Opposed to Governor's edict on transgender youth in public schools

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AS a former elected school board member, the proposed policy does not reflect provide adequate protections to public school students who may identify as transgender.

Current VDOE transgender polices were established after Gloucester County School Board lost in the US Supreme Court. Gloucester County School Board made poor decisions about a transgender youth that cost taxpayers millions of dollars in settlement of the civil rights matter. Unlike many other school divisions in Virgina, the identity of LBTQ=R youth were protected. Those school divisions provided respectful accommodations to protect LBTQ-R from bullying and violence while receiving their public education.

It is unfortunate, the Governor and the AG have attached a criminal case in one division to scare parents into believing these youth pose a risk to others. Promoting fear among students and community further divides already fears after two years of lockdowns. Shooter drills are a part of schools' daily activity. What purpose does "branding" youth serve in creating safe learning environments?

Unlike the newly appointed Secretary of Education from Wyoming, Virginia is and always will be a diverse Commonwealth. Public Education in Virginia should provide high quality experiences for all our students in safe learning and respectful environments.


Approve


Strongly OPPOSE! These model policies reflect the very opposite of privacy, dignity, and respect

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These model policies reflect the very opposite of privacy, dignity, and respect


Strongly support

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<p>Strongly support! </p>


not right

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Let the kids be who they are. Schools shouldn't be the police for this, but rather be there to help EDUCATE the child - this includes their overall wellness and wellbeing. Schools need to be a safe place for students - especially when their home is not.

I do not agree with the governors new policy. At all.


Please protect trans youth.

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It is the 21st century. Please protect trans youth the Governor's policies will hurt our most vulnerable and marginalized youth.


Youngkin's Latent Cruelty Agenda Now Exposed for Any Not Paying Previously Attention

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Any side-by-side read of the two referenced documents can without lossiness be reduced to the old one being concerned about protecting a marginalized minority of students based on what science tells us and how the state and the school can help vs. the new one being concerned about a vocal but minority of parents made to feel threatened by that idea.  One is a thoughtful exploration of a sensitive subject, while the other is the most prejudicial read possible of things that in the collective if not individually do not actually support the positions advanced.  "Cruelty is the point" is the mantra of the hard-right dominated GOP and especially the MAGA crazies.  It is up to the rest of us sane folks to toss the tossers out of office ASAP.  And for those who thought Youngkin was a different kind of post-Trump Republican, how does it feel now to give your inner insecure toddler agency to bully the rest of us???


Mental Health

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As a psychiatrist, who has practiced in the past in Virginia while serving in the military, I can say with 100% certainty that this policy if implemented will lead to increasing symptoms of depression and anxiety in transgender youth.  You are no doubt aware that trans youth have a much higher rate of mental illness than others-most if not all of the difference is due to lack of acceptance by society, being told that they should not feel the way they do, and internalizing those thoughts and feelings.  Please don't make their lives worse.


I oppose this policy

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There is no need to move back in time with our policies concerning the LGBT+ community. This new policy is hateful and doesn't stand for inclusiveness and acceptance.

Read the room, we've moved on.


Thank You Governor

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Teachers and school administrators should not insert themselves between parents and their children in matter like these.  Parental rights in these areas need to be supported.  More parental involvement in the schools ad in their children's education should be the goal of good public policy.  This was seriously being degraded by the past VA governor and his appointees.  Thank you Governor Youngkin for starting to right this wrong.


This is dangerous- see science below

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Gender dysphoria   This article states clearly that to deny a person who does not identify with their gender, and is uncomfortable, and is unsupported, is more likely to to develop further mental complications inclusive of and not limited to suicide.

As psychology major at Central Connecticut State University this is a major topic when we start talking about human sexuality and psychology.

If we pursue this we will be creating an ABUSIVE situation for the students we support.

As a Christian it is not my job to judge people but love people as God and Christ has loved me. The rest is up to the big Guy up stairs.https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207%3A1-3&version=KJV

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15&version=KJV

Finally as we all have read Virginia is committed to keeping schools safe. If students do not feel safe and supported they are more likely to act out. Is it not apart of our mitigation plan to ensure an open, inclusive , and diverse learning environment for ALL our students.?

It was my perception that we are indeed a learned community. One that examines all faculties of the human condition. The whole child, the whole community, within the greater context of the world. For some parts of these aspects means a very serious and dangerous situation for some individuals.

Keep in mind in some states ignoring, knowingly ignoring is considered to be neglect and abuse. Would you make us all abusers? Would you turn the schools into a place where a child can not trust?

I can’t support these changes. I can’t turn a blind eye. I will not be apparat of potential neglect and abuse of children.


this list is being sabotaged  My comment is support today was duplicated with a negative .

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The list, just as many others , appears to have been hacked, so you comment are likely to be changed. 'Obviously the opposition to this are the guilty party as my positive comment today at approximately 2 30 , was precede by a negative response of the same date that I did not write.

Is there any low threshold that opposition will not sink to ?

We are discussing the lives of our Children, a fair and open dialog is important


Agree with 2022 Model Policies

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I wholly agree with the 2022 Model Policies.  Schools and teachers need to get back to instructing our children in the education they will need to function as adults.  That means STEM, reading, and writing (what's wrong with learning cursive).  That includes calling a child by his/her birth name; if the parents agree to calling Johnny Janie instead, okay, but it's the parents' decision to make.  Boys are boys and girls are girls...at least until they are adults and can make an informed decision on their own. Every child goes through these things we call "phases" and who is to say a wish to be called by another name isn't just a phase...the parents.  2022 Model Policies gives them back that right.


Disappointed in VA!!! Turning back the clock to be bigots????

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I am extremely disappointed in the current governor and his attack on the children in VA.  I moved to VA just 4 years ago and was pleasantly surprised at the attitude of our previous governor and the legislature who pushed to protect all children in VA. They pushed to stop discrimination. To stop allowing hate and bullying in our schools. They pushed to be in the 2020’s not the 1950’s!
in the 1950’s it was OK to discriminate against women, and LGBTQ people. The current governor seems to pine for that time.

I don’t!!! I like 2020!!! I like the VA of 2020!!!!

don’t let this current governor turn VA back into a state that discriminates!!!


Strongly Oppose

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<p>As a parent of two children in VA schools, I strongly oppose any attempts at institutionalized bigotry. I do not agree with the new verbiage changing the definition of transgender students. Further, this new policy is dangerous to a demographic already at high risk for suicide. Not all children have loving and accepting parents; we must protect those children by safeguarding their rights to autonomy and privacy. </p>


I oppose this ENTIRELY

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all this will do is ruin and take lives. trans youth will have their agency taken away and make them feel so deeply unsafe that we might lose them entirely. this should be considered a human rights violation.


Keep kids safe from radical ideologies

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<p>I find it amazing that so many comments here propagate the conception that anyone who opposes attempts to influence or indoctrinate children with potentially life-damaging lifestyles is in some ways “homophobic— or phobic about anything. No one wants to harm or intimidate any child, but to nurture them into healthy human beings. Do some research and read about kids who have written stories of how they regret transitioning; it has ruined their lives, physically and mentally. But the political forces don't want you to know about them, because of their corruption, and I bet that there's a lot of money involved with keeping this movement going. So sad. </p>


Support the Change.

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This protects all students sexuality and personal space.


Opposed to policies that harm trans youth

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Anti-trans policies are extremely harmful to all children. I vehemently oppose any attempt to scrub trans rights from any public space including schools. This reactionary attempt to impose restrictive, conservative, harmful views onto the entire population have to STOP.


Strongly Opposed

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I strongly oppose anti-trans policies in schools. I have a close friend whose child is transitioning and these proposed policies will be devastating to them. This policy will lead only to further discrimination and bullying of our youth. If you haven't already done so, please speak personally with the families of trans students to learn about their personal journeys and the ways in which these policies will lead to a less inclusive learning environment.

The guiding principles state that schools shall respect parents' values and beliefs, and that schools shall defer to parents to make the best decisions with respect to their children. Parents of trans children ARE making the best decisions for their children. Just as you know your own children best, so, too, do parents of trans children know their children. A child being their authentic self is not hurting any other child in any way. Please let them be who they are and not have to pretend they are someone else while in school.


transgender policy


I strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this will put so many children at risk for bullying and self harm why is this even for debate absolutely not. </p>


Strongly  Support the Proposed Policy Guidance

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<p>I strongly support the proposed policy guidance  ! </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly urge Governor Youngkin's administration to reverse course on the new, harmful model policies for transgender youth. Transgender children are humans with rights. They have a right to feel safe at school, to use a bathroom that aligns with their gender identity and presentation, and a right to be called by the name that they use in everyday practice. Your administration claims to be pro-parent and pro-kid, but these policies are a huge step backwards. You also claim to be a small-government conservative, but all I see here is government overreach.

As the parent of a nonbinary child attending Montgomery County Public Schools, I can assure you there is nothing to fear from my child using a name and pronouns they chose themselves. In fact, children have used non-legal names in everyday practice for eons (what else is a nickname, after all?), without needing legislation or school-based guidance. My child informed their teachers of their pronouns and the name they want to be called, and that was an end to it. Why should the government need to step into this interpersonal matter?

Now, to bathrooms. In my family, people of all genders use the same bathroom. Families have done so for generations. You lock the door, you do your business, you go about your day. An all-gender restroom shouldn't be that difficult of a concept. Why does the government need to check my papers before I use the bathroom? Moreover, I doubt your administration has really thought through the implications of compelling youth who have transitioned in their outward appearance to use the bathroom aligned with the sex printed on their birth certificate. Do you envision forcing a 17-year-old transgender young man—in outward appearance simply a MAN—to use the high school's girls' bathroom? Why? For what educational purpose?

The sports participation question should really be a nonstarter. Only a tiny percentage of high school athletes nationwide identify as trans athletes. This "issue" is a ginned-up controversy that has little to do with reality. The "issue" is so small, you should simply allow schools to deal with it on a case-by-case basis. Again—this is government overreach.

Finally, as to the informing parents issue. In a perfect world, informing parents would not be a problem, assuming all parents are good, loving, supportive caregivers. Governor, you should know we do not live in a perfect world. Straight, cisgender students and teachers have nothing to fear by using a student's chosen name and pronouns. Unfortunately, many trans kids have a lot to fear from their parents. Every year, thousands of trans and LGBTQIA++ kids suffer abuse at the hands of needlessly fearful, angry, unaccepting parents. Many are kicked out of their homes and join the ranks of the unhoused youth in Virginia. The policies you propose would endanger the most vulnerable youth, while doing nothing useful, necessary, or even educational for parents, teachers, and other school personnel. THIS IS NEEDLESS GOVERNMENT OVERREACH. Focus your efforts on the educational problems that really matter: increasing funding for our schools, recovering the skills gaps that emerged due to the pandemic, training and hiring excellent teachers, and upgrading our schools and facilities, too many of which are decrepit and physically unsafe.

In closing, stop trying to use trans youth to make political points. Support all Virginia kids and students by supporting educational efforts that provide concrete benefits for our children. Retract these harmful, unnecessary policies.


Vehemently oppose this change

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<p>This policy harms trans youth, who are already at a higher risk of suicide and self harm than the general population.  We should not be putting children in a position that potentially causes them more harm in order to make adults more comfortable.  This is honestly a non issue for students and is just pacifying conservative parents, but public schools are for all children, and since cis children are not harmed by including trans children, we should aim to include trans children because they deserve to learn in a safe environment that embraces them for who they authentically are.  They will learn better and be safer overall.  </p>
<p> </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I graduated from a Virginia public high school a few years ago and actually knew a transgender student, unlike most of the people responsible for creating policies like this. Trans people do not in any way harm those around them, and there's absolutely no reason to treat them any way other than as a student of the gender they identify as. If you really want to protect students, focus on the epidemic of teachers in sexual or romantic relationships with their students, as many of the teachers at my high school were. Picking on trans students is just bullying and trying to score political points at the expense of a vulnerable minority who have done nothing wrong, and it's genuinely shameful to see our state considering this.


Strongly oppose this dangerous policy

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<p>I cannot more strongly object to the changes proposed by Governor Youngkin to the policy set forth to protect the very lives of transgender and gender non-conforming students. Those saying that only predators/groomers, etc. would support this policy do not understand anything about transgender people and I wish they (as well as the Governor) would research and educate themselves instead of reacting out of fear of the unknown. Trans young people are at the greatest risk of death by suicide especially when unsupported in their lives. We ourselves almost lost our daughter even though she has always had a supportive family but the ridicule by "friends" and the stress of coming out and figuring out how to live her life led her to try to end it. One of our daughter's friends has not been so lucky and has been trapped living with her mother and unsupportive step-father who calls her an "it" and who has put her in the hospital twice with beatings. I am all for keeping parents informed but there are also times when young people cannot rely on their parents or may be in danger from their parents. Why else would CPS exist? We recognize that there are times when parents do not do well by their children unfortunately. That aside it is against the law to tell students to use bathrooms matching their sex assigned at birth. Gavin Grimm has already been to the Supreme Court and that was settled in his favor. I know this Administration doesn't care but I won't stand by an not speak up. </p>


Opposed

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<p>Fully opposed to the proposed guidance. Would be harmful to students and teachers. Please let teachers teach and not fill an unnecessary role of morality police. School is for learning and students should be respected for who they are, not whoever their parents think they should be. </p>


I strongly oppose

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As a Virginia resident, taxpayer, former high school classroom assistant and current university library worker, I believe that this guidance will not only harm students, but also turn schools into hostile heavily surveilled environments and place teachers in positions to make judgment calls that they are not equipped to make. If we are serious about addressing actual harm in our public school systems, then we would address biased dress codes, offer teachers and other school workers living wages, fund out schools so they have the best equipment and resources possible and encourage students to lean into their curiosity. We would teach about differences, not from a place of fear, but from a place of seeking to understand and acknowledge our own unique abilities, traits and talents.

This guidance would isolate trans, non-binary and other gender diverse students from their peers, friends and teachers. Teachers and students would no longer be able to foster genuine mentoring connections. This guidance will only cause unnecessary harm that will stick with students forever. This is a terrible policy and there are so many other solutions that will actually help students. For this reason, I am STRONGLY opposed to this guidance.


Support for Governor Youngkin's policy

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<p>Parents are the guardians of their children.  The school should not be excluding parents in matters dealing with a student's gender and sexuality.  Used to be that parents had to sign off on things like Family Life classes, but now, it's okay to talk to students about sensitive topics without permission from the parent?  </p>


This Supports All Youth

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<p>It's not easy making policy to keep all children safe not just one demongraphic. These seem to be reasonable accomodations. </p>


Support Youngkin Policy

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<p>Support Youngkin policy language that increases parental engagement in major life decisions regarding their children in school. Schools and education establishment should engage parents, not look to exclude them. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this horrific proposed regulation.  Students in Virginia should have the right to be who they are.   This governor does not speak for what the majority of us Virginia's believe. </p>


protect trans kids

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<p>this change is stupid and endangers kids. </p>


Support!  Changes are common sense

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As a lifelong member of this state, thank you for these changes!  They protect children!


Support of Gov Glenn Youngkins transgender policy for Virginia s chools

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I wholeheartedly support the new  revised transgender policies of Governor Glenn Youngkin.  These policies keep gender issues the responsibility of parents and not to be dictated by the state.


I Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose this hurtful legislation. LGBTQIA+ students, especially those who are transgender, are already at a higher risk of suicide, anxiety, and depression. This legislation takes away important measures that helped ensure the safety and well being of our at risk LGBTQIA+ students. Every person deserves the right to be identified and spoken to by their chosen name. Students will only learn if they are safe and respected in their classrooms, and this legislation takes that away from our transgender students. If a child is not a danger to themselves or others, then parents don't need to be involved. Outing a person of the LGBTQIA+ community statistically puts them at higher risk of suicide. By giving these children safe people to talk to, we are saving lives and ensuring that all students have the right to a good learning environment. Please don't take away these students rights to a safe place to learn. Instead, let's focus on educating Virginians on the LGBTQIA+ community. Bottom line, if this legislation goes through people's lives will be at risk.


Oppose Transgender Policy, except with regards to sports

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Students should be free to express their gender identity and should also expect schools and teachers to respect that decision, regardless of parental support or lack thereof.  A teacher calling a student by their preferred pronouns is neither an imposition on the school nor the parents. The only aspect of the proposed changes that may be reasonable is as it relates to sports.  For example, a 17 year old biological male that identifies as a female should not be eligible to participate in women's sports.  That is a reasonable and responsible restriction that allows for there to be an equal playing field for all women's sports.


Parents need to exercise their rights by raising and talking to their own children

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Comment to proposed DOE Guidelines; Do not agree with the changes.

If parents are worried about what their children are exposed to then it is up to each parent to address it with their own children.

the State should not impose one parent's views on other parent's children, parents rights.

the DOE should only put in place policies that support all children and not encourage discrimination.

the DOE should provide no protections for teachers who refuse to accommodate all children's request regarding names or gender.

teachers are there to support child development and education, to be understanding, empathetic, kind and accepting to foster children's growth.

if a teacher holds personal or religious views that do allow for them to support all children, then they can be accommodated with a position that does not interact with children or can find another job.

Education is about the children and not about teachers' rights.

example if a teacher holds racist views that is their right. However, if a teacher mistreats children, does not support all children because of those views then it is unacceptable for such a teacher to be in the classroom.

this proposed change is a bad idea and will endanger children.


OPPOSE!!!!!!!!. WE NEED TO PROTECT TRANS KIDS

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as a student I was shocked to hear this. What has the world come to. Protesters at school were being called homophobic slurs and while this is suppose to "Protect kids" it's already done more harm than good.


Use science, not opinions: allow children to be themselves

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I'm a pediatrician.  Science shows the earlier we allow children to be fully themselves, the happier, healthier, and stronger members of the community they become.  Please use science to ground these decisions. They have very large ramifications for children and the communities they are a part of. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/4/e20182162/37381/Ensuring-Comprehensive-Care-and-Support-for


Strongly oppose

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<p>Strongly oppose this policy. It will harm all children attending school. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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Singling out a very small minority of students and refusing to support them is a poor direction for our educational system.  Many of these kids come from a household that is unsupportive and/or unwilling to get these kids the support they need.  The school system and educators may be the one place where they get support and respect.  This is exactly like other aspects of school and learning where kids may not receive what they need at home.  In the workplace, our children will meet all kinds of people and treating them respect, learning to use peoples preferred name and pronouns is how business is done. It’s common courtesy to call someone the name they prefer…not someone’s supposed “constitutional right” to call them a name they do not prefer or don’t want to use.  That’s just an excuse to bully or discriminate against them.


Everyone deserves dignity

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<p>I strongly oppose these proposed changes.  This is a blatant effort to strip dignity and privacy from trans children, who are among the most vulnerable members of our population.  </p>


This is cynical & self serving. Strongly oppose this proposal.

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<p>I oppose this proposal on so many levels. It will harm children & youth, it is a violation of privacy, it is cynical, mean spirited, and self serving. I am not surprised it comes from this governor, but I hope our Commonwealth proves better than this. </p>


Opposed

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The proposed policy is divisive and poor public policy. Since parental permission is required for some actions, does this mean that every parent must submit a pronoun list for his or her child? Not clearly thought out. Seems discriminatory.


Glenn Youngkin is a murderer

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Opposed. This policy will KILL transgender children. Glenn isn't putting families first when he's leaving empty seats at the table.  Glenn Youngkin and  everything he stands for


Strongly SUPPORT!!!!

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The previous policies harmed children.  Boys are regularly going into girls bathrooms and the things that are happening are scary!!!


please protect trans youth

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Gov Youngkin's proposed policy regarding trans youth in VA schools amounts to governmental bullying of the worst kind.  Being a teen in general is difficult enough, navigating the world between childhood and adulthood, but being a trans teen is difficult under the best of circumstances, when they have genuine support from parents, teachers, and school administrators.  Without such support, the risk of suicide goes way up--and the risk of such as children being thrown out of their homes onto the streets, rejected by their parents, after being outed by adults in the school who should have their best interests at heart, also goes way up.  Is this the legacy Gov. Youngkin wishes to leave behind?  I certainly hope not.

I urge this administration to seriously consider the effect this policy will have upon trans and gay teens--even one teen harmed by this unnecessary and intrusive policy would be too many.  Sadly I worry that the damage will not be limited to a single teen.  Rather than laws based in hatred and homophobia, Virginia needs policies that will support youth and encourage every VA citizen to be the best they can be.    Please consult with medical and child development experts, who can provide helpful, research-based suggestions for handling this issue before implementing this hate-filled policy in your schools.


Strongly support

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Please keep these 2022 policy changes that support all children!


Trans Rights

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I'm a former Virginian. I'm also disabled. If our government gets to decide trans people are unworthy of rights who's next? Where does it end? Is it with people of color, trans people, disabled people, Veterans and the poor or does the list keep growing? What gives our government the right to decide which of we humans is worthy of rights? This is a terrible policy and I'd like to say that all the trans people I know are caring humans worthy of rights, compassion and our understanding. It's not right for anyone, much less our government, to inflict their beliefs on others. I believe that's the reason there's supposed to be the separation of church and state. Your beliefs are your own. But only as long as you don't try to inflict them on others and doing so is a disservice to us all. Love is not taught but hate most certainly is. Let our young decide for themselves who they and what they want to be. To do otherwise is criminal in my opinion.


Strongly oppose this plan

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This proposal is ridiculous and dangerous for several reasons. Primarily, that the parent is not the dictator of their child. A parent may guide their child but they are not entitled to control of the thoughts in their heads. Nor should they be entitled to violate their child's privacy, especially once they approach puberty. I find it repulsive that the previous plan which was focused on the safety and well being of children, citing many studies on mental health outcomes and best practices, is being replaced with a document pandering to helicopter parenting and parental abuse. A parent whose child does not trust them enough to discuss their identity directly is not a parent I would trust to treat their child with respect and decency.


Opposed- The trans kids I know would be greatly harmed

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As an educator and parent, I have known two students and a colleague who are trans. It is a terribly difficult experience in our society to be trans, and these kids are in danger of self-harm, even with support from the teachers and parents in their lives. Don't make life even harder to these kids and their parents and teachers. Without trying to be dramatic, this can be a matter of life and death to kids who feel they have no support from their schools, their government, and their larger society.


Disagree with policy changes.  Be kind to all students

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<p>Children need our support, not harassment. Shame on you Youngkin for not supporting all young Virginia citizens.  </p>


Protect trans rights!

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it’s horrible to take away the rights of your students regardless of their sexualities and lifestyles which is frankly no one’s business except the student.


OPPOSE - This policy is based on cruelty, lies and hate.

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Our schools should be a safe haven for all children, what ever their needs.  Teachers always prefer to work with parents, the only kids not involving their parents in their search for their identity, don't because of fear.  Fear of lack of understanding, fear of being kicked out of the house, fear of being bullied in their home and fear of physical abuse.  Those parents who are understanding and accepting of their children's identity struggles will be the first person the child turns to.

This policy encourages allowing bullying from peers, parents and non-accepting teachers.

Kindness and understanding would be so much more effect for the learning climate for everyone in the school.


Stop using this as a political grab, support this policy to protect our children!

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If you see a comment talking about 'republicans are so terrible' or 'democrats are so terrible', the comment is not about the actual policy but a political grab. let's stop mischaracterizing legislation for votes and instead actually support our kids by supporting this policy


Support!  Thank you!

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Strongly support these changes that provide safety for all children.


Strongly Oppose this Extremely Discriminatory Rule

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This is extremely discriminatory


Oppose Younkin’s policy!


Trans rights are human rights

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<p>Trans rights are human rights </p>


Trans rights are human rights


I strongly oppose -- What the heck is wrong with y'all?

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Leave these kids alone. They're not hurting anyone. How hard is it to listen to them and let them be themselves? You're going to drive these vulnerable children to suicide at this rate and you'll have blood on your hands.

Signed,

A Fairfax voter


Strongly Opposed

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I’m strongly opposed to this contents of this proposed legislation. This bill will negatively affect already at risk youth. It is dangerous and it is cruel. Please take this off of your agenda.


Strongly Support

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I was thrilled to read the proposed "transgender" policies. I support them in every way!


I strongly oppose.

Children should be able to trust their parents, and if they can't, then the problem isn't yours to solve.By adding this law, it is violating the children's privacy, and can make them feel unsafe / unhappy / ect. This would cause more harm than good, especially towards the children.

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Children should be able to trust their parents, and if they can't, then the problem isn't yours to solve.

By adding this law, it is violating the children's privacy, and can make them feel unsafe / unhappy / ect. This would cause more harm than good, especially towards the children.


This is harmful to our children

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The proposed policy changes are harmful to young persons in our school system. School should be a safe space where kids feel supported and are encouraged to learn. This policy runs contrary to science. It has been proven than forcing children to be dead-named significantly impact on their mental health and safety, as does "outing" them to their own family.

This policy is heartless and cruel. If it is adopted, this Administration and the supporters of this policy will have blood on their hands. Conversely, what is the harm in treating students with respect and honoring their preferences and identities?

I STRONGLY OPPOSE the adoption of this policy.


OPPOSE STRONGLY

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<p>Protect all children </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose this obscene example of Government Overreach in order to satisfy the whims of a small section of close-minded bigoted voters. I am very happy for my child to be taught to be an open-minded, well-educated and free-thinking member of society and not conform to some "1984"/"Handmaids Tale" form of government restrictions forced into peoples lives. Religious beliefs protected under the first amendment swings both ways and you can't therefore force rules that fit into your own personal belief system onto others. It amazes me that a Party who claims to support the Constitution only seem to believe that it can pick and choose to interpret it in a way that fits into their own way of thinking and ignore it when it doesn't.  Isn't the Republican Party also all about "limited" Government?


Do not implement this useless policy and stop politicizing my kids' education

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<p>I oppose the Guidance Document under consideration.  It is not a true response to an actual need within the schools of our Commonwealth; rather, it is a political gesture designed to appeal to a "conservative" voter by inventing boogeymen within the school systems and an insult to the intelligence of all voters, conservative, liberal, and moderate alike.  This policy defines as a problem a child's own identity, and holds that problem out to justify the suppression of that child's rights.  It practically begs for a lawsuit that, best case scenario,  would tie up state resources that are desperately needed for actual educational resources, even if the suit ultimately resolved favorably.  Don't use my kids' educational resources to court votes, Youngkin.  </p>


Strongly support.

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I strongly support these changes that protect all children.


This policy will harm transgender children

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I strongly oppose the new model guidance, which would remove important protections from transgender youth. As an educator I know that young people are the best experts on their own identities and that it is the job of the adults around them to protect them and help them grow into the people they want to be. Transgender young people deserve every protection that teachers and school administrators can give them and they deserve to determine their own identities. Refusing to respect the name, gender, and pronouns of transgender students--as the model guidance recommends--will actively harm them, leading to higher rates of depression and suicide. Refusing to respect transgender children does nothing to protect other children; it only teaches them bigotry and hatred. This policy helps no one and will potentially harm thousands of young people.


Strongly oppose harming transgender children

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<p>Preventing transgender children from being who they are and controlling how they can live in society will result in harm that can and does last a lifetime. As a transgender elderly person I know this first hand. Transgender children must be supported the same as cisgender children. So many trans children already suffer with PTSD. </p>


Strongly Agree with Governor Youngkin policy propsal

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I strongly support the proposed policy changes that parents be informed of a child's request. The proposed changes allow the parent to be informed and involved. I am somewhat surprised that an under age child should be making major life altering chsnges without the guidance and consent of his or her parents.


I strongly oppose!!!!!

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This proposal will cause undo harm to children. I strongly oppose this guidance.


Oppose model policies

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If this new proposed Model Policies is adopted, there should be no surprise when the incidence of child and teen suicide sharply increases.  If children have the right to be born, they should also have the right to live that life authentically.  All students, regardless of age, sex, religion, ethnicity or family values will need to be taught the suicide prevention number and how to use the hotline.  If you are thinking "That's not going to happen.", you don't know young people very well.


Strongly OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose this regressive policy which will open the way for more harm to come to transgender students. Instead of fostering a safe, inclusive environment at school for those who may not have that type of environment at home, this would force the affected students to hide even while at school.


support!!!

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Thank you for these changes!  Please stand firm


Equity

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As I read these comments, I’m saddened by the way people contradict themselves in their arguments. I hear equity in their words, but their actions say push one groups’ rights ahead of others (ie, not equity). Between this and federal laws, trans rights are represented fully. Any more, and you trample on others’ rights. Opponents argue that trans kids are too young to have a voice, but will argue their parents have no rights to know or be a part of their children’s decisions and will allow them to make permanent life altering decisions. It’s time to stop having it both ways. Children need parents consent to go on a field trip, but not to change their identity? Are you kidding me?  Children need parents consent to take a Tylenol , but not to change their gender?  Are you kidding me?  Trans children need advocates, but straight children can advocate for themselves?  Are you kidding me?

Good job Governor. This is a fair policy that takes into account all students rights, is truly equitable to all, and is not some extremist view riddled in contradiction and ever changing arguments depending on what they’re unhappy about today. These people will never be happy, and are advocates of advocating only.


Strongly disagree

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<p>Transgender kids are people too and should have their rights respected!  They should feel safe and welcomed in their schools. Respecting transgender kids pronouns and preferred names has been proven to reduce self harm and suicide in transgender kids. Choosing to not respect transgender kids pronouns and preferred names is equal to saying they don’t matter and you’re okay with them killing themselves. </p>


oppose.  youngkin

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just AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH


Please support LGBT youth

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Please reconsider this policy. Not all parents are supportive, loving and accepting. School may be the only place where a trans student feels safe. This move to curry favor with far-right Republicans may well end up costing some students their lives.


Thank you, Governor Youngkin!

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<p>Thank you, Governor Youngkin, for protecting children and parental rights.  As a woman and mother, I am astounded that girls now have to fight for privacy in their bathrooms and locker rooms, and for a level playing field in sports.  Thank you for standing up for them! </p>


I strongly oppose this

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<p>This is not about parents' rights, it is about Younkin and the Right wanting to fan the flames of fear of the "other" and give some red meat to their base. Shame on you! Why don't you do something that actually helps people (e.g., financially, new jobs) instead of focusing on this culture war bullsh*t? You are a hateful little man and should be ashamed of yourself. </p>


Strong SUPPORT for the 2022 Model Policies

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I support these policies and they are LONG overdue.

It appears that many of the commenters claiming this is “hateful” haven’t actually READ the policies, and are probably activists who don’t even live in Virginia. I see no “hate,” just support for students, staff, and families.

The policies are perfectly rational and serve to protect ALL students, while enforcing parental rights and involvement, and also protecting our freedom of religion and free speech rights.

These policies will also help protect countless children against the current gender-changing social contagion, and may save them from doing irreparable harm to their bodies and their mental health.


Strongly Oppose

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As an educator and parent, I strongly oppose the proposed change in protections for trans and non-binary youth. All students deserve to feel safe at school, and protection from discrimination is a huge step is creating a safe atmosphere. These changes would be a step backward for our state.


OPPOSE anti trans policy

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Strongly OPPOSE Youngkin's anti-trans legislation. LGBTQ youth who report having at least ONE accepting adult were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year. Youngkin's policy is also in direct opposition to the Virginia Human Rights Act, which protects all individuals in a public setting - which includes schools - from persecution and discrimination based on sexual identity.


Strongly support

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Thank you for these changes that provide protections for all students!


Trans

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Why should we be shamed for how we want to be or what we prefer....why are we shamed for our prefences and our sexual decisions.


Oppose this divisive stunt

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I strongly oppose this. It codifies cruelty.

My understanding is that my daughter's current school system does not follow "model policy" because it does not allow them to address each case individually and do what's right by the students in a respectful manner.

Despite having my kid seemingly in the clear I still oppose this policy. If passed it will be followed willingly in some districts. It gives cover to bigotry and will kill some kids without resources to fight this institutionalized discrimination.


I strongly oppose

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<p>This is harmful to our children and society! </p>


Youngkins Policies

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<p>These policies are hurting trans and queer children. This is wrong. </p>


Agree Stongly

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<p>It is a refreshing change for a polititican to do what is right for all people that he represents instead of catering to one, vocal group because it is popular. These proposed changes protrect all children, not just children that are being used by policitaclly motivated individuals. Thanks you Gov. Younkin for representing my children and those of my neighbors. </p>


TOTALLY SUPPORT AND AGREE TO PROTECT CHILDREN

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Thank you for updating these policies to restore protections for basic parental rights and ensuring that parents are no longer cut out of the process—especially when it concerns how gender and sexuality issues are handled with our kids at school.

I support the new policies’ removal of language that encouraged school officials to follow procedures to essentially deceive parents when their children are making potentially life-altering decisions regarding their gender identity in a school setting.

The original policy had language that created a wedge between parents and their child, at a time when they need to have more communication—and I support the new update that removes this barrier.

I support the updated language that acknowledges students and teachers can’t be forced into compelled speech that violates their constitutional rights, including First Amendment and religious freedom protections.

I support the updated language that empowers schools to make their own decisions on how to best protect kids—especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable students in a state of undress in locker rooms or overnight sleeping quarters for school field trips.

Middle and High School years can be very challenging, so I’m glad we already have comprehensive bullying policies to ensure a safe environment, while still respecting the rights of all students. That’s why it’s important schools have the freedom—as this updated policy allows— to address bathroom/privacy issues on a case by case basis with parents—and not through a one-size-fits-all pressure tool that treats all districts/communities the same.

Please finalize these updated 2022 model policies as written without removing any of the key protections to restore parental involvement in the process and protect children’s privacy and safety rights.


Kids and schools deserve better than this

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These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Virginia is better than this naked transphobia.


I support Gov Youngkin’s Parent Rights Language

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Thank you Gov Youngkin for updating these policies to restore protections for basic parental rights and ensuring that parents are no longer cut out of the process—especially when it concerns how gender and sexuality issues are handled with our kids at school.


Oppose


I strongly oppose - any person who is 17 and will be 18 at the next GE on 11.8.22 register to vote

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Vote Vote Vote in the General Election November 8, 2022.......GenZ please register to vote down ballot. Vote for the representatives who respect you and your freedom. The alt right Christian Nationalists are coming for your most basic rights. Move forward with us or get left behind.  America is the land of the free! Our GenZ kids deserve this freedom just like any other. Free from abuse, shame and possible violence from family and others. Shame on you Gov Youngkin and your dirty money! GenZ won't forget these archaic policies you're trying to pass.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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This is so dangerous to such a large part of our community. We should be loving and supporting these children.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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The subject line says it all. This policy change only serves to target and discriminate against specific children, which is antithetical to a public institution that should be about education. Focus on making our children educated and informed citizens, then let them decide for themselves how to handle matters such as these.


Oppose Younkin’s policy


don't be cruel

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Please don't create policies which make things harder for LGBTQ+ youth. Our kids deserve to be safe and happy. LGBTQ+ youth are already at a higher risk for self harm and suicide. Please don't be a bigot and don't pander to "Christian" fundamentalism. Our kids deserve better.


Please protect trans youth by SUPPORTING this policy

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In reading many of the oppositions, it seems the main issue is that trans youth may be at higher risk of harm by others - mainly their non-understanding families? However, I think that this concern severely undermines the millions of families who, rather than putting their children at risk, are PROTECTORS of their children and safeguard them against others who may be unkind or harm these children.

Telling students that they can tell other kids and school without having to tell their parents opens them to situations where they could be in danger by threats of other children and their parents are unable to help them because they aren't aware of the situation.

Certainly, there are parents/families who would not accept their children. Isn't that what school counselors and Child protective services are for? If a child doesn't feel that they can tell their family, then they are in need of a professional's help, not a teacher who may have their own concerns/biases and just not be properly equipped to adequately help them at a most critical time. So, support trans students by supporting this policy.


Against persecution of any group

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<p>Life is hard enough. Don't legislate against people seeking to assure their own identity. </p>


I Strongly Oppose!

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I strongly oppose this new policy!


Support parents right to guide their child's education as well as freedom of speech and freedom of r

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I support Gov Youngkin in supporting parents right to oversee their child's education including the right to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.


OPPOSE: Disgusted that republican virginia officials stoke bigotry against children to get votes

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The primary reason this legislation exists is that Glenn Youngkin and other conservative politicians like him need to blind their constituents with fear of the other.

This law is an act of discrimination against a vulnerable group of children that “conservative” Republicans have spent years stoking hate against, feeding ignorance by misinforming their voters and villifying both teachers and students without any tangible shred of reality backing up their arguments.

Guidance like this does not help Virginians. It puts students in danger and makes it difficult for teachers to perform the basic functions of their jobs. This discriminatory policy is a waste of government resources, it is a waste of taxpayer money. It makes more sense when you realize that the real goal of Republicans here is to deprive their own voters of services which they rely on such as the competitive education of their children so that they can claim there is no benefit to subsidizing the well being of the average Virginian and that the only welfare tax money should be spent on is the welfare of top tier republican donors. And the way they’ve chosen to fleece Virginia is to stoke ignorance and hatred of children.


I STRONGLY OPPOSE


We support the updated policy

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We support the updated language that better protects girls and young women, while also preserving parental rights.  Nothing in the new language is harmful to any student.  It makes sense that parents should be involved in something this significant for their child.

Thank you!


strongly oppose - this will hurt our kids

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It's hard enough being a kid, harder still if you're transgender. If you don't believe me, look at the astronomically high suicide rates for trans kids. This bill would effectively out children to their parents and peers. School should be a safe space for our children. This bill moves Virginia in the wrong direction.


What the  are we doing politically?

Treat people with respect, right? Why do we have to keep having political debates about social issues? Well, it's to gin up anger and engagement because the GOP has no policies developed to benefit and prosper our country. The only way they can keep a voting base is by gerrymandering districts and inciting outrage over nothingburgers.
Let trans kids identify however they want. Treat them with respect as you would literally anyone else. Let them use the bathroom that they identify with. Our public restrooms are beyond stupid anyways -- have you seen public toilets in Europe? Everything is a damn stall with no peek-a-boo slits. Floor to ceiling walled in toilets. You don't have to make separate bathrooms for men/women/trans/non-binary -- everyone uses the same facilities.    Growing up, I was raised to lock the door when I went into a bathroom. Now, as a man, if I go to a stadium event I'm supposed to be okay whipping out my  in a row of 16 other men? Where's the outrage about that? What if my 6 year old nephew happens to be elbow to elbow with a Catholic priest? That's okay? But god forbid a trans person uses the bathroom!Furthermore, what are the stats on bathroom assaults by trans people?  that. What are the stats on public restroom assaults? Y'all don't even ing know, and the reason you don't know is because this isn't really an issue. You've made this an issue because your close-minded lizard brain needs a base. And progressives can't work on, you know, progress, if we're busy beating back fascist regressive policies.I know I'm rambling, but you're just gonna have to keep reading. Why are you REALLY so concerned about where people go boo boo and wash their hands? What's stopping a cis-man from walking into the women's bathroom right now? A ing plastic sign with a stick figure on it? Why are you so concerned that little Billy believes he's now a she named Bella? This isn't a real issue. The GOP has made it an issue. Be respectful. Isn't that what you stupid ing followers of Christ believe?  Treat people with respect. Don't judge lest ye be judged. Y'all are bullies and you want to control how people live their lives.  that. I thought this was America. I thought we had 'freedom' here. Freedom of expression; freedom to live the life WE CHOOSE. I guess in the mind of the GOP Freedom is a one way street. We aren't really free because plenty of conservative/fascist/christians want to dictate how everyone else lives their lives.  A teenage boy deciding they are now a teenage girl affects me just as much as the wind blowing in Romania: IT DOES NOT AFFECT ME AT ALL. IT HAS NO BEARING ON MY HAPPINESS, MY HEALTH, MY WEALTH, MY DAY-TO-DAY LIFE. It should be the same for you and every other ing idiot on this planet. Treat people with respect, god dammit. Why is that so ing hard? Just be kind. Be open to accepting others. You don't have to like it. You don't have to go to Pride events. But, if you're going to be a member of this society you better damn well treat people with kindness and respect. It's not hard -- you literally go to Church every ing Sunday (well, some of y'all heathens only go on Holidays, but you know what I mean) you go to Church every ing Sunday just to be told how to behave and as soon as you get out of the parking lot you FORGET IT ALL and treat people like .I'm so ing tired of rehashing social issues in the political sphere. We cannot move forward until we start to address issues that affect ALL OF US, but in order to do that we have to stop you ing cretins from trying to legislate how a small minority of our population can exist in our society -- a society that they are a part of.Grow the  up.

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Treat people with respect, right? Why do we have to keep having political debates about social issues? Well, it's to gin up anger and engagement because the GOP has no policies developed to benefit and prosper our country. The only way they can keep a voting base is by gerrymandering districts and inciting outrage over nothingburgers.

Let trans kids identify however they want. Treat them with respect as you would literally anyone else. Let them use the bathroom that they identify with. Our public restrooms are beyond stupid anyways -- have you seen public toilets in Europe? Everything is a damn stall with no peek-a-boo slits. Floor to ceiling walled in toilets. You don't have to make separate bathrooms for men/women/trans/non-binary -- everyone uses the same facilities.

Growing up, I was raised to lock the door when I went into a bathroom. Now, as a man, if I go to a stadium event I'm supposed to be okay whipping out my  in a row of 16 other men? Where's the outrage about that? What if my 6 year old nephew happens to be elbow to elbow with a Catholic priest? That's okay? But god forbid a trans person uses the bathroom!

Furthermore, what are the stats on bathroom assaults by trans people?  that. What are the stats on public restroom assaults? Y'all don't even ing know, and the reason you don't know is because this isn't really an issue. You've made this an issue because your close-minded lizard brain needs a base. And progressives can't work on, you know, progress, if we're busy beating back fascist regressive policies.

I know I'm rambling, but you're just gonna have to keep reading. Why are you REALLY so concerned about where people go boo boo and wash their hands? What's stopping a cis-man from walking into the women's bathroom right now? A ing plastic sign with a stick figure on it? Why are you so concerned that little Billy believes he's now a she named Bella? This isn't a real issue. The GOP has made it an issue. Be respectful. Isn't that what you stupid ing followers of Christ believe?  Treat people with respect. Don't judge lest ye be judged. Y'all are bullies and you want to control how people live their lives.  that. I thought this was America. I thought we had 'freedom' here. Freedom of expression; freedom to live the life WE CHOOSE. I guess in the mind of the GOP Freedom is a one way street. We aren't really free because plenty of conservative/fascist/christians want to dictate how everyone else lives their lives.

A teenage boy deciding they are now a teenage girl affects me just as much as the wind blowing in Romania: IT DOES NOT AFFECT ME AT ALL. IT HAS NO BEARING ON MY HAPPINESS, MY HEALTH, MY WEALTH, MY DAY-TO-DAY LIFE. It should be the same for you and every other ing idiot on this planet. Treat people with respect, god dammit. Why is that so ing hard? Just be kind. Be open to accepting others. You don't have to like it. You don't have to go to Pride events. But, if you're going to be a member of this society you better damn well treat people with kindness and respect. It's not hard -- you literally go to Church every ing Sunday (well, some of y'all heathens only go on Holidays, but you know what I mean) you go to Church every ing Sunday just to be told how to behave and as soon as you get out of the parking lot you FORGET IT ALL and treat people like .

I'm so ing tired of rehashing social issues in the political sphere. We cannot move forward until we start to address issues that affect ALL OF US, but in order to do that we have to stop you ing cretins from trying to legislate how a small minority of our population can exist in our society -- a society that they are a part of.

Grow the  up.


Strongly support Updated Policies

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I commend Governor Youngkin for standing up for the rights of parents in the schools. We, the parents and grandparents, are the ones responsible for bringing up our children on issues of gender and sexuality. They should not be undermined by language that would enable our children to make potentially life-altering decisions regarding their identity and sexuality.


Finally

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Happy that our governor recognizes the rights of parents and cares for our youth.


Only Groomers Oppose This

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If you support the idea of teachers and students having secrete conversations behind parents backs you are a groomer. Go register yourself in the sex offenders registers and proudly announce to the world that you support the idea that grown adults and  children should be keeping secretes and not be telling the parnets


This policy hurts kids.

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Students mental health is better when school officials respect their gender, pronouns, and use preferred names.  Youngkin doesn't care about Virginia or our kids.  He simply wants to outdo Florida and make a national name for himself.  His policy will hurt OUR kids.  Keep our kids safe and say no to Youngkin.


YES!  Finally some common sense.  Thank you!

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<p>For all those that are concerned about increased suicide rates among LGBTQ+ kids if they can't transition or express themselves:  I can't find any proof this is true.  I did however find data demonstrating that encouraging/pushing/sensationalizing MINORS to change their gender identity can be detrimental (and surgical intervention and hormone therapy takes this through the roof).  This bill puts parents back in a position to best serve their kids (and if a minor is abused/threatened by a jerk parent, there are appropriate channels for those parents that are abusive (see social services).  The fact that teachers can address a MINOR using different pronouns or that MINORS can choose the bathroom they want to use (see sexual assault in Loudoun County) or that this (pronoun/bathroom choosing) can happen w/o informing the child's parent is crazy.  Get back to basics folks.  </p>


I strongly support the Proposal by the Governor. Adolescents is not the stage of life to change.

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Childhood appears to be an ever increasing period of development, with delayed acceptance of responsibilities in all phases. So why should we rush a life deforming sex change on immature adolescents, who can barely stand up to the daily responsibilities of completing their education and becoming productive citizens.


Glenn Younkin is wretched! I OPPOSE THIS HATEFUL POLICY!!

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Glenn Younkin does not care about students or parents. He is just pushing the latest conservative agenda for his own political gain. He is a vile, small, hateful man child pushing his agenda which is harmful to trans youth and the LGBTQIA+ community. When at risk children start being harmed, killed or committing suicide, the blood will be on his hands!


I support Gov Youngkin and parental involvement/rights

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<p>I oppose the policy of the Northam administration. It is appropriate for parents to be involved in all aspects of their children’s lives. Children are vulnerable and the parents deserve to be the primary role of influence in their child’s life. </p>


Respect and protect trans kids.  Oppose this policy!

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Governor Youngkin is very clearly putting this forward to play further into the culture war and try to feed his aspirations for political office, not out of any concern for children.  The science has shown time and again that ostracization and forced outing leads to worse outcomes for the children in question.

Remove this policy and protect trans children.  Protect them from politicization, protect them from conservative activists, and give them the safe and accepting learning environment they deserve.


Fully Support Gov. Youngkin’s transgender policy to prohibit males in female’s restrooms & sports

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I fully Support Governor Youngkin’s transgender policy to prohibit males in female’s restrooms, showers, other protected spaces & also females’ sports.  Crimes have been committed by trans-identifying-males in female showers and restrooms in Virginia and elsewhere. Trans males are especially dangerous for girls who are more vulnerable.  God created males to be much stronger than females and more able to overpower them.  This is not a fair match in sports and is dangerous in showers, restrooms and other protected spaces.  Lenient policies allowing males into women’s protected spaces can be a dangerous gateway for more suppression, intimidation, bodily harm, human trafficking and other criminal activity toward girls and women.  Prohibition of males in girls’ and womens’ sports competitons, restrooms, showers, dressing rooms, etc. should be codified into law.


Only Groomers Oppose This


Only Groomers Oppose This

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<p>If you support the idea of teachers and students having secrete conversations behind parents backs you are a groomer. Go register yourself in the sex offenders registers and proudly announce to the world that you support the idea that grown adults and  children should be keeping secretes and not be telling the parents. VA dems are groomers </p>


OPPOSE!!!!!!!!. We need to protect all kids!!!

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I'm grateful for all the protesters I saw at schools today. We need to stop this nonsense and stand up for trans kids!!


Trans Rights

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 THIS. Trans rights are human rights. All people deserve equal rights regardless of gender.


Support

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I support giving parents their rights back.


STRONGLY AGREE


Strongly agreed full support thank you governor.

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Thank you governor for protecting our kids you got our full support.


protect trans kids


Strongly oppose, risk to student/community safety and mental health

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No matter their race, genders, or where they come from, all students deserve the freedom to be their authentic selves free from harassment. The proposed “Model Policies on the Privacy…,” designed to “out” transgender students, will create scenarios exposing students to emotional and physical abuse from unaccepting parents, potential bullying and microaggressions from other students and staff, and risk the mental health of Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth.

When transgender people are aware of anti-trans policies being introduced into their state, they report higher levels of discrimination, greater depressive symptoms, and a decreased sense of belonging.

Research by the Trevor Project shows that supportive actions taken by parents and caregivers were associated with lower suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth. By extension, school and community support of LGBTQ+ students can only enhance the physical and mental well-being of the LGBTQ+ community while also modeling kindness and inclusiveness for the larger community.

Schools with student groups affirming all genders and sexual orientations have been shown to have less truancy and better health outcomes for all students. Students who engage more in these groups felt more validated at school, an increased sense of safety, and were more hopeful. Virginia schools should seek to grow and support these groups to improve student outcomes.

I strongly oppose the proposed policies.


Lives at Risk

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<p>This new guidance can and will endanger many trans youth. Forcing schools to out students  to their parents can lead to parents harming and/or kicking out their children. Don’t risk the lives of youths because you feel as though parents need to know what’s going on 100% of the time. </p>


Strongly Oppose!

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Forcing anyone to discuss their personal struggles with someone that they are not comfortable sharing with, even their parents, is not only destructive of trust, but physically dangerous as well. This policy would fail to protect students who may fear abuse or ostracization from their permanent guardians. Limiting students access to support and privacy will not change any discomfort, fear, or pain that they feel from questioning their identity. Instead, this policy will only increase isolation and create more trauma for the 4,000* transgender teens in our state. Virginia is for Lovers.

*Estimate from https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/09/23/virginia-transgender-youngkin-students-outing/


Strongly oppose

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This bill is another attempt by the religious right to govern everyone’s kids by their Bronze Age moral values. Enough.


Extremely opposed

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The least you could do is protect the children you would like to force the women of Virginia to birth. Not validating the existence of a transgender youth provides lifelong emotional, mental, and physical damage. Reverse this policy and show that you have a heart and at least the tiniest bit of a brain.


Support

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<p>I support this policy. </p>


OPPOSE this policy - these are kids and this is weird.

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To say you support this and want the focus to be on school is contradicting, at BEST. Passing this take focus OFF education and onto private matters. If a student goes by another name or other pronouns, so what?! You don’t stop the class when a child wants to go by a nickname - why should this be any different? They want to feel like themselves and if they can’t get that at home, you want to take that away at school? Why?

Let trans kids exist, freely, happily and healthily. I promise you, if you treat them normally then things will be normal. They just want to be kids, and some of you are strangely obsessed with taking that away from them.


Strongly Oppose - Support and Protect Kids

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Research shows that transgender children who are supported and accepted are far less likely to self-harm or commit suicide. This policy encourages people who do not want to support or accept Trans children. It permits teachers to disregard names and pronouns, directly telling the child they are not accepted or supported.

Furthermore, this policy mandates that parents be told if their child is LGBT+. This is dangerous, especially if the child is not out to their family because it may not be safe to do so. Many people abuse or cast out their LGBT+ children.

Protect kids. Repeal this proposed policy.


Totally Agree and thank you

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<p>Thank you for proposing policies that give parents the rights to advise and be involved in this important issue involving their children. The teachers and school administration should not be able to freeze parents out of the equation on what will be a life altering decision. </p>


Strongly oppose these changes.

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I’ve been a Virginia resident for most of my life, and I want to make it known that I strongly and unconditionally oppose the changes the governor is proposing.  There is no reason to further marginalize the most vulnerable among us, who only want to be treated with the same love dignity and respect all humans are due, just because the governor is using this to further his own ambitions for higher office.

There isn’t a problem.  This certainly isn’t a solution.  Virginia deserves better


STONGLY OPPOSE Youngkin's Transgender Policy

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Transgender students need to be seen as worthy and treated with dignity. Governor Youngkin's suggested policy will expose transgender students to bullying, discrimination, and hate from some students, some staff, some teachers, and, yes, some parents. To out them, to expose them to these risks, to prevent them from being authentically who they are is reprehensible. Therefore, I strongly oppose the proposed policy.


Strongly oppose

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This is not about protecting parent’s rights, nor is it about protecting children. This is about denying safe spaces and in-school support for gender diverse children.


Oppose, strongly

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Stop your nasty rhetoric, Glenn. This is disgusting. You should be ashamed. Although, I know you’re not, because you’ve shown who you really are.


WHOLEHEARTEDLY OPPOSE

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<p>This proposed policy will strip any sense of safety at school for trans youth in VA. Transgender kids are among the most vulnerable to bullying and at the highest risk of suicide. This policy will increase the risk of both. </p>


Strongly agree

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Parents should have a voice


Strongly SUPPORT

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Thank you for standing up to what’s true and right!  Praying for your state!


The new policies are terrible breaches in student privacy and respect

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<p>As a recent graduate of public schools in Virginia, I find these new policies an abhorrent breach in the commitment that our state has to its students, especially to the most at-risk individuals like trans and non-binary students. These new policies are a violation of the privacy that many students expect when they enter a school, a building that is supposed to be a safe place for all people, regardless of their identity. Youngkin has no idea of how schools should be run, and his management of the state education system is terrible. </p>


Strongly oppose. Violates VA Human Rights Act.

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These rules will do nothing but harm children already undergoing what can be a traumatic experience even with full support of parents, educators and adults in their lives. This is also nothing more than political theater - politicians punching down on some of the most vulnerable is disgusting. Policy should be helping these children become self-actualized adults, not codifying what amounts to abuse.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I suspect that the Governor will not care about my thoughts but I am a parent and, supposedly, he is in favor of parental choice and parental voice. This bill is spiteful and mean and does little to protect our children. If boys are walking into the girls' bathrooms, the problem lies with the boys and their parents. If my child wants to be called by a different name in school, I shouldn't need a legal document to allow it. My choice is to have our most vulnerable children treated with respect and kindness. This bill does just the opposite -- it reward cruelty. </p>


I STRONGLY SUPPORT the rewritten guidance

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I very strongly support the rewritten guidance document. EVERY child deserves to be protected, not just a tiny tiny fraction of the population. The rewritten policies allow parents to have a say in the instruction and protection of their child. THE STATE DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT NOR THE DIRECTIVE TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN.


OPPOSE!


Protect all our children

It is apparent that the new government wants to put gay and trans and other kids back in the box. This is a mistake.When we say America is the land of opportunity that means for everyone. If children can't feel safe in school they will not reach their potential.Leave the kids alone. Let them pee in peace.

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It is apparent that the new government wants to put gay and trans and other kids back in the box. This is a mistake.

When we say America is the land of opportunity that means for everyone. If children can't feel safe in school they will not reach their potential.

Leave the kids alone. Let them pee in peace.


This Guidance Will Harm Trans Youth - Opposed

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The proposed guidance by Gov. Youngkin is abhorrent and frankly bizarre. To enforce transgender youth to abide by their "biologically assigned" bathrooms and to prevent the use of a preferred name or pronoun without parental approval clearly serves no purpose beyond restricting the rights of trans youth and appeasing a hateful rhetoric. It is strange that proponents of so-called traditional conservative values of limited government oversight would be supportive of this restrictive guidance. The wording of this guidance and its lack of alignment with previous federal and Virginia rulings on sex-based discrimination seem to indicate that this guidance doesn't have any real legal basis as well. In fact, it seems as though it exists only to incite Youngkin's base that is, for reasons beyond me, obsessed with other people's gender identities. The wording of the document fails to define the term "biological sex", makes no use of the term "sex assigned at birth" as is commonly found in academia, fails to address how teachers would determine a student's "biological sex" without violating their right to privacy, and fails to even mention let alone accommodate gender identities that fall outside of the binary scale or intersex individuals. It is my opinion that these omissions reflect the governors own lack of education on the topic of gender identity. It is asserted that this guidance comes from a place of careful research and understanding with the intent to "bring parents back into the classroom" and to encourage that transgender students are treated "with respect, compassion, and dignity in the classroom and school environment". I question whether this guidance instead comes from a place of carefully assigned politically-motivated prejudice. It sickens me to think that children's well-being could be used as a political tool in such a fashion. This guidance would serve nothing but to harm a population that is already overwhelming at risk for targeting from violence and hate, and as such I strongly oppose its adaptation. I would not want my children to be educated in an environment that embraced these guidelines.

While that is my opinion, the guideline also clearly disregards protections against sex-based discrimination, and as such doesn't seem to have a legal basis for enforcement as well. Regardless of how one may feel about transgender youth, guidance that flies in the face of anti-discriminatory law must be rejected at all costs. As for the discriminatory opinions, hopefully those can be eradicated through education and discourse.


Parents should be involved - from any State

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Good policy...not that I live there...interesting to be able to comment.  I could very easily have claimed to be VA...when I'm not.


STRONGLY OPPOSE YOUNGKIN

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<p>You are damaging the lives of many young LGBTQ+ people for no. reason. This is the driving us back so many steps. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this Guidance Document as a horrific example of government overreach and interference into the lives of children and educators.  The choice of how to express your place in this world as an individual is not just a constitutional right but a basic human right.  The politics of interference in individual rights of expression and lifestyle by children as to their gender identification should not be dictated by or limited by government.   The educators are  primary adult role models to our children.  When adults cannot be allowed to recognize and encourage the individual rights of children's choices as a part of their educational process you do not encourage the freedom of thought and expression that allows for ongoing maturity of thought. It does not encourage the appreciation of other cultures and lifestyles and tolerance required to be a contributing member of our society... which is any thing but single-minded and homogenic.  This document is a direct result of trying to force a single-minded and simple-minded politically charged religious philosophy onto citizens who live in a constitutionally protected secular country.   </p>


OPPOSE!!!!!!!!

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<p>OPPOSE. THIS IS STUPID! We need to protect all kids, period. </p>


Transgender Restroom Policy

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Thank you Governor, for the new transgender policy. As a parent, grandparent and retired public school teacher, I believe every child should be safe in the restroom. If a parent has a trans child, that PARENT should contact the child's school to make arrangements for "resting" if the student is uncomfortable or unhappy.  Every school will try its best to keep young people safe and comfortable. In my school we handled each student uniquely, safely, and positively.

Young girls should not fear being raped in a restroom. Young men should not fear being accused of being part of a rape in a restroom.

Public schools should be places of learning, not fodder for political news.


Extremely disagree

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<p>Extremely disagree </p>


Strongly Opposed: By "empowering parents", we are putting our kids last

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Hello,

I am a former student in VA public schools. When I was in school in the 2010s I learned the usual things like math, history, and English. I learned in college and grad school that I had one of the best educations of any of my friends. I remember almost zero specific lessons but I do know that the education I received set me up for the type of critical thinking required to work and be a citizen in 2022. The lessons I DO remember vividly taught me humanity, humility, and to stand up for what's right. Any law that takes away children's rights to be who they are is doing exactly this.

I understand the "empower parents" narrative is politically salient, however that is not the only stakeholder that should be taken into account when drafting policy. Instead, we must also take into account the children themselves and thus the future voters. Public education is not about catering to parents every whim and bigotry. Parents should feel empowered but not in ways that trample on other children, or even their children's rights. Instead public education must be about creating the citizens of tomorrow that the Commonwealth of Virginia and this country needs. As a citizen of Virginia and former public school student, I know that what we need instead is children to feel empowered in their education and that means creating a safe environment for all students.


Strongly oppose — protect trans youth

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<p>This proposal is absolutely despicable. </p>


Strongly opposed

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Bigotry is why our society is not ready or used to our trans brothers and sisters yet. For thousands of years, bigots like Youngkin and the other republicans have been slaughtering gay folk, its not a suprise that within the first few generations of public acceptance of gay culture that types of people we didnt previous know existed are becoming to be known. Everyone should be embraced and loved as they wish to be. The closed mindedness of this decision is not the direction Virginia and America are both moving in whether the republican party likes it or not.


Strongly Oppose

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These are regressive policies that harm marginalized communities and solve zero problems.


Strongly opposed

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Strongly oppose this, trans rights are human rights


All Students

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<p>The governor's proposal emphasizes all students six times.  Yet, it obviously discriminates against trans students.  This makes no sense.  Trans students are very much a small minority of public school students in the state.  They actually need protection rather than being abused. </p>


Children Cannot Consent!!!

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<p>Children cannot consent to a many things, taking hormone blockers or engaging in elective surgical alterations are among these.  </p>


Oppose- This could lead to some students being needlessly harmed at home.

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By making it a requirement for teachers to report if a student uses different pronouns other than the ones given at birth could bring needless harm to some students at home. Not everything that happens at school needs to be reported to parents. Students deserve privacy in their life even from their parents. If students haven't had a conversation with their parents about it then they have a good reason and must be able to make that decision for themselves.


Fully support our Governor.

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<p>I fully support and agree with what our Governor is doing. </p>


Policy changes support rights of women

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The changes in the transgender policy insure protection for transgender students and the rights of our young women. We should never use our young women as test subjects for cultural experiments. I have experienced too often the dangers of being "kind" to those who demand rights; while endangering others. We can protect all without endangering our women. As women we have fought long and hard for our rights. The woke culture is seeking to eliminate our rights in the guise of equality for some who are confused about their identity and for some who will abuse this act for selfish ends. Thank you to Governor Youngkin for seeking to protect all, particularly our young women.


Thank you!

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Thank you for updating these policies to restore protections for basic parental rights and ensuring that parents are no longer cut out of the process—especially when it concerns how gender and sexuality issues are handled with our kids at school.


Strongly Agree

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<p>I’m very grateful that Northam’s policies will be reversed. Thank you for supporting parents rights and the physical safety of girls in our schools. Someone’s metaphysical identity should not be more important than the physical safety of another person. An  adult could identify as a toddler, dress and behave like a toddler, and even ask to be addressed as a toddler.  However, no one would allow that individual to enter pre-k settings because that person could endanger young children. The same logic applies to gender ideology. We need to set boundaries to protect the physical safety of children, and this reversal accomplishes that. Well done! </p>


Support

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Teachers have enough on our plates.  If I child came to be about these feelings, my very first natural response would be "do your parents know?" I'm hear for teaching not counseling!


Governor Youngkin's New Transgender Policy for Schools

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I support the Governor's new transgender policy. Public schools should remove themselves from politics and the culture wars and focus on teaching core academic subjects. Parents are responsible for a child's upbringing and should be intimately involved in their education. Teachers should inform parents of any developmental issues they become aware of concerning a student. Parents should be made aware of (if they do not already know) and approve any changes regarding a child's sexual identity at school. Issues concerning a child's sexual development/identity are best handled within a child's family, with the support of a trusted professional counselor if necessary. The family can then contact the school regarding any issues they wish to share.

Chris and Charlie Blanton


Strongly against this policy: protect trans kids

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As a trans student, I am aware of how much this could make trans kids very uncomfortable and even put their lives in danger. If someone has the courage to tell you how they feel about their gender identity and pronouns, it means (for me) that you are someone they can trust. Betraying this trust and outing them to their family could strain relationships and make the student feel unsafe. We have a right to privacy, and if you cared about us, you would respect that. Do not implement this policy for the sake of LGBTQ+ kids in Virginia and around the world.


Model policy

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Thank you for this new policy guidance. My wife and I strongly support the new  policy guidance. If they are challenged in court take the issue to the Supreme Court , if necessary. The rights of parents in the  education and health of the children are paramount.


Please Stop this Insanity - Now

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Kids cannot smoke, drink, carry a weapon, enter into a non-voidable contract, get medication or eat lunch in a bar - but they can "change" their gender without their parents' knowledge.

Lunatic activists may successfully change social mores but no-one can change their chromosomes.

Stop this population-reduction insanity that takes advantage of life's most vulnerable and seeks to implement complete madness.  It is time for a return to sanity - no matter how loudly they may scream.


Unconstitutional, Unenforceable

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The definition of "sex" plays fast and loose with the Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton Country. The court decision recognizes "it may be argued that a student’s 'sex' is the gender with which the student identifies." These guidelines claim to be following the First and Fourteenth Amendments, when in reality they are following the politically motivated and twisted interpretations of those who crafted these guidelines. The First Amendment state that government agencies will make no law promoting or discriminating against any religion: by allowing faculty the option of ignoring a trans student's request to be referred to by preferred personal pronouns, the VDOE is in actuality enforcing a policy that promotes inherently bigoted religions, and discriminates against the religious beliefs of trans students. This also applies to any bathroom policies. It has already been established that students must have access to bathrooms that correspond to their sex. Regardless of how the VDOE attempts to redefine the word, the Supreme Court has recognized that there is a valid argument to the idea that "sex" can also mean preferred gender.

These policies violate the Fourteenth Amendment in that they ignore the right to privacy of trans students. The Constitution guarantees the right to privacy to any citizen of the United States, so provided the trans student in question was born in the U.S., they are entitled to a right to privacy. While parents do have a right to what is in the best interests of their children, it can easily be argued that in some cases it is in the child's best interests that their parents remain ignorant of certain aspects of the child's personal life.

Regardless, these policies are unenforceable. It would be nigh-impossible to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that a teacher or faculty member was aware of a student's preferred gender and failed to contact a parent. This entire policy has been a waste of time, a waste of taxpayer money, and will only result in lawsuit after lawsuit. It will more than likely be reversed three years from now. So, you know ...suck a dick. :)


Fully Support

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I fully support this change. The safety of the children IS the important thing here. It should ONLY be up to the parents in all things regarding what is taught, and /or supported. Indoctrination of young minds needs to stop!


If you are Pro-life, you must respect one's life no matter what age.

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I am against the proposed policy.


Strongly Oppose


STRONGLY OPPOSE - Viewpoint from a Person Who This Really Affects

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I am a transgender student in Virginia public schools. My high school is one that is pretty well-known for being accepting of LGBTQ+ students, and so I've been supported these last four years as a transgender person (i.e. my preferred name and pronouns have been respected since day 1). Yet, as I'm entering my senior year, this man that Virginia has to call its governor decides that I, evidently, don't deserve to be called by my actual name and pronouns because supposedly, my parents should have more say in who I am than I do. Yes, that's right folks, my parents should get to dictate who I am as a person. I don't know about y'all, but that sounds pretty messed up. Just because I'm a minor doesn't mean I deserve fewer rights than adults have.

As for statistics, I'd like y'all to check out the statistics from The Trevor Project's 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Mental Health. Students are already more likely to report school as both an LGBTQ+ affirming place and a trans & non-binary affirming space. And, if you track the statistics, you see that suicide attempts go down the more accepting the space a young person is in. These guidelines take away these safe spaces and as a result, will have higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and even suicide.

I'll go ahead and say it, even if you might want to dismiss it as youthful stupidity, but parents have no right to decide who their child is as a person. They don't get a choice in how their child identifies, the names their child uses, or even the pronouns their child goes by. This is, frankly, not their business, and if a student hasn't told their parents about their identity, it's likely because they feel like doing so would put them in an unsafe position. These policies put hundreds, if not thousands, of queer students at risk of being outed, abused, and bullied, and I believe that is exactly what our governor wants. I can vote in November, I only wish that voting Youngkin out of office was on the ballot.

People on this forum want to rage all about queer people and how we're trying to indoctrinate their children, that transgender folks are a "social contagion," that LGBTQ+ people spread by touching straight people, and that this has anything to do with the school curriculum when in fact, it does not. Most people that are glad that these guidelines have been drafted cite patently incorrect information to support their argument when it's just plain out transphobia that fuels their hatred and bigotry.

This is not a "liberal vs conservative" issue, this is a human rights issue. Do you think Youngkin would be happy if I started referring to him as 'Glenda' and using she/they pronouns? No, because that is not his identity. Glen Youngkin identifies as male and uses he/him pronouns. We all agree on that and he agrees with that, so why can't we use that same logic for our students?

These guidelines are rooted in transphobia, not parent rights. Please reconsider them.


Of course parents should be part of the decision

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Agree that parents have the right to raise their children. Good grief.


Oppose Youngkin's Plan

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As a parent and a Virginia resident for 50 years, I find Youngkin's plan both unnecessary and harmful. Really, when there is so much good that can be done with a Governor's energies and attention, he wants to spend time on stripping away the rights and dignity of LGBT+ students?  No, no, no -- absolutely not. It's vicious and plain wrong.  Virginians and the Commonwealth deserve better and smarter leadership.


I support Youngkin's policy


I strongly oppose this policy


Please re-read the statute

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The statutory authority for this guidance, Section 22.1-23.3 of the Code of Virginia, requires the Department of Education to develop model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public schools “in accordance with evidence-based best practices”. The proposed guidance does not comply with this requirement. While the existing guidance (from 2021) cites extensively to social science research – aka, evidence – this new proposed guidance omits such evidence altogether. The guidance is based on mere opinion. It is not the Department’s place to substitute its opinion for what the legislature required when it enacted the statute.

Regarding the Constitutional arguments you raised, please remember that transgender students, their loving parents and their supportive teachers have First Amendment rights, too. By requiring teachers to use only officially sanctioned pronouns matching school records, the Department is violating their First Amendment rights. By creating unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles for parents and students to change the names and pronouns that they use, you are violating their rights.

Please spare the students, parents, teachers, taxpayers and everyone else in the Commonwealth the unnecessary and harmful drama that the proposed guidance entails. Please just leave the 2021 guidance in place.


STRONGLY OPPOSE – what does anyone gain from this?

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Why do we need to put rules in place to allow & encourage more discrimination against students who do not conform to the norm?

Let them be who they are – everyone deserves support and understanding along with an education. This policy allows teachers and school staff to refuse to provide counseling to trans students... WHAT? Genuinely, what does that accomplish? I think we all know the real answer, and it is not to "protect students."


Oppose this hateful bill.

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<p>I strongly oppose Glenn’s bill to discriminate against Trans youth in Virginia just because he thinks the youth are their parents play things. Maybe if he was in the state listening to his constituent Ms rather than soft launching his failed presidential campaign, he would realize how much he has set back this state. He’s a stain and a disgrace and deserves nothing but to be swiftly removed from office. </p>


Oppose proposed policy change

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I strongly oppose the proposed policy changes put forth by Governor Youngkin.
The policies currently in force provide protections and compassion for trans students.
The proposed policy changes will make life at school very difficult for trans students or those struggling with who they are.
Do not move Virginia backwards; do not adopt the proposed transgender student policies.

The Governor thinks these policies help parents. He needs to think about the children he will be harming.


If your child doesn't trust you, the problem is not the state's to solve


Oppose this hateful bill.


STRONGLY SUPPORT 100%!!!

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Boys are boys and girls are girls. Let’s allow biology to do what it has done for thousands of years. Biological males in female bathrooms, locker rooms and private spaces is NOT OKAY, and vice versa. Biological males competing against biological females in gender specific sports is absolutely NOT right and is completely unfair.
You have either XX chromosomes or XY chromosomes. It’s simply biology.
THANK YOU, GOVERNOR YOUNGKIN!!!


Thank You for protecting my children!

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Thank you for protecting my children from this foolishness!

My heart goes out to those suffering from the emotional and physical torment of gender dysphoria.  I sincerely hope they seek excellent medical care to guide them back to wholeness.

I will not be disrespectful or hateful to others.  Nor will i participate in their disfunction or delusions.  My young children in public school should not be exposed to these harmful agendas.

THANK YOU!


Oppose

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Trans rights are human rights.


Strongly oppose this cruel and dangerous policy!

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The revised policy is ill-conceived and dangerous. Virginians should never walk back protections for youth. Protect trans-youth!