undergone medical support toward a gender transition and have already changed their birth certificate? There is no appropriate way for these proposed policies to be enacted. I oppose their adoption and call on the VDOE to keep on the affirming and supportive path it was previously on with the 2021 model policies. Make schools a safe place for children to learn by rejecting these proposed policies and continuing with the 2021 model policies.

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"As the parent of a transgender teen, I strongly oppose the new model policies. My child has been in one of the districts that adopted affirming policies early on, policies that were looked at as an example when the previous (2021) model policies were created. Because of these 2021 affirming policies, my child has been able to attend school without fear of bullying. My child can focus on her schoolwork and on building healthy social skills. If the proposed policies were in place, she would feel scared and targeted on a daily basis, even though she has support at home. She would be unable to succeed academically and would likely need medication for anxiety and/or depression. The current policies in her school district and in Virginia allow her to feel safe, valued and cared for. She has been able to make a positive contribution to her school community without fear of reprisal for her very existence. \n\nIt is insulting to know that the current administration would call into question the medical and psychological guidance of professionals, those on our health care team as well as professionals at large. Best practice is to create a safe learning environment where all students understand adults to care about their well-being. The proposed policies run counter to best practice. In fact, even the fact that they have been proposed has negatively impacted my child’s health. It is degrading to hear that your elected officials want your teachers to disregard your wishes, and it provokes anxiety for her to worry about being called out by teachers or worry about her safety or the safety of her friends.\n\nIn addition to these proposed guidelines being an affront to human rights, they also seem ignorant of what gender transition might entail. What would they do with students who have already undergone medical support toward a gender transition and have already changed their birth certificate? There is no appropriate way for these proposed policies to be enacted. I oppose their adoption and call on the VDOE to keep on the affirming and supportive path it was previously on with the 2021 model policies. Make schools a safe place for children to learn by rejecting these proposed policies and continuing with the 2021 model policies."}'>As the parent of a transgender teen, I strongly oppose the new model policies. My child has been in one of the districts that adopted affirming policies early on, policies that were looked at as an example when the previous (2021) model policies were created. Because of these 2021 affirming policies, my child has been able to attend school without fear of bullying. My child can focus on her schoolwork and on building healthy social skills. If the proposed policies were in place, she would feel scared and targeted on a daily basis, even though she has support at home. She would be unable to succeed academically and would likely need medication for anxiety and/or depression. The current policies in her school district and in Virginia allow her to feel safe, valued and cared for. She has been able to make a positive contribution to her school community without fear of reprisal for her very existence.

It is insulting to know that the current administration would call into question the medical and psychological guidance of professionals, those on our health care team as well as professionals at large. Best practice is to create a safe learning environment where all students understand adults to care about their well-being. The proposed policies run counter to best practice. In fact, even the fact that they have been proposed has negatively impacted my child’s health. It is degrading to hear that your elected officials want your teachers to disregard your wishes, and it provokes anxiety for her to worry about being called out by teachers or worry about her safety or the safety of her friends.

In addition to these proposed guidelines being an affront to human rights, they also seem ignorant of what gender transition might entail. What would they do with students who have already undergone medical support toward a gender transition and have already changed their birth certificate? There is no appropriate way for these proposed policies to be enacted. I oppose their adoption and call on the VDOE to keep on the affirming and supportive path it was previously on with the 2021 model policies. Make schools a safe place for children to learn by rejecting these proposed policies and continuing with the 2021 model policies.


Thank you - support

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<p>The rights of the parents to make choices for and with their children must be upheld. We do not give guardianship to the schools when our children are in their care. The government (school) does not co-parent with me. </p>


Proposed policy on transgender student will harm them

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<p>This proposed policy is not an effort to protect or help transgender students, and hinders parent rights more than it supports them.  The policy also harms non-transgender students by failing to require school officials to model respect and common decency and punishing those who do so.  It also is not supported by the legal 'authorities' cited as the legal underpinning.   It is motivated solely by the Governor's politically-motivated desire to placate a small but noisy subset of non-Virginia voters who have never met a transgender person, are hostile to the very existence of transgender persons, and plainly do not have the protection or best interests of transgender persons in mind.  Parents should not have to obtain a court order simply to ask the school to treat their student with respect and human dignity.  Shame on the Superintendent and Department of Education for proposing to replace the existing humane recommended policy with this travesty. </p>


Supprting the policies

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<p>I support the governor's policies. People expect too much special treatment just because they say they feel a certain way. But if natural females feel threatened by guys in skirts who ( really shouldn't) insist on being called female, well in that case I will support natural born women. For those who are considering a sex change, is it real or just a phase that one goes through. There are many who have yet to reach a level that they are 100% sure in their choice. We all have to not have to live in fear. The playing field should be level for all. Those who support and insist on special treatment for the transgender community should be doing everything to make sure these people are prepared for the best and worst of life.  And to teach them to expect good and bad situations in their life. Not every choice will be supported. Some of these people will be facing abuse and resentment from others. Part of the learning process should be to prepare one to handle those situations. Lots of teaching opportunities here. Start by trying to prevent some of the trans community from thoughts of suicide. </p>


Support Parents Rights

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I support this measure for several reasons.

As the parents are legally responsible for their minor children, and their actions, they should be given the power to determine the best way, within the law, that their children are treated with regard to their sexual orientation.

Parents know their children better than any teacher or administrator.  They have known their children longer and have been raising them since birth, something that no teacher or administrator has.

As the parents are taxpayers, and funding this measure and the public schools, they should have a right to determine how and the way their children are treated with such a personal thing.

I believe that parents should be included in any treatment or decisions of their children in a public school.  However, I think an opt-out portion should be made for those parents that want their school to determine, and act on, these issues without their knowledge or consent.  I feel fairly confidant that very few parents will return an opt-out, if any.


STRONGLY oppose

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This proposal will NOT help trans kids, who have some of the highest rates of suicide of any group.  Follow the guidance set out by actual reputable medical and psychological organizations.  Allow ALL our children to feel welcome and safe AS THEY ARE in our schools.  Quit using children as a way to rile up "your" (i.e., TFG's) base and further divide your constituency.


Thank you Youngkin

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Thank you for protecting our kids.


oppose this

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goddamit why can't people be good for once, just let trans kids be


Trans Rights Matter

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<p>As a trans student, this policy will affect me greatly. My mental health was the lowest when I was not out. Not only was I battling dysphoria, but I was also dealing with societal pressure. This led to me being hospitalized. My mental health deteriorated because I could not safely express myself. I have since come out and that trigger is less prominent in my life. I still deal with dysphoria, being misgendered, bullied, harassed, and so much more. However, it’s helped me greatly to just be called by my chosen name and pronouns. I don’t force people to call me them, and I know people make mistakes and it happens. I’m not forcing anyone to follow my basic human right. I’m just asking that y’all take into consideration the effect that trans rights have on trans people. And remember: Are you really affected by trans rights? Is it that difficult to call someone by their chosen name and pronouns? When a straight woman gets married and changes her last name, you learn to call her by her new last name. You may mess up at first, but eventually you get used to it. It’s really not that hard. Now apply that to transgender individuals. See? Not that hard. </p>


New Proposed Policies Are Discriminatory

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These new proposed policies will actively harm the well being of Trans Youth. Trans youth are already more likely to become homeless and suffer violence throughout their lives. The school environment should be a place where youth can take refuge, not a place to further traumatize children.


Support for the Proposed Model - Parents Have a Right to Know What is Going On

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The first sentence of the 2022 MODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT FOR ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS says it all: Parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children: Policies shall be drafted to safeguard parents’ rights with respect to their child, and to facilitate the exercise of those rights. Having three children who attended Virginia Schools at all grades and Virginia Universities before the current push to question the biology of young children by certain education professionals and political activists, I would have fought with everything I am to protect my children against someone else pushing undo influence on them without my knowledge.

I strongly support the proposed model behaviors put forth by Governor Youngkin.


Proposed Model Policies are Abhorrent

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<p>As a resident of Alexandria, VA, I am strongly opposed to Governor Youngkin's proposed model policies concerning the "privacy, dignity, and respect for all students and parents in Virginia's public schools." These proposals, if finalized, would jeopardize the health, safety, and well being of all students, especially those who identify as transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQ+. </p>


Strong oppose

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I agree with the Virginia ACLU's statement:

These policies are contrary to state law and their adoption will result in rampant violations of the rights of students, parents, and school personnel, and will inflict serious harm on transgender and nonbinary students.

All students should be safe, welcomed, and included in Virginia’s public schools. We oppose the 2022 Model Policies in their entirety and demand that the VDOE rescind them, leaving the existing 2021 Model Policies in place.


Strongly Support

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<p>I strongly support the Governor's proposal. </p>


I oppose this policy

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I am a transgender individual who graduated from LCPS as of last year.  Transgender rights are a huge issue, from micro aggressions such as misgendering, to death threats.  Nothing on the spectrum of transphobia is okay.  Forcibly outing students to unsupportive parents is not only wrong, but dangerous.  If Youngkin really wants to keep children safe, he would not force them into unsafe situations at home.  This can and will lead to even more suicidal teens.  I hope Youngkin will move in with Trump because he’s clearly in love with him."}'>I am a transgender individual who graduated from LCPS as of last year. Transgender rights are a huge issue, from micro aggressions such as misgendering, to death threats. Nothing on the spectrum of transphobia is okay. Forcibly outing students to unsupportive parents is not only wrong, but dangerous. If Youngkin really wants to keep children safe, he would not force them into unsafe situations at home. This can and will lead to even more suicidal teens. I hope Youngkin will move in with Trump because he’s clearly in love with him.


Strongly Support and Thank You Governor Youngkin

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<p>Thank you Governor Youngkin for bringing common sense back to Virginia. Parents have the right to defend the way their children are being taught in the schools. Teachers have the responsibility to teach children math, reading, history, etc., not this other "woke" ideology. </p>


Would you want an 18yo man alone in the bathroom with your 14yo daughter?  Support.


Oppose model policies on transgender students

I strongly oppose the proposed model policies. Transgender and non-binary students deserve to attend public institutions that create a safe learning environment. When a student feels threatened or targeted, they are not positioned to learn. The very suggestion of these new proposals has already been harmful to gender non-conforming youth. It tells them their experience is not valued, which negatively affects their mental health and their ability to learn and feel confident interacting with peers and adults in school.Youth should not have to justify their existence and become activists just to be treated with respect. It is beyond troubling for the government to suggest that they should be called by names and pronouns other than the ones with which they identify. Let students be who they are. Get out of their business. Let caring teachers create a welcome environment for all. When students believe the adults in their lives care about their well-being, they will thrive. Trans students are at higher risk for depression, but the presence of a caring adult can make a significant positive difference. Many trans students do not have support at home. If they can be accepted at school, they are more likely to have better outcomes. The previous (2021) model policies were based on sound guidance from medical and educational professionals. Those policies demonstrated an understanding that it is not ethical for the school to create a hostile learning environment that threatens the physical safety and mental health of students. The new proposed policies are ill-advised and do not treat trans students with dignity and respect. The new proposed policies also put teachers in a precarious position that will compromise their ability to effectively teach. Do not burden teachers with the responsibility of harming children. We need caring teachers in the classroom. There is already enough of a teacher shortage. Do not make it more challenging for teachers to do their jobs.Trans children are children. They are people. Do not make schools a place where their humanity is denied.

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I strongly oppose the proposed model policies. Transgender and non-binary students deserve to attend public institutions that create a safe learning environment. When a student feels threatened or targeted, they are not positioned to learn. The very suggestion of these new proposals has already been harmful to gender non-conforming youth. It tells them their experience is not valued, which negatively affects their mental health and their ability to learn and feel confident interacting with peers and adults in school.\nYouth should not have to justify their existence and become activists just to be treated with respect. It is beyond troubling for the government to suggest that they should be called by names and pronouns other than the ones with which they identify. Let students be who they are. Get out of their business. Let caring teachers create a welcome environment for all. When students believe the adults in their lives care about their well-being, they will thrive. Trans students are at higher risk for depression, but the presence of a caring adult can make a significant positive difference. Many trans students do not have support at home. If they can be accepted at school, they are more likely to have better outcomes. The previous (2021) model policies were based on sound guidance from medical and educational professionals. Those policies demonstrated an understanding that it is not ethical for the school to create a hostile learning environment that threatens the physical safety and mental health of students. The new proposed policies are ill-advised and do not treat trans students with dignity and respect. The new proposed policies also put teachers in a precarious position that will compromise their ability to effectively teach. Do not burden teachers with the responsibility of harming children. We need caring teachers in the classroom. There is already enough of a teacher shortage. Do not make it more challenging for teachers to do their jobs.\n\nTrans children are children. They are people. Do not make schools a place where their humanity is denied.\n"}'>I strongly oppose the proposed model policies. Transgender and non-binary students deserve to attend public institutions that create a safe learning environment. When a student feels threatened or targeted, they are not positioned to learn. The very suggestion of these new proposals has already been harmful to gender non-conforming youth. It tells them their experience is not valued, which negatively affects their mental health and their ability to learn and feel confident interacting with peers and adults in school.
Youth should not have to justify their existence and become activists just to be treated with respect. It is beyond troubling for the government to suggest that they should be called by names and pronouns other than the ones with which they identify. Let students be who they are. Get out of their business. Let caring teachers create a welcome environment for all. When students believe the adults in their lives care about their well-being, they will thrive. Trans students are at higher risk for depression, but the presence of a caring adult can make a significant positive difference. Many trans students do not have support at home. If they can be accepted at school, they are more likely to have better outcomes. The previous (2021) model policies were based on sound guidance from medical and educational professionals. Those policies demonstrated an understanding that it is not ethical for the school to create a hostile learning environment that threatens the physical safety and mental health of students. The new proposed policies are ill-advised and do not treat trans students with dignity and respect. The new proposed policies also put teachers in a precarious position that will compromise their ability to effectively teach. Do not burden teachers with the responsibility of harming children. We need caring teachers in the classroom. There is already enough of a teacher shortage. Do not make it more challenging for teachers to do their jobs.

Trans children are children. They are people. Do not make schools a place where their humanity is denied.


I fully support this policy

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This policy has the best interests of children.  Schools should not and cannot replace parents.  This current trans agenda being pushed by many teachers is extremely harmful for our sacred children. Thank you Gov. Youngkin.

Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.


Strongly oppose.


100% Support!! Thank you!

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<p>I 100% support the new guidelines. They are fair and allow parents to have more knowledge and control as it should be. Girls and boys should not have to worry about being in a bathroom or locker room with the other sex just because it’s a free for all. It is dangerous. There have already been instances of assault because of the previous administration’s policy. Asking young children what their pronouns are is dangerous and I am completely against it. Please implement this policy as it was originally written. </p>


Oppose Youngkin Plan

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Trans youth are already at greater risk of suicidality, and this proposed plan would only make that worse. I’m for keeping kids alive, and for that reason I cannot support this proposal.


VIRGINIA school LGBTQ POLICY

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<p>100% support the policy of the Governor </p>


devastating to our most vulnerable children

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<p>For children whose family punishes them for being different, school can be a vital refuge of safety and inclusion. To give such parents the right to make sure their children's school day is as miserable and lonely as their home life is taking away a needed safety valve that will cost lives. This is another push to drive out compassionate educators and instill a regressive evangelical doctrine, along with Youngkin's Teacher Tattle hotline and the ridiculous furor over teaching accurate history. Shame on all the adults who are afraid of allowing children to be who they are. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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This vilification of transgender individuals is something that serves to lead to higher depression, suicide rates, and violence against these individuals, for just existing. Already these rates are especially high for these groups. For the well-being of these students' mental health, as they are the ones directly affected by these changes, not the parents who somehow see their gender non-conforming child as some sort of burden, this policy should not be implemented. Parents will maintain their ability to contact and discuss their child's teaching, and hopefully, students will be able to maintain some autonomy at what may be their only safe space away from home.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Trans rights are human rights.


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As a parent, female, and mom of a female student in VA, I strongly oppose this anti-child draft. It does not protect children at all, instead, is likely to harm them, so far as to kill them. I am a teacher in higher education, and know first-hand that students cannot learn if they are not in a supportive environment. This draft does NOT serve the needs of all students (as it claims) but is exclusive and transphobic.

The draft is also impossible. Guiding Principle D "Schools shall respect all students: All children in Virginia have a right to learn, free from unlawful discrimination and harassment." is impossible to reconcile with the rest of the policy that wants to erase the presence of some students from the classroom, and/or expose them to future bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

The views that this "protects parent rights" is also misguided and false. Parents already have good access to their child's education in VA. We can see detailed reports of how they are doing academically, get updates on what they are learning, etc. When my child is sick, the nurse calls me. This policy would not give parents any more rights than they already have, or make safer environments for students and families, but would instead hamper schools that are trying to teach students, and will create more hostile environments where students cannot learn.


Protect Trans kids!

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I support the ACLU's statement that these policies are contrary to state law and their adoption will result in rampant violations of the rights of students, parents, and school personnel, and will inflict serious harm on transgender and nonbinary students.

All students should be safe, welcomed, and included in Virginia’s public schools. We oppose the 2022 Model Policies in their entirety and demand that the VDOE rescind them, leaving the existing 2021 Model Policies in place.

It is atrocious that grown adults are behaving in ways that would further harm already marginalized children. Transgender and nonbinary students are not harming anyone by being who they are. These adults need to get a grip and let kids be kids in whatever way feels comfortable to them. There are many good people in Virginia  and elsewhere who want to move the world forward in a better more inclusive way. This bill is harmful and should be struck down.

For any trans kids reading these comments I hope you know you are loved. you are valuable. The people trying to erase your identities are not the majority. Please keep going. We need you all in this world.


Don't Legislate Hate

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Why do people like Youngkin feel so threatened by people actually being happy in their own skin, and having the same rights and access to opportunities? And using the guise of "parental rights" to legislate oppression is despicable.  Just stop.


I oppose this policy

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"lasy year, I was a trans youth in a public high school myself. It was hard enough when teachers were allowed to call me by my correct name and pronouns. I had to constantly worry about my safety in the classroom, the bathrooms and the locker rooms. Being called by the right name and pronouns was one of the only good things going for me. Trans kids don't want to do anything harmful, we're just trying to be ourselves and be accepted, don't make that harder for us. Schools should try to be an inclusive and safe space for everyone, by doing this you would be taking that away. There are only so many safe spaces for trans kids, don't take the few we have away. If you care about kids and youth, then please don't take away their rights and safety."}">lasy year, I was a trans youth in a public high school myself. It was hard enough when teachers were allowed to call me by my correct name and pronouns. I had to constantly worry about my safety in the classroom, the bathrooms and the locker rooms. Being called by the right name and pronouns was one of the only good things going for me. Trans kids don't want to do anything harmful, we're just trying to be ourselves and be accepted, don't make that harder for us. Schools should try to be an inclusive and safe space for everyone, by doing this you would be taking that away. There are only so many safe spaces for trans kids, don't take the few we have away. If you care about kids and youth, then please don't take away their rights and safety.


2022 Model Policies

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I fully support the 2022 Model Policies


I oppose this policy

Hello Gov. Youngkin and the VDOE,Today is my 43rd birthday. And, while every year is a gift, mine is extra special. Because in 2009- the year I turned 30- I learned I had cancer. What makes my story unique is that I was in my first trimester of pregnancy. I remember before the diagnosis everyone asking if my husband and I wanted a boy or a girl. Once I was given the all clear from my oncology team that I could begin chemotherapy at 20 weeks, I realized what a privilege wanting a boy or girl is. Because all my family wanted was a healthy baby. In May of 2010, six weeks early, while I still had more chemo to complete, we got our wish. A teeny, tiny, but very healthy baby. Fully developed brain, lungs, heart. And as they grew we learned they have a fully developed sense of humor, gifted abilities, and sense of kindness and empathy. We have always known our child has not identified with their birth gender. We've had open conversations, letting them know our home is a safe environment, but letting them decide if and when they wanted to tell us. They started middle school last year. Do you remember middle school? Everyone is self conscious. Few people are real. But not where my child is. They have had the most incredible teachers and classmates. That safe, nurturing environment (that's what we want for our schools, yes?) is where my child first fully came out with a different name and pronouns. My intelligent, thoughtful child understand that as communicative as we are, to be told they don't feel the way they were assigned at birth... that's difficult for a parent to hear and educate themselves on. Our family has been so blessed our child could tell their teachers! Every child should have the right to decide who they trust! Every home, every family is not as safe as ours. My heart breaks for children in Virginia who will be abused, cast out, hurt by their own families because their state failed to protect them by forcing them out before they are ready. Do. The. Right. Thing. Protect our LGBTQ+ youth! They are our future and need our government and school officials to keep them safe! It's a privilege to think gender is more important than health!

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Hello Gov. Youngkin and the VDOE,\n\nToday is my 43rd birthday. And, while every year is a gift, mine is extra special. Because in 2009- the year I turned 30- I learned I had cancer. What makes my story unique is that I was in my first trimester of pregnancy. I remember before the diagnosis everyone asking if my husband and I wanted a boy or a girl. Once I was given the all clear from my oncology team that I could begin chemotherapy at 20 weeks, I realized what a privilege wanting a boy or girl is. Because all my family wanted was a healthy baby. In May of 2010, six weeks early, while I still had more chemo to complete, we got our wish. A teeny, tiny, but very healthy baby. Fully developed brain, lungs, heart. And as they grew we learned they have a fully developed sense of humor, gifted abilities, and sense of kindness and empathy. \n\nWe have always known our child has not identified with their birth gender. We've had open conversations, letting them know our home is a safe environment, but letting them decide if and when they wanted to tell us. They started middle school last year. Do you remember middle school? Everyone is self conscious. Few people are real. But not where my child is. They have had the most incredible teachers and classmates. That safe, nurturing environment (that's what we want for our schools, yes?) is where my child first fully came out with a different name and pronouns. My intelligent, thoughtful child understand that as communicative as we are, to be told they don't feel the way they were assigned at birth... that's difficult for a parent to hear and educate themselves on. Our family has been so blessed our child could tell their teachers! Every child should have the right to decide who they trust! Every home, every family is not as safe as ours. My heart breaks for children in Virginia who will be abused, cast out, hurt by their own families because their state failed to protect them by forcing them out before they are ready. \n\nDo. The. Right. Thing. Protect our LGBTQ+ youth! They are our future and need our government and school officials to keep them safe! It's a privilege to think gender is more important than health! "}">Hello Gov. Youngkin and the VDOE,

Today is my 43rd birthday. And, while every year is a gift, mine is extra special. Because in 2009- the year I turned 30- I learned I had cancer. What makes my story unique is that I was in my first trimester of pregnancy. I remember before the diagnosis everyone asking if my husband and I wanted a boy or a girl. Once I was given the all clear from my oncology team that I could begin chemotherapy at 20 weeks, I realized what a privilege wanting a boy or girl is. Because all my family wanted was a healthy baby. In May of 2010, six weeks early, while I still had more chemo to complete, we got our wish. A teeny, tiny, but very healthy baby. Fully developed brain, lungs, heart. And as they grew we learned they have a fully developed sense of humor, gifted abilities, and sense of kindness and empathy.

We have always known our child has not identified with their birth gender. We've had open conversations, letting them know our home is a safe environment, but letting them decide if and when they wanted to tell us. They started middle school last year. Do you remember middle school? Everyone is self conscious. Few people are real. But not where my child is. They have had the most incredible teachers and classmates. That safe, nurturing environment (that's what we want for our schools, yes?) is where my child first fully came out with a different name and pronouns. My intelligent, thoughtful child understand that as communicative as we are, to be told they don't feel the way they were assigned at birth... that's difficult for a parent to hear and educate themselves on. Our family has been so blessed our child could tell their teachers! Every child should have the right to decide who they trust! Every home, every family is not as safe as ours. My heart breaks for children in Virginia who will be abused, cast out, hurt by their own families because their state failed to protect them by forcing them out before they are ready.

Do. The. Right. Thing. Protect our LGBTQ+ youth! They are our future and need our government and school officials to keep them safe! It's a privilege to think gender is more important than health!


Parental Involvement? Yes, please!! Thank you!!

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Thank you Glen Youngkin and staff for bringing common sense back to Virginia!  Of course parents should be involved in decisions and discussions about their child's well being and mental state.  Of course girls should be able to feel safe in restrooms and locker rooms and not have to worry about the presence of boys in their safe spaces.  Of course girls should not have to compete against boys in sports traditionally separated by sex.  Let's stop letting the tail wag the dog.


Oppose Youngkin's harmful model policies

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First, these model policies are contrary to state law. I'm sure the governor and his team know that, but "laws for thee and not for me" is pretty much the motto of the Republican party these days so no surprise they don't care.

Second, and frankly more importantly, these policies will be harmful to students. These policies contradict best practices outlined by medical and psychiatric professionals. This will reduce the safety of these kids at school, and for some it will make them less safe at home. It has a devastating impact on mental health. Some in the Republican party try to flip it, saying allowing kids to access compassionate care makes them mentally ill, but of course that's a lie. Being vilified by hordes of bigoted adults, targeted by people for bullying, betrayed by family members who should LOVE THEM UNCONDITIONALLY but don't - those are the things that make these kids depressed. They are ready to live full and happy lives, but adults with no understanding of what they are going through are blocking the safest path.


Proposed VADOE Revised Transgender Policy

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<p>Youngkin”s proposed policy change should NOT be implemented. The current policy should remain in place. Do not jeopardize the lives of transgender children for political gain. Virginians don’t want government interfering in our lives. </p>


Comment to VA Regulatory Townhall

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I strongly support Gov. Youngkin’s revised 2022 model policies on The Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All students and Parents in Virginia Public Schools. Parents rights DO MATTER in what is being taught to their children especially as regards their biological identity and religious convictions.


Strongly oppose.  Support our LGBTQ kids.

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<p>Your policy is completely anti-transgender.  All of the progress made in recent years will have been negated.  I support dignity and respect for transgender youths. </p>


Protect trans kids

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I oppose this proposed policy because it does not support children.  It is the responsibility of public schools to teach students and protect students.  This policy would directly harm students.  Future proposed policies should focus on ways to better teach and better protect students.


Oppose

I am a healthcare worker, and in my 5th and final year of psychology doctoral training. I write from a personal and professional standpoint as an ally and advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community. The evidence put forth in research is overwhelmingly clear. The proposed transphobic and discriminatory policies put forth by the Virginia DOE will cause irreparable and devastating harm to the mental and physical health of LGBTQIA+ youth. Would you force a child to share a classroom with a herd of lions every single day of their education? The question seems ridiculous because the answer here is obviously no. Students would be terrified to enter and simply exist because the threat to their lives would be very real. But still they must enter the classroom and exist in threat because it is part of the curriculum.Imagine how damaging that experience would be. No one would ever get used to the lions. You would not “grow out of” the fear. You would always be afraid to exist. Your fight/flight system would always be activated. Cortisol and other stress hormones would constantly surge throughout your brain and body, leading to chronic physical and mental illness and preventing your brain from developing normally. We can remove the lions and replace it with any inescapable threat. Anything that produces fear simply based on existing. Whether we are being chased by lions, or afraid to speak to a room full of people, the same fear system- fight or flight, is activated. The fight or flight response is adaptive and exists to keep us safe, giving us momentary abilities to help ensure our survival. However, when the threat to our existence and fear is constant and our fear systems are constantly activated, we become physiologically unable to turn it off. The body and the brain is consistently being told it is in danger and does all it can to protect. Despite best intentions, this leads to inflammation, mental illness, physical illness, chronic pain, and many more severe health consequences. Children in a state of constant threat won’t be able to engage in school, brain development will be hindered, and they will face higher rates of chronic illness, mental illness, premature death and death by suicide. For LGBTQIA+ youth the proposed policies create a perpetually unsafe, threatening environment that they would be forced to endure every day. For these children, there will be lions in the classroom. They will face danger and fear simply for existing, every single day. The proposed transphobic policies put forth by the Virginia DOE are a direct and cruel attack on the well-being of children and their mental and physical health. I strongly oppose this proposed draft guidance. It is imperative to the health, safety, and wellbeing of children that the Virginia Department of Education reject these policies.

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I am a healthcare worker, and in my 5th and final year of psychology doctoral training. I write from a personal and professional standpoint as an ally and advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community. \n\nThe evidence put forth in research is overwhelmingly clear. The proposed transphobic and discriminatory policies put forth by the Virginia DOE will cause irreparable and devastating harm to the mental and physical health of LGBTQIA+ youth. \n\nWould you force a child to share a classroom with a herd of lions every single day of their education? The question seems ridiculous because the answer here is obviously no. Students would be terrified to enter and simply exist because the threat to their lives would be very real. But still they must enter the classroom and exist in threat because it is part of the curriculum.\n\nImagine how damaging that experience would be. No one would ever get used to the lions.  You would not “grow out of” the fear.  You would always be afraid to exist. Your fight/flight system would always be activated. Cortisol and other stress hormones would constantly surge throughout your brain and body, leading to chronic physical and mental illness and preventing your brain from developing normally. \n\nWe can remove the lions and replace it with any inescapable threat. Anything that produces fear simply based on existing. \n\nWhether we are being chased by lions, or afraid to speak to a room full of people, the same fear system- fight or flight, is activated. The fight or flight response is adaptive and exists to keep us safe, giving us momentary abilities to help ensure our survival. \n\nHowever, when the threat to our existence and fear is constant and our fear systems are constantly activated, we become physiologically unable to turn it off. The body and the brain is consistently being told it is in danger and does all it can to protect. Despite best intentions, this leads to inflammation, mental illness, physical illness, chronic pain, and many more severe health consequences. \n\nChildren in a state of constant threat won’t be able to engage in school, brain development will be hindered, and they will face higher rates of chronic illness, mental illness, premature death and death by suicide. \n\nFor LGBTQIA+ youth the proposed policies create a perpetually unsafe, threatening environment that they would be forced to endure every day. For these children, there will be lions in the classroom. They will face danger and fear simply for existing, every single day. \n\nThe proposed transphobic policies put forth by the Virginia DOE are a direct and cruel attack on the well-being of children and their mental and physical health. I strongly oppose this proposed draft guidance. It is imperative to the health, safety, and wellbeing of children that the Virginia Department of Education reject these policies. "}'>I am a healthcare worker, and in my 5th and final year of psychology doctoral training. I write from a personal and professional standpoint as an ally and advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The evidence put forth in research is overwhelmingly clear. The proposed transphobic and discriminatory policies put forth by the Virginia DOE will cause irreparable and devastating harm to the mental and physical health of LGBTQIA+ youth.

Would you force a child to share a classroom with a herd of lions every single day of their education? The question seems ridiculous because the answer here is obviously no. Students would be terrified to enter and simply exist because the threat to their lives would be very real. But still they must enter the classroom and exist in threat because it is part of the curriculum.

Imagine how damaging that experience would be. No one would ever get used to the lions. You would not “grow out of” the fear. You would always be afraid to exist. Your fight/flight system would always be activated. Cortisol and other stress hormones would constantly surge throughout your brain and body, leading to chronic physical and mental illness and preventing your brain from developing normally.

We can remove the lions and replace it with any inescapable threat. Anything that produces fear simply based on existing.

Whether we are being chased by lions, or afraid to speak to a room full of people, the same fear system- fight or flight, is activated. The fight or flight response is adaptive and exists to keep us safe, giving us momentary abilities to help ensure our survival.

However, when the threat to our existence and fear is constant and our fear systems are constantly activated, we become physiologically unable to turn it off. The body and the brain is consistently being told it is in danger and does all it can to protect. Despite best intentions, this leads to inflammation, mental illness, physical illness, chronic pain, and many more severe health consequences.

Children in a state of constant threat won’t be able to engage in school, brain development will be hindered, and they will face higher rates of chronic illness, mental illness, premature death and death by suicide.

For LGBTQIA+ youth the proposed policies create a perpetually unsafe, threatening environment that they would be forced to endure every day. For these children, there will be lions in the classroom. They will face danger and fear simply for existing, every single day.

The proposed transphobic policies put forth by the Virginia DOE are a direct and cruel attack on the well-being of children and their mental and physical health. I strongly oppose this proposed draft guidance. It is imperative to the health, safety, and wellbeing of children that the Virginia Department of Education reject these policies.


Support

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<p>Schools, nor teachers should have any right over a child nor indoctrinate them in anyway concerning this topic. Teach math, English ect and not radical left ideology. Parents should be informed and have a say in all teachings and one on one conversations with their child. If not the school and or teacher should be held accountable.  </p>


A parent who opposes the policy

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I am a Virginian citizen and mother against youngkin’s anti-trans agenda. We must protect trans youth.


New Policy

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As a parent and now a grandparent with grandkids in school or to be in school in VA, I appreciate all the work that went into updating these policies to better protect basic parental rights as it pertains to the education of their children.  This is critical when it comes to issues that go far beyond the role public schools have in educating the children in the areas of reading, writing, arithmetic, science and arts.  Expanding education responsibilities beyond this scope to include gender and sexuality issues is dilutive to the primary function and responsibility for the educators but crosses the line into the regime where the parents have primary responsibility.  With the recent data published on how our kids are falling behind and test scores have plunged, focusing the school's educators on what is their responsibility is critical for our children and our nation in the future.


Have some common sense. Protect Trans and Non-Binary students

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Protect trans and non-binary students! Don't force them to be outed by teachers. As a non-binary university student I am very glad to have an inclusive environment where people respect one anothers preferred names and pronouns and don't out them to their families. Even in high school I was glad to see that the support of my fellow gender non-conforming and trans peers by the teachers and staff. Having an accepting and inclusive environment is extremely helpful for all students. By taking this away you're effectively making things worse for these students.


Governor's proposed public school transgender policy

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100% support the Governor's proposal. Return sanity to the public schools and the public arena.


Trans Rights are Human Rights!!!

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<p>Rights of all Trans people need to be protected and upheld! </p>


Strongly opposed to this hateful policy

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<p>This is a hateful and destructive policy and is no less than an assault on basic human rights. This governor says that he wants to protect the rights of parents -- but it appears that he only wants to protect the rights of a relatively small group of homophobic right-wing parents.  </p>


How many commenters have kids in VA school system?  I do and I support.


Protect Trans Youth!!!


Trans are sickos - YOUNGKIN FOR VA CHILDREN

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<p>Strongly support YOUNGKIN, close down thaw schools and lock up the mutilated and their parents!!! </p>


Protect Trans Kids: Oppose the 2022 Model Policy

Christopher - A Concerned Educator (and Parent)

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The data is crystal clear on what this kind policy does for students who are trans. This will hurt trans students, drive up rates of bullying (by students and school staff), remove vital protections, widen the achievement gap, and continue the track record of mental health challenges, including but not limited to suicidal ideation. The Youngkin administration has framed this as an issue of parental rights, which is a straw man argument. These policies serve to remove protections for students who are trans, place educators in a terrible position that could undermine the trusting relationships we educators seek to build, and disrupt instruction. In many different fields, not limited to education, child welfare and the privacy that sometimes safeguards that is prioritized above parental surveillance. Of course parents have a right to know what's going on in the lives and education of their children. But forcibly compelling that surveillance through these policies, not to mention the aspects of these policies that deny the human dignity we all wish to be afforded to us, will not protect students, their parents, or teachers. How do you map this policy onto situations where students are being abused? Will it be mandated that teachers immediately inform parents of their children's allegations of abuse? Or, like a rational person, would you perhaps safeguard that information and follow a different set of protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the child?

Please consider that this about more than your reelection or reappointment; this is about students' lives. And students will be harmed - emotionally, socially, academically, and physically - if you move forward with these dangerous policy decisions.


Parents Rights Protect the Children

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Parents are the FIRST teachers of our children.

The schools are accountable to PARENTS - we are entrusting our children to teachers to EDUCATE and not to alter their gender, their names or their God given nature.    The schools and teachers must report any and all actions related to gender questioning by the student to their parents.

Separate private bathrooms should be provided for any child not willing to use the bathroom of their biological natural born sex.  Males should not use female bathrooms - have the school systems not learned anything from the young female student who was sexually assaulted in Loudoun County by a male in female's bathroom?!

Last I checked, a student under 18 could not be administered an over the counter COUGH DROP or Tylenol / Motrin without parental consent.  Parents should always be notified of any identity issues of the children that are raised in school.

Of course, teachers religious rights should be protected as well and they should not be forced to compromise to keep their jobs.

Parents know their children, are raising their children in their own household and the schools must respect the parents' rights to know all behavior and activities that occur at school, just as they are notified of all graded classwork.


Support 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Digninty, and Respect for All Students & Parents in VA's

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As a parent of daughters who have school-aged children in Virginia, I support these carefully thought out and defined Model Policies protecting the privacy, dignity, and respect for ALL students AND parent in Virginia's schools.

Please adopt them.


If you put trans first, you put girls second - Support


Oppose the changes

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Gender affirming care is supported by medical and psychological experts. To claim that this policy seeks the best outcomes for children is to ignore significantly relevant peer reviewed recommendations.


Support governor Youngkin

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<p>I strongly support governor Youngkin’s Model policy on transgender students.  </p>


2022 model policies related to transgender/non-binary youth

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The proposed policies will not support the social, emotional, and mental health needs of all students. Instead these policies will create barriers for transgender and non-binary youth. These youth will be denied the opportunity to be their fully authentic selves at school. These policies will increase the risk of self-harm among an already vulnerable population. It is significant to note that 28% of transgender youth whose pronouns are not affirmed attempted suicide in the past year. (Trevor project 2020). When pronouns are respected, transgender youth attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected. These youth will certainly be subject to further discrimination, harassment, and bullying based upon their gender identity with the proposed policies. It is also noted that transgender and non-binary youth who are prevented from using restrooms/locker rooms that match their gender identity are at significantly increased risk of sexual assault - 26% transgender males and 149% transgender females (Murchison, et al, 2019). This being another negative impact of these proposed policies. Our youth deserve better and these policies should not be allowed! JE


YOUGKIN FOR THE WIN

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Trans are mental, lock them up in institutions. Leave the innocent children ALONE!!!!!!!


Strongly Support

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It is the right and duty of parents to be involved in the education of their children.  Education should be supportive of parents in their role as the child's primary educator.


I oppose this policy

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I oppose changing the 11 wonderful liberating, equitable, and protective changes signed into effect in 2021 by former Governor Northam. I was so proud of Virginia when those changes became law. Both sides of the legislature worked together to agree to compromises where there was dissent. \nThis is no time to be subjecting LGBTQ+ people to the humiliating treatments the 2021 changes prohibited. We need to continue to move toward acceptance and equality for all, and help our children learn in environments which promote respect for each individual human. Promoting hatred and divisiveness and mean-spirited bigotry and bullying will only increase harm that could otherwise be prevented in our lives in Virginia! Harmony, not hatred!"}'>I oppose changing the 11 wonderful liberating, equitable, and protective changes signed into effect in 2021 by former Governor Northam. I was so proud of Virginia when those changes became law. Both sides of the legislature worked together to agree to compromises where there was dissent.
This is no time to be subjecting LGBTQ+ people to the humiliating treatments the 2021 changes prohibited. We need to continue to move toward acceptance and equality for all, and help our children learn in environments which promote respect for each individual human. Promoting hatred and divisiveness and mean-spirited bigotry and bullying will only increase harm that could otherwise be prevented in our lives in Virginia! Harmony, not hatred!


Strongly Oppose!

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This is a solution in search of a problem. Kids these days do not blink when a classmate changes their pronouns, style of dress or name. It's parents who are instilling paranoia and negative views of gender transitions in their children.

In an ideal world, all parents would be supportive of their children in all facets of their lives. In reality, we know this is not the case. If we deny students the opportunity of a safe and confidential place to discuss their feelings with an adult they trust, we greatly increase the incidence of mental health crises and even suicide among youth. Students are ready to talk with their parents about personal things at different times. As the parent of 3 teenagers, I know this all too well. It's important to give kids space until they are ready, and in the meantime, why wouldn't we want them to open up to a trusted adult such as a teacher, coach or counselor?

Local school districts know their students/communities best and should have the authority to enact their own policies on issues such as transgender rights. Our schools should not have such a discriminatory policy imposed on them when it does not represent our community's values. This is a top-down, authoritarian approach that is a major departure from the inclusive environment Arlington has always embraced and treasured. My parental wish is for my son to attend a school where all are appreciated and supported, and close relationships with teachers are fostered, not regulated - why wouldn't everyone want that?


Strongly Sipport

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<p>I strongly support the proposed legislation </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT YOUNGKIN

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Close the schools down and lock up the mental mutulated


2022 policy on transgender students

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I support the proposed 2020 guidelines.  Parents are in charge of these kinds of decisions regarding their child.


I'm a parent who opposes this policy

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I have a 14 year old who has identified as non binary for 3 years now. High school is every child’s time to immerse themselves in their education and become the young adult they’ve dreamed of. The goal is to have kind, involved, responsible, members of our community. How kind do we respond and how involved can we be when our basic wishes are denied and shunned? Every young man and young woman reserve the right to hold their head high and share their contributions. How we identify is beside the point. The goal is to raise kids in a safe, loving, supportive environment so they can conceive and render their talents and gifts. Confidence is a big piece. The puzzle of high school, of life is complicated as it is. Let’s remove the challenge of being disrespected upon entering the classroom, upon showing up everyday in our own skin. We are here. We are human. We share the same air, resources, country, socialism, ideals."}'>I have a 14 year old who has identified as non binary for 3 years now. High school is every child’s time to immerse themselves in their education and become the young adult they’ve dreamed of. The goal is to have kind, involved, responsible, members of our community. How kind do we respond and how involved can we be when our basic wishes are denied and shunned? Every young man and young woman reserve the right to hold their head high and share their contributions. How we identify is beside the point. The goal is to raise kids in a safe, loving, supportive environment so they can conceive and render their talents and gifts. Confidence is a big piece. The puzzle of high school, of life is complicated as it is. Let’s remove the challenge of being disrespected upon entering the classroom, upon showing up everyday in our own skin. We are here. We are human. We share the same air, resources, country, socialism, ideals.


Opposed

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I firmly and strongly oppose this proposal. Not only would this causes children to be outed to their parents but in some places the suicide rate could increased. According to The Trevor Project, they say that “more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth (kids between 13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.” Do you comprehend how terrible this is. I can not vouch for everyone, but I can say some of the reasoning might be the feeling for not belonging. I sure that everyone has had the feeling of not belonging and know how terrible it is. If this school policy is put in place then the children it will be affected by it may be overcome with these feelings. Not only this but it will be outing kids to their parents. This may not seem like a big deal to everyone but to the trans children it is. Imagine having your biggest secret being exposed, not a secret that you are embarrassed by or ashamed of but it ways a secret that you weren’t ready to have exposed to the world. These two things may not seem like big things to you but they can change the way a child see the world.


Yes for policy

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I give a big yes for the new policy.


BAD POLICY, STRONGLY OPPOSED

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If this policy is passed, trans kids will be outed to their parents, who may hurt them financially, mentally, emotionally, and maybe even physically. THESE KIDS JUST WANT TO LIVE THEIR LIVES


Transgender policy

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I agree with our Gov. Younkin. As a father of a teen age daughter  who plays sports I shutter at any way a male will be allowed into her private space. I am also totaly opposed to allow males to participate on female teams. This is just unfair and wrong.


Opposed

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I oppose the guidance because it is harmful to transgender youth. these jeopardize the mental health and lives of transgender students. A study by the Trevor project found 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth. These rates increase even more when they are not accepted by peers. If this guidance moves forward or is signed into law, many transgender students with unaccepting parents will be outed to their parents, and that is detrimental to their mental health. As a transgender person myself, even though i am not out to them, i am lucky enough to have accepting parents. Other students however, aren’t so lucky. For some students, school is the only place where they feel safe and accepted. If this guidance moves forward or gets signed into law, then that will be taken away from them. this guidance violates the rights of transgender youth and potentially puts the lives of over 4000 teens at risk.


Romans 14:14

14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. A dress is just a dress. A bathroom is just a bathroom, and a child is just a child, no matter how they identify. The only thing unclean is in the eye of the beholders - the ones projecting perversion onto the self-expression of children. Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me,you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,* 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’*The Lord speaks of those who could aid their fellow man in his basic needs but choose to turn away instead, ignorant that in doing so they turn their backs on Christ Himself. “I needed to use a restroom, and you turned me away” is like refusing to clothe another’s nakedness. Denying a child the use of a restroom is sinful.

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":" 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. \n\nA dress is just a dress. A bathroom is just a bathroom, and a child is just a child, no matter how they identify. The only thing unclean is in the eye of the beholders - the ones projecting perversion onto the self-expression of children. \n\nMatthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’\n\n41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me,you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,* 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’\n\n44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’\n\n45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’\n\n*The Lord speaks of those who could aid their fellow man in his basic needs but choose to turn away instead, ignorant that in doing so they turn their backs on Christ Himself.  “I needed to use a restroom, and you turned me away” is like refusing to clothe another’s nakedness.  Denying a child the use of a restroom is sinful. "}'> 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.

A dress is just a dress. A bathroom is just a bathroom, and a child is just a child, no matter how they identify. The only thing unclean is in the eye of the beholders - the ones projecting perversion onto the self-expression of children.

Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me,you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,* 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

*The Lord speaks of those who could aid their fellow man in his basic needs but choose to turn away instead, ignorant that in doing so they turn their backs on Christ Himself. “I needed to use a restroom, and you turned me away” is like refusing to clothe another’s nakedness. Denying a child the use of a restroom is sinful.


Stand with the Executive Board of the FCCPTA in opposition to this policy

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The mission, values, and principles of PTA are clear, both as a national organization, and a local one: to be the leading advocates for children, to make every child’s potential a reality, and to be a powerful and unified voice for every child. We believe in collaboration, commitment, diversity, respect and accountability.

As a PTA Board, we believe the new 2022 Model Policy is at odds with those values and we stand with the Executive Board of the Fairfax County Council PTA (FCCPTA) in opposition to this policy.

We applaud Fairfax County Public Schools’ history of commitment to support all students, including through Policy 1450 on Non-Discrimination and Regulation R2603.2 supporting Transgender and Gender-Expansive students. These efforts underscore the importance of a safe and inclusive school environment for all students, something central to the values of the PTA.

We remain committed in our efforts to support every child with one voice and to stand against any policy at odds with that commitment.

We resoundingly oppose the proposed 2022 Model Policy on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.

Kings Park Kings Glen PTA Board


Trans have NOTHING- NO RIGHTS

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Should be locked in mental institutions. Close the public schools down if they put this  in there!


I OPPOSE Youngkins Student Policy

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I oppose Youngkins Student Policy! I support all trans & non binary students.


I support new policy. Protect kids from crazy education activists

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I support the new policy and I’m glad Governor Youngkin is going to protect the kids from crazy educational activists


Opposed

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I Oppose this policy. It would severely lower the trans minor’s self esteem and mental health, of witch is already very low. As a transgender student, I have felt more comfortable at school because my teachers support me, and do use my chosen name and pronouns. My parents do support me, and I’m fortunate and thankful for that. A lot of my friends cannot come out to their parents because they are against trans rights. This policy would force the school to out closeted trans students to their unsupporting parents. School has been those students’ safe space, and it would be tarnished and ruined, and I have been discriminated against at school, and I had to yell at the guy to stop, and there were no adults around. I don’t want this to be my normal. Or any trans student’s normal. This shouldn’t be passed. If you’re reading this, you probably aren’t an elected official. This’ll probably get lost in the hurricane of comments supporting the hellish policy. It would ruin everything for tens of thousands of transgender students, including me and my friends. DON’T PASS THIS.


I strongly oppose the model policies

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I write to strongly oppose the proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools (the “2022 Model Policies”)  as a concerned community member.  As a graduate of public schools, the school system is an important influence on the development of children, and trans-affirming school policies are an important part of ensuring that trans and non-binary children have the equal right to grow up in a learning environment that is supportive, accepting, welcoming, and inclusive (and free from harm and discrimination). Virginia schools have a duty to be safe and inclusive for ALL students, including LGBTQ+ youth, in order to ensure that all students have equal access to education.

Research and studies have consistently proven that transgender and non-binary youth are at significant risk of mental health issues, including a significantly increased risk of suicide, due to discrimination, but having accepting adults/teachers, trans-affirming schools, and supportive environments significantly decreases the risk.  The 2022 Model Policies ignore this truth and will endanger and harm trans and non-binary children.

Requiring teachers and school staff to forcibly out trans and non-binary youth to their parents in some circumstances is an immoral policy, and prohibiting teachers and school staff from using a student's affirming name and pronouns is nothing short of cruel.

Furthermore, the 2022 Model Policies are discriminatory and contrary to federal and state law, and the state and any school system that adopts them are begging to be sued over these policies.  Why waste time, effort, and taxpayer money on perpetuating discrimination and bigotry?

Quite frankly, as a Virginian in 2022, I am horrified by the 2022 Model Policies, and shame on Governor Youngkin for promulgating them.  I ask that the VDOE do the right thing and reject them.


Opposed

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As a part of the transgender community, these guidelines are terrible, there are allot of holes and its just overall transphobic. Say a child is a difirenfd gender than they were assigned at birth, but their perants disagree, the pearents wont sign off on it and it ends up effecting the child’s mental heath in a negative way. This document also always uses him/her when referring to a child, transgender or not. This excludes nonbionary, agender, genderfluid etc. which begs the question, would it not be as big of a deal for genders outside of the gender bionary? Like I mentioned there are allot of holes. This document is just overall wrong, just because we are kids, we have the right to be ourselves.


Strongly oppose! Trans rights are human rights!

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I am a hairdresser and mother of two young children whose clientele includes many parents, especially mothers, and queer and trans people. I get to help people find joy, safety, and celebration of their whole selves. In my conversations with parents of both grown and growing trans children, and trans adults, I hear over and over again the joy they have in their private life and the fear, uncertainty, and dread they live in outside of their circle. Trans children who are not affirmed have significantly poorer mental and physical health outcomes. Schools already deal with child abuse—they should never endanger a child. Not to mention that making a child’s gender and/or sexuality this much of a focus is really, REALLY gross. I strongly oppose.

Let’s make VA a kinder, gentler, more loving place, and keep all kids safe.


OPPOSE

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Any law that prohibits trans kids and their parents from making decisions about their health and well-being can only serve to hurt kids and families, and will not benefit anyone other than self serving politicians who intend use it for short term political gain.


Strongly opposed

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This is terrible and it's only purpose is hurting trans people


Strongly opposed. Forced outing of queer youth causes suicide.

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   I am an adult transgender Virginian. I was born here and have lived, voted, and paid taxes in Virginia most of my life.

the statistics are clear:

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018) — and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at significantly increased risk.

LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020).

The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth (13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.

Transgender youth are at extremely high risk of suicide. I did not feel safe coming out as trans for decades. The worst depressions and most dangerous suicidal risk periods of my own life correlated to periods when my closeted identity was most stressed.

I can say with certainty that if the proposed policies had been enforced when I was in school, if the friends and teachers that I confided in about my queer identity had outed me to administrators and my parents there is an incredibly high chance that I might have taken my own life. It’s not a hypothetical for many kids. So many young queer and trans Americans do attempt and complete suicide attempts every day.

to the parents who are commenting in support of this policy, I have a personal plea:

if your kid is gay or trans, then that is who they are. You cannot change that, all you can change is wether they feel safe telling you. You cannot control their gender identity or sexuality, but you can decide to make them feel safe, supported, and loved for who they are.
Failing to do so could literally endanger their lives and if they don’t feel safe telling you about their identity they will not feel safe telling you about their depression or suicidal ideation.

Please. Trust and respect your kids if you want them to trust you. Love your kids for who they are, not what you want them to be. If they are transgender or gay they will tell you when they are ready.


Strongly OPPOSE proposed model policy

First, let me state clearly that I am 100% OPPOSED and want the VDOE to reject the model policy proposed by Gov. Youngkin.
Second, while I appreciate the passion expressed through these public comments, I would like to point out that most of these comments are OPINIONS. And while I understand we are all welcome to have opinions, and we are free to express those opinions, that does not, and will not ever make these opinions facts. For those curious to know why there are so many of us opposed to this policy, here are links to some basic information that you may want to review regarding the human rights of ALL Virginian's.
Virginia Human Rights Act
Virginia Values Act
Also, from the headlines...Experts are saying the Governor’s restrictions outlined in the new model policy are likely illegal and are either unenforceable or will be struck down in court for violating state and federal law - Read full article
A spokesperson for Gov. Youngkin said in a statement that the new model policy “delivers on the governor’s commitment to preserving parental rights and upholding the dignity and respect of all public school students.” - Read full articleThe hypocrisy of this comment is infuriating. My question for Macauley Porter and the Youngkin administration is, when you say “all public school students” what exactly do you mean? Because right from the start of this policy, there are clear exclusions which would not uphold the dignity and respect of “ALL” students.And if you're still reading, here are my final thoughts...
All the Hypocrisy
These are childrenLet them be who they are,These are childrenWho have not asked for your permissionNor your approval from afar.
These are childrenThat need our love and support,These are childrenThat have done nothing to vilify or purport.
These are childrenWho are looking to us to intervene,When you say the word “ALL”What exactly do you mean?
You claim faith and valuesYet what we see is attacks,Maybe you should take a moment to thinkInstead of supporting agendas set by transphobic autocrats.
These are childrenWho see the world through a different lens,These are childrenWho are loved and supported by family and friends.
These are childrenThat deserve the love and respect so easily given to the cisgender,Who couldn't possibly understand or reflectOn how it feels to be dismissed and transgender.
Preserving parental rights seems to driveWhat this administration has contrived,In their utter lack of awareness and empathyTo ensure these children are deprived,Of their basic human rights and dignityAnd of their freedom to thrive.
These are childrenThat instead of scolding We should be wrapping our arms around and holding Protecting them from lonelinessSo they too can experience the unfolding - of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In our hearts and minds we all knowMost of what we see is a show,A distortion of realityA misplaced version of neutrality
To the politicians I’m confused and bemused, And to the parents who support this political agendaYour cognitive bias is unexcused.
This is a moment in time that will define a generationFor every individual who lives in this nation,We should ALL step forward into this momentWhere our shared humanity can emergeAnd finally reveal the truth and the scourge.
These are childrenThat started life innocent and full of wonder,These are childrenThat we should not squander Or forget that he, she, they, and we - are ALL human.
These are childrenWith Dads and MomsThat are fighting a war they never asked for, Having to dodge your verbal bullets and bombsThat cause damage you so easily ignore.
These are children That just want to play and create,These are childrenIf you knew the stories and the traumaYour heart would ache -
Or maybe it wouldn'tAnd isn’t that what’s most disturbingAnd truly unnerving,That you sit from your perchLooking down on these childrenJudging choices of people whom you do not knowClaiming you have the right to do soBased on your beliefs and values as a Christian?
These are childrenAnd for them we will continue to fight,These are childrenWho deserve to have the rightOf a safe space to play and learnWe ALL should agree and discern,Our shared humanity is a gift and a toolAnd hopefully one day we will ALL agree Politics and religion should stay the  out of school.

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First, let me state clearly that I am 100% OPPOSED and want the VDOE to reject the model policy proposed by Gov. Youngkin.

Second, while I appreciate the passion expressed through these public comments, I would like to point out that most of these comments are OPINIONS. And while I understand we are all welcome to have opinions, and we are free to express those opinions, that does not, and will not ever make these opinions facts. For those curious to know why there are so many of us opposed to this policy, here are links to some basic information that you may want to review regarding the human rights of ALL Virginian's.

Virginia Human Rights Act

Virginia Values Act

Also, from the headlines...
Experts are saying the Governor’s restrictions outlined in the new model policy are likely illegal and are either unenforceable or will be struck down in court for violating state and federal law - Read full article

A spokesperson for Gov. Youngkin said in a statement that the new model policy “delivers on the governor’s commitment to preserving parental rights and upholding the dignity and respect of all public school students.” - Read full article

The hypocrisy of this comment is infuriating. My question for Macauley Porter and the Youngkin administration is, when you say “all public school students” what exactly do you mean? Because right from the start of this policy, there are clear exclusions which would not uphold the dignity and respect of “ALL” students.

And if you're still reading, here are my final thoughts...

All the Hypocrisy

These are children
Let them be who they are,
These are children
Who have not asked for your permission
Nor your approval from afar.

These are children
That need our love and support,
These are children
That have done nothing to vilify or purport.

These are children
Who are looking to us to intervene,
When you say the word “ALL”
What exactly do you mean?

You claim faith and values
Yet what we see is attacks,
Maybe you should take a moment to think
Instead of supporting agendas set by transphobic autocrats.

These are children
Who see the world through a different lens,
These are children
Who are loved and supported by family and friends.

These are children
That deserve the love and respect
so easily given to the cisgender,
Who couldn't possibly understand or reflect
On how it feels to be dismissed and transgender.

Preserving parental rights seems to drive
What this administration has contrived,
In their utter lack of awareness and empathy
To ensure these children are deprived,
Of their basic human rights and dignity
And of their freedom to thrive.

These are children
That instead of scolding
We should be wrapping our arms around and holding
Protecting them from loneliness
So they too can experience the unfolding -
of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

In our hearts and minds we all know
Most of what we see is a show,
A distortion of reality
A misplaced version of neutrality

To the politicians
I’m confused and bemused,
And to the parents who support this political agenda
Your cognitive bias is unexcused.

This is a moment in time that will define a generation
For every individual who lives in this nation,
We should ALL step forward into this moment
Where our shared humanity can emerge
And finally reveal the truth and the scourge.

These are children
That started life innocent and full of wonder,
These are children
That we should not squander
Or forget that he, she, they, and we - are ALL human.

These are children
With Dads and Moms
That are fighting a war they never asked for,
Having to dodge your verbal bullets and bombs
That cause damage you so easily ignore.

These are children
That just want to play and create,
These are children
If you knew the stories and the trauma
Your heart would ache -

Or maybe it wouldn't
And isn’t that what’s most disturbing
And truly unnerving,
That you sit from your perch
Looking down on these children
Judging choices of people whom you do not know
Claiming you have the right to do so
Based on your beliefs and values as a Christian?

These are children
And for them we will continue to fight,
These are children
Who deserve to have the right
Of a safe space to play and learn
We ALL should agree and discern,
Our shared humanity is a gift and a tool
And hopefully one day we will ALL agree
Politics and religion should stay the  out of school.