Strongly Oppose

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<p>In my work in the mental health field as a therapist, I have worked with many transgender teens and children and have seen first hand how they crave and hope to be treated with the same dignity and respect that all other human beings deserve despite being in a majority or a "minority". People may judge them in the minority and by doing so are actually discounting and invalidating their equal existence as a human being. Because of this judgement, it is even more vital that we protect transgender children and teens and provide a safe space for them to learn, grow, and to reach their highest potential. These children tend to be much more vulnerable and at risk for depression and suicide. These new proposed rules will only exacerbate this as it will certainly lead to them feeling invalidated, isolated, and bullied leading to a host of negative health outcomes. In addition, If you "out" them to their parents they may be kicked out of their homes and become homeless and even more at risk. These children need support, love, and safety just like all other children on our planet. </p>


“Parental Rights” should not allow Cruelty to kids already struggling.

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OPPOSED!  Gov Younkin’s policies to reverse transgender student policies is cruel and harmful to some of the most vulnerable kids.  This cruelty should not be hidden behind a campaign for parental rights.

But if you want to talk about parental rights, what about the rights of parents and families who ARE supportive of their transgender children?  They know more about trans issues and what is right for their child than their kid than anyone else!  But these policies give teachers the right to disrespect the name / pronouns of kids even when their parents are supportive. Why are their “rights” given more  respect than the child or their families?

These changes also deny counseling to kids who are struggling and do not have support at home.  If you knew anything about them, you would know that these kids have the highest suicide rates of any group.  You don’t think they deserve the help of counseling?? Aren’t we supposed to be helping kids on our schools?

Anyone who knows any of these kids and their families, or have any knowledge or education about them, will also know how delicate they are, and many in a place of crisis.  They need the support of their families, their schools and their communities.  Forcing trans kids to use bathrooms and locker rooms of their biological sex is harmful and dangerous.  It is humiliating.  It is cruel.  These kids are not some weirdos trying to get a sneak peek in the bathroom.  If you knew anything about them, you would know they just want to feel safe.

I am sickened by these changes and the reversal of progress that many schools have made just because people who are ignorant of trans people and  what these kids and these families are facing.  It is unjust and cruel.  Please do not enact these changes.  If you do, you will be doing a lot of harm.


Transgender

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Fully support Gov. Youngkin


Teachers - These are NOT your children or experiments

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I know you like to say "my kids", but keep in mind, these are NOT your kids.  These kids have parents already and parents wishes must be respected.  Your job is to teach, not indoctrinate children with your world-view.  Thank you Gov. Younkin for making sure that parents are first in the lives of their children!  This intrusive social policies must not be permitted in our classrooms!


OPPOSE

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Trans rights are human rights!


I am appalled at the lack support for the zoophilia community. Sex w animals needs accepted too

How woke can we go! Zoophile rights are human rights. And our love is real

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Yup. Not far off. Extreme liberal woke garbage.


Support for Gov. Youngkin's policy on Gender Ideology in Schools

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I am writing in support of Gov. Youngkin's school policy on the issue of gender ideology and transgenderism. God is real. God created each person. He wills us into existence as an individual and He holds us in existence (we don't have the power to create ourselves or to hold ourselves in existence). God wills each person into existence as either male or female. As a Catholic Priest I work with many parents who are very concerned for the mental welfare of their children. They tell me that they feel that schools are working against them by "affirming" their children in the child's confusion about his or hers identity. They feel that people with their own personal agendas are causing much of this confusion. To cause a young person to become confused about who they are and to "affirm" them in that confusion is child abuse. I applaud and support the Governor for his policy to protect children and to protect the parents rights.


How does this help Virginians? It doesn't.

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You're wasting time pandering to far-right idiots who believe being gay or transgender is a "sin" and "a lifestyle choice."  Instead of this culture wars nonsense, focus your attention on issues that actually matter.

Somehow I doubt the governor or anyone on his staff will read these comments.  But I definitely will not be voting for candidates who focus on culture wars idiocy instead of managing the state's economy and environment.


Oppose

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I respectfully submit comment in opposition to 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”). These policies are not only in direct violation of state and federal law, but they also deny the rights of students, parents, and school personnel to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every child. All children have the right to learn in a safe and supportive environment that respects their humanity and upholds their dignity. However, the 2022 Model Policies send a dangerous message that some students do not belong, and in fact, should not exist.

Discovering oneself is an important part of growing up, and every child deserves to have support and guidance as they learn about themselves, their family and friends, and their place in the world.

Studies have consistently shown that policies like those proposed result in more frequent and escalating harassment, discrimination, and physical violence toward trans and nonbinary students.

These policies also lead to significantly higher rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts relative to cisgender students. The consistent misgendering of a student has a profoundly

negative impact on their ability to learn in the classroom.

Contrary to what is recommended in the proposed model policies, consistent use of a student’s affirmed name can reduce suicidal behavior and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, denying trans and nonbinary students from using facilities that match their gender identity increases the prevalence of sexual assault victimization. The evidence is clear – students will experience higher rates of sexual assault, peer victimization, and suicide if policies like these are

adopted in Virginia.

I recognize that sexual and domestic violence is linked to other forms of harm and that supporting equality and respect for ALL people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, is integral to creating a Virginia free from sexual and domestic violence.

The 2022 Model Policies will significantly and irreparably harm Virginia’s students and families and as antiviolence advocates; we firmly oppose their adoption.


Should we help the anorexic vomit and get stomach surgery so they can achieve their true body

Body dysmorphia/ gender dysphoria- mental illness get support not surgery

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<p>Quit encouraging mental illness </p>


Oppose

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Strongly oppose proposed changes to 2021 Model Policies.


Furry rights are human rights! Equal rights for furries.

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Stop the discrimination.


OPPOSE

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Governor Youngkin's draft model policy:

Is rooted in transphobia and seeks to further harm trans and nonbinary kids.

Seeks to erase trans and nonbinary youth from the classroom. They create a hostile & potentially dangerous school environment.

Requires teachers and school staff to forcibly “out” students to their parents against their will in some circumstances, such as where a student seeks counseling.

Prohibits teachers and school staff from supporting trans & nonbinary students.


There is a reason no man or gay woman wants a trans woman. Because it’s a dude. And a lie

Trans is body dysmorphia/ gender dysphoria. Get them services not surgery

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WTFU. Trans is a fake woke liberal extreme cause to latch on to and not real.


Parental Rights

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<p>We the people of Virginia demand we get our parental rights back. </p>


No Christy; just when your son wants to start wearing a dress and eventually get castrated.


Parental right over their children

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I am so pleased that Governor Youngkin has proposed a model policy to protect the rights of parents to be involved in their children's education.  Some of the school districts in our state have taken actions that exclude parents from the details of their policies and practices regarding those children.  There is a need for transparency  with the school board in making decisions that involve males using the locker rooms and showers in the females' facilities.  We have already seen the consequences in Loudoun Couhty when such policies are put in place.  Let's use common sense and a proper respect for the privace of young girls when they are dressing/undressing or taking showers following phys ed classes or participating in a sport activity.  Parents have a right to be included in school board decisions that impinge on the rights of their children to be safe and treated with respect.


policies should apply to ALL parents

citizen who hates youngkin's discrimination

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The only way you can get around your hateful, non-Christian, fear-mongering, vote grubbing policy proposals is to require every parent of every child to be under the same rules. A kid wants to be called by a nickname or only their last name, or a pronoun, whatever, at school? Then the school has to get premissions from that kid's parents. ALL kids. ALL parents. Parents of alleged trans kids have to show their kid's birth certificate to show gender assignment at birth? Then ALL parents have to show their kid's birth certificate to show gender assignment at birth (keep in mind gender isn't always able to be determined at birth - do some medical research) and whatever info is recorded into a database includes the same data from ALL birth certificates.  Your level of rich white guy entitlement at the expense of childen is disgusting. Do you no longer believe that all children were created by God and it is, therefore, up  to you to go after the children you don't like?


Oppose this misguided proposal

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<p>I write in strong opposition to this proposal.  As the parent of a trans child, I can tell you from first hand experience how difficult it has been for us as a family to address my child's trans journey.  Even within a family that has both the financial and loving resources to embrace our child for who they are, and creating a safe environment for them, they still faced the emotional and psychological torment, with several psychiatric hospitalizations and suicide attempts.  This proposal is misguided at best, and dangerous at worst.  Once again, for a Governor that speaks about limited government and governmental overeach, this is yet another attempt to get government into the lives of its citizens  -- where it simply doesn't belong.  It is disingenuous to suggest that this is about restoring parental rights.  This is nothing more than Governor Younkin and his Administration cohorts to distort a painful and difficult situation into political gain, further dividing families and communities on these wedge social issues.  This policy is not based on any science.  It is based on fear and divisiveness.  It should be thoroughly rejected for the safety and benefit of the Commonwealth's young people.  </p>


It is my business when your child is having a pronoun temper tantrum at school

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Spare us all of your drama. Save that for your parents at home.


It is my business when your boy is taking a roster spot on my daughter’s basketball team.

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Save the drama for your homes.


transgender policies for schools

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Transgender children are already at the highest risk of suicide. How much more risk will there be with these cruel policies?


Just for clarification, if my son William wants to be called Will, I as a parent have to approve?

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Just for clarification, if my son William asks to be called Will, I as his parent have to approve and sign off on it? Isn't calling them what they prefer just common courtesy?

Teacher taking roll in class: William?

William: Present and I like to go by Will.

Teacher: Christian (biologically female)?

Christian: Present and I like to go by Christy.

Teacher: Amy?

Allison: Present but I like to go by Scott.

Teachers should have the same respect for a young human and a teenager should be expected to be respectful.  It goes both ways.


It is my business when my daughter goes into her locker room and has to look at penis and balls.

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Save the drama for your homes and go to school for an education.


There is a reality, truth, absolutes, right wrong. How about expectations/ sound guidance for kids

Instead of feeding confused kids an extreme woke lie and permanent mistakes


Supporting this bill is supporting suicide

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This policy is incredibly harmful. There is no evidence that calling students by their preferred names and pronouns hurts them or brainwashes them. However, there are mountains of evidence that misgendering and misnaming them directly leads to self-harm and suicide, and calling them by their preferred name and pronouns decreases that risk.  (https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(18)30085-5/fulltext#intraref0010a, https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-21760-001, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5178031/#ref11)

Schools shouldn't have to tell parents things that will make life worse for the children. This will lead to abuse, harm, and attempts at conversion therapy. Schools exist to help children, not hurt them.

Also, this policy will hurt non-trans students too. After all, we have to call kids by their birth names. Sorry, Max, everyone has to call you Maximillian now. And gendered dress codes? No more wearing pants Alexa! And James, take that skirt off right now! That piece of cloth around your legs is brainwashing you!!!!

I'm lucky to be a child born to supportive parents. But I wonder sometimes, what if I'd been born to parents who didn't support me? Parents who only loved me when I fit their mold of how a child should act, and who a child should be. I can't imagine how terrified I'd be every minute. Knowing that if I acted like myself, if I tried to be happy, I would lose my family, and I would be endangered. School should be a place children feel safe at. If this policy goes into effect, that safe space will be gone.

It costs nothing to be kind. That's something they teach us on the first day of kindergarten. It costs nothing to respect a child's identity or wishes. It costs nothing to try to ensure children don't kill themselves. It costs nothing to love. I'm saddened that this lesson seems to have been forgotten by so many. I get that trans people are confusing, and confusing things can be scary. But fear is not an excuse to hurt people. And this bill does hurt people.


strongly oppose

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This is disgusting, this will make kids not feel safe at school, and promote bullying. Not to even mention the telling parents part, if the children are not telling their families that they are LGBTQ then it is probably because they don't want them to know. this is an excuse to bully transgender children. school is supposed to be a safe learning environment where everyone is welcome, you cannot refer to it as such if you are passing laws like this. These laws will damage young minds. The only reason why you want these to be passed is that your hate transgender people, it's really obvious.


Hero

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Thank god someone is standing up against this highly vocal minority of the mentally ill…..great job Governer Youngkin????????


Increased Suicide Rates

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<p>What have you done? Are you ignorant or just don’t care about the public that YOU serve? MANY “parents” don’t support transgender rights and the bullying starts at HOME. Requiring parental sign off could be life or death for many students. Children get BEATEN for being transgender, at home and in public. I genuinely don’t understand how you got into this position of power, you’re truly a disgrace to the state of Virginia. Leave our children alone unless you intend on giving them HELP, not HARM. Also stop going to the Vienna Inn nobody appreciates your presence there. </p>


Do not do this.


OUTRAGEOUS! Children should be encouraged as young as possible to begin hormones and surgery

A female penis is a real girl penis and should be allowed in any bathroom

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Yes it’s make believe. Sick extreme liberal woke adults. Sacrificing all reason to push an item so they have a cause. Everything is not ok. There are rights and wrongs and absolutes. Let give kids boundaries, expectations, and real guidance. Not some wine fantasy lie.


Fully Support Gov Youngkin


Fully support!! Thanks for keeping your promises Gov. Youngkin

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100% Support Parents Rights


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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As a parent I could never imagine not being aware of every aspect of my child's life and activities. Once an adult a person has every right to make decisions affecting their own lift and I will always support this. However it is the parent's responsibility to take care of an raise their children as they see fit as long as this is in a safe, supportive, encouraging and positive environment.


Strongly oppose

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<p>No! This policy will harm ALL students, not just trans ones. Although that would be enough. And why is it needed? Please don’t impose your religious beliefs in all of us who may not agree with you. Public schools are for everyone. </p>


A Vote for Parenting

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<p>As many have stated, "Let teachers teach and parents raise their children." </p>


Policy is parent-centered, not student-centered

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<p>While I hope that parents are affirming and loving to their kids, however their kids decide to express themselves--or feel like they are in the wrong body, I know that's not always the case. If schools are truly a place where students are free from discrimination and bullying, then it should be up to the student (and not the parent) in how they wish to identify themselves. Being a kid is hard enough with other kids and now social media; kids are not putting more pressure on themselves to be "other", and it should be part of the school's responsibility to protect and nurture students to be the best they can be. How could someone who is not being affirmed for who they are expected to do well in school? I agree that parents need to be involved, but if their personal beliefs are negatively affecting their child, then at least during school, their kid should have a safe place. </p>


Parental Rights are paramount

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<p>I strongly support the governor’s policies. I have four children and I am in the best position to make these consequential decisions. No one cares about MY children more than me. </p>


what have you done

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you are a fascist peace of


Agree with Public School Mandates

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I agree with the Governor's plan to put parents in the loop of their children's actions.  Parents deserve to know if their child or adolescent is acting in a way they are unaware of.  This can serve as a means to get their children the psychological help they need if they are unaware of their actions.  No public school should ever hide anything from parents about their children and the schools should not have to bear the burden of these actions or "hide" this lifestyle action from them.  Also, parents who do not approve of nor want their children exposed to this alternate lifestyle deserve to have their children seperated from it especially in scholastic sports.  Schools and teachers need to understand who is the subservient and who pays the taxes. Somehow, these days, they think the roles are reversed.  When children eventually become ADULTS they have their entire lives to live whatever lifestyle they choose.  Until then in public schools parents should always, ALWAYS be kept informed and the children should not be making the rules.


People should have rights.

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Students should have the right to use any pronouns they would like. If they don't get this option they may feel like their opinion isn't important, but everyone's opinion is important, right? I guess the governor didn't think about the other people.

Students are supposed to feel supported in school, but if they don't get to choose how they identify they aren't being supported. What Glen Youngkin said isn't okay,


Non slay government

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Trans rights should not be a decision for the government. Limiting trans rights will lead to lost lives, and more hate. One belief should not be the ultimate right of everyone. Trans rights are human rights. My decision not yours.

Goverment you did not slay.


this law is so bad

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so its okay to make students feel uncomfortable because their parents disagree with what is comfortable for them. the choice of a student's name, pronouns, and anything regarding themselves should be make by THAT STUDENT and not by some controlling and homophobic parents.


f the governor

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This bill will harm so many trans and non-binary kids. Anyone who supports this is to blame for trans kids being abused and abandoned by their families.


Dear all supporters, important message!!!


This is OUTRAGEOUS

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THINK ABOUT IT DIFFERENTLY!!!!!!!


why?

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dear governor

you have our blood on your hands i hope you're happy with yourself because you have killed us


Trans rights are human rights!!

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 you governor, and to all who support, go drown in a pile of pride flags ????


YES PARENTAL RIGHTS!!!!

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Thank you Governor for standing up for the majority. I still don’t understand what all this legislation is about with less than 2% transgender. That’s requiring 98% of people to make changes. That is not only not a good decision, but it’s not even democracy.


This is just wrong.

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Supporting the law < Being against it


Government Overreach

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<p>Republicans are supposed to be for smaller government, but it seems that our Republican leadership has been moving in the direction of Christian Nationalism. This is just another policy that is pushing me out of the party. You’ve lost my support with this nonsense. Get your head out of that dark smelly hole and have some compassion for others! It’s about time to send you back to your old job ruining lives with your business instead of through legislation. </p>


Strongly oppose.


treatment of Transgender students

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New policies undermine the sacred responsibility of parents to safeguard their children and make appropriate decisions for them.  Children must be protected by students being  required to use the bathroom and changing areas of their biological sex by birth.


why?

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do you really care about kids. well if you did you would oppose the bill. these transgender and non-binary children are just trying to survive. and there is so much research showing suicide rates in kids will go up. for so many kids this will make there already hard lives way harder.  and listen if a parent is homophobic and/or transphobic your gonna have more abused kids and more kids dent to convertion therapy(which is proven to not work) so this bill is garbage. if a kid is scared to come out first, what dose that say about the parents, and second its  scary thing. school is a safe place for so many kids. so why take that away. dumbass.

also governor your a ing  peice of  bitch.


Strongly Support

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<p>I strongly support this new guidance that will respects the role of the parent in the upbringing of their children. Thank you, Governor! Please continue to be an advocate for those of us who are unheard, unrecognized, and disregarded in this increasingly polarized landscape. </p>


Absolutely Disgusting

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<p>'Restoring parents rights' is just a cover for taking away the rights of the kids. Teens aren't the property of their parents, they don't get to decide whether or not they are trans. If a kid doesn't want to come out to their parents, then their parents are probably homophobic/transphobic.  Telling their parents could likely put them in danger of being abused or kicked out of their house. This transphobic bill is repulsive and I can't believe so many people don't see this.</p>


FULLY SUPPORT

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I fully support these new policies. While I have compassion for those who feel that they are of another gender - I have heard anecdotally from many that being transgender and trying to change your gender seems to be becoming a trend. My husband is a healthcare professional, and has seen a huge rise in young girls seeking to become young men. No one seems to be allowed to say that this may in fact be a mental disorder. There are very real health consequences and very little long-term data to show the effects of a gender change. Parents should absolutely be allowed to be as involved as possible in the lives and long-term decisions of their minor children.


This policy will kill young people

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Simply put, this policy will kill young people.

Some will succumb to suicidal thoughts, some will be the victims of abuse and assault.

Governor Youngkin, his administration,  Republicans, and anyone who supports this policy will have blood on their hands. But they won't care.

I fully expect the Youngkin administration to ignore parents educators, doctors, science, and advocacy groups and enact this policy. It falls to us then to resist it, fight it, and kick the people out of office so we can reverse it and the other hateful pronouncements.


Parents Rights Must be Respected in ALL Public Schools

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Parents MUST be fully informed and involved regarding all their children's activities at school.

If my child cuts her finger at school I expect a call from the school. If my child gets in a fight with another student, I expect a call.

And if my child says anything about changing gender, new pronouns, a new name, or medical/surgical interventions to magically "become the other gender," I expect to be notified. I do not want boys--dressed as girls--on any girls' sports teams or any girls' locker rooms or bathrooms.

I want the focus to be put back on academics. The schools have NO right to be participating in this trans-mania.

Thank you,

Frank C


Reject this guidance

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As the parent of a teenager in public high school, I do not agree with the guidance provided in this document. America's transgender children are already facing public discrimination in a society that does not accept them. They face higher rates of depression, suicide and abuse. Our schools should be a safe place for all of our children, not just the children that fit the social norms.

Transgender children do not pose a threat to the other children in the school or society as a whole.  They should be free to use the facilities that align with their gender. They should be referred to by the pronouns of their choice. We do not allow bullying  in our schools yet you are offering guidance that equates to name calling and harassment for a minority population of children.

I ask that this guidance be rejected by our school boards.  That they have the courage to stand against against the fear of someone different than themselves that causes people to react with anger and sometimes even violence. Provide a nurturing and supportive environment for our children that allows them to grow and learn.


i oppose


Parent Rights and Responsibility

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Thank you Governor Youngkin,

These are exactly the issues we voted for you for.  Parents have a responsibility to our children legally and morally for more years than any term of a teacher or school board or even any elected official.  Parents put our trust in schools and teachers that the educational process is a partnership.  Issues at home affect school and vice versa.  Any school system or teacher who doesn’t involve the parents in these major conversations with a child, is as abusive and coercive as a pedophile.  There should not be secrets from parents who are legally obligated to protect them.  Schools should stick to teaching reading, writing math and basic logic and communication skills.  If failing at that, dabbling in more complicated issues doesn’t suit.  Imagine a teacher “affirming” a child with body dysmorphia manifesting as anorexia!  “Yes child…if you think you’re fat you are fat.  We won’t tell you parents when we’ll let you vomit in the bathroom after lunch every day you feel like it.”
When a child is going through something major and confusing, they need all the support they can get.  Parents first and foremost.

thank you again.  Protecting Parents protects children.


The Transgender bill will destroy kids and you're okay with it??

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This is a piece of garbage. Transgender and Non-binary kids are being put in danger and you're supporting it. They are human too, trying to live human lives as human people. Imagine if you were in this situation, where YOU were struggling with depression from not being who you want to be AND being stripped of your rights. You are scum if you approve of this terrible law. These are kids and you want to destroy their rights. You are terrible people if you want this to be passed.


THINK BEYOND THE BATHROOM & LOCKER ROOM. THIS IS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS!!

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These policies send a message of hate and rejection towards transgendered youth! Virginia will live in shame until you leave office, and things go back to normal then. Worst governor ever who fooled the naive and ran on lies! Please tell me how that is being a good “Christian”?

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

You will have blood on your hands.


protect the kids


I support parental involvement.  Parents come before school administrators.

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<p>I fully support this proposal which keeps parents involved in students personhood at school.   </p>


Gays, lets fight back.


Completely oppose

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This policy endangers children by not only forcing teachers to misgender and disallow bathroom access for those known as trans, but to police the genitals of the children in their case - if a cisgender student doesn't look conventional, will they be forced to disclose and prove their gender? To say nothing of the chilling effect this will have on students coming out, and the reams of scientific research show that remaining in the closet has lasting physical and mental health effects on those children.

My family regularly travels to Virginia, and if this passes that will cease. We cannot rightfully spend our tourist dollars supporting any state of community that ignores scientific evidence in favor of harming children as part of a political culture war. The students themselves know this and are walking out for the best reason: to protect themselves and their friends from a hateful and harmful policy.


Support this legislation to restore parental rights

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I don’t always agree with the Democratic Party. This is one case. Let the children grow up without all this nonsense. School is for math and science.


Recognition of parental rights and responsibilities

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It is the duty and responsibility of the government to only recognize, promote, and protect rights that God and God’s nature has given to each human being.

It is the duty and responsibility of the government to only recognize, promote, and protect rights that God and God‘s nature has given to each human being. This is enshrined in our declaration of independence, constitution, and Bill of Rights.

As such neither the federal nor the great state of Virginia has the right to supersede parent’s rights to determine the educational curriculum and sexual development of their children since they are the first and primary educators.


Strong opposition to this proposal

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I thought the governor was going to serve all Virginians...not just a select and small group


VIRGINIA IS FOR HATERS WITH THESE POLICIES!!!!!

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

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


Transgender School Policy Guidance

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I fully support our governor! Parent's responsibility and rights are being taken away because others believe children's rights are being violated and should be allowed to do as they want. That's part of the ever growing problem with our country. They are STILL children and have no idea what they want because they are not mentally developed yet but society keeps telling them and pushing they are.

For the safety of ALL children, the biological sex of ANY child should NOT be allowed to enter the bathroom or locker room of the opposite sex. EVER!

Why are the rights of transgender students MORE important than the rights of those children that are not? Schools that insist on this should have to raise their own money to build separate facilities for transgender students. It should not come out of tax payers dollars. But that won't work because then it's singling them out and another "walk out" etc will take place. There's absolutely no compromise they are willing to come to. It's their way or it's their way. It's absurd we've allowed this country to get so far off course.

I fully support our governor and an thankful for him.


Strongly support common sense

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I strongly support this common sense proposal from the Governor. Parents should have the right to know what is going on with their child in school. In ALL areas of mental distress, parents should be the first to be notified.

Children can't make any other decisions without parental consent and this is only driving the mental stress and suicide among young people. Schools should not be allowed to encourage confusion and enable and encourage hidden struggles from parents.


Support this

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Parents have the right to know about ALL choices regarding their children.  It is not a decision to be made by school officials without parent consent.  This decision is about protecting children and parents.  It’s not the school’s responsibility to make choices WITHOUT parental consent.


Support new pro-parent policies

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<p>This is a great policy and as a society we need to keep kids to use the gender as noted in their birth certificate.  Going away from this harms school sports teams, locker room usage and bathroom usage.  These are kids that are to follow their birth certificate gender.  As not doing so puts other kids at risk on a daily basis. This is a great bill and I look forward to you signing it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>


Strongly oppose this transphobic policy and these bigoted comments.

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Reading these comments is like reading comments in the 50s opposing integration, and they stem from the same kind of baseless hate and ignorance.  If you aren't transgender, it's impossible for you to understand the struggles of those who are, and they need protection.  This policy should be rejected, and certainly should not be enforced.

On the bathroom issue: Can we agree that it is not acceptable to have another person in the bathroom with you, regardless of who it is?  I mean, you wouldn't allow other people to use the bathroom with you at home, would you? I propose that it would benefit everyone if we only allowed rows of single occupant public bathrooms; stalls are just not good enough.


Support Governor Youngkin’s policy

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It’s sad that we have to have a policy like this that is common sense. There are only two genders: male and female. Each gender should just go to their assigned bathroom. It’s as simple as that!


I oppose this fully.


Virginia either believes doctors or bigots

Youngkin never learned to read, but most Virginians can. I'll take the words of the countless doctors, therapists, researchers, social workers, and others who actually have the first clue about what they're talking about, over the words of mindless, hateful bigots who haven't bothered to learn the first thing about biology.If we're going to be a state run by yahoos, our family will take our taxes to another state.

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Youngkin never learned to read, but most Virginians can. I'll take the words of the countless doctors, therapists, researchers, social workers, and others who actually have the first clue about what they're talking about, over the words of mindless, hateful bigots who haven't bothered to learn the first thing about biology.

If we're going to be a state run by yahoos, our family will take our taxes to another state.


NO!!!

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<p>This is an absolute disgrace, please do not do this to young people who have suffered enough and should feel that school is a safe space to truly be themselves! </p>


Parental rights

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I support Gov. Youngkins new model for parental rights, especially in the school system.


Thanks Governor

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Thank you Governor for bringing common sence leadership back to Virginia!  We totally agree with this policy.  Never let the government supersede the rights of parents.


2022 Model Polices for Transgender Students

Carolyn McDowell, Retired Public School Teacher

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I STRONGLY oppose this measure!


Support this Guidance Document

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As a parent of two children in the VA school system, I support this proposed Guidance Document. Thank you.


Please uphold this very important policy

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<p>Please protect our children by upholding Youngkin’s law to ensure children are not made to feel uncomfortable and do not get assaulted in the bathrooms by the opposite sex. </p>


Strongly oppose this harmful policy hurting these children.

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Regarding Virginia's proposed restrictions in the schools for transgender youths. The Trevor Project found in a research survey earlier this year that over half of all trans and non-binary youths considered committing suicide in the last year alone. These policies kill. Protect these children. Findings of the survey are here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/


Strongly Strongly support

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Kids are in school for math and science not indoctrination and grooming.


STRONGLY OPPOSED!

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I'm so happy that I no longer have children in school anymore!


I strongly oppose this law as it can put children in dangerous situations!

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<p>This law could cause more bullying of trans students. This law will put children at risk in their own home. This is a dangerous law, to some it might not seem that dangerous but to others this could be life altering and terrifying. Also to everyone saying parental rights your right as a parent is to be there for your children and support them no matter what. Your kids will come out to you eventually if they feel comfortable, safe, and loved. </p>


Governor you do. The election to clean up this school insanity. Please don’t let us down.

Bristol, VA mother of 3 in public school

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<p>Thank you governor for standing up for our children. </p>


Transgen

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People who think they can pick their sex are deluded. When you are born you are male or female and changing your equipment doesn't change your DNA. The physiology of men and women is very different and isn't changed with drugs and operations.

Buying into transgenderism is Buying into their fantasy. Parents who allow under age children to mutilate their bodies should be arrested for child abuse.


Why I support this legislation

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Parents have an inherent right to be involved in the education and raising of their child. Before a child turns 18, a parent must give written consent for them to go on a school field trip, leave school early, partake in sports, get their driver's license, and so on. How is this any different?

This conversation is not about taking away a child's autonomy or right to identify as a  certain gender - it's about realizing that they lack the brain capacity to make life-altering decisions for themselves. As most people claiming "science" should know, a person's prefrontal cortex doesn't stop developing until they are about 25 years old. This means that their ability to rationalize, manage emotional reactions, make informed decisions, and plan for the future are impaired. Knowing this, why would we give power to someone 5-17 years old and expect them to make the right decision about their gender or identity? Even with extreme levels of maturity and intelligence, children lack all the tools to make informed decisions.

While I have empathy for children who are struggling with gender identity issues, I still think the benefits of this legislation outweigh the consequences. If we feel concerned by the number of children whose mental health would suffer as a result of this legislation being passed, we should encourage our politicians to make counseling more accessible and affordable to families so they can work through these issues. The one thing we should not do is back down when it comes to parental rights being taken away by the schools or government. Parents have the right to engage in these conversions with their children before the school intervenes and makes the decision for them.


Completely oppose

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<p>The Virginia government should be protecting individual students rights not taking them away. The student must be able to decide for themselves who they are. This is a personal decision that can not and must not be decided by others. This new policy will only cause harm and is in no way designed to protect students. It is discriminatory and wrong. </p>


Do not do this.


Strongly OPPOSE

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These policies kill Trans Youth.  We need more compassion in this world.


Governor, please read. The Muslim community supports you 100%

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For some of our daughters and women in our Muslim community, wearing a hijab is the core culture and a strict religious practice. Our daughters have been observing this for modesty and privacy, and they do not feel safe changing their clothes in the presence of biological males, since they remove their hijab only in the presence of other females.

We demand segregated washrooms, change rooms and field trip accommodation for biological males and females use be clearly written in details in the Code of Conduct and strictly implemented to ensure safety for all school students. Our daughters must not only be safe but feel physically, emotionally, and morally safe when they use washrooms, change rooms and field trip accommodation


Support Pro Parent policies

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I support the proposed Pro Parent ploicies


MAJORLY OPPOSE


“Parental rights,” my butt!!!!

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

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

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

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


We should not all be forced to live as “Christian” nationalists!!!!!

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From WAPO:

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


Virginia promotes transphobic bullying with these policies!!

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


Fully Support this balanced, thoughtful policy.  Good for Children and Families.

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My wife and I fully support this policy.

Parents love and want the best for their children.  They should be allowed to cooperate with the schools and school officials.  They should not be cut out, giving schools full authority and influence in children's lives.


Praise for Governor Youngkin

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Trans students feel uncomfortable using the bathroom that corresponds to their biological sex. What about the cis students that feel uncomfortable having someone of the opposite sex in their bathroom? Why are the feelings of the majority of the population not considered?


Nope.

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I think that we should keep protections for trans children in schools. That seems like common sense to me.


Strongly oppose.


NO!

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I oppose this wholeheartedly. We should encourage, rather than discourage, our kids to show and be proud of their whole, entire selves, which includes their gender identity and their own, independent choice for how they want to express it. Absolute shame on any adults who seek to discourage that, who seek to parent SOMEONE ELSE'S CHILD by these means. Just ensure you parent your OWN KID to become a loving, inclusive, productive contributor to our society, and not a divisive, hateful bigot, and don't worry about how other parents choose to do it. QUIT CENSORING KIDS' IDENTITIES! LET THEM LIVE AS WHO THEY ARE!


Rolling back protections is evil!!!!!!

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These policies take away the freedoms and dignity of transgendered children, while stoking the flames of transphobia. We are not all Christian nationalists. Quit forcing your shortsighted,  bigoted policies on all of us. You are a disgrace- the worst governor ever. The only freedoms you care about are those of straight, white, “Christian” men, election deniers, and another-democratic extremists! Pray you do not end up with blood on your hands!


BOY OR GIRL

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IF FRED HAS A PENIS HE GOES TO THE MENS ROOM ITS SIMPLE


NOPE ABSOLUTELY NOT

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NOPE ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!!


Parental Rights is what is RIGHT for Virginia!

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This is the way to go! We, as parents, have the right to decide what is best for our children but we do need to make sure we protect the children from abusive parents


If you stand up to pee, get out of my daughter's bathroom

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I know this isn’t easy to hear for some people and may cause a few temper tantrum‘s but it really is that simple


Strongly oppose this.  Support teachers and fund schools and the kids will be okay.

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Unnecessary policy based on fear and alienation.  So many other problems to address and ways to help our children.  In Northern Virginia start with building enough schools to prevent overcrowding and give well-paid teachers the capacity to actually be available for their students.  So many kids exist unseen and unheard in the packed hallways and this is just another hurtful poke from a "system" that otherwise ignores them.  With more access to quality teaching, counseling and extra-curricular opportunities the kids will find their own way.  They don't need politicians telling them who they are.


Public schools shouldn’t keep secrecy’s from parents

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If schools need to hide their actions from parents, that’s a huge red flag that bad things are happening.  I support keeping parents informed.


Furries lives matter!

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Stop this attack on trans and furries!


Thank you for your support of parents.  100% SUPPORT!

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I love this proposed law and it helps the children be able to have an more open conversation with their parents and supports teachers who were put in a very precarious situation.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I support Gov Youngkin

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I support the revised policies proposed by Gov Glenn Youngkin concerning the parental rights of parents related to the transgender policies for Virginia schools.

These policies are reasonable and fair.


STRONGLY APPROVE THE NEW POLICY PARENTS SHOULD HAVE A SAY

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<p>I STRONGLY APPROVE AND SUPPORT THE NEW POLICY. PARENTS SHOULD HAVE A SAY INSIDE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM  ON WHAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE BEING TAUGHT AND EXPOSED TO AT SCHOOL. NO WE DO NOT SHARE RESTROOMS OR LOCKERROOMS EITHER. </p>


Very harmful plan

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A young person has enough problems without a flip on a policy that actually allowed them to discover who they are.

This plan pushes these individuals back into a government mandated emotional prison.

This will grossly overload a mental health support system that is woefully inadequate to begin with and lead to higher incidences of these young people committing acts of self harm or suicide.

Set this subjugative plan aside and concentrate on improving the quality of education (regardless of zip code), fair living wages for those educating and those supporting the educators (remember that budget surplus from the previous administration?), and addressing overcrowding, increasing access, etc...


Support.

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<p>Support to parent involvement and parent-teacher/administration communications for such significant matters of child welfare and mental health. </p>


Protect children and parents

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

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

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

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

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


Oppose

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I oppose the proposed guidance document.  The intent of the original guidance and the Code of Virginia 22.1-23.3 is to protect children.  The proposed guidance is contrary to the spirit of Code of Virginia 22.1-23.3 and will harm children.


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I fully support new pro-parent policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education and Governor Youngkin.


This policy is fantastic! Support 100%

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This policy is fantastic and I support it 100%


Common sense prevails… mostly

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<p>The new policy is focused upon facts/not feelings and existing laws. The old policy took outrageous liberties with law and common sense. Sex is not fluid and never has been. We don’t get to choose that. It is a biological occurrence that happens during fertilization/after sex between a biological man and a woman. The only thing I disagree with in the new policy is that parents can sign off to allow their child to choose a different sex than their biology has already determined. Living a lie doesn’t solve a problem. My hope is that we can embrace reality once again to help all people live better, healthier and happier lives. </p>


I agree with this policy

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I believe accepting this policy with be a HUGE step in the right direction and for the betterment and protection of our kids.

If you disagree, please watch What is a Woman by Matt Walsh


Support

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Parents are inherently the keepers of their children.

To allow secrets is something we used to teach children they weren’t to do.
We as a society used to protect kids and understand child development in that some of these feelings were temporary. Puberty is a tough age. Parents should be more involved than ever.

Stand firm. Thank you for fighting for parental rights.


This policy is deplorable! Trans Youth lives matter!

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<p>There are many young people struggling to be themselves and live their lives. You policy will cause irreputable harm to the Commonwealth's youth. If you are truly pro-life as you say then Trans Youth lives matter too and you shouldn't put these policies in place that will cause harm. Instead of campaigning out of state for the GQP, how about you try doing your job as Governor first? </p>


This is the way

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I strongly support this policy


Strongly support!


I fully support this

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<p>I support this policy for the protection of our youth! </p>


Strongly Oppose

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Ideally, every child is supported by parents and school to express themselves authentically.
However, this legislation mandates teachers bypass students’ personal identification including name and pronoun in favor of a parent designation that may not reflect the students’ identity. It creates potential for a teacher to be placed in a terrible position and could make school an unsafe environment for kids. It is unnecessary and could be harmful.
As a pediatrician and parent, I strongly oppose.


100% support 2022 model policies

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<p>100% support Govenor Youngkin's 2022 model policies </p>


Yes. Absolutely,  yes!

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This policy has my full support


Strongly oppose

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Strongly oppose governor's personal beliefs damaging children. ALL parents' rights must be equally relevant, not just those agreeing with ultra-conservative governor's personal issues.


Support Youngkin Policy


I agree with this policy

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<p>I agree with this policy and would like to see it adopted. </p>


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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I strongly support this policy along with my entire household


I support this in the strongest possible manner

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<p>We need to protect our kids. Thank you Youngkin for helping us do that! </p>


Support parents' rights + not liking your body doesn't justify pretending

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Parents are legally responsible for their children. If there is a problem then schools should contact parents and not indoctrinate kids contrary to their religion or belief system--if the parents were breaking the law then the school would arrest the parents of transgender rebellious kids. Freedom of speech may allow citizens to think foolishness but the rest of us KNOW there is gender & babies result as a result of males & females in sex. This is science & transgender laws need to be overthrown by courts. Many are not interested in those who choose to be in denial but we can't allow anti-truth people to overthrow common sense & obvious science truth (eg there is xx & xy= gender). There is scientific proof SO transgender laws should be updated & thrown out by a court. According to transgender principles, if one does not like his body then he can say he is a giraffe so we must make doors 20 feet tall or we are discriminating against him. This is the lunacy we are currently enduring by policies requiring special bathrooms. If we continue down this transgender logic path then our entire education system is in danger because there is no such thing as "truth". According to the way some of these people think there is no such thing as gender or SPECIES so it is OK to have sex with animals--this is not something new (Lev 18:23). It doesn't matter what your religious belief is or if you do or don't like your body, some people want these odd things & accuse the rest of us (inc transgender people who refuse to be "trans-species") of discrimination. We must deal with truth or else suffer unnecessarily.


I support this

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<p>"Follow the science"- Fauci</p>


I am completely for this

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I am completely for this policy. We need to protect our children and raise them to be what God created them to be: make and female


I fully support this


Yes!

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Youngkins policy represents the majority of Virginians! Keep it up!!


I fully oppose this.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


This is the policy all of America needs

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I believe this is the policy America needs in our schools, not just Virginia. We need to protect our kids and supporting this policy will do that!


I support this policy 100%

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<p>I agree and support this policy 100% </p>


No. Absolutely not.

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<p>Do you have any idea what kids would have to go through just to be themselves? They aren't hurting you, they aren't doing anything to you. They just want to show who they are. And sometimes their parents are not good people, and don't accept them. If students feel safe with their parents they can let them know the changes they want to make to their identity. But parents don't always accept those changes, and that's why a lot of queer kids live in fear of being outed. Would you rather kids live without their parents specifically approving who they are, or live with kids whose parents don't consider them their children at all? </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>LGBTQ students who are supported at school are far less likely to attempt suicide. This will be a matter of life and death for some children. It is the school systems duty to ensure the safety of its students. </p>


Concerned Citizen and Parent (Thankful for Gov. Youngkin)

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I believe Gov. Youngkin is serving us well in wanting to return these rights to parents.  I personally need more information: scientific, medical and a balanced psychological information before I could ever let my child choose their own gender.  They can't choose to get a driver's license before age 16, they cannot choose to not go to school, they can't even choose to not go to the Doctor's when seriously ill. (all things my children would love to do).  How am I going to leave such a fundamental decision as gender to be made without parental guidance?


Strongly Oppose

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Some children are not supported at home. School can be a safe place to be themselves. The school counselor may be the only safe person that they can speak openly and honestly with. This seems like a dangerous policy to me. I remember when kids were starting to come out in the 90's. It was scary. Some were out at school but not at home. They had real fears of their parents finding out. Some ran away or killed themselves to avoid it. Please, do not take away the safety of these children.


Finally, a politician using actual science honestly.

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I fully support Gov. Youngkin in this effort.  We need more efforts like this across Virginia and the country.  Keep it up and don't weaken in the face of the noisy opposition.  God has your back!


Not in favor of 2022 Model Policies

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This comment is in regards to the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public School (https://doe.virginia.gov/support/gender-diversity/2022-model-policies-on-the-privacy-dignity-and-respect-for-all-students-town-hall.pdf)

I strongly oppose the implementation of this policy as it has no chance of achieving its intent. I understand the intention behind parents being the primary educators for students but the reality is that far too many parents are not. The disconnect between many parents and children not only pertains to gender identity, but to countless aspects of a child’s life, including friendships, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and more. This policy places the burden on children, especially the ones who live in households where they may be uncomfortable with sharing their authentic selves with their parents in fear of punishment (whether that be mental or physical).

As a parent with three children in Virginia’s public schools, I want what’s best for them and their peers. I participate in many school activities offered to parents, I do my best to listen to what my children say about school and their peers, and I fully respect their right to learn in an environment where they are able to thrive. Parents having a say in their children’s public education has become a privilege that many of us do not deserve. We need to address the real issue which is the emotional absence in the household.

This policy makes assumptions that are not inclusive to real family dynamics.

5,400 children in Virginia are currently in the foster care system.

Many students are raised by someone who is not their parent, whether it be a relative, a foster parent, or another legal guardian. “Parent” is defined in this policy but makes steep assumptions that this person always has the best interests of the child in mind.

Single-parent households where the parent is working long hours to provide for the household and thus may not have time to participate in the child’s schooling.

These dynamics are the realities for many students in Virginia. This policy does not account for these realities and fails to address the students’ lived experience.

Ultimately, this policy harms all Virginia students, parents, and teachers. Placing the burden on the student causes distress which can lead to self harm or other forms of negative behavior. In turn, this leaves parents, teachers, and the rest of the community to pick up the pieces.

I strongly oppose the 2022 Model Policies and propose that the Virginia Department of Education rescind the policy put forward.


Adults providing children a gender fantasy requiring affirmation is child molestation.

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<p>Modifying the sexual physiology of a minor should be life in prison (except circumcision).  Once they're adults, they're free to choose at their own expense.    </p>


I strongly disagree

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<p>This policy will do more harm than good. So many transgender and lgbtq children are struggling even without this law. By making this draft a law, a great number students will struggle even more. This is not just about transgender kids, it is also about lgbtq as a whole. This policy will make teachers and administrators tell parents about their child's identity. Though some people might find this helpful or okay, this is not. Most likely, it will expose children to their families before they are ready to come out, and may put the child in a possible dangerous situation. Suicide rates will skyrocket. People will feel like there's something wrong with them. They might turn to drugs or alcohol to stop the pain of this situation. Depression rates will climb. These are children. These years in school are critical for children to figure out their identities and make friends. Please do not ruin these children's lives by passing this bill. </p>


Some good points but I oppose adopting this new policy

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I have reviewed both the current 2021 and proposed 2022 model policies regarding the treatment of transgender and gender non-conforming students.  As a parent with two school-aged children, I appreciate some of the language in the proposed new policy and understand that parents are the primary persons responsible for their children's care, safety, and education.  That said, I oppose adopting this new policy because it is important to balance the rights of parents and students to err on the side of safety and wellness.  It is the student's safety and wellness that is at stake, not the parents', when there is a lack of agreement within a family about a student's gender identity and expression, and whether such aspects of a person's life are even open to change over time.  As mentioned in the current 2021 policy, "privacy and confidentiality are critical for transgender students who do not have supportive families. Disclosing a student’s gender identity can pose imminent safety risks, such as losing family support or housing."

it is my observation and experience that the whole area of gender and gender identity is a sensitive one for which knowledge and understanding is still evolving for many individuals who may have no awareness of having known a transgender or gender non-conforming person.  I advocate that we continue to allow the current 2021 policy to be in place and that we give parents, students, and other individuals opportunity to learn more about and come to a more complete understanding of gender than we have previously known.  Thank you.


Support furries. Provide one litter box in each male and female restroom.

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Stop the discrimination. Furries gave rights too.


I am strongly opposed.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Parents are the first educators!

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Look closely at the abysmal scores of our students on the international stage. We continue to fall lower and lower in educational scores. The children are being indoctrinated not educated; their minds are being programmed and not expanded to think critically; a great disservice to our children!  Citizens tout the praises of our schools  system its high time to get your heads of the sand and face reality....standards are being lowered, courses watered down, in order to fool parents and students alike that "we are the best" and "everyone goes home with a trophy". These are OUR schools, we pay the bills, you work for US!


Strongly oppose.


i agree with the policy

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<p>I support the policy. </p>


I support this and Gov Youngkin

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Our societies children should not be subject to the indoctrination by educators.  Let kids be kids and let their parents raise them.  Our children are not laboratory subjects for educators nor government on any level.


I support youngkin 100 percent

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Schools dont have a choice its the law. What its going to is harm trans kids 15 years from now when they regret decision. Thinkimg your a differnt sex is 100 a mental health problem.  They complain that they commit suicide alot. Well thats because alot of them have borderline personality. Find one trans peraon that doeant have other mental health issues?  And the puperty blockers theybgive them has suicide as side affect. Its for parents to dexide whats best for kids. I mean how many teacher go tp jail every year for molesting kids. Thays the kind of democratbteachers we have rapist and demoic teachers trying to warp mines. I dont care about hurtimg your feelimg. Trutj is the truth. And you will follow


OPPOSE

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I strongly OPPOSE Gov Youngkin's hateful policy.


I support this and Youngkin 100%

VA Taxpayer AND parent with common sense

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Progressive policies are destroying destroying education.  Keep school about school and not sexualize these kids. Do not let a child's feelings put others at risk. There are already rules against bullying and laws to protect students, use those. No boys in the girls bathroom or locker rooms period.  Also understand that many of the comments against this are repeated by individuals and are very likely to be non Virginia voters and parents, this method is unreliable for feedback.


I oppose this.


Restore Parents' Rights in Education!

Dear Virginia Department of Education Officials,

Over the past two years, schools across the United States have excluded parents from vital matters regarding the education and wellbeing of their children.

Former Governor Ralph Northam's 2021 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools did just that. Those policies said: "There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student's request to affirm their gender identity, and school staff should work with students to help them share the information with their family when they are ready to do so."

But your new Model Policies On the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools return to parents the right to direct their children's upbringing.

Thank you for supporting parents and parental rights in education. It's vital that you move forward with these policies and restore parents' rights to direct the education and upbringing of their children.

Regards,
Bonnie Adkins
PO Box 1301
Radford, VA 24143

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Dear Virginia Department of Education Officials,<br /><br />Over the past two years, schools across the United States have excluded parents from vital matters regarding the education and wellbeing of their children.<br /><br />Former Governor Ralph Northam's 2021 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools did just that. Those policies said: "There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student's request to affirm their gender identity, and school staff should work with students to help them share the information with their family when they are ready to do so." <br /><br />But your new Model Policies On the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools return to parents the right to direct their children's upbringing. <br /><br />Thank you for supporting parents and parental rights in education. It's vital that you move forward with these policies and restore parents' rights to direct the education and upbringing of their children.<br /><br />Regards,
<br />Bonnie Adkins
<br />PO Box 1301<br />Radford, VA 24143<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657466/148611159" width="1" height="1" />


I oppose this fully.


Strongly oppose!

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I strongly oppose this change in policy and feel not all parents understand or have their child's best interests at hand. Please allow students to know what is right for them and to place trust in their school administrators and counselors. If the relationship between the parent and child is strong, there won't be a need for the school to inform the parent, as the parent will already be informed. Thank you,.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Support

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There are men and women.

Anything in between that requires special attention is a mental disorder.


Do not do this.


Support

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No teacher should be keeping secrets about a child behind parents backs.  We should not have to fight for this. Something is very wrong with society when it allows the school to take over as parent. Strongly support these guidelines.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Oppose Gov Youngkin

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I support the trans and gay community!


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<p>Strongly Oppose Youngkin! Support the trans community! </p>


Opposed


Do not support transphobic policy

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<p>As a longtime resident of Virginia, I am ashamed at the proposal to regulate the lives of young trans people and the ripple effects this could have as it possibly emboldens further fascistic legislation against our lives, our bodies, and our communities. Please do not support this harmful proposal and support the trans people in your lives </p>


Allow trans kids, their parents and doctors to put the childs needs first and support trans rights.!

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Gender identity is different than sexual identity. Kids express gender identity (who I am) as young as 12 months-4 years. Oppose any legislation that pits a high risk group in firther harm. I love and support trans people, especially trans kids. Get educated!!! Dont hate on children!


Government and schools should not bully children!!

I am deeply concerned about the standards and policies being proposed by the State of Virginia. The policies state clearly that "students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying," but then go on to list out policies and ideas that will only encourage - if not outright mandate - behaviors and circumstances which can be disastrous for the mental health and well-being of students.Teachers and other school staff insisting, repeatedly, day after day, on calling a student "Robert" and "he" when they want to be called "Emily" and "she" is not only harassment, and essentially transphobic bullying, and shows Emily that the adults around her don't support her, are not on her side, but it also encourages students to bully and harass her, seeing that the adults don't respect her trans identity either, unless it happens to be put in writing by her parents (who may or may not be supportive).Treating some girls differently from other girls (i.e. treating them like boys) because they are trans girls, or treating some boys differently from the other boys (i.e. insisting they must behave/dress/ play sports / use bathrooms as a girl) because they are trans boys, is discrimination. The law may protect that "segregation based on sex is not discrimination," but discrimination between queer students and those who are not, between trans students and those who are not, is still discrimination, and legal or not, it's wrong.The Model Policies speak extensively about the rights of parents, but what about the rights of the children? Conservatives love to talk about "protecting the children" and say things like "think about the children," but when you're placing parents' whims, parents' personal ideologies, parents' freedom to treat their children as they wish, above all else, are you really thinking about the children? Do children - as human beings, as individuals - not also have individual rights? Should not their well-being, and their interests, be at least in some situations, given priority above the freedom of their parents to indoctrinate them into whatever religious or other ideology the parents wish? When parents shame and demean their children, send them to conversion therapy, or otherwise deny them the freedom to simply be themselves, driving their child into severe mental health problems (depression, anxiety) by refusing to support them in their identity, is that not abuse? I am not sure if it is the school's place necessarily to interfere, but certainly it is not the place of the school to actively aid and abet such abuse, just because the parents say so.The notion expressed in these model policies that the only students who will be recognized as trans are those whose parents put it in writing is just simply misguided. It reflects a false, mistaken, framing of reality. All trans kids deserve the same protections, the same care, the same sympathy and support, not just those whose parents put something in writing. Moving on, the policies emphasize that "The Department is mindful of constitutional protections that prohibit governmental entities from requiring individuals to adhere to or adopt a particular ideological belief. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees religious freedom and prohibits the government from compelling speech that is contrary to an individual’s personal or religious beliefs." And yet, the document then goes on to violate this profoundly, articulating policies which would, in fact, require individuals to adhere to a particular ideological belief - namely, transphobic ideological beliefs about sex and gender; particular ideological beliefs about the rights of parents trumping nearly all other concerns; and particular ideological beliefs about religious freedom being, somehow, the freedom to impose one's own religious beliefs on others. Contrary to the notion that the government is prohibited from compelling speech, the Model Policies explicitly oblige "[School Division] personnel [to] refer to each student using only the pronouns appropriate to the sex appearing in the student’s official record - that is, male pronouns for a student whose legal sex is male, and female pronouns for a student whose legal sex is female," and oblige them to "refer to a student by a name other than one in the student’s official record, or by pronouns other than those appropriate to the sex appearing in the student’s official record, only if an eligible student or a student’s parent has instructed [School Division] in writing that such other name or other pronouns be used because of the student’s persistent and sincere belief that the student’s gender differs from his or her sex." This is compelling speech. This is a violation of the First Amendment rights of any teacher or other school staff person who wishes to actually be respectful and supportive of a student, by calling them by their preferred name and pronouns. Frankly, "compelled speech" and violation of First Amendment rights doesn't get much more blatant than this. By all means, adults are free, under the First Amendment, to be disrespectful and unsupportive towards students, to contribute to an atmosphere of bullying and harassment, and to thereby willingly and intentionally drive students into depression and anxiety. But these very same Model Policies also say that students "have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying," so First Amendment or not, these are contradictory policies.Next, we see a lot of discussion of religious freedom in this document, but why is it that religious freedom always seems to be invoked when it comes to people wanting to be free to harass, free to oppress, free to discriminate, free to make things more difficult for other people? Freedom of religion is supposed to mean the freedom to dress as you wish (e.g. covering your hair), eat as you wish (e.g. avoiding pork), pray and worship and practice as you wish. It means being granted the freedom to observe religious observances, e.g. by attending church or synagogue on specific holy days, without being penalized by school or work for it. It means the freedom to choose to live your own life as you wish, in your own private life, e.g. by making your own personal choices about whether getting an abortion or not, eating pork or not, being in a same-sex relationship or not, using electronics on the Sabbath or not, is within your personal choice and practice.Freedom of religion does not mean that anyone should be free to impose those beliefs upon school policies or state laws - to insert their own personal beliefs upon others. No one is pushing school policies or state laws that say that everyone must avoid pork and shrimp, or that everyone must cover their heads or that everyone must wear a cross around their neck. No one is is pushing school policies or state laws that say everyone must avoid using electronics on the Sabbath. We seem, in our society, to understand this, and yet, for some reason, people still seem to think that it's okay to enact their biases, their bigotries and hatreds, their intolerance and their ignorance, in whatever way they wish and then go and call it "sincerely held religious beliefs."Where are their sincerely held religious beliefs in being kind to one another, loving your neighbor, doing good deeds, being a good person? I was raised to believe that religion is about praying a certain way, observing certain holidays, eating certain foods, observing certain rules or practices in my own life but not imposing them on others. My religion is about reverence for God and about a set of guidelines and philosophies for living a good life and finding meaning and value and hope in life. It is not about trying to control how others live their lives, or how society as a whole must be.
Religious freedom gets invoked to cover for, to allow for, such wide ranges of obnoxious, self-righteous, and frankly frightening behavior. It desperately needs to be brought back down to the personal, private, sphere where it belongs. Teachers and school administrators are free to do as they wish in their own private lives, e.g. to not transition, to not get an abortion, to not use protection or birth control, to not engage in same-sex relationships, if they choose, just as they are free to wear a yarmulke or a hijab, or to avoid pork, or whatever, as they choose, in their own personal lives. Religious freedom does not mean being free to harass and discriminate against students in a secular public school in the name of religion. Religious freedom does not mean imposing your own conservative ideology - that there are only two genders, that "gender" doesn't exist and only sex is real, that no one is trans unless their parents say they are, that children are parents' property - upon others and claiming that what you have is just normal, and it's only the people on the other side who have "ideology."I implore the Dept of Education to reconsider these policies, and to do more to live up to what it says it stands for, when it says that it "supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students," "with necessary compassion and respect for all students," "to create educational environments where all students thrive." Students cannot thrive in environments where, day in day out, endlessly, for the entirety of their childhood / teenage years, teachers and other adults around them are insisting on calling them by the wrong name or pronouns, treating them like one of the boys instead of as one of the girls (or vice versa), preventing them from playing sports with their fellow girls (or boys), and so on. Students cannot thrive in an environment where schools aid and abet unsupportive or abusive parents, leaving students no one to turn to for help or support.
It is a scary time right now for LGBTQ+ people, and for trans and non-binary youth in particular. Laws and policies in various states across the country are making it increasingly difficult to live freely and happily as themselves, and a resurgence of homophobic and transphobic rhetoric as mainstream, masquerading as ""parents' rights" and "reasonable concerns" is leading to frightening levels of violence against trans people and of depression, anxiety, and suicide among those made to feel villainized, ostracized, harassed, bullied, by the society around them. I hope that the Dept of Education can do the right thing and work to combat these trends, not contribute to them. People are dying, and those people are Virginia citizens. They are friends and neighbors, sons and daughters. Real people, with real hopes and dreams, and in most cases just a desire to just live a normal life and be a normal person - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - without being endlessly told by the government, teachers, or other figures of power and authority who they can and cannot be....I would like to address one further point. The Model Policies speak several times about the rights of parents to inspect educational materials, and of course, this is perfectly reasonable. I am very glad to see that these Model Policies do not wade into the waters of baselessly, irrationally, mischaracterizing any particular content or materials as "sexual content" when it is not. But I would like to add my comment to strongly encourage the DoE that that does not ever become part of the policy. As is simple common sense, acknowledging that a student lives with two dads or two moms is no more inherently sexual than acknowledging that they have one mom and one dad - this is not sexual or adult content, or inappropriate for children of any age. And the same goes for acknowledging that their teacher has a wife or a girlfriend instead of a husband or a boyfriend, or vice versa. Children are exposed to heterosexual relationships from a very young age as a normal thing - boys like girls, girls like boys, mommies and daddies live together - and that's not considered "adult" or "sexual," and neither should any kind of acknowledgement that sometimes boys like boys, or girls like girls. Similarly, the idea that boys should be allowed to wear skirts or dresses or makeup, or that sometimes someone who looks like a boy is really a girl, or someone who looks like a girl feels strongly, deeply, profoundly, that that's not who they're meant to be, these ideas don't inherently have anything to do with sex at all. If a woman wearing a dress or makeup isn't inherently "adult content," why should someone with slightly different body shape wearing the same pieces of cloth suddenly be? We all have bodies - some are just a bit different than others. And we all wear clothes - some are just shaped a bit differently. It's just fabric. It's not sexual. I hope that the Dept of Education will keep this in mind, and will protect the rights and freedoms of children to have their educational environments free from censorship.Thank you very much for your consideration.

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I am deeply concerned about the standards and policies being proposed by the State of Virginia. The policies state clearly that "students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying," but then go on to list out policies and ideas that will only encourage - if not outright mandate - behaviors and circumstances which can be disastrous for the mental health and well-being of students.

Teachers and other school staff insisting, repeatedly, day after day, on calling a student "Robert" and "he" when they want to be called "Emily" and "she" is not only harassment, and essentially transphobic bullying, and shows Emily that the adults around her don't support her, are not on her side, but it also encourages students to bully and harass her, seeing that the adults don't respect her trans identity either, unless it happens to be put in writing by her parents (who may or may not be supportive).

Treating some girls differently from other girls (i.e. treating them like boys) because they are trans girls, or treating some boys differently from the other boys (i.e. insisting they must behave/dress/ play sports / use bathrooms as a girl) because they are trans boys, is discrimination. The law may protect that "segregation based on sex is not discrimination," but discrimination between queer students and those who are not, between trans students and those who are not, is still discrimination, and legal or not, it's wrong.

The Model Policies speak extensively about the rights of parents, but what about the rights of the children? Conservatives love to talk about "protecting the children" and say things like "think about the children," but when you're placing parents' whims, parents' personal ideologies, parents' freedom to treat their children as they wish, above all else, are you really thinking about the children? Do children - as human beings, as individuals - not also have individual rights? Should not their well-being, and their interests, be at least in some situations, given priority above the freedom of their parents to indoctrinate them into whatever religious or other ideology the parents wish? When parents shame and demean their children, send them to conversion therapy, or otherwise deny them the freedom to simply be themselves, driving their child into severe mental health problems (depression, anxiety) by refusing to support them in their identity, is that not abuse? I am not sure if it is the school's place necessarily to interfere, but certainly it is not the place of the school to actively aid and abet such abuse, just because the parents say so.

The notion expressed in these model policies that the only students who will be recognized as trans are those whose parents put it in writing is just simply misguided. It reflects a false, mistaken, framing of reality. All trans kids deserve the same protections, the same care, the same sympathy and support, not just those whose parents put something in writing.

Moving on, the policies emphasize that "The Department is mindful of constitutional protections that prohibit governmental entities from requiring individuals to adhere to or adopt a particular ideological belief. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees religious freedom and prohibits the government from compelling speech that is contrary to an individual’s personal or religious beliefs." And yet, the document then goes on to violate this profoundly, articulating policies which would, in fact, require individuals to adhere to a particular ideological belief - namely, transphobic ideological beliefs about sex and gender; particular ideological beliefs about the rights of parents trumping nearly all other concerns; and particular ideological beliefs about religious freedom being, somehow, the freedom to impose one's own religious beliefs on others. Contrary to the notion that the government is prohibited from compelling speech, the Model Policies explicitly oblige "[School Division] personnel [to] refer to each student using only the pronouns appropriate to the sex appearing in the student’s official record - that is, male pronouns for a student whose legal sex is male, and female pronouns for a student whose legal sex is female," and oblige them to "refer to a student by a name other than one in the student’s official record, or by pronouns other than those appropriate to the sex appearing in the student’s official record, only if an eligible student or a student’s parent has instructed [School Division] in writing that such other name or other pronouns be used because of the student’s persistent and sincere belief that the student’s gender differs from his or her sex." This is compelling speech. This is a violation of the First Amendment rights of any teacher or other school staff person who wishes to actually be respectful and supportive of a student, by calling them by their preferred name and pronouns.

Frankly, "compelled speech" and violation of First Amendment rights doesn't get much more blatant than this. By all means, adults are free, under the First Amendment, to be disrespectful and unsupportive towards students, to contribute to an atmosphere of bullying and harassment, and to thereby willingly and intentionally drive students into depression and anxiety. But these very same Model Policies also say that students "have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying," so First Amendment or not, these are contradictory policies.

Next, we see a lot of discussion of religious freedom in this document, but why is it that religious freedom always seems to be invoked when it comes to people wanting to be free to harass, free to oppress, free to discriminate, free to make things more difficult for other people? Freedom of religion is supposed to mean the freedom to dress as you wish (e.g. covering your hair), eat as you wish (e.g. avoiding pork), pray and worship and practice as you wish. It means being granted the freedom to observe religious observances, e.g. by attending church or synagogue on specific holy days, without being penalized by school or work for it. It means the freedom to choose to live your own life as you wish, in your own private life, e.g. by making your own personal choices about whether getting an abortion or not, eating pork or not, being in a same-sex relationship or not, using electronics on the Sabbath or not, is within your personal choice and practice.

Freedom of religion does not mean that anyone should be free to impose those beliefs upon school policies or state laws - to insert their own personal beliefs upon others. No one is pushing school policies or state laws that say that everyone must avoid pork and shrimp, or that everyone must cover their heads or that everyone must wear a cross around their neck. No one is is pushing school policies or state laws that say everyone must avoid using electronics on the Sabbath. We seem, in our society, to understand this, and yet, for some reason, people still seem to think that it's okay to enact their biases, their bigotries and hatreds, their intolerance and their ignorance, in whatever way they wish and then go and call it "sincerely held religious beliefs."

Where are their sincerely held religious beliefs in being kind to one another, loving your neighbor, doing good deeds, being a good person? I was raised to believe that religion is about praying a certain way, observing certain holidays, eating certain foods, observing certain rules or practices in my own life but not imposing them on others. My religion is about reverence for God and about a set of guidelines and philosophies for living a good life and finding meaning and value and hope in life. It is not about trying to control how others live their lives, or how society as a whole must be.

Religious freedom gets invoked to cover for, to allow for, such wide ranges of obnoxious, self-righteous, and frankly frightening behavior. It desperately needs to be brought back down to the personal, private, sphere where it belongs. Teachers and school administrators are free to do as they wish in their own private lives, e.g. to not transition, to not get an abortion, to not use protection or birth control, to not engage in same-sex relationships, if they choose, just as they are free to wear a yarmulke or a hijab, or to avoid pork, or whatever, as they choose, in their own personal lives. Religious freedom does not mean being free to harass and discriminate against students in a secular public school in the name of religion. Religious freedom does not mean imposing your own conservative ideology - that there are only two genders, that "gender" doesn't exist and only sex is real, that no one is trans unless their parents say they are, that children are parents' property - upon others and claiming that what you have is just normal, and it's only the people on the other side who have "ideology."

I implore the Dept of Education to reconsider these policies, and to do more to live up to what it says it stands for, when it says that it "supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students," "with necessary compassion and respect for all students," "to create educational environments where all students thrive." Students cannot thrive in environments where, day in day out, endlessly, for the entirety of their childhood / teenage years, teachers and other adults around them are insisting on calling them by the wrong name or pronouns, treating them like one of the boys instead of as one of the girls (or vice versa), preventing them from playing sports with their fellow girls (or boys), and so on. Students cannot thrive in an environment where schools aid and abet unsupportive or abusive parents, leaving students no one to turn to for help or support.

It is a scary time right now for LGBTQ+ people, and for trans and non-binary youth in particular. Laws and policies in various states across the country are making it increasingly difficult to live freely and happily as themselves, and a resurgence of homophobic and transphobic rhetoric as mainstream, masquerading as ""parents' rights" and "reasonable concerns" is leading to frightening levels of violence against trans people and of depression, anxiety, and suicide among those made to feel villainized, ostracized, harassed, bullied, by the society around them. I hope that the Dept of Education can do the right thing and work to combat these trends, not contribute to them. People are dying, and those people are Virginia citizens. They are friends and neighbors, sons and daughters. Real people, with real hopes and dreams, and in most cases just a desire to just live a normal life and be a normal person - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - without being endlessly told by the government, teachers, or other figures of power and authority who they can and cannot be.

...

I would like to address one further point. The Model Policies speak several times about the rights of parents to inspect educational materials, and of course, this is perfectly reasonable. I am very glad to see that these Model Policies do not wade into the waters of baselessly, irrationally, mischaracterizing any particular content or materials as "sexual content" when it is not. But I would like to add my comment to strongly encourage the DoE that that does not ever become part of the policy. As is simple common sense, acknowledging that a student lives with two dads or two moms is no more inherently sexual than acknowledging that they have one mom and one dad - this is not sexual or adult content, or inappropriate for children of any age. And the same goes for acknowledging that their teacher has a wife or a girlfriend instead of a husband or a boyfriend, or vice versa. Children are exposed to heterosexual relationships from a very young age as a normal thing - boys like girls, girls like boys, mommies and daddies live together - and that's not considered "adult" or "sexual," and neither should any kind of acknowledgement that sometimes boys like boys, or girls like girls. Similarly, the idea that boys should be allowed to wear skirts or dresses or makeup, or that sometimes someone who looks like a boy is really a girl, or someone who looks like a girl feels strongly, deeply, profoundly, that that's not who they're meant to be, these ideas don't inherently have anything to do with sex at all. If a woman wearing a dress or makeup isn't inherently "adult content," why should someone with slightly different body shape wearing the same pieces of cloth suddenly be? We all have bodies - some are just a bit different than others. And we all wear clothes - some are just shaped a bit differently. It's just fabric. It's not sexual. I hope that the Dept of Education will keep this in mind, and will protect the rights and freedoms of children to have their educational environments free from censorship.

Thank you very much for your consideration.