Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I oppose the draft policy. Trans and non-binary kids already experience discrimination and not to mention the high suicide rate caused by this. School is a place for all kids to be themselves and be accepted. By approving this you will harm every single one of these children. And for what? Because the lgbtq+ community makes people uncomfortable? I’d rather have people be uncomfortable than have kids living a life of discrimination and pain.  I will move out of state when I have kids if this policy is passed. Protect the children."}'>I oppose the draft policy. Trans and non-binary kids already experience discrimination and not to mention the high suicide rate caused by this. School is a place for all kids to be themselves and be accepted. By approving this you will harm every single one of these children. And for what? Because the lgbtq+ community makes people uncomfortable? I’d rather have people be uncomfortable than have kids living a life of discrimination and pain. I will move out of state when I have kids if this policy is passed. Protect the children.


OPPOSE the Guidance!

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Hello, as a lifetime resident of Virginia, a mother, an Elementary School staff member, a Child Welfare social worker and bisexual woman in a polyamorous family - I vehemently OPPOSE the guidance which would put our children at high risk of harm.  These processes cause lifelong trauma which will have a residual impact for decades to come.  You cannot deny our children their identity!  My daughter should get to make these choices for herself without my input.  We must do better for our children.  As a school employee, I find these proposed polices abhorrent and completely out of alignment with the ethics of my position.  WE CANNOT GO BACKWARD! \n\nAs a member of the LGBTQ+ community I demand that you STAND UP FOR OUR CHILDREN and OPPOSE this guidance!  "}'>Hello, as a lifetime resident of Virginia, a mother, an Elementary School staff member, a Child Welfare social worker and bisexual woman in a polyamorous family - I vehemently OPPOSE the guidance which would put our children at high risk of harm. These processes cause lifelong trauma which will have a residual impact for decades to come. You cannot deny our children their identity! My daughter should get to make these choices for herself without my input. We must do better for our children. As a school employee, I find these proposed polices abhorrent and completely out of alignment with the ethics of my position. WE CANNOT GO BACKWARD!

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community I demand that you STAND UP FOR OUR CHILDREN and OPPOSE this guidance!


Totally unnecessary.

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"According to studies performed by The Trevor Project, lgbt students who reported having at least one supporting adult were 40% less likely to attempt suicide. Changing pronouns is not distracting to anybody and will show students that teachers and staff care about them, respect them, and recognize them. I knew kids who changed their name preferences to their middle name or a nickname and it was never an issue. This is no different. Forcing kids to rely on a parental consent form is going to make kids choose between coming out to possible unsafe families or have to hide their identity at school around all their friends. 60% of LGBT students do not feel safe in their schools, dont let youngkins law be a reason for their pain."}'>According to studies performed by The Trevor Project, lgbt students who reported having at least one supporting adult were 40% less likely to attempt suicide. Changing pronouns is not distracting to anybody and will show students that teachers and staff care about them, respect them, and recognize them. I knew kids who changed their name preferences to their middle name or a nickname and it was never an issue. This is no different. Forcing kids to rely on a parental consent form is going to make kids choose between coming out to possible unsafe families or have to hide their identity at school around all their friends. 60% of LGBT students do not feel safe in their schools, dont let youngkins law be a reason for their pain.


Oppose

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I oppose this proposed guidance submitted by Bob Youngkin.


I support these guidelines.

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<p>If restrooms were single occupant, it would be no issue. </p>


Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"When my sibling came out as non-binary, it was hard for my family to adapt at first. Honestly, we are still adapting at times but the one place they did not need to worry about adapting was school. There, they had a blank slate to be whoever they wanted to be. These new laws would rip that blank slate clean off their hands. They don’t deserve that. Everyone deserves a chance to learn in an environment as the person they want to be regardless of how their journeys started."}'>When my sibling came out as non-binary, it was hard for my family to adapt at first. Honestly, we are still adapting at times but the one place they did not need to worry about adapting was school. There, they had a blank slate to be whoever they wanted to be. These new laws would rip that blank slate clean off their hands. They don’t deserve that. Everyone deserves a chance to learn in an environment as the person they want to be regardless of how their journeys started.


I OPPOSE the guidance

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I oppose the guidance. All students deserve to feel safe, respected and supported in school, an outcome best achieved by evidence-based best praxis formulated by educators, not politicians.


These policies are Reckless.

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As a mental health professional serving adolescents in a public school, I request that you educate yourself and your administration about the impact these policies have ion Trans youth. These policies intensify the risks to trans youth and create tensions within the school and systems serving youth.


Transgender and Non-binary kids have rights

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Transgender and Nonbinary kids face mental health issues because their families might not accept them. Now, with this proposal, schools might not accept them as well. This will cause more trauma and lead to things like stress, depression, anxiety and suicide. These kids need a safe space to talk to someone they trust in a school setting that respects their pronouns, gender identity and gender expression."}'>Transgender and Nonbinary kids face mental health issues because their families might not accept them. Now, with this proposal, schools might not accept them as well. This will cause more trauma and lead to things like stress, depression, anxiety and suicide. These kids need a safe space to talk to someone they trust in a school setting that respects their pronouns, gender identity and gender expression.


Oppose

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Transgender youth have to fight for acceptance by peers and parents, they are fighting their bodies and their minds, why now should they also be forced to fight their government? Why are we working against already struggling minorities, you can not change somebody who is transgender, so why are you trying to make the lives harder for children who just want a chance to be who they were born to be.


Don’t discriminate against our kids

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Public schools should be a safe place for all students, including trans gender and gay students! Enacting laws that isolate and discriminate is wrong! I strongly oppose any legislation that marginalizes other human beings, especially children!


STRONGLY SUPPORT.

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I'm strongly agree with this document.

Parents need to do our work at home and haventhe right to do it.


Absolutely Oppose!

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Governor Youngkin's proposed model policy is breaking federal laws and is a violation of human rights. These kids have it hard enough as it is and you want to further marginalize them? Are you aware of their self harm and suicide rates when they are not in supportive environments? Who are these kids hurting? Noone! You can't \"catch\" being trans or queer. Noone is indoctrinating anyone. Can't we live and let live? You are tearing down everyone's education with this fear mongering and creating a hostile school environment.  If parents have a good relationship and communication with their children this is a non issue when it comes to parents \"rights\". If you love your child you accept and support them. All children should be in affirming environments in school so that they are best able to learn. As a mom of a nonbinary teen, I can tell you - they have it hard enough as it is - please don't be cruel for a political agenda. These are children who deserve to learn in an environment that affords them dignity and respect. If you truly believe in your Christian values - behave accordingly and love your neighbor. Stop with the judgement and hatefulness. Each and every child in school deserves to feel safe."}">Governor Youngkin's proposed model policy is breaking federal laws and is a violation of human rights. These kids have it hard enough as it is and you want to further marginalize them? Are you aware of their self harm and suicide rates when they are not in supportive environments? Who are these kids hurting? Noone! You can't "catch" being trans or queer. Noone is indoctrinating anyone. Can't we live and let live? You are tearing down everyone's education with this fear mongering and creating a hostile school environment. If parents have a good relationship and communication with their children this is a non issue when it comes to parents "rights". If you love your child you accept and support them. All children should be in affirming environments in school so that they are best able to learn. As a mom of a nonbinary teen, I can tell you - they have it hard enough as it is - please don't be cruel for a political agenda. These are children who deserve to learn in an environment that affords them dignity and respect. If you truly believe in your Christian values - behave accordingly and love your neighbor. Stop with the judgement and hatefulness. Each and every child in school deserves to feel safe.


STRONLY OPPOSE

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy! The ACLU will fight it! It's discriminatory! Don't tread on trans kids! </p>


Support Trans Kids in School

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I’ve seen first hand that a supportive atmosphere that allows children to authentically be themselves is far more beneficial both long- and short-term to both the students themselves and the community they’re a part of.


Governor, please defund not complying school districts and forcefully remove school board members.

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It's the right thing to do.


Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"I'm the parent of two children, one who is non-binary and the other who is cis gender. I'm outraged at the proposed changes to VA Department of Education's policy regarding trans and non-binary students. Both of my children should feel welcome in our public schools. I've seen first hand the difference it makes when their teachers affirm them and help them to achieve their learning goals. I've also seen the effects when they don't or if their needs are ignored. The policy is cruel and designed to be divisive. After all our children have been through during the pandemic, the idea that the DoE would adopt a policy that makes the school a more hostile environment for anyone is outrageous and dangerous. This is a terrible policy. Please reject these proposed changes."}">I'm the parent of two children, one who is non-binary and the other who is cis gender. I'm outraged at the proposed changes to VA Department of Education's policy regarding trans and non-binary students. Both of my children should feel welcome in our public schools. I've seen first hand the difference it makes when their teachers affirm them and help them to achieve their learning goals. I've also seen the effects when they don't or if their needs are ignored. The policy is cruel and designed to be divisive. After all our children have been through during the pandemic, the idea that the DoE would adopt a policy that makes the school a more hostile environment for anyone is outrageous and dangerous. This is a terrible policy. Please reject these proposed changes.


Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I am a non-binary high school student. I know so many other people who i am close with that are in the trans community. When students come to school they should feel safe and be able to express themselves. Things that plague me everyday are whether i should tell someone I am non binary or what bathroom to use at school. It’s little things like these that don’t make trans youth feel safe or accepted. Things that do make them feel safe are things like teachers honoring the safety and mental well being of the student. It is unfair for schools to preach about caring about mental health but denying safety to trans youth. Especially when they are at higher risks of suicide. This is an attack on all trans youth in Virginia. I oppose this anti transgender policy and I know so many other who do too."}'>I am a non-binary high school student. I know so many other people who i am close with that are in the trans community. When students come to school they should feel safe and be able to express themselves. Things that plague me everyday are whether i should tell someone I am non binary or what bathroom to use at school. It’s little things like these that don’t make trans youth feel safe or accepted. Things that do make them feel safe are things like teachers honoring the safety and mental well being of the student. It is unfair for schools to preach about caring about mental health but denying safety to trans youth. Especially when they are at higher risks of suicide. This is an attack on all trans youth in Virginia. I oppose this anti transgender policy and I know so many other who do too.


I oppose the proposed changes to VDOE policy

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I am submitting this anonymous comment to oppose the Governor’s bigoted & cruel proposed changes to VDOE policy. As a parent of two children in Virginia’s public schools and a community member, I am extremely concerned about the adverse consequences that the proposed changes will have on the safety and well-being of transgender and nonbinary students, school staff, and parents. These proposed changes deliberately target a minority group protected under federal law and existing state policies. An erosion of these protections is an erosion of safety for some of the most vulnerable members of society. This is politically-motivated hate and bigotry, designed to oppress a minority population without any accountability for the harms caused. If the proposed policies are enacted, the Governor’s administration should expect that rates of suicidality and adverse health outcomes will only worsen. Instead of picking on trans kids, please invest time and energy in creating policies that support the health & safety of ALL kids in our schools. They are there to learn—not to be used as pawns in a game of political warfare."}'>I am submitting this anonymous comment to oppose the Governor’s bigoted & cruel proposed changes to VDOE policy. As a parent of two children in Virginia’s public schools and a community member, I am extremely concerned about the adverse consequences that the proposed changes will have on the safety and well-being of transgender and nonbinary students, school staff, and parents. These proposed changes deliberately target a minority group protected under federal law and existing state policies. An erosion of these protections is an erosion of safety for some of the most vulnerable members of society. This is politically-motivated hate and bigotry, designed to oppress a minority population without any accountability for the harms caused. If the proposed policies are enacted, the Governor’s administration should expect that rates of suicidality and adverse health outcomes will only worsen. Instead of picking on trans kids, please invest time and energy in creating policies that support the health & safety of ALL kids in our schools. They are there to learn—not to be used as pawns in a game of political warfare.


COMING FROM A TRANS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OPPOSE THESE, THIS IS KILLING TRANS KIDS

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You can't do this to us, students. This would be horrible for trans kids. The suicide rate in trans people is already 46%. That is an insane amount. Almost half. If you go through with these the rate is going to go up even more.  Do you know what that means? Kids killing themselves in your schools. I personally think you can't be allowed this,


Oppose

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Glenn Youngkin is wrong. Young people will die because of his treatment of trans youth in public schools. I am vehemently opposed to Youngkin's plan.


Oppose


ONE PERSON WRITING OPPOSE 1000 TIMES WONT GET YOU A PASS TO THE LITTLE GIRL'S ROOM


I oppose


OPPOSE

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I oppose this legislation passing. It will impact the safety of students and represents a step backwards for Virginia.


School board members that oppose DOE policy will be held criminally/financially responsible

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Voting to leave parents in the dark while allowing staff to "counsel" these kids is awful risky. When a child commits suicide under your self approved watch, get out your checkbooks. When the next bathroom sexual assault occurs because you disregarded DOE policy, you will be help responsible- PERSONALLY. Your agendas will come back to bite you.


Oppose

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As a trans woman I can confirm we pee like normal, we don't grow four legs and shift into a demon form or anything. And we play sports normally, we don't have any advantages, a demon doesn't grant us supernatural speed. And in fact, I am really bad at sports.


Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I oppose the proposed guideline changes. Children need support and do not deserve to be bullied by the adults around them at school. I am in the healthcare business and in my business, everyone deserves care and respect. Not only that, it is federally mandated that we so that and we have policies on patient rights. Those rights apply to everyone we treat, not just the people who we agreed with or identify with, look like us or live like us.  The law doesn’t say “treat the people you don’t like with disrespect.” We go thru diversity training, every big company does.  We embrace diversity in the workplace and are tasked to learn more about other cultures so we can be respectful of other cultures’ perspectives with respect to their care. How can we then turn around and disrespect trans children? Do we think we can do this because they are children? Trans kids deserve to be treated fairly. They have enough emotional issues to deal with without fearing being mistreated at school. They are children, not monsters to be feared. This proposal is wrong and goes against everything good we try to teach our children.  This should not be who we are. How would you want your child to be treated??"}'>I oppose the proposed guideline changes. Children need support and do not deserve to be bullied by the adults around them at school. I am in the healthcare business and in my business, everyone deserves care and respect. Not only that, it is federally mandated that we so that and we have policies on patient rights. Those rights apply to everyone we treat, not just the people who we agreed with or identify with, look like us or live like us. The law doesn’t say “treat the people you don’t like with disrespect.” We go thru diversity training, every big company does. We embrace diversity in the workplace and are tasked to learn more about other cultures so we can be respectful of other cultures’ perspectives with respect to their care. How can we then turn around and disrespect trans children? Do we think we can do this because they are children? Trans kids deserve to be treated fairly. They have enough emotional issues to deal with without fearing being mistreated at school. They are children, not monsters to be feared. This proposal is wrong and goes against everything good we try to teach our children. This should not be who we are. How would you want your child to be treated??


Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I am a transgender woman who graduated from high school in the state of Virginia. My high school was located in a highly conservative area, which frequently seems unable to be accepting of any identity that resides out of the binary or what is deemed “typical.” Although I attended high school in such a traditionalist part of Virginia: I never truly felt as if I was actively being discriminated against as there was no policy intact, such as the recently proposed policies, that would have directly put me further into harms way. I’m here to let you know that all transgender and non-binary students want to do is be treated with dignity, respect, and most importantly equality. Transgender and non-binary students already face a level of discrimination unlike their cisgender and binary classmates. This topic is often considered taboo (especially within the rural communities of Virginia and places alike), but I’m here to say that needs to change. Transgender and non-binary students do not need to be “outed” to their family as this in itself can lead to things much worse such as abandonment and abuse, even. A gender variant persons identity is theirs and theirs alone, so giving prejudice teachers the ability to “out” their students is highly inappropriate and very dangerous. Also, not allowing transgender and non-binary individuals to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity is absurd! For a lack of better words - everyone uses the bathroom. We all need to dispose of our excrements and forcing trans and non-binary students to use a bathroom they don’t feel comfortable doing will not only further endanger them, but it may prevent them from using the restroom entirely: which is not healthy either. Finally, the least teachers and staff can do to assure that trans and non-binary students are included, welcomed, respected, and safe is to use their preferred name and pronouns. Imagine if someone were to call you by a name you didn’t like or if they used incorrect pronouns! You would simply correct them and move along, so trans students should also have the right to use their preferred name and pronouns even if it isn’t what’s reflected on their official documents inside or out of school. I directly oppose the proposed policy and I hope that we can strive to create a happy and healthy school environment for not only transgender and non-binary students, but all."}'>I am a transgender woman who graduated from high school in the state of Virginia. My high school was located in a highly conservative area, which frequently seems unable to be accepting of any identity that resides out of the binary or what is deemed “typical.” Although I attended high school in such a traditionalist part of Virginia: I never truly felt as if I was actively being discriminated against as there was no policy intact, such as the recently proposed policies, that would have directly put me further into harms way. I’m here to let you know that all transgender and non-binary students want to do is be treated with dignity, respect, and most importantly equality. Transgender and non-binary students already face a level of discrimination unlike their cisgender and binary classmates. This topic is often considered taboo (especially within the rural communities of Virginia and places alike), but I’m here to say that needs to change. Transgender and non-binary students do not need to be “outed” to their family as this in itself can lead to things much worse such as abandonment and abuse, even. A gender variant persons identity is theirs and theirs alone, so giving prejudice teachers the ability to “out” their students is highly inappropriate and very dangerous. Also, not allowing transgender and non-binary individuals to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity is absurd! For a lack of better words - everyone uses the bathroom. We all need to dispose of our excrements and forcing trans and non-binary students to use a bathroom they don’t feel comfortable doing will not only further endanger them, but it may prevent them from using the restroom entirely: which is not healthy either. Finally, the least teachers and staff can do to assure that trans and non-binary students are included, welcomed, respected, and safe is to use their preferred name and pronouns. Imagine if someone were to call you by a name you didn’t like or if they used incorrect pronouns! You would simply correct them and move along, so trans students should also have the right to use their preferred name and pronouns even if it isn’t what’s reflected on their official documents inside or out of school. I directly oppose the proposed policy and I hope that we can strive to create a happy and healthy school environment for not only transgender and non-binary students, but all.


I am strongly opposed.


I Oppose Younkin’s Policy

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I OPPOSE the draft policy and want the VDOE to reject it. Trans kids deserve to go to school in an inclusive and supportive environment. I stand in support of trans kids and their families. I am a parent of a trans young adult and I know first hand the challenges trans kids face. Let’s do our part as adults by providing a safe space for our kids. Younkins policy is harmful and I strongly oppose it.


Oppose

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I support giving trans children safe spaces in schools. Teachers should and will refuse to out their students to the abusive state. An alive child is always better than a dead one


Oppose

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Governor Youngkin’s policy is wrong, bigoted and cruel. I would wonder whether it is borne of some cultish theologically-invalid beliefs, or political opportunism, but it’s certainly both.


Oppose

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Please stop hurting these kids simply for political gain.


I support the youth

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Young people, especially students, these days deal with a very different world than the one I grew up in. We as adults owe it to them to support them in their finding of identity; especially if it's not a way that we would have chosen or been expected to choose. They will pay for our mistakes, let them grow up strong and supported in their various identities.


Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"I oppose the policies proposed in the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students in Virginia's Public School. No part of this policy respects the privacy and dignity of students, who should have the right to determine the name and pronouns they wish to be referred to without parental approval or notification. Schools should be a safe place for kids to explore their identity. \n\nMoving forward I hope the VA government can focus their attention on real educational reform rather than perpetuating this war on culture. "}">I oppose the policies proposed in the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students in Virginia's Public School. No part of this policy respects the privacy and dignity of students, who should have the right to determine the name and pronouns they wish to be referred to without parental approval or notification. Schools should be a safe place for kids to explore their identity.

Moving forward I hope the VA government can focus their attention on real educational reform rather than perpetuating this war on culture.


Oppose

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My trans child matters! We must continue to protect and guide our children to be their true and authentic self.


This does not support religious liberty, this forces religion

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The argument that this policy allowed parents to practice and enforce religion on their kids is not true, this is not protecting the parents rights either. This is limiting others more than anything. Transgenderism has nothing to do with religion or parenting. My parents did not force me to be transgender, my family didn't even support transgender people in the first place until I came out. Your children are going to do what they want without or without you enforcing your opinions. Children as well as other parents should have protections against forced religion and religious OPINIONS.


Parental rights


Oppose

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I am not in a position to tell someone else who they are, who they should be, or to know how they feel inside. I see zero problems w making restrooms “all gender”single stalls and let that be a working solution. I do not understand why the state of Virginia is spending so much time and energy devoted to stepping back into the past.


Stop attacking trans people

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STOP ATTACKING TRANS PEOPLE FOR EXHISTING


Oppose

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There is no place in this day and age for excluding anyone from education. Have we not learned anything from our past? We were lead by hate and segregation in the past. We have the opportunity to create a new narrative for Virginia that doesn't include violence, segregation, and bigotry. I support Trans rights because they are human rights.


Oppose

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We will not stand for policies that incite violence and intolerance towards children. These policies inherently put children at risk and create hostile school environments.


If liberal women weren’t so intolerable, there would be a dad helping to raise these kids.

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Nuclear families with a masculine father figure don't have these issues.


Trans Rights Are Human Rights

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I’m a transgender person and growing up I was not able to live authentically because of my parents small minded views. It caused nothing but harm for my future. I still struggle to this day. Governor Youngkins policies regarding trans/nonbinary youth are DANGEROUS! All students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in how they identify. Allowing parents to police this is a setup for failure. You are putting young lives in danger of violence or suicide. There are so many things that can go wrong and it is in your hands!"}'>I’m a transgender person and growing up I was not able to live authentically because of my parents small minded views. It caused nothing but harm for my future. I still struggle to this day. Governor Youngkins policies regarding trans/nonbinary youth are DANGEROUS! All students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in how they identify. Allowing parents to police this is a setup for failure. You are putting young lives in danger of violence or suicide. There are so many things that can go wrong and it is in your hands!


Oppose

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support for LGBT and trans youth is as important if not more important than it is for any other child In school. Going through public school can be some of the hardest times of a persons life, and we need to make sure everyone is supported during these key developmental times.


Oppose

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Growing up can be stressful enough without ignorant elected officials creating additional stress and shaming! Grow up Younkin??


Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I am the father of a trans daughter.  I am opposed to (and saddened by) the proposed changes to the treatment of trans children in school.  Young people, particularly in their teens, are heavily influenced by what they think other people think of them.  Any policy that makes trans youth feel less accepted by their teachers and peers will increase their emotional suffering and put them at greater risk of suicide and/or violence.  When in doubt the first rule on any policy like this should be to be kind.  These proposed policies are not an attempt to be kind to young people.  What problem is Gov. Youngkin trying to solve?  Straight Cisgender students are not harmed in any way by supporting trans children.  This push is not to help children reach their potential.  It is a cynical ploy to try to capitalize on the fears of adults (not kids) of things they do not totally understand.  If Gov. Youngkin had a trans child he would never propose these changes.  They are wrong and risk meaningful harm to our children."}'>I am the father of a trans daughter. I am opposed to (and saddened by) the proposed changes to the treatment of trans children in school. Young people, particularly in their teens, are heavily influenced by what they think other people think of them. Any policy that makes trans youth feel less accepted by their teachers and peers will increase their emotional suffering and put them at greater risk of suicide and/or violence. When in doubt the first rule on any policy like this should be to be kind. These proposed policies are not an attempt to be kind to young people. What problem is Gov. Youngkin trying to solve? Straight Cisgender students are not harmed in any way by supporting trans children. This push is not to help children reach their potential. It is a cynical ploy to try to capitalize on the fears of adults (not kids) of things they do not totally understand. If Gov. Youngkin had a trans child he would never propose these changes. They are wrong and risk meaningful harm to our children.


Support trans youth

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No matter what your personal preferences are, we should be inclusive and support people and in particular children that are trans and non-binary. Isolating and excluding children, making them feel invisible or shameful causes emotional and physical trauma. Please support the children in Virginia by giving them the support they need to thrive.


Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I cannot expression how important it is to validate the experience of trans and non-binary students in public schools. It is not hard to so, just using a preferred name or pronouns make a world of difference and can save peoples lives. It has no effect on the cis children, and will make a huge impact on trans kids. A bill that opposes this is essentially a death wish to those kids. Having resources like this when I was younger would have made me happy and healthy, but also not having them DID NOT PREVENT ME FROM BEING TRANS. This policy will not prevent trans students from existing, just make their life and school unnecessarily difficult."}'>I cannot expression how important it is to validate the experience of trans and non-binary students in public schools. It is not hard to so, just using a preferred name or pronouns make a world of difference and can save peoples lives. It has no effect on the cis children, and will make a huge impact on trans kids. A bill that opposes this is essentially a death wish to those kids. Having resources like this when I was younger would have made me happy and healthy, but also not having them DID NOT PREVENT ME FROM BEING TRANS. This policy will not prevent trans students from existing, just make their life and school unnecessarily difficult.


Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"As a mental health professional with 22 years experience, I STRONGLY OPPOSE these policies. The suicide rate of trans youth is five times higher than that of their peers. I personally serve many high risk suicidal youth who are hanging on because they can be out at school.  Further, the American Academy of Pediatrics and many other medical and mental health institutions have come out in strong support of social gender affirmation in youth.  Please do not do this to our youth."}'>As a mental health professional with 22 years experience, I STRONGLY OPPOSE these policies. The suicide rate of trans youth is five times higher than that of their peers. I personally serve many high risk suicidal youth who are hanging on because they can be out at school. Further, the American Academy of Pediatrics and many other medical and mental health institutions have come out in strong support of social gender affirmation in youth. Please do not do this to our youth.


I am a trans student and this affects my safety

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I am a transgender student in a Virginia public high school and because of this proposal I felt forced to legally change my name in order to avoid harassment.

Students, no matter their age or grade level, deserve to be respected in the classroom. Politics/religion should not be brought and forced into our children's safe spaces. Public schools are for the public and so should serve every member of the public, not just the bigoted majority. Our children should learn acceptance and love, not fear and suppression.


Oppose

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I have Trans son and if the public education system had provided trans inclusion education it would have made his life as an adolescent much better instead he felt left out had bad anxiety issues.


Oppose

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Trans Rights are human rights! Every student deserves to be supported in coming to terms with who they are and expressing that as they come of age in school. Most of the books that we read in school are about that journey. Coming of age and navigating your identity is something that everyone goes through and something we should all be supported in equally. To deny trans kids the right to self exploration and actualization in a community of care is inhumane and wrong."}'>Trans Rights are human rights! Every student deserves to be supported in coming to terms with who they are and expressing that as they come of age in school. Most of the books that we read in school are about that journey. Coming of age and navigating your identity is something that everyone goes through and something we should all be supported in equally. To deny trans kids the right to self exploration and actualization in a community of care is inhumane and wrong.


Oppose


Horrible policy

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The new policy regarding trans kids is outrageous and violates the personal freedoms it claims to protect.


Oppose. This is NOT pro-parent. It's anti-child.

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This policy only protects the rights of a certain segment of parents. It creates additional burdens on parents who support their transgender children. As the right-leaning Bulwark put it: "Glenn Youngkin Believes in "Parents' Right'--But Only for the 'Right' Kinds of Parents."

In the end, it is the most vulnerable children who will suffer.

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

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

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


Oppose

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This is not based on sound practices, it is based on hate. We are better than this.


strongly support the Youngkin model policies for parental rights

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The new policies protect the fundamental religious liberty interests of personnel and students.  Parents must be allowed to exercise their rights in raising and educating their children.


Attn Virginians. This N Virginian agenda is coming your way if you don't occupy your school boards

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<p>We used to have a normal school district like everyone. We were asleep at the wheel and our school board became occupied by liberals that didn't have children. They only had agendas to push. Now we have to work to vote them out. Stay active and get on your school boards. </p>


Oppose

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Stop attacking young transgender, non-CIS young people for being who they are. These policies are negative and are unwarranted. They deserve your support and understanding, not to mention protection.


Students will die

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This policy puts students at risk of being killed. Please do not say this is dramatic when statistics have proven over and over again that LGBTQ+ youth are more at risk of homelessness, suicide, being abandoned, etc. Do you actually care about students or about your comfort?


Oppose

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I STRONGLY OPPOSE this horrible, backwards, transphobic bill that does nothing to serve our community and only means to harm kids. get these disgusting policies out of our state!


Reject the transphobic guidance

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VDOE should reject the transphobic guidance from Gov Youngkin. As a parent, our schools should not be used to advance hate and discrimination against transgendered people.


Oppose the Guidance

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I OPPOSE the guidance and want the VDOE to reject them.


Shame on you


Oppose

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It's absurd that Youngkin is wasting tax payers', teachers' and administrators' time on unscientific and actively detrimental approaches to trans youth. It would cost us all far less money to support trans youth and be inclusive in our programming. This is a publicity stunt that the state will have to pay for in the form of excess litigation and lawsuits.


Protect trans students

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Across the country we stand United with transgender students by honoring and affirming their existence and mental health with use of pronouns and names of choice. We stand w you all.


Oppose

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I OPPOSE Youngkin’s proposal. As a mental health professional in a school setting it is important for students to share their worries, stressors and feelings with me and feel comfortable in their school. Schools are meant to be safe places for students to be themselves.


parental rights

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Parents rights need to be acknowledged and respected.  The children belong to the parents, not to the government.


Oppose

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Kids deserve a safe place to learn!!


A comment on Youngkin's student policy

Youngkin's student policy condones and allows the continued persecution of LGBTQ students, and allows the persecution to increase or intensify.To negatively discriminate against any person, including students, based on perceived/known sexual preference and or gender status, is persecution. Existence of the prevalent persecution of LGBTQ persons is evidenced in the result of a 2022 Trevor Project survey: 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (53%) of transgender and nonbinary youth. I unfortunately remember being persecuted from grade 1. In high school, I missed being an NHS (National Honor Society) member by .03 of the required GPA, because of the stress caused by the persecution.No one should be persecuted or live in fear, including students from other students, staff, or policy, because of one's perceived/known sexual attraction and or gender status. Creating and or allowing an environment that condones and effectually encourages the persecution of LGBTQ persons is persecution. My tax should not be used to create such an environment.The policy also creates stress for those staff who believe LGBTQ persecution is immoral, especially those staff who are LGBTQ.The policy is immoral.

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Youngkin's student policy condones and allows the continued persecution of LGBTQ students, and allows the persecution to increase or intensify.\n\nTo negatively discriminate against any person, including students, based on perceived/known sexual preference and or gender status, is persecution. \nExistence of the prevalent persecution of LGBTQ persons is evidenced in the result of a 2022 Trevor Project survey: 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (53%) of transgender and nonbinary youth. \n\nI unfortunately remember being persecuted from grade 1. In high school, I missed being an NHS (National Honor Society) member by .03 of the required GPA, because of the stress caused by the persecution.\n\nNo one should be persecuted or live in fear, including students from other students, staff, or policy, because of one's perceived/known sexual attraction and or gender status. Creating and or allowing an environment that condones and effectually encourages the persecution of LGBTQ persons is persecution. My tax should not be used to create such an environment.\n\nThe policy also creates stress for those staff who believe LGBTQ persecution is immoral, especially those staff who are LGBTQ.\n\nThe policy is immoral."}">Youngkin's student policy condones and allows the continued persecution of LGBTQ students, and allows the persecution to increase or intensify.

To negatively discriminate against any person, including students, based on perceived/known sexual preference and or gender status, is persecution.
Existence of the prevalent persecution of LGBTQ persons is evidenced in the result of a 2022 Trevor Project survey: 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (53%) of transgender and nonbinary youth.

I unfortunately remember being persecuted from grade 1. In high school, I missed being an NHS (National Honor Society) member by .03 of the required GPA, because of the stress caused by the persecution.

No one should be persecuted or live in fear, including students from other students, staff, or policy, because of one's perceived/known sexual attraction and or gender status. Creating and or allowing an environment that condones and effectually encourages the persecution of LGBTQ persons is persecution. My tax should not be used to create such an environment.

The policy also creates stress for those staff who believe LGBTQ persecution is immoral, especially those staff who are LGBTQ.

The policy is immoral.


Maintain a safe & supportive learning environment for all

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State Senator Jennifer McClellan spoke eloquently when she said, "Governor Youngkin’s proposed policy ignores Virginia law requiring such policies to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students, prevent bullying and harassment, and protect student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information."

Let us keep the current policy. The lives of non-binary and transgender youth depend on it!


Oppose

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We are going backwards by not protecting trans and non-binary youth students. These are issues that youth come by innocently. We must protect our children. I worry for our future generations if these discriminatory policies pass.


Protecting all children means making a safe space for transgender and non-binary youth

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"I am a parent of a transgender child who attends public school in Virginia. I know how important it is for a child to feel safe and protected by the adults that they depend on during their significant time at school. By taking away preferred pronouns and names and non-gendered bathroom accommodations you put these young people at a greater risk for suicide, abuse, and self-harm. Would you refuse a safe haven to a physically abused child if the parents and family were the abusers? No, we have DSS to help with that. Just because transgender and non-binary youth are a minority doesn't mean they deserve less respect than any other child. They are not asking for any more special accommodations than a child changing their nickname or a child in a wheelchair needing the appropriate accommodations to a restroom. Repealing the adopted best practices does not hurt anyone, it only helps. Please do not turn back the clock on the future that is our children."}">I am a parent of a transgender child who attends public school in Virginia. I know how important it is for a child to feel safe and protected by the adults that they depend on during their significant time at school. By taking away preferred pronouns and names and non-gendered bathroom accommodations you put these young people at a greater risk for suicide, abuse, and self-harm. Would you refuse a safe haven to a physically abused child if the parents and family were the abusers? No, we have DSS to help with that. Just because transgender and non-binary youth are a minority doesn't mean they deserve less respect than any other child. They are not asking for any more special accommodations than a child changing their nickname or a child in a wheelchair needing the appropriate accommodations to a restroom. Repealing the adopted best practices does not hurt anyone, it only helps. Please do not turn back the clock on the future that is our children.


Parental rights must be protected or children will be vulnerable to predators

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I wholeheartedly support Gov. Youngkin’s efforts to protect parental rights. It is dangerous to allow public school employees to discuss and hide sexual conversations and identities from parents. Quite simply, that is the behavior of sexual predators.


Oppose

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I oppose the guidance that Youngkin is trying to pass!!!!


Oppose


I support the Governor's model policy for treatment of transgender students

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<p>The government should not stand between minors and their parents. By "government", I mean government employees, including public school teachers. The practice of excluding parents from involvement in a life-altering time is wrong. It is important to strengthen families and support parental involvement in order to strengthen young people. </p>
<p> </p>


I OPPOSE the guidance

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The proposed policy is a disgrace. This is a policy drafted in fear and for political fearmongering. These are children and they are not hurting anyone, but these policies will hurt them and kill them. Do better.


Protest against the new, proposed guidelines

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I am speaking out strongly against the guidelines regarding transgender or gender-non-conforming students proposed by the governor.

I am a white, Christian, cis-gender, married, mother of two gender-conforming children. However, I am also the friend of mothers and fathers of gender-non-conforming children, of transgender women and men, and a friend and family member of gay and lesbian individuals.

The proposed guidelines are harmful to children who try to become the best versions of themselves and to live their lives fully. Very often LGBTQ+ are not supported in their identity at home, so school and their friends and teachers are the place where they have the opportunity to express and try out who they are, and eventually find the courage to come out to their families. The alternative is often depression, suicide and abandonment.

And the governor's credo of parents choice, per the new guideline stops where parents of transgender children are not allowed to register them in the child's expressed gender.

My children have been exposed to LGBTQ+ individuals since their earliest childhood and in both family and school settings, and neither of them has expressed confusion or concern or the desire, based on these individuals' sexual orientation or gender expression, to follow suit.

As a Christian woman I say, all human beings are children of God, and we are made wonderfully and special.

As an American I say, we are created equal before the law of this country, and freedom of religion is a high good in our society.

Thank you for reconsidering,

Barbara G.

Charlottesville, VA


Gov. Younkin’s transgender school policy

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<p>I fully support Gov. Youngkin’s transgender school policy and parents’ rights. </p>


I OPPOSE the guidance

I am a demigirl nonbinary student here in Virginia. I express myself close to my assigned sex at birth so although I do identify a nonbinary I do not undergo the same issues and obstacles that other trans students go through. A lot of my friends are also nonbinary and are trans so this proposed policy is quite personal to me outside of my identity. They have dealt with massive transphobia from their families. It is extremely dangerous for teachers to be allowed to out a child. It is the CHILD'S choice whether to come out to someone and that child coming out to someone shows they have TRUST in that person. A lot of kids, myself and my friends included, do not have accepting homes and at the worst have abusive homes. Outting a trans/nonbinary student to their parents in the name of parental rights is putting a child in serious danger. if a child can not trust an administrator, someone is supposed to be nurturing, guiding, and trustworthy...then who can they trust? Excluding trans and nonbinary students from using the bathroom of their choice or participating in school sports is my definition discrimination. Trans students just want to use the bathroom that coincides with their gender. This is important due to gender dysphoria which has led to the large amount of trans suicides in addition to the already rampant discrimination. It is very unlikely for cisgender students to take advantage of this policy and attack others in the bathroom. if this really was prevalent, it would already be an issue. Nobody is guarding the bathrooms right now, what is stopping boys from sneaking a peek into the girl's restroom right now.Prohibiting teachers from using a student's preferred name and pronouns also connects with gender dysphoria issues. It also ironically goes against parental rights as well. What about the parents who want their trans kid to be respect when they head to school. Their voices matter. This policy is predatory towards trans and nonbinary youth and we implore you to not implement it for the safety of your students.

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"I am a demigirl nonbinary student here in Virginia. I express myself close to my assigned sex at birth so although I do identify a nonbinary I do not undergo the same issues and obstacles that other trans students go through. A lot of my friends are also nonbinary and are trans so this proposed policy is quite personal to me outside of my identity. They have dealt with massive transphobia from their families. It is extremely dangerous for teachers to be allowed to out a child. It is the CHILD'S choice whether to come out to someone and that child coming out to someone shows they have TRUST in that person. A lot of kids, myself and my friends included, do not have accepting homes and at the worst have abusive homes. Outting a trans/nonbinary student to their parents in the name of parental rights is putting a child in serious danger. if a child can not trust an administrator, someone is supposed to be nurturing, guiding, and trustworthy...then who can they trust? \nExcluding trans and nonbinary students from using the bathroom of their choice or participating in school sports is my definition discrimination. Trans students just want to use the bathroom that coincides with their gender. This is important due to gender dysphoria which has led to the large amount of trans suicides in addition to the already rampant discrimination. It is very unlikely for cisgender students to take advantage of this policy and attack others in the bathroom. if this really was prevalent, it would already be an issue. Nobody is guarding the bathrooms right now, what is stopping boys from sneaking a peek into the girl's restroom right now.\nProhibiting teachers from using a student's preferred name and pronouns also connects with gender dysphoria issues. It also ironically goes against parental rights as well. What about the parents who want their trans kid to be respect when they head to school. Their voices matter. This policy is predatory towards trans and nonbinary youth and we implore you to not implement it for the safety of your students."}">I am a demigirl nonbinary student here in Virginia. I express myself close to my assigned sex at birth so although I do identify a nonbinary I do not undergo the same issues and obstacles that other trans students go through. A lot of my friends are also nonbinary and are trans so this proposed policy is quite personal to me outside of my identity. They have dealt with massive transphobia from their families. It is extremely dangerous for teachers to be allowed to out a child. It is the CHILD'S choice whether to come out to someone and that child coming out to someone shows they have TRUST in that person. A lot of kids, myself and my friends included, do not have accepting homes and at the worst have abusive homes. Outting a trans/nonbinary student to their parents in the name of parental rights is putting a child in serious danger. if a child can not trust an administrator, someone is supposed to be nurturing, guiding, and trustworthy...then who can they trust?
Excluding trans and nonbinary students from using the bathroom of their choice or participating in school sports is my definition discrimination. Trans students just want to use the bathroom that coincides with their gender. This is important due to gender dysphoria which has led to the large amount of trans suicides in addition to the already rampant discrimination. It is very unlikely for cisgender students to take advantage of this policy and attack others in the bathroom. if this really was prevalent, it would already be an issue. Nobody is guarding the bathrooms right now, what is stopping boys from sneaking a peek into the girl's restroom right now.
Prohibiting teachers from using a student's preferred name and pronouns also connects with gender dysphoria issues. It also ironically goes against parental rights as well. What about the parents who want their trans kid to be respect when they head to school. Their voices matter. This policy is predatory towards trans and nonbinary youth and we implore you to not implement it for the safety of your students.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Gov Youngkin has the support of the majority of Virginians

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<p>Most Virginians have had enough of leftist school boards and teachers unions trying to force their twisted ideas down our childrens throats. News flash those childern belong to thier parents not your school. Not to mention the tax payers have paid for the schools as well as the salaries of the teachers and the school board so you work for us not the other way around. We tell you what we want the kids to learn not the other way around. It goes back to "WE the PEOPLE" look it up some time. Yes I am calling them children and kids because they ARE. They are not considered adults until they are 18 years old and until then they are to be raised by their parents. It is the parents job to teach thier children about morals, religion, and sexual behavior this is not the job of public education. Boys use the boys restroom and locker room and girls use the girls restroom and locker room they are not unisex rooms. Stupid thinking like that got two girls raped in bathrooms in Loudoun country already. If you don't like this new law that the majority of Virginians support than move to another state that believes your BS, that kind of thinking dosen't belong in Virginia. </p>


This is what happens to parents that dare defy the LCPS agenda

Read this article- It’s frightening how brazen they have become


Loudoun County- Judge finds transgender teen guilty of Loudoun County bathroom sexual assaults

LCPS parent in shock that this has gone on for so long.

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Loudoun County has created the perfect storm for sexual assaults. The leadership must be held legally and criminally responsible.


The first rule of indoctrinating students is not to tell anyone that you are indoctrinating students

Andrea Weiskopf Latin teacher at LCPS- direct quote from her twitter page

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The staff at LCPS is proud to be grooming your children. At any other school district, she would be fired. She is protected by the corrupt leadership of Loudoun County.


Ann Marie Barrett (LCPS counselor) arrested for sexually assaulting her transgender student

LCPS-Keep the parents in the dark while counselors handle it? Not my kids.

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The LCPS child grooming agenda is truly scary. They want to keep parents in the dark while the staff (teachers and counselors) counsels our children regarding their sexuality. You see how well that is working out.


Thank you!

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<p>As the mother of three children, I want to be engaged in their life, training them to be good citizens, and encouraging them to love the Lord and love people. As a helathcare professional, I also realize children's brains are not fully formed until mid to late 20s. Decisions affecting their entire life should not be made when they are not fully capable of understanding the impact. Thank you, Gov. Youngkin, for protecting parent's rights. </p>


180 DEGREE TURN

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Last year students could be open about their gender identity, and now we are going in completely the opposite direction? There are ways you can deal with the stupid "Trans kids in bathrooms" thing other than demonizing these students. Just have them use the mixed bathrooms basically every school has. Students often tamp down these feelings for fear of being judged by their parents, and you can see just from these comments that those fears are totally justified. Allowing them to explore these feelings and emotions in the school setting is something we should be encouraging.


Support! Schools are NOT to supersede parental authority.

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<p>I'm grateful for Governor Youngkin's Model Policies that bring common sense back into the educational system concerning gender issues as they relate to child safety and parental authority.  The role of educators is not to belittle a parent or place themselves above the authority of a parent or guardian. Transgender policies that deny parental authority create confusion in the lives of children.  While transgender issues are real, and certainly important to a select demographic of people, unfortunately, however, they negatively impact the common good of all students across Virginia due to the upheaval and unnecessary division they create. I could write more, but obviously there have been many comments (both pro and con).  Most important is the long-term effects these policies can have on the life of a child as well as the relationship with their immediate family members. Any policy that jeopardizes a child's safety as well as their relationship with the people who ultimately are responsible for them (parents/guardians) is not beneficial.  Please stay the course and protect children and families.  Encourage policies that focus on protecting parental rights and truly educating students in terms of what they need to grow into healthy, whole, responsible adults.  The purpose of education is to equip students with character and skills beneficial to society as a whole - rather than a subset of society that creates division and distraction away from the continued growth of a healthy, whole civilization.  </p>


Protect Trans Kids

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Protecting transgender kid's right to gender affirmation and privacy is suicide prevention. With this laws, the mental health and wellbeing of these kids will be dramatically harmed.


New Proposed Pro-Parent Policy Guidance

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I strongly support the new pro-parent policy proposed by Gov. Youngkin.


Strongly Support Youngkin!

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Strongly support! It's the parents rights to make decisions not the school. How i raise my child/children is my business. I'm tired of the schools and government trying to make decisions for my child/family. If my religion/beliefs aren't what you believe fine, but stop pushing your agenda on me. I have rights too!!! Why is it the minority of views always has more rights than the majority! Stop pushing LGBTQ, binary, nonbinary, pronouns down my throat. I don't push my beliefs down yours. Why can't we go back to teaching the way it used to be instead of adding all this political/sexual stuff into schools? Isn't it bad enough us adults have to deal with this mess??? Stop telling us to vaccinated our kids too! If we choose not to or choose to do so it's our business not the schools or governments. This world has gone crazy, please let kids be kids and stop the hate and division. Why can't people just live and let live, why must we be in everybody's business. The government and schools have NO right telling me what to do in my house!!!!!


Trans rights!

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<p>My son is transgender and school was such an awful and terrible time for him. He had to tell us when he was ready.  The depression and anxiety these kids face is unbelievable and this law will make it even worse! Suicide rates are already high.  Please take time and talk to some of the parents before enacting a law that does not affect you! </p>


Common Sense Legislation

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<p>I am so grateful to finally have a leader in Virginia who has emphasized parental rights and exposing the activists who try to usurp parental authority.  </p>


I absolutely support this new guidance

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<p>We should not be negatively affecting the majority of students for a very narrow minority that suffer from gender dysphoria supported by one or more parents that also suffer from a sickness that denies biology and science. If these young people feel this strongly then let them make these decisions when they are older and more mentally and emotionally mature. </p>


Get suicidal kids mental health care… new pronouns won’t help you.

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Please kids. If you are feeling suicidal tell your parents to get you to the doctor right away. If they aren’t listening, please find a trusted adult at school and ask them to take you to the doctor.


I support. Protect children, fire teachers and charge anyone pushing the transgender BS on children.


Support furry rights. Furry rights are human rights.

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Stop discriminating against all furries and trans. We deserve the same respect as everyone else.


Trans Rights are Human Rights

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<p>Please do not cause harm to Trans citizens by limiting their rights. The policies you are putting forward are discriminatory against Trans students. Please reverse your course, and allow students to live freely amongst themselves. They don't need your prejudicial involvement in their lives. </p>


Standing up for my daughter's right to privacy

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My 13 year old daughter just told me she, and other girls, have to share a changing area with a "trans" boy.  My daughter has been very vocal about supporting other LGBTQ children but expressed that she feels uncomfortable with having to change with a biological boy.  She told me she changes in a bathroom stall.

My question is, why is my 13 yr old daughter, and the other female children, being forced into changing in a stall for privacy in a "girl's" changing room so one biological boy can have the freedom to change where he/she pleases?

Both my children have IEPs just so they can keep up.  They tell me so many terrible things going on in the schools almost every day. We are very grateful for our hardworking and dedicated teachers. However, the Superintendent and school board here are out of control and care more about pushing radical social agendas over education and supporting children, parents, and teachers.

We live in Virginia Beach.

Thank You and Please Help!!


I oppose this model policy.  Parents are not the only stakeholders in schools.

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As a parent of kids in public school I oppose this model policy since it is not really about parental rights but about applying a narrow culture war opinion on all parents. If as a parent I want support from the school for a LGBTQ+ student how do I come out in the process?  Seems like you are choosing one set of parents over another.

Also public schools are not solely about parental rights. Parents have the right to choose to educate their children in the home or a private school.  Public schools are about ensuring a free and appropriate education to children no matter if the parents think their kids should be uneducated or are not able to educate.  Supporting those children becoming informed citizens is the top priority of the school. Letting parents impose their beliefs on all other parents is a long way from a top priority.  If kids need support in however they arrive at schools the school should attempt to accommodate the child (not the parent).


I do not support

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This policy is camouflaged bias and discrimination presented in the gift wrapping of parents rights. Almost 40 years ago I remember students coming to our house to discuss personal things they felt uncomfortable discussing with their parents. These were high school students coming to their teachers (my parents). Students, children need trusted adults outside of parents to help them work through all of the world they start seeing as they grow up.

while there are many beliefs about gender As opposed to science facts and some appear to be rooted in Christianity I would urge those Christians to consider that we are called to love and respect all people. And that I have often heard people say God created man and woman. It is crystal clear right there in genesis. But if you think about it the creation story also included day and night but not dusk or dawn those areas in between day and night. It also included land and Sea or the oceans but did not mention estuaries and title basins in coral reefs that lie in between land and sea . I doubt this will reach many people as most have closed their ears to debate to alternate opinions to the diversity that brings beauty to our lives. That is saddening much like the policies promoted in this administration.


Governor, can you please not let the adults let boys into our locker room after band practice.

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We practice every day before school. Then we have to change out of our marching band uniform into our school clothes in the locker room. The teachers are allowing boys into our locker Roman because they say that they identify as girls on that day. It’s not fair and some of the girls on the marching band fee really uncomfortable and want to quit. Can you please help?


It needs to go further. 99% of Americans are sick of the woke fake victimhood BS.

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We have had enough of the woke BS in our schools.


Support segregated bathrooms for biological sexes.

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My family believes that biological females have the right to use bathrooms, locker rooms and shower facilities without having males present in their facilities. We believe it is inappropriate.


Strongly Oppose-Do Better!

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<p>Children deserve a welcoming and supportive world. We can all play a part in ensuring that all young people, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are provided with safe, accepting, and supportive environments at home, in their schools, and in their communities. This is something that we can do individually and collectively.  What you are trying to do is the exact opposite, you are contributing to stigma and discrimination. </p>


Suicide Rates Increase When Parents are Not Involved

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I support these policies. I keep hearing people say that kids who are confused about their gender need to be affirmed with new names, pronouns, medications, etc. or they will commit suicide. Where is the science for this? I found a recent study that shows that when a child's parents are not involved and the child has more access to dangerous medications (like puberty blockers), then the child's likelihood of suicide increases. Here is that study: https://www.heritage.org/gender/report/puberty-blockers-cross-sex-hormones-and-youth-suicide

Kids need their parents! These policies ensure that parents are involved and in the know, just as they should be! Thank you, Governor Youngkin!


Thank you BCPS board member. Please make a good example to help your neighboring school boards.

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Bedford County has been a great leader within Virginia lately. Keep up the good work and stand up for your values.


Do you really want to cause this

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I have a question. Just because I am a biological female does that mean I can't go by he/they pronouns? I honestly don't even think that your pronouns have anything to do with your body unless you want to completely transition. Calling kids out to their parents is probably going to cause suicide and s/h. Is there any point in causing children pain? Just for the parental rights and control? Also just so you know, I, myself, have gone through suicidal ideation and self harming and being sent somewhere doesn't usually help much or at all, so sending children places will not solve anything.


Stop the racial rhetoric. Latino Americans have rights to their viewpoints too.

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This has nothing to do with race. People from all races have different viewpoints. Let’s leave religious and racial issues out of it please.


Bedford County School Board Member and Parent - STRONGLY SUPPORT

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My name is Chris Daniels and I am a school board member in Bedford County, VA. As a father to four children in our public schools, and a school board member representing thousands of other children in our county, I STRONGLY SUPPORT Governor Youngkin's proposed policies protecting all children. I also believe our schools should inform parents of all incidents/concerns involving their children. Parents LOVE their children and want the best for them. They are the children's first teachers and they 100% should be involved in all aspects of their children's lives and education. Furthermore, we must raise the standard of education in order to help students recognize their full academic potential. Our focus must be on excellence in education.


Hispanics only support because they are Catholic. Trans rights are human rights.

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Don’t push Catholic nationalistic viewpoints on other people.


Congratulations Governor Youngkin- We elected you to restore parental rights. Do the right thing.


Seriously

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This is going to hurt a lot of my friends and make a lot of people unhappy, in fact, it makes me very unhappy. I myself am open to telling my friends and family but other people aren't. I have friends who have homophobic and transphobic parents/family who will not be happy with their child's "choice".


Horrific Policy. Do Not Support!

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This is a myopic policy that  does nothing to address actual problems facing schools right now. Schools are figuratively on fire with problems needing to be prioritized.

As a parent of a current high school student in Virginia, I can assure you there are plenty of problems plaguing public schools and this is NOT one of them!

Our schools have faced classes without teachers for more than half the school year!

These are the complex problems that are difficult to address but vital to our children’s futures! These other distractions are perceived problems with political motivations that are wasting energy to the real problems facing our public schools!

I strongly oppose wasting any more resources on these type of resources and will only vote for candidates willing to address real problems.


Hispanics overwhelmingly support this policy.Thank you for protecting our children and families.

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My family came here for a safe upbringing of our children. We send our kids to school to learn so that someday they will be successful. It seems that the schools are more interested in changing the kids than educating them. You will continue to have the Hispanic support as we are family oriented and care about our kids.


I support the Governor

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<p>I support the governor 100% and believe PARENTS should be making decisions and guiding their children. </p>


Common sense guidance

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<p>This document is full of common sense and protects the children of the Commonwealth! Our children are NOT toys, fashion accessories or political puppets. We need to apply some common sense to our school policies and make sure that children are given the opportunity to learn and grow without random adults forcing their hang ups and mental problems on the kids. Give the children some structure to grow.  </p>


Support parents and families

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<p>As a mom of four and grandparent of eight, I cannot imagine a child’s struggling with sexuality and identity issues without the support of loving parents. But parents cannot provide support and guidance unless they know that their child is struggling. For a school teacher, counselor, or administrator to step into the shoes of the parents is untenable, unless the child is suffering from abuse or neglect, at which point state law mandates intervention. Decisions such as those the Governor has addressed are often lifelong and unalterable, and should not be within the purview of the government in place of parents. I strongly support the Governor’s policy. </p>


inolvement in politics

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The Catholic Church has no business telling people how to vote in politics.  That is why we have a separation of church and state-- which is what this country was founded on.


Model Policies for treatment of transgender students

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In favor of Governor Younkin's proposals.  Our daughters deserve our protection.  No boys in girls locker rooms.  No boys on girls sports teams.


Trans rights

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<p>All of these bills don’t protect children, it oppresses trans people and every reasonable person knows this, this will create more problems rather than solve them </p>


Support of Gov. Youngkin's proposed school policy

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<p>I am fully in support of Gov Younkin's proposed VA Dept of Education changes on school mandates regarding gender identity and parental rights.  Parents are the primary educator of their children and have a right to determine what is appropriate for their child's health.  Schools should focus on the mission of education and not become involved in advancing social policies, particularly when not agreed upon by parents.  Schools should maintain transparency with said parents who extend authority and entrust them with their children's health and education.  A focus on subject education and support of parents is common sense and the appropriate role for schools.  </p>


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THANK YOU YOUNGKIN for protecting girls - NO BOYS in girls bathroom/locker rooms


Parental Rights are Fundamental Rights

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I support these policies. Parents have a right to know about anything their child is learning about, experiencing, or talking about at school, and this includes all information relevant to any gender confusion or struggles a child may be experiecing or voicing to teachers, other students, or administrators. These model policies protect the fundamental rights of parents to raise their own kids and are in complete alignment with the Virginia Code, which codifies parental rights as fundamental. See: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title1/chapter2.1/section1-240.1/#:~:text=Rights%20of%20parents.,care%20of%20the%20parent's%20child.


I support the Governor

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I support Gov Youngkin and his policies.  Please protect our children.  The few shouldn't get to set policy for the many.


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Parents have the responsibility to care for their children's well-being. It's obvious to this middle-school teacher that pre-teens and teens are incapable of making a rational choice about supposedly changing their sex.


Don’t legalize bullying and unfair treatment

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Schools are already hard enough. If a transgender youth has recognized that they are transgender then they should be allowed to use the restroom assigned to the gender they associate with.  This is not a choice made arbitrarily by the child and it’s not an easy choice. Why make it harder on the child and easier on the narrow minded judgmental people?    Schools and parents are supposed to advocate for the children.


Governor; kids deserve to feel comfortable in their bathrooms and locker rooms; please help.

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It isn't fair for kids to have to be subjected to the fantasy games that a very small minority of children wish to play at school. Kids deserve normalcy at school too. This small minority is screaming for attention and they are getting it at the expense of our beautiful children. Thank you for helping our children governor.


This Policy Will Harm Students

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Please reconsider this policy. It puts transgender students at risk.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Protect Trans Youth

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This guidance is a political ploy at the expense of transgender youth.  It is apparent that it was conceived without consulting the trans community, and all children will suffer because of it. 82% of trans individuals have considered suicide and 40% have attempted it. Schools must be inclusive and welcoming for all students. We must provide an equitable environment without political motivators.


Assault on Public education - Solution looking for a problem

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Pay attention as the politicians attempt to manipulate facts and distract you from their abusive assault on our social structure. This is more an attempt to destroy public education under the ruse of "parental rights". Don't focus on real ways to improve our public education that will empower our kids and make the world a better place. Don't help provide food in our schools for those who are barely making ends meet. Don't focus on afterschool programs to give kids opportunities to learn and do more and not end up in harms way.

"Bravo" Glenn Yougkin - creating distractions with solutions for problems that do not exist. Let us attack the weak. Start by marginalizing innocent children. "Transgenders" kids are not a problem to our schools or our society. Let them live there lives peacefully and without minimizing them. Stop attacking and adding to the challenges they face. Help them find there way - which is ok if it is not your way.

No drama here. Pay attention because all they breed is fear and hatred to gain and keep power. They are blatant with their actions and abuse of power under the pre-texts of "parent rights." They are not improving our school system they are just dividing parents. Sad because we all face challenges without the distractions and fear mongering.

Learn history or repeat it. Author Martin Niemoeller expressed what happened when the world failed to speak up against Hitler, the Nazis and fabricated hatred. It starts with an assault on the weakest and least powerful and then snowballs. When it gets to you, there is no one left to speak up.

Stand up and stop the abuse of power and hatred!!!!


this is a violation of human rights

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This is a violation of human rights, cause trans rights are human rights.


Trans Rights Are Human Rights

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Allowing students to choose their gender identity, preferred pronouns and letting them choose which bathroom to use  will allow young queer people feel more comfortable about who they are. This isnt about people whipping their genitalia out in a bathroom or locker room, what on earth do you think goes on in there? Young trans kids just want to be themselves and want others to respect that. They deserve the same rights that the rest of us get.


Perhaps you wouldn’t get bullied if you stopped using the girls bathroom- just a thought.

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It’s not transphobia causing suicidal thoughts. It’s your desire to create unnecessary chaos and drama in your lives. If it wasn’t this, you would be creating chaos in some other form. I truly hope all kids find peace and love and grow up to be wonderful people.


Oppose this hurtful legislation

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These proposed rules are discriminatory and based in lack of understanding and fear. Trans kids have a right to their identity, to be respected and treated fairly. These proposed rules would violate their rights and cause significant suffering and harm. What could possibly justify that?


Support new pro-parent policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education.

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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.


Pro parents

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I support Governor Youngkin's latest efforts regarding policies governing the education of children in the state of Virginia, for the following reasons:

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.


Schools are to educate stay out of gender/mental illness issues

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<p>Schools need to focus on improving what we teach in schools our education as a nation is disgusting and substandard.  Gender is not a school issue stay out of it and get them mental help. </p>


Thank you governor. Since the beginning of time boys have used the boys restroom.

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Thank you for bringing common sense back to liberals that are playing fantasy games with our children.


Opposition to New Transgender Policy Proposal

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The proposed new transgender policy proposal represents a fundamental violation of the rights of students. Gender identity is a complex and deeply personal issue and needs to be treated as such. These policies violate the dignity of our students and represent a step backward for the commonwealth.


We support!

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Fully support the guidelines as proposed and think they should be fully implemented. Parents need to be fully informed of their children's activities and issues!


STUDENT'S LIVES MATTER

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It is absurd to have to fight for children's rights. Fox News and much of the right-wing media have been successful in brainwashing their followers to think this (which is essentially bullying children and is proven to lead to suicide) is normal behavior.


Parents, not schools, are responsible for raising their children

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Under the new policies, school officials must keep parents fully informed, so that parents can carry out their responsibilities in caring for children with gender dysphoria. The new policies also require schools to prohibit and deter bullying or harassment, which is part of their mission -- not deceiving parents about what is going on with their children at school.

Student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities, and events should be determined by sex, not self-perceived gender (e.g., for overnight travel accommodations and locker rooms). Single-user facilities should be accessible to all students so that those who are not comfortable using bathrooms/changing rooms for their biological sex can use them.

The new policies will protect children with gender dysphoria from harassment and also protect the first amendment and religious liberty rights of other students, parents, and school personnel.


Try not to be so horrible

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<p>Winning in politics must feel really, really good if you're willing to sacrifice other human beings and your own humanity to do it. This policy isn't pro-parent or pro-anything except stoking culture wars and keeping angry reactionaries angry so they'll keep you in power. Bullying children who already feel like outsiders is crass and cruel and damaging. Try to be better humans and leave those kids alone. </p>


No one is pushing for surgery

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Reading these comments, people seem to think respecting trans kids is pushing for surgeries for young people. If I may, this is misinformation. The only option available to people under 18 is puberty blockers, an impermanent drug that's been used on cis kids for decades (to help those with early puberty). Puberty blockers simply delay puberty (something that causes a living hell for trans kids, with irreversible changes, that often leads to suicide, self-harm, and depression). They exist to give trans kids a chance to give kids a chance to figure out who they are, nothing more, and they can go off them at any time. If they do decide to get surgery, they will have to wait until they are 18, and then must go through a rigorous process with verification from multiple psychologists.

(https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/puberty/what-are-puberty-blockers, https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2020-12/Gender-Clinic-Puberty-Blockers-Handout.pdf, https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2020/08000/barriers_to_gender_affirming_surgery_consultations.37.aspx)

I should also remind you that just because a person doesn't use their birth name and pronouns does not mean they intend to get surgery. Many trans people don't want or need surgery, and are content in the body they were born into. After all, why should what's between your legs determine anything about you? The idea that genitals tell anything about us who a person is is truly absurd.

And yes, some people regret these surgeries. But that's true for every surgery. Gender-affirming surgeries only have a 1% regret rate (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8099405/). Compare that to plastic surgery, which has a 65% regret rate (according to the Medical Accident Group). And yet we never see bills banning people from wearing make-up or saying they hate their bodies. I'm not saying we shouldn't support those who regret transgender surgery. What I am saying is that we shouldn't take them as the norm, and shouldn't use them as an excuse to hurt the other 99% who are glad they got those surgeries.


FCPS ALUMNUS - STRONGLY SUPPORT

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Let common sense prevail.


We support pro parent policies in public schools.

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Parents are the primary educators and support of their children. Public school policies should acknowledge and support parents. Schools should be completely transparent with parents.


Dangerous

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This can be very dangerous for transgender students whose parents are transphobic. It raises the risk of suicide and the student possibly getting kicked out of their own home. For those already struggling at home with school as their only safe space, it can leave them with no where to go at all. No where to feel safe and have the freedom to be themselves. The constitution states that Americans are allowed to have basic humans rights. That they aren’t allowed to be discriminated based on sex, color, race, religion, etc. Are transgender students not allowed to have their own rights? Are you going to risk a student’s safety all for the sake of “putting the parents back in the school”? There are other ways to go about putting parents in the school and this is not it.


Support the Governor’s bill

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<p>It is NOT teachers’ role to discuss a child’s,  remember they are children, gender. That is the  parent’s responsibility. Teachers should get back to teaching what we paid them to teach,math, science, reading as our students in Fairfax County continue to fall behind. </p>


Stop Bullying Children

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The students in our schools deserve the opportunity to learn in a safe environment away from the adults who would demonize and bully them. This change in guidelines isn't really about trans kids in schools it's about should we allow adults to use children as political pawns, and the answer should be no. The politicians who came up with this disgusting change in policy should be ashamed. Ashamed that they are offering children up as sacrifice to generate rage from the base, ashamed that they are offering up children as sacrifice to disguise that they haven't down anything for the average Virginian, ashamed that rather than govern they would rather push children to suicide, ashamed that rather than love as Jesus would love they would rather spew hate in the name of assumed "rights".

This policy is despicable it targets the most vulnerable Virginians amongst us. It shirks the duties of leadership to instead bully children because the leaders have no strength to target real issues that Virginians face. Demonizing children and making their lives harder does not make Virginia a better place. Allowing adults to bully and terrorize children doesn't make you strong. This policy is a severe misstep for Virginia and should be rejected wholesale.


Oppose laws that stifle children's growth

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People are trying to pit the advice of medical professionals, mental health experts, and child development experts against angry and/or scared people's projection issues. We can't let false equivalencies and opinions carry the same weight as facts and measurable data. Please allow children to use the restroom, participate in activities and generally be students without narrow dogmatic viewpoints overriding the well-being of the child.


Support Youth, Families and Mental Health

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I support Governor Youngkin's proposal to put parents back into their rightful place to guide and support their children. As a mother, a psychologist, and a former guidance counselor, I know it is necessary to keep parents as the primary decision makers as they are ultimately responsible for their child's well being. Good psychology and brain research tells us that the brain's frontal lobe is not fully developed until we are 26. This area of the brain is responsible for reasoning, planning, decision making, social and sexual behavior. That is why children need their parents guidance and support as they make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. Although teachers and guidance counselors have important roles in our children's lives, they are not ultimately responsible for the child (feeding, clothing, educating, moral development, spiritual development, etc..). Parents should always be a part of the process and brought into helping to solve their child's problems. Attachment science tells us that the bond between a child and their parents is the most important in the health of a child and their ability to have healthy relationships in the future. To come between a parent and their child is to disrupt this important bond and to leave a child to greater likelihood of mental health problems and dysfunctional relationships.

My final comment is on the protection of male and female private spaces and sports. They must be separate to protect girls and women from sexual, emotional, and physical harm. Sex at birth is the only way to decide on which bathroom, locker room, or sports team a person may use or play on. Here are a few examples of the problems that occur when this is not done: North Carolina district forfeits volleyball games against school with trans player (msn.com)  https://reduxx.info/male-sex-offender-identified-as-woman-to-access-womens-shelter-allegedly-raped-a-female-resident/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10871945/Lia-Thomas-teammates-say-UPenn-told-lives-questioned-place.html.


PARENTS LIVES MATTER

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It is absurd to have to fight for parental rights. The teacher's unions have been successful in brainwashing their followers to think this is normal behavior.


Updated language for transgender-issue policies for public schools

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I support the updated language.  Thank you, Gov. Youngkin, for protecting parental rights and ultimately protecting our children.