Thank you Governor!

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<p>Let kids be kids! This transgender stuff is ridiculous! It’s all what you feed the kid. Thank you governor for standing up for our kids and doing what is right! </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this dangerous policy that seeks to harm an already vulnerable segment of our population. This proposal would create a hostile school environment by prohibiting teachers from supporting nonbinary and trans youth, and prohibiting young people who have done nothing wrong from accessing services and programs that ALL youth are equally entitled to. This policy has been created using archaic ideas of what it means to be nonbinary or trans, and is rooted in fear and isolationism instead of growth, learning and caring for the youth of Virginia. ALL of our students deserve a supportive and affirming school environment free of stereotypes and hateful adults!! </p>


I oppose, STRONGLY

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As someone from both the lgbtqia+  and the mother of a non binary child, I strongly oppose.  I know the struggle of trying to figure out what you are as a teenager. Of the constant questioning, wondering, worrying, fear.  Yes, FEAR. I came from a not so loving family and I worried about how my coming out would be accepted.  I had friends terrified of their parents.  They knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what would happen and just needed to wait until they were 18 and free.  And since they came from "good families" they were scared no one would listen to their fears without being outed. Which was the last thing they wanted to risk.  School was a safe haven where they could be themselves for the first time.  My child can be themselves.

Do not take that away from our children.  Let them have their own voice. Let them have their own choice on when THEY want to tell their life.  After all, it is their choice.


Support Policy Change

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I am thankful for this policy change. It is critical to recognize gender dysphoria as a mental health issue rather than an identity. Teachers, staff, and students should never be forced to accept the harmful transgender ideology that suggests that children can be inherently flawed by being "born in the wrong body," and that the only solution is to kill who they are and become another person.

I am a former “trans” kid. Like many children these days who suffer with gender confusion, I was insistent, consistent, and persistent that I was not a girl but was really a boy.

I am grateful to my school psychologist and teachers who did not affirm my misbelief, but helped me to manage my difficult feelings.

Children these days are not so lucky.

Activists encourage children to dissociate from themselves and create a new persona rather than helping them find ways to manage difficult feelings.  Teachers, staff, and other children should not be required to become pawns for these activists and forced to accept what can only be described as a metaphysical belief that our feelings can change reality.

So called "affirmative care" is anything but affirming of a child. Affirmation of gender confusion encourages children to embrace regressive sex based characteristics, take puberty blockers that retard their growth and development, cross-sex hormones make healthy bodies dysfunctional. The combination of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones sterilize children.

It is our job as adults to give children the message that no matter how intense and difficult their feelings are, they can work through them without dissociating from themselves to become a different person.

Affirming a child's gender confusion allows children to avoid difficulties they are facing, whether that be grappling with homophobia, struggling with autism, or trying to recover from trauma.

Because of loving, caring, and supportive therapists and teachers, I got the care I needed. They gave me the gift of healing and I am so incredibly grateful.

All children who are struggling with gender dysphoria deserve the same gift.


Let kids be who they want to be!

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<p style="text-align: center;">I strongly oppose this! You can’t use executive action to overturn § 2.2-3900, the Virginia Human Rights Act. This will harm trans students, not help them. If their parents are not already involved enough to know their child is using different pronouns or a different name, then there is a good reason - they are not an ally and this child does not feel safe around them. Be an ally. Help protect these kids. </p>


Strongly support

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Hello,

I wanted to share my opinion. I don’t want to see anyone mistreated, however the trans policy that is being used now has far too many loop holes and will be abused by students. We need to protect all kids. Please move forward with this . Thank you


Strongly Agree

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The relationship between parent and child is not something that the state should interview in over political or ideological reasons. Children are not inherently wards of the state. Parents entrust our schools with furthering education not with creating wedges between parent and child.

I support the Governor’s common sense reform which places the parent child relationship before the political prerogatives of school administrators.


I Support Youngkin

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As a scientist, I research facts, and the facts are that DNA does not support transgender. One X chromosome, one Y chromosome. Male and female. That's all. What you're born with is what you are. Feelings do not determine your gender; facts do.


Strongly oppose!!

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<p>I strongly oppose this. </p>


Thank you Gov Youngkin

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<p>This bill respects and protects the rights of children and parents.  There is a very harmful gender ideology/identity craze sweeping our youth that often starts at schools.  Parents are their children’s first protectors, people who oppose this bill would also believe that parents are enemies of their own children.  The schools should be academically  educating - that is their only job. </p>


Strongly support

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<p>I strongly support this new policy. Schools should never hide information from parents, and parents absolutely have a right to be involved in their children's health care decisions. All students should be treated with respect; this policy fairly balances the needs of other students (who, for example, largely prefer same sex bathrooms for privacy reasons) and teachers who should never be put in a position to hide information from parents. </p>


Endangering Lives of our Children

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I am a parent and a taxpayer who finds Youngkin's policy proposal creating a threat to the lives and well being of our children -- while doing nothing to protect anyone. Trans kids are not a threat -- they are the ones who are under threat.


Strongly Oppose

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I oppose this proposal extremely strongly!


Opposed - 2022 Model Policies are reckless and sharply restrict transgender student rights

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The 2022 MODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT FOR ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS regarding the treatment of transgender students in the state's public schools are reckless and sharply restrict transgender student rights.  These Model Policies say transgender students must access school facilities and activities, including restrooms and sports teams, that match their sex assigned at birth. The Model Policies also make it difficult for students to change their names and pronouns at school and say teachers can refuse to use transgender students’ names and pronouns if it violates their beliefs. Additionally, the Model Policies suggest parents should be told about students’ gender identities by school staff, no matter if the student wants to keep it private.

Transgender students have the right to feel safe in school and that teachers and counselors can be trusted with details of their gender in confidence.  It is a student's right to engage their parents and caregivers at the time of their choosing.

I believe the 2022 Model Policies will make transgender student’s lives worse, endanger their mental health and well-being.

I ask that DOE maintain the 2021 Model Policies in which parents played an important role and afforded more protections for transgender students.


Get this mental illness OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS!

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<p>There was a time when this mentally ill gender confusion was once in a blue moon. Now it is a pandemic, a fad, with 1 in 5 of our youth influenced by someone outside of their parents. This is extremely disturbing and not a path we need to go down. It is a disease that is spreading and needs to stop. People outside of parents who engage in this gender ideology push should be imprisoned as you would a pedophile, also making them register in a public database so we parents can protect our children from them. </p>


Transgender policy reversal by Gov Youngkin

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<p>Gov Youngkin's reversal of Transgender protections is using children for hateful politics. </p>


Strongly oppose

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As with most policies that are anti LGBTQ+, this only "protects" the "right" kind of child. ALL students deserve to be respected. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth are not prone to suicide because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but because of the stigma and bullying they experience. Virginia needs to continue moving forward and not return to its discriminatory, bullying past, I strongly oppose this policy.


Strongly disapprove of this

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Talk about a government overreach! Allowing kids to be called what they wished to be called is a basic and supportive measure for the growth of young people, whether it's nicknames or gender pronouns. The fact that our governor wishes to give the government final say on this--with no knowledge or evidence of a child's home situation--is horrifying. Please do NOT enact this measure.

Amber R.

Charlottesville, VA


Don't codify discrimination - Oppose

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All people should be afforded the right to use public restrooms free of harassment. Students and teachers are no exceptions just because of their age or occupation.   All students have the right to free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.  The VDOE's policy violates the civil rights of students.

This policy forces a certain subset of students to use facilities that don't match their gender identities, something the VDOE would never consider forcing the rest of the student population to do. This policy restricts teachers from using a student's correct name and pronouns, something the VDEO would never do for the rest of the student population.  This unequal treatment under the policy is discrimination and it is un-American.

Claims that allowing students to use the bathroom will let them vape, hook up, assault each other, and vandalize school property are irrelevant.  Students who break the school's rules of conduct receive punishments, regardless of their gender identity. This policy isn't about protecting kids, it's about discrimination against some kids.  The VDOE must make policies that protect all kids, including trans and gender non-conforming kids.


Strongly oppose

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What is the purpose of trying to make the lives of a few children miserable?? We have actual problems that need addressing (health care, mental health care, women's rights, gun violence, climate change readiness, etc) that need our time and resources and this proposition is a waste.

These are children who are just learning about themselves, who deserve privacy like all of us.


Strongly oppose!

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<p>Strongly oppose </p>


I agree with youngkin's parental rights policy relative to child's education

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I unequivocally agree with governor youngkins desire to have parents involved in their child's education including any issues involving gender identity.  parents must, let me repeat must, be involved in that situation.


Vehemently oppose

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Tinker held that students do not shed their right to free expression at the schoolhouse gate. Gender expression is expression, and this policy robs students of their constitutionally protected right to speech and expression.

past that, students deserve an environment of care, empathy and inclusion.

i vehemently oppose this policy and any policy that erodes protection for students.


Fully oppose this discriminatory "policy"

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This policy is harmful, blatant bullying and shaming children. My child deserves the respect of proper pronouns and their preferred name. If you choose to pass this terrible policy, then it should ABSOLUTELY apply to ALL students. Meaning if a child has a name such as Robert, they cannot be called Bob or Bobby without explicit written permission from the parent. If this is a path you choose to walk down, then it should apply to EVERYONE. Otherwise, you'll be in violation of your own rule.

As a military dependent, it's hard enough having to move to places we have no choice in. However, to move to a state where discrimination will run rampant in the school makes it even more difficult for those of us with LGBTQIA+ children. It's sad that I now have to worry about what type of discriminatory state school policy my child will be exposed to, when I have NO choice in where the military sends us. There are thousands of families in the same situation. I can't just move to a different state with humane policies because I don't agree or believe in the ones you're choosing to enact. Also, for what it's worth, the military asks for and uses preferred names and pronouns. It's sad when the Department of Defense can do something this simple, but VDOE is choosing not to.

It isn't about "woke" culture. It is about respecting our children as humans. Just as you were born into cis-hetero privilege, these children were born as they are — agender, gender fluid, non-binary, trans and so on. Just as you don't choose to be cisgender, these children do not choose this. It is who they are. By disrespecting this, you show a lack of compassion and promote bullying and discrimination. Not every child has parents or guardian who will accept them as they are. By requiring parental permission on something as banal as pronouns and a preferred name, you are subjecting these children to more harm.

Stop using our children as political pawns to further your agenda. If you're really concerned about the welfare of our kids, then why are you pushing this terrible policy? Please do not pass this.


Great call , 100% in agreement


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Some of my best friends are trans, and though they’re out to their parents, it’s horrifying what this could do to those with homophobic families.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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<p>I absolutely support more parental responsibility regarding this subject. </p>


Leave kids be

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Overwhelmingly what trans people of every age want is to be able to live freely like anyone else without being harassed. The proposed changes will lead to harassment. That's not a hypothetical. Trans people do not attack people in bathrooms; it simply doesn't happen, and even if it did anything that might be done is ALREADY ILLEGAL.

All children deserve to learn. Don't take policy suggestions from book burners or so-called Christians who cannot even remember his most important command "love thy neighbor".


OPPOSE:  NOTa parental rights issue

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I strongly oppose Youngkin’s proposed removal of trans kids’ rights in Virginia.  The policies in place are evidence-based and this is clearly for political fodder. I am a parent in the Richmond school systems and shutter to think what will happen to these kids if these policies go through. Shameful.


Strongly oppose

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Trans children are people too. If a parent wants to discriminate against somebody’s child for no other reason than them being alive then  they have no place in this state


Oppose

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I strongly oppose the new policies. The potential costs to trans youth outweigh any good that can come from them.


Strongly oppose


Oppose

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I oppose any policy that infringes on the rights and freedoms of transgender students, especially when under the guise of parental rights or religious liberties.


Strongly oppose

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This is an unnecessary policy, not correcting anything that is broken. The schools have been doing a great job at educating our kids and keeping our kids safe and this just a political stunt along with The use of “woke” to raise a nonissue to drown out the real issues at hand.

Stunts lie these hurt the school system and those that work for it. Teachers are fed up with the Governor and his cult, we don’t want to be like Florida needing to recruit military vets to be teachers because ours leave due to thoughtless restrictions. You want an army teaching your kids there are other countries you can go for that.


Strongly Opposed

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We must respect and protect students as much as we respect parents. This policy is not in favor of students rights or well-being. This policy would place educational professionals in a difficult position as schools work to interpret some of the language.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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As a school counselor, I am fearful of the detrimental effects this policy would have on the safety and well-being of our non-binary and trans youth.

Here is some research that shows the importance of supporting and affirming trans and non-binary students' identities:

56% of transgender youth reported a previous suicide attempt and 86% reported suicidality. School belongingness mitigates these risks and is a significant predictor variable for reducing suicidal ideation and attempts among transgender youth (Austin et al., 2020).

Transgender and nonbinary youth whose schools prevent them from using the restrooms/locker rooms that best matched their gender identities were significantly more likely to be sexually assaulted, 26% for transgender males and 49% for transgender females (Murchison et al., 2019).

28% of transgender youth whose pronouns are not affirmed attempted suicide in the past year. In fact, when pronouns are respected, transgender youth attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected (Trevor Project, 2020).

Transgender adolescents experience significantly disproportionate levels of childhood abuse compared to cisgender adolescents and experience greater levels of homelessness as a result of being kicked out or abused (Thoma, 2021).

Fewer than 2.5% of transgender youth re-transition to cisgender (Olson et al, 2022).


Strongly Oppose the Revised Policy on treatment of transgender young people

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<p>The 1st Amendment of the Constitution does not only protect the free expression of people over the age of 18. Transgender children represent a small fraction of all children in school. What harm does it do for the teachers and the school to recognize them as they are and to treat them with the respect they deserve? Transgender children are vulnerable children. They are more likely to be bullied at home and at school. They are more likely to become homeless and commit suicide. Research shows that it only takes one compassionate, supportive  adult to reduce the risk of depression or suicide for LGBTQ+ children. This policy shift will make it far more difficult for teachers and counselors to be the supportive adults that LGBTQ+ kids need. This new “guidance” twists the intent of the law that was passed to protect the rights of Virginians to free expression of their sexual orientation and gender. </p>


Adamantly Oppose

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I adamantly oppose Youngkin and Schultz's political stunt which is costing unnecessary tax dollars and putting young life at risk. The 2022 "Model" Policies are anything but. They cite legal decisions which have nothing to do with the issue at hand or education in general. They are discriminatory at best and criminal at worst. They are NOT empirical, as is required by the VA House and Senate. They were released quietly, bypassing all expected decision-making steps used in our education system. Other needed guidance, such as improved SEL instruction and COVID losses, has fallen by the wayside as you monopolized tax dollars and staffing to put forth your own political agenda. This policy is inequitable, further exposing the financial have-nots from those with financial power and privilege. An overwhelming majority of your actual VA constituents, as opposed to out-of-state bots and hate group-funded commenters, are livid with your discriminatory guidelines. When we lose transgender lives due to this bigoted political game, the blood will be on your hands.


strongly oppose

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<p style="text-align: left;">Beyond being a violation of discrimination laws and the disability act, this is just a political ploy at the expense of children.  Disgusting.  </p>


Parents know their kids best

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<p>My child thought she was trans.  We supported her but made choices that let her explore gender without adult pressure.  She chose the path of accepting her body and moving away from trans ideology.  Children deserve to explore their identity without adult influence and parents are an important part of making sure children aren’t being unduly influenced by outside factors to include well meaning teachers and counselors.  I knew my child best and guided her through adolescence in our way.  Parents are responsible for raising children.  Not the state.  </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this bill and anything that would stand in the way of my trans and nonbinary classmates having full access and rights to the same educational experience I and my peers received. Protecting children should be the first priority of the VDOE, rather than appeasing political campaigns. These proposed policies directly affect the livelihood of children in Virginia public schools and will make it harder for all children to thrive, learn, and be successful. The policies are degrading and humiliating for children that deserve only respect and love from peers and teachers. It is mind-blowing that hate has the potential to be codified here - what a horrific example we are setting for the young people in this state of how to treat others. I cannot more emphatically oppose this bill and every political ploy that comes at the expense of the safety, health, and happiness of school children. </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this change </p>


I strongly support!


Strongly oppose. Protect trans rights

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<p> Every day, throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, educators and school leaders work to ensure that all students have an opportunity to receive a high-quality education. As a part of that work, educators strive to meet the individual needs of all students entrusted to their care, and teachers work to create educational environments where all students thrive. The Virginia Department of Education (the “Department”) recognizes that each child is a unique individual with distinctive abilities and characteristics that should be valued and respected. All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. The Department supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students. Thus, we have a collective responsibility to address topics such as the treatment of transgender students with necessary compassion and respect for all students. The Department also fully acknowledges the rights of parents to exercise their fundamental rights granted by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children. The Code of Virginia reaffirms the rights of parents to determine how their children will be raised and educated. Empowering parents is not only a fundamental right, but it is essential to improving outcomes for all children in Virginia. The Department is mindful of constitutional protections that prohibit governmental entities from requiring individuals to adhere to or adopt a particular ideological belief. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees religious freedom and prohibits the government from compelling speech that is contrary to an individual’s personal or religious beliefs. The Department embarked on a thorough review of the Model Policies Guidance adopted on March 4, 2021 (the “2021 Model Policies”). The 2021 Model Policies promoted a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools. The 2021 Model Policies also disregarded the rights of parents and ignored other legal and constitutional principles that significantly impact how schools educate students, including transgender students. With the publication of these 2022 Model Policies (the “2022 Model Policies”), the Department hereby withdraws the 2021 Model Policies, which shall have no further force and effect. The Department issues the 2022 Model Policies to provide clear, accurate, and useful guidance to Virginia school boards that align with statutory provisions governing the Model Policies. See Code of Virginia, § 22.1-23.3 (the “Act”). Significantly, the 2022 Model Policies also consider over 9,000 comments submitted to the Department during the public comment period for the 2021 Model Policies.</p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I cannot adequately express how strongly I oppose the new Model Policy. It will directly hurt my child and thousands of trans and non-binary children across the Commonwealth. In contrast, the  current policy, which this new  policy would replace, hurts literally no one. Shame on you for your cruelty to kids. Middle school is hard enough without being misgendered in school every day, or having to use the wrong bathroom! Why you would step in to harm thre relationship between my child and their supportive, wonderful teachers who are just trying to help them learn Math, Science or Language Arts boggles the mind. Please, please withdraw these Model Policies. They are outrageous and harmful.


I agree

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<p>I support this for our schools. Common sense is lacking...and that is even an understatement. I personally have a child in rockingham public schools and frankly do not want any child just going into whatever bathroom they please. If we allow that, it will open doors to other issues, more important issues like assault, serial assault, pregnancies, and others. We have NEVER let the same sex into the same bathrooms and we should NOT start now. Some students feel like they are being singled out by this and discriminated which is ridiculous. We need to keep ALL children safe, we need to think of ALL the children. Not just the ones who want themselves called a different name and want to use a different bathroom. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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Outing people to homophobic parents will lead to an increase in self harm and suicide rates; school may be the only safe place many transgender students have, and without anyone to trust or anywhere to feel safe, that will lead to feelings of hopelessness.  Two of my closest friends are trans, and the idea of this bill affecting them makes me scared.


I support the decision

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This is a political issue more than a societal one and schools should remain free of politics.  You must be 18 to vote, enter the military, get married or even purchase cigarettes and you must be 21 to drink.  All these responsibilities require a minimum age and children don't get to ignore these laws just because they think they shouldn't apply to them.  Once a student reaches the age of consent they may choose whatever name or gender they desire but until that happens, parents, not the school, are responsible for all choices regarding the raising of that child.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Support!

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I support Govornor Youngkins proposed changes.


Protect the rights of students

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<p>I vehemently oppose Youngkin’s proposal for guidance regarding educators and transgender students. All students deserve a high quality education in a safe and comfortable environment, and these proposed policies are a direct threat to the safety and comfort of a singled-out group of students. The Standards of Learning make sure that all Virginia students are taught that we live in a free and fair country, yet this administration wants to ensure that transgender students get the message that they do not have the same rights? In high school government, we ensure that students understand the basic concepts of democracy, including recognizing the fundamental worth and dignity of the individual (GOVT.3a). If this is beyond Youngkin’s level of comprehension, he can review the elementary SOLs—Kindergartners are expected to practice honesty, self-control and kindness to others (Civics K.10e). It is clear that this administration lacks a basic understanding of these concepts. However, in first grade we start learning to participate in group decision making through voting (Civics 1.10f), and we will make sure to vote out this wannabe trumpian fascist masquerading as a sweater-vested gee-golly-gosh Virginian. </p>


OPPOSE!

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There is no excuse for this kind of discriminatory legislation. Virginia should never pass laws or support policies based on ignorance and hatred. I strongly oppose anything that discriminates against people for sex or gender differences.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!

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<p>SUPPORT ALL STUDENTS, NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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This is going to kill kids. It does not matter how you try to justify it, the forced outing of kids in schools and to their parents is going to cause mass deaths and mental health problems in trans students. Absolutely no one is hurt if a child decides to go by a different name at school, and absolutely no one bats an eye at cis children going by nicknames and middle names. This is an apparent attack on the autonomy of trans minors in Virginia, and it is a disgusting and appalling. Thank you, good day.


In support of 2022 Model policy

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<p>I support the new guidelines because I feel that students are best helped when parents are viewed as a partner to the schools. I’m not against transgender people or their rights, but socially transitioning students in school without their parents’ knowledge creates a rupture in the family and will in the long run hurt more students than it helps. Most parents are loving and want what’s best for their kids but when they are kept out of major decisions in their child’s life, how can they possibly best support their child? Plus, it seems like eventually families will find out, and the secrecy will make it harder for the family to accept. So it’s really making a potential problem worse. There is already a process for reporting child advise; I don’t think every parent should be assumed to be ablative until proved otherwise. I also think it’s problematic to have adults keeping secrets with kids at school; that could end up being very creepy. I am an educator and while I am caring and warm with my students, I have a boundary and don’t try to replace their family. </p>


Keep religion out of schools and government!

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I strongly oppose the governor's attempt to force his Christian religious beliefs on on children in schools.

This is not about parents rights. This is about the governor wanting to impose his radical evangelical Christian beliefs on children in schools.

Parents do have the right to teach their children religion at home. However if the child rejects the religious teachings the parent cannot force the student to adhere to them outside of the home.


Strongly SUPPORT

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Strongly support Gov Youngkin.   Long overdue and needed.


There is no place for gender mental disabilities in our schools.

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<p>Gender issues are mental disabilities created by our evil culture. There is no place for it in our schools.  </p>


Transgender voice here

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As a Virginia transgender person, who Voted for Glenn Youngkin, I DO support this.

https://www.reddit.com/r/asktransgender/comments/xor3fj/oppose_va_gov_youngkins_policy/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

This reddit post is asking us to oppose this bill, but I am doing the opposite.

 We send our children to teachers to be taught useful skills that will aid them in life: not have the teachers play the role of parents. Confused children need their parents involved, especially this day in age where the Transgender agenda is inserted into a child's mind. Public schools are not research centers.

 On the subject of bathrooms, I also support this.

Confused little boys or little girls need to use the bathroom that correlates to their birth certificate.

On the extremely rare case that a child should actually be transgender, that child can explore their options later in life after graduation. Until such time, the girl's and boy's bathroom are strictly save havens for their respected biologucal sexes. To allow a boy into the girl's room corrupts the whole environment.

In closing...

 Some may be transgender, but parents get to decide how legitimate that may be FIRST. And, non-transgender children Should not suffer this ploy by the system.


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awful awful policy that will get kids killed


Disagree

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DISAGREE DISAGREE DISAGREE

Family physician in Charlottesville, VA. Please take care of our children no matter what. Strongly oppose.


oppose

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This is an extremely harmful thing to pass for CHILDREN. If their parents don’t know about their name or haven’t come out it’s clearly for a reason. Using people’s preferred names doesn’t disrupt learning at all.


Parent of LGBQT Child - Strong Support

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<p>As a parent of a LGBQT Child, I support Gov. Youngkin.  The idea that my daughter's school would discuss these intimate issues without my input is unbelievable.  I love and support my child and want to be fully involved in the transition of her identity.  The idea that teachers with no training, experience or degree in the complexities of gender and sexual identity would take precedence over a parent is unimaginable.  The school system used to be partners in helping us raise our children - now they want to take us out of the decision-making process completely. </p>


Parisar for Parents being heard

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The updates to the Model Policy finally incorporate the importance of the parent in the life of a child. Adding parental rights does not diminish LBGTQ rights. Parents  solely responsible for the financial, emotional, physical, medical damages their children may face. It is critical that those who bear the responsibility of the consequences of wrongdoing,  have first and most influence in the path their child takes.


Support - and ignore the bots!!

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I support this new policy - which corrects the previous governor’s overreach. Also, please ignore the bots who are posting comments - 300+ that oppose in the strongest ‘manor.’ Wonder who is funding them?!


Strongly oppose

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<p>While working with transgender youths at church and my children's friends, they have so many opportunities to be ignored or lack any adult leadership. Hindering our children's direct leaders is a huge mistake. </p>


SUPPORT - Trans Rights DO NOT override EVERYONE else's rights

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Trans rights should never override the other 99% of students. It is hard to understand how the so called "right" to make everyone else uncomfortable in bathroom settings is a human right.  As a parent of girls in the school system, it is completely wrong to allow boys in their dressing rooms just bc they "feel" like a girl. This is the prime example of making the mass overwhelming majority bend over backwards to adjust to the tiny minorities contorted feelings. NO - boys should not use girls bathrooms.

Parents should absolutely have the right to know what is going on with their minor child. It is NOT up to the school to hide such things from the parents, or fill these kids heads with false promises of happiness by transforming into the opposite gender. When did science and biology go out the window? Only trust the science when you can bend it fit you agenda, but don't trust the science we've all known for thousands of years? This fantasy land stuff has got to stop. SUPPORT THIS BILL


Strongly Oppose This Proposed Policy

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<p>This is an invasion of students’ personal lives, LGBTQ people have always existed and previous generations did not have to worry about being outed by force to their parents by law. Coming out is a process that takes time, if this policy is approved, it would force students to be out to their parents at a time when many of them may not be ready to be out yet. Some kids living with homophobic family members could be kicked out into the street, left to starve without a home. Also, allowing students to choose their pronouns is a way to respect all gender identities. It is important that trans students are respected and treated equally. Respecting choice of pronouns is crucial if you want to respect people’s gender identity, regardless of whether they identify as cis or not.  We should be creating a space for people to be comfortable with their gender identity and sexual orientation rather than creating schools that have a hostile environment where LGBTQ students do not feel safe. If you do not understand what it is like to be LGBTQ, that is your problem. Just because you do not understand other people does not mean that you should not respect them. I urge you to please not approve this proposed policy.  Learning about queer history is like learning about the civil rights movement for race equality. It’s learning about how an oppressed group has been achieving equality over time to create a more just democratic society, which is what the United States should be standing for.  Someone does not just become queer just by learning about queer history. </p>


Let our kids be true to themselves

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<p>Please allow kids to be true to themselves. They should be addressed as they identify, not as directed by their parents or government documents. Not all families are supportive and it’s more important to keep kids safe than parents informed. Do not take away their rights and dignity. </p>


Parental Rights

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<p>Strongly concur with recognizing parental rights in transgender issue guidance involving minor children.  This is why the 2021 VA election resulted as it did, to change course on the issue of parental rights in education to protect students from political indoctrination, teacher union over reach and in the case of this issue, permanent physical or psychological harm that can't be entirely undone later in adulthood once performed. As a former President once said, elections have consequences.  There are existing laws on the books to protect children from parental abusers, I do not buy the killing children hype from the commenting activists.  </p>


Support and thanks

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<p>I support this bill and thank you for helping parents to determine how their children will be raised and educated. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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Don’t force teachers to out kids to their parents. You could be putting a child’s life at risk because you don’t know their home situation. This is crazy. Just let teachers teach.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE this “guidance”


Oppose

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I am writing to oppose this proposal that would purposefully target, harass, and create an environment of harassment for a group of students in Virginia.


Support

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I strongly support all aspects of this guidance and Gov. Youngkin.


How can you have a PUBLIC school system that does not support ALL students.  Oppose this plan.


Strongly oppose!

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This is a senseless and dangerous policy that would result in more mental health issues for trans and nonbinary kids, who already face so many challenges. Infuriating, scary, and sad. Virginia should be a welcoming place. Do NOT pass this bill.


OPPOSE

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As a student in Virginia and a person of the lgbtq+ community this would ruin

my life as it stands

my own grandparents would hate me if they knew who I Truly was and any chance of my future could be ruined as they are helping pay for my college


This policy will have tragic consequences

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Policies that disenfranchise young people just for being themselves are cruel and unacceptable in our state. I vehemently oppose this policy.


Do NOT Pass - OPPOSE

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<p>How can you have a PUBLIC school system that does not support ALL students.  Oppose this plan. </p>


"Transgenderism" isn't real

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Given that "transgenderism" isn't real and that there are 0 "transgender" children in Virginia or anywhere else, there needs to be a zero tolerance policy towards all this nonsense.


Strongly support

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<p>Get this woke ideology out of our schools. This is a cult. </p>


Absolutely Opposed!

Against social transitioning without parental consent in public schools. Very harmful to families!


Support for Transgender Policy

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Students need guidance. This is the parent’s job. Safety and information is the school’s job


I oppose this bill. Please stop invalidating our community.

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<p>I oppose this bill. Please stop trying to invalidate our community.   </p>


Strongly Support

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I am glad that finally the Governor of Virginia is taking strong action to protect kids from ideological nonsense taught in schools and giving parents back their right to raise their children how they see fit. It’s already gone too far in schools and needs to be stopped. I support these measures and hope it will start to help children by showing them what is real and what is not. We should not be encouraging the made up delusions of teens but enforcing the truth of reality so they may come to terms with it. Ultimately that is what will help them.


Strongly SUPPORT

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We strongly support Governor Youngkin.


I support this/my school hid this from me

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<p>I live in NJ and my child changed names and pronouns and the school hid it from me.  It is a SERIOUS undertaking which concretizes what otherwise might be a fluid, private journey of teenage self discovery. When adults ask children what their pronouns are they force children/teens to ponder where they fall on the ideological gender chart.  How about there are just human bodies and personality characteristics?  How about just effeminate boys and masculine girls?  Gender ideology is post modern theory and is not fact! Please protect the children of Virginia from this dangerous trend.  Parents get to raise their own children and teach them their own religion. There are NO guardrails in this and children are being harmed. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This law enables the bullying of vulnerable children and will do a great deal of harm. Stop stoking the fires of the culture wars and work on legislation that will actually HELP Virginians! Strongly, strongly, strongly oppose. </p>


Strongly support this bill

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<p>Schools need to stay out of mental welfare of our children.  Bring back more involved parents and Christian beliefs. </p>


OPPOSE


Glen Younkin sucks ass

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Bro this  corny and stupid asf no one like you Glen.


Strongly oppose Glen Youngkin’s policies on Trans-Kids rights and CRT nonsense

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Youngkin and his car right advisors are making schools a battleground and using our children as political pawns. Schools have long been a place for culture war issues, but not nearly to the extent they are now.  Arguments about critical race theory, masks, or transgender students’ rights, …. The Youngkin crew are finding opportunities to score political points by running with controversial issues like these in schools. Your actions have real consequences for children.

Kids know when adults are talking about them, and they get the message when those adults are saying they’re unwanted. Transgender students, as a group, are especially vulnerable, and the Youngkin administration is telling them that their thoughts, views and most innate feelings, don’t matter. Chuck the patriarchal bologna Youngkin. Give kids room to learn, to excel and to simply “be.”   We should be going out of our way to ensure that transgender students feel welcome and embraced, not excluded and ostracized.


Treatment for transgender students


Support

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<p>Encouraging children to hide their lives from the people who love them above anyone else is dangerous and insane. </p>


In opposition

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<p>Protect all children </p>


Oppose

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<p>As an educator and a parent, I believe this change in policy does not protect children from bullying, harm, or anguish, and in fact will likely increase it when put into practice in schools. </p>


Oppose

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Youngkin supports hurting children for political gain. Despicable.


Opposed

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I oppose this policy and it’s illegal and harmful


You are going to kill kids with this political stunt

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You must be running scared, trying to serve up grist in the outrage machine. But as usual, it's the kids that will suffer. Not yours, of course, ensconced in private schools with their own rules, but the kids in public school who are having their tiny bit of safety and happiness ripped away so you can make the evening propoganda cast.

You are shameful in the eyes of Jesus, and will be judged accordingly.


2022 Purposed Model Policies offer no privacy or respect to students-DO NOT SUPPORT

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The purposed change in the policy to the treatment of trans and non-binary student is harmful and cruel to the most unsupported, vulnerable and marginalized students. ALL kids in our schools deserve to feel welcome and supported. LGBTQA+ kids have the HIGHEST rate of suicide. Publicly outing a child to unsupportive parents will absolutely lead many kids to contemplate ending their lives. The prior policies were well researched and thought out using actual recommendations from psychologists, school counselors, parent representatives and community organizations with experience in supporting LGBTQA+ youth. The purposed policies do not cite any research or input from a single reputable source on how this would actually effect the children only nonsense about parental rights and religious freedom. It has contradictory statements within the document as you cannot treat "a transgender student wishing to change their manor of address with respect, dignity and compassion in the classroom." AND require "[School Division] personnel shall refer to each student using only (i) the name that appears in the student’s official record, or (ii) if the student prefers, using any nickname commonly associated with the name that appears in the student’s official record". Stop trying to make Virginia Texas or Florida. We don't want the Governors grandstanding, political aspirations harming our kids. In case it wasn't clear, I emphatically DO NOT SUPPORT THIS PURPOSED POLICY!


Good work correcting the Democrats' decadent stupidity

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The Democrats have always been a plague on humanity - thank you for taking one small step towards restoring normalcy in Virginia.


Let people be who they are


Don't Persecute our Children

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<p>Please reconsider this proposed legislation.  As the godmother of a transgender man, I strongly oppose this cruel and misguided policy.  </p>


New regulations on transgender students


Trans rights are human rights

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<p>Your cruelty will kill children, destroy families, and terrify everyone else who's not a straight white "Christian" man. This monstrous policy protects nothing but whiteness, and benefits no one but you and your corrupt cronies. </p>
<p> </p>


Quit using kids as political tools. I oppose this bill!  It is a targeted and hateful political plan

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This plan does NOT support ALL students.  Do NOT pass.


Support

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Support and thank you keeping our little girls safe in schools!!


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I strongly oppose this harmful and hateful policy. This will hurt the most vulnerable kids, and it is an egregious way to seek political stature.


Proposed K-12 Sexual orientation rules

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Thank you Governor Youngkin for your efforts to return normalcy to parental involvement for all phases of public education.  They are exactly what is needed so hopefully our school boards and teachers can solely focus on academic instruction only.


Oppose


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Help our kids

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I think there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding around this potential policy. All children need the support of their parents, to say otherwise is irresponsible. As parents we have a right and responsibility to our children. Whether you support transgender or not, the issue is of parental support, and opposition to parental support assumes that all parents who support parental involvement in their children’s lives, would not support a transgender child. This topic is one that families have to navigate together. Parents have to be kept abreast of their children’s well-being regardless of whether or not another adult agrees with how they do it. What if there are families that could offer support to their children if only they had known? The role of parents is to help their children navigate life and school years are the most impactful in a child’s life. Like a families’ choices or not, these responsibilities of navigating sexual development are with the parents, because they know their children and their backgrounds better than anyone. It is not the schools job to mold our children. That is the job of parents.
I strongly urge every parent to visit the NEA (National Education Association) website. They have chapters in every county throughout the US. They are a huge political machine with an agenda to mold children in a way to change the very fabric of our country. Please look and understand their vision for our children and DO NOT SUPPORT the NEA.


Transgender policy

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<p>I am adamantly opposed to the transgender policy.  </p>


Stop state sponsored hate

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<p>I oppose this wrong headed policy. This policy will worsen conditions for these already vulnerable students. </p>


Don't hurt children in service of "parents rights" and Governor Youngkin's political aspirations.

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Trans kids have it hard enough without being turned into pawns in Governor Youngkin's quest for higher office. LGBTQ+ youth, and especially trans kids, experience some of the highest rates of homelessness of any demographic. Why? More often than not because of parental rejection. Trans kids often face an intractable decision: Hide their identity from their parents or come out and be disowned. Many trans kids are out at school and amongst their more accepting peers but not at home, for fear that their bigoted parents will disown them. This policy will take away the only outlet many trans kids have to be their authentic selves.

The Governor loves to talk about "parents rights," but what about the rights of these kids to live a dignified life and make choices about who they come out to and when? Isn't it more important to protect children from outcomes that lead to homelessness, depression, and even suicide? Does the Governor even care that his policies will hurt children? As any rational, caring person should be, I'm strongly opposed.


You will have blood on your hands - Trans Kids Need Love and Support

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I don't know how Youngkin can sleep at night, knowing his policies will kill children. Glenn Youngkin's absolute ignorance of science and data is so disturbing to me.

How is it even possible for anyone to think that not allowing a child the freedom to be who they are is a good thing? It's bad enough when parents try to decide for and mold a child into who THEY want the child to be, forcing kids to hide who they are. They need space to be who they are, and parents need to step back and realize that their children are not, and never will be, THEM.

Ignorant parents are part of the reason kids need to feel safe in school, whether they are trans or not. But knowing that trans teens are 7.6 TIMES as likely to attempt suicide than their cisgender peers makes it even more necessary for them to have a safe space to express themselves and not be excluded.

I don't know why Youngkin is so filled with hate that he has to bully and encourage the bullying of these kids. He needs to pick on someone his own size. And he needs to keep his backward thinking out of our schools. This isn't 1954. This is 2022. The world needs to become a better place, and this is absolutely not helping.

Youngkin will have blood on his hands with the very first trans child suicide that happens because of this policy. And we will remind him every day.


Glenn Youngkin is advocating for child abuse

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Hey, this policy would be child abuse and I'm pretty sure the governor of Virginia shouldn't be advocating for child abuse unless he's a child abuser.

Glenn Youngkin is a child abuser.


Support by a father and grandfather

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I believe the governor is right on target. Parents are responsible for their child’s upbringing and to guide them in all things that life entails. The educational system continues to try to stretch its influence and responsibility into our homes versus focusing on their true purpose of educating our children in skill for life such as math, reading, writing, science, art, music etc.  Parents have a right and responsibility to be brought into these life decisions


I oppose!

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<p>I oppose the guidance! </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Don’t do this to children!


Oppose

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<p>Strongly oppose </p>


Do NOT Pass - OPPOSE - This is a hateful and targeted plan and does not support ALL students


SUPPORT Parental Rights!

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I am a parent of four children in the school system and I support putting parental rights back in the hands of the parents. Parents understand and know their children far better than any teacher that has them in a class for only a few months. Children are the responsibility of the parents and parents should be the lead in any decision making process for them until they are no longer minors.

If children feel the need to make such drastic changes in their lives, parents should most certainly be involved. This will help the child navigate their feelings and keep anxiety levels in check. Keeping the support system within the home is the right direction for both parents and children.

The school system needs to educate - leave the parenting to the parents!!

SUPPORT!! SUPPORT!! SUPPORT!!


Despicable bullying for political gain

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<p>It is despicable for a "leader" to be willing to throw some of those he leads under a bus just for political gain, and that is what Youngkin is doing. These people do not choose who they are. What harm does it do anyone to let them be supported while they work through what nature has made them to be? And you know what? They are human beings just like anyone else and deserve the compassion and respect everyone does. </p>


Support - Allow parents to raise their own children

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I support this bill.  Parents have a right to know about their own children.


Quit using kids as political tools. I oppose this bill!

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DNC hate on full display! Parental right ARE human rights & LGBTQIA isn’t under attack here! Read!!!


Absolutely Oppose

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If kids want to tell their parents, they will.  The State should not force that decision.


Oppose!

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This is a harmful, bigoted and life-threatening way to treat trans students. Every person - minor or not - has the right to say who they are and be called by such. Putting this legislation through will fundamentally change these children's lives, particularly if they are in a household that does not support them. Shame on you for considering something so vile.


I oppose these dangerous policies

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This legislation applies stigma and mistreatment to trans, non binary and gender non-conforming children; a group that is at a higher risk for suicide and hate crimes.


I oppose this bill


Strongly opposed to propose school policy

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<p>I ask the governor and VA BOE to examine the science and talk to psychologists and public health officials before implementing the proposed policy that outs students to their parents. As a parent, I want my kids to come to me; however, I have to put my desire aside and realize that sometimes they need a friend more than a parent. The proposed policy is rooted in theocracy as opposed to science, and it is sad state of affairs. </p>


Transgender policy


Strongly oppose

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Please support our trans students, and all students. Do not approve this policy.


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Please reconsider pushing this bill


Strongly oppose


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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<p>You're pro life til they don't meet your conservative standards. </p>


Thank you, Governor

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<p>At last someone is finally standing up for our children against these vile demons. </p>


Do NOT Pass - OPPOSE

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This proposed changes create a targeted and unwelcoming target on our LGBTQ+ youth and staff.  Do NOT pass!


I strongly oppose.

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I strongly oppose this proposed bill. This does not represent the Republican values of small government or Christian value - Jesus taught love, to lead with love. Where is the love in a state that is for Lovers? Proposing this bill is unethical and preposterous.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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These policies do nothing but harm. Why not focus your energy on increasing teacher pay, and improving material conditions within schools?? What happened to "party of small government"??? YOUNGKIN IS A HYPOCRITE.


Schools are a safe space for us.

Schools are a safe space for transgender and gender-nonconforming kids like me. I have many friends who are not cisgender, and this is a space for us to learn about who we are as people. I for one have recently started going by my preferred name, and this would erase a lot of progress my friends and I have made.Please oppose this bill. It only hurts us.

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Schools are a safe space for transgender and gender-nonconforming kids like me. I have many friends who are not cisgender, and this is a space for us to learn about who we are as people. I for one have recently started going by my preferred name, and this would erase a lot of progress my friends and I have made.

Please oppose this bill. It only hurts us.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose this document. I support the rights on transgender students and condemn this attack against them. Leave these children alone!!!


I support governor youngkin

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I support governor youngkin


Trans rights matter

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GOP hate on full display


Younkin’s draconian proposal

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I strongly oppose any policy changes.


Support for Trans kids

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Trans kids need support not unfair policies. They have the right to live their lives the way they feel and choose. Schools are a safe place for many trans kids, don’t take that away with unfair ignorant policies.


Parents should not be excluded from decisions affecting their children.

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Social transition is not a neutral position, children who socially transition are far more likely to go on to drug / surgical interventions. This is not a small issue, parents need to know what is going on in schools.


This should NOT be exploited for political gain

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Let transgender people be. They need understanding and acceptance rather than disapproval and hurdles being placed in their way. Moreover, passing laws like this and intensifying social disapproval is NOT going to magically stop people from being transgender, no matter how much some people hope it does. Be aware that this is not some newfangled “woke” concept - transgender people have been around as long as human civilization has been around. They’ve been accepted in other, so called “less developed” countries (e.g. India, Thailand) for thousands of years. Yes, thousands and not hundreds. So let’s show that we in the US can be at least as socially accepting and mature a society as those other countries that we like to think we’re better than.

Also recognize that the attempted suicide rate among trans youth is 40-50%. Surely pushing kids to the brink of suicide is considered wrong in every culture/ religion?


Strongly support

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<p>Strongly support this bill, please protect our kids, its a parents right to know there child is being targeted by grooming and brainwashing material. Teachers shouldnt support or help a child in regards to sexuality and pseudo-science and fake genders </p>


God created transgender people just like all the rest. Take time to get to know them!

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<p>Please educate yourself on what it is to be transgender. I'm the mother of a transgender son who is in a VA public high school. He was offered a nurse's bathroom to use. Would you want to be directly exposed to sick people every time you need to go pee? Or have to hold it until some kid is done puking? He has been using the male restroom in public since he was 6 or 7 years old. Like everyone else, he does his business, washes his hands, and leaves. How is that harmful to anyone else? Stop using religion and the Bible as a weapon to discriminate against people you don't understand. God is above all else, LOVE. However, separation of church and  state is necessary. Not everyone is Christian. Not all worship the same God or in the same way, but they still have rights and deserve love. Please help to protect the children who don't have support at home. Those who may be severely punished for being themselves, the person God himself created. And educate the morons who called my son an abomination and sin against God at a school board meeting where he was brave enough to speak. As he turned to leave a man called him a fuc*ing freak. Imagine if that man ends up with a transgender child. That's why they need support and protection! </p>


Why dont you pass laws that ACTUALLY HELP PEOPLE

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DNC hate on full display! Parental right ARE human rights & LGBTQIA isn’t under attack here! Read!!!


Children deserve human rights

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<p>Children have a right to express themselves as themselves on their own timeline. Teachers are not convincing students to be trans, they are listening and respecting children's rights to be who they are as they explore facets of themselves. This affirmation of students' humanity, based on a student's request, is the most basic thing we can do to respect each other. Our lives are constantly changing and we grow as a result. To expect children to have all of these aspects of a very charged situation worked out legally and publicly would be nice and neat, but human development is sloppy and often non-linear. We know not all families are a safe and loving environment, so how can we expose some of these same kids to greater harm by outing them to their families. Can't we give people the space and time to know themselves without oversimplifying a very complex issue and making sure kids have a place that they feel they can be safe as the policy, regardless of their gender.  </p>
<p> </p>


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Do schools ask for parents to be engaged in their student’s learning, development, and health?  Do parents have a duty to provide their children with necessary food, clothing, shelter, and medical care as well as supervision, discipline, protection, and education?  Does the school and government require parents to be held accountable for their children in terms of neglect?  Does the school/government require parents to have a responsibility to pay for any damages caused by negligent, intentional, or criminal behavior and acts of his or her child or children?  Are children treated the same in juvenile proceedings as adults are, although they do are not fully developed and do not have a complete understanding of the laws?

Parents are responsible and liable for their minor children; therefore parents have the right and duty to make decisions with respect to their children.


Support Teachers and Administrators

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We need to stop teaching children that their self-worth and identity is tied up in their pronouns and which bathroom they use. Education is about creating well-rounded individuals who can be productive members of society, not creating an isolated bubble in which to focus exclusively on a students gender identity and pronouns. Let's get back to focusing on education.


Strongly oppose

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<p>This new policy is divisive and makes an issue about children’s well being political.  We should be finding ways to support and protect the youth this ridiculous policy is written against, not make it even harder for them to succeed in school. I wonder how many parents of transgender youth, LGBTQIA youth and the youth themselves were consulted on this proposal. </p>


Trans Rights are Human Rights

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<p>Leave trans kids alone. They’re braver than you will ever be. </p>


You cant legislate trans people away

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Persecuting Trans Kids is a shameful political stuntTrans rights!!


Oppose

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Government policies won’t make people go away. Trans people exist today, and have existed in the past. No hateful policy will ever change that. Allow people to exist in peace.


Support

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<p>Allow parents to raise their own children </p>


Thank you for stopping this divisive behavior and helping our children

Concerned Parent and supporter of transgender children

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Governor Youngkin,

Thank you for standing up to the divisive “woke” culture that wants to pit  children against their parents.  Schools should include parents and where the relationship between the child and parent needs help they should provide resources or advise where to go for those resources. In the rare cases of abusive parents,  law enforcement should be involved but parents rights should never be removed due to a small percentage of ignorant parents who may just need to be educated or guided through understanding of a difficult situation they may be going through as a family or culture. There are many better ways to handle helping transgender students without “keeping secrets” from their parents.  That is typically a red flag for bad intentions on the part of the party suggesting to keep secrets. I do appreciate your bravery and fight for protecting our most precious and vulnerable citizens, our children.  Thank you for protecting all of our children.


Policies for Trans Tourh

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Strongly agree with proposed policies


STRONGLY SUPPORT

I STRONGLY SUPPORT 2022 MODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECTFOR ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The 2022 Model is a SIGNIFICANT improvement over the 2021 document.  It’s not about the needs of the few it’s about the needs of the many.  In short, I strongly support 2022 MODEL POLICIES, in the end the minority should not rule the town square.  One parents opinion or difficulties should not yoke another's right to raise their children as they see fit.  The document is written with compassionate clauses and accommodations where “possible”.  I “believe” that anyone who opposes this documents ratification is either miss-informed, seeking to subvert family values/Parental rights of others or is taking an authoritarian tac in pushing the objectives of Zeitgeist in a world that has lost its way.

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I STRONGLY SUPPORT 2022 MODEL POLICIES ON THE PRIVACY, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT
FOR ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The 2022 Model is a SIGNIFICANT improvement over the 2021 document.  It’s not about the needs of the few it’s about the needs of the many.  In short, I strongly support 2022 MODEL POLICIES, in the end the minority should not rule the town square.  One parents opinion or difficulties should not yoke another's right to raise their children as they see fit.  The document is written with compassionate clauses and accommodations where “possible”.  I “believe” that anyone who opposes this documents ratification is either miss-informed, seeking to subvert family values/Parental rights of others or is taking an authoritarian tac in pushing the objectives of Zeitgeist in a world that has lost its way.


I support Youngkin

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<p>I  support Youngkin- </p>


I STRONGLY OPPOSE This Policy

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STRONGLY OPPOSE - This will harm children


I strongly oppose this bill.

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<p>Transgender/non-binary students should be treated with respect   The proposed bill is blatantly hateful on its face. </p>


Common Sense

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<p>Boys in girls locker rooms and girls in boys locker rooms and bathrooms?  What could go wrong?  We saw what could go wrong and an alleged cover up by the school administration.  This isn't about respecting or disrespecting Trans students.  It's about reasonable common sense protections for all of our student populations and not "special" categories. I support this administrations actions in this area.  </p>


Leave the kids alone

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Please just stop this hateful policy. Sorry if trans people make you uncomfortable, but trans people are humans just like everyone else and deserve the same rights and autonomy as everyone else. Creating such laws as this one, this political ploy, only encourages mistreatment of Virginia’s youth. You should be encouraging acceptance and providing support, rather than promoting bullying and hate. Data indicate that 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth. Passing this bill will directly cause those numbers to go up for Virginia’s trans youth. Protect Virginia’s children, don’t add to the mental health crises our youth are already experiencing. If they make it through, trans youth become trans adults and are becoming change makers all over this country. The world is changing. Trying to stop it only causes hate and discontent.


You cant legislate trans people away


Take away these rights, then what? OPPOSE

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This is such a political stunt and over reach. Where is the scientific data that this pointed to that led to this decision? Where were parents ask that they wanted this? What kind of policy will come next? Will it be interracial marriage? Will it be a handmaid's tale? Everybody knows that this is political stunt and unfortunately it will work for some people. But it will not work for the kids and the people who love those kids who identify as anything but what you think they should be.


Bullying disguised as policy

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As the aunt of a transgender student and mom of 3 young adults, I am disgusted that this "Governor" is using his position as a bully pulpit to further encourage marginalizing an already vulnerable group of CHILDREN. It is literally NO ONE'S BUSINESS what is in someone's pants, what their name is, or how they identify!! It makes ZERO difference to ANYONE, harms NO ONE. It has been SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN that gender and biological sex are SEPARATE. This policy is simple bullying- it solves no problems, but it creates many, many more. Trans kids are human beings, first and foremost and their identities should be respected. Many trans kids have NO safe adults in their lives- this policy will KILL children, it's that simple. How can we expect schools to teach respect, inclusion, and kindness when the adults in charge, can't MODEL that behavior themselves? As a society, we are stronger when everyone's voice counts and everyone participates fully. Why anyone in this day and age believes dividing us by encouraging hatred is beyond me, don't we have real problems to solve instead of this made up conflict?


Come work with me a day

Elke Zschaebitz, DNP APRN FNP-BC.  THACVA

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<p>You may not know any people who have transitioned or know the parents or a child or teen with dysphoria.  But they are like any other person- with drama and who want to live a full life.  Come work with me a day as I provide primary care or hormone therapy or teach the students about affirming health care in their education.  Come meet these wonderful people.  They are lawyers, baristas, therapists, teachers, shop owners and teens who have had depression or anxiety prior to just being themselves.  </p>


SUPPORT

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Parents, teach your children to love who they are without approval from others.


I strongly oppose this bill - protect trans students

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This legislation would be harmful to citizen of Virginia. Doing something like this doesn't get rid of trans people, it only takes resources from them and hurts them. This isn't about special rights - this is about equal rights and treating people like human beings with respect and dignity. What this document recommends is hurting a people so that other people, and the opinions and feelings of people that do not support trans kids, can feel mollified and safe. Being trans isn't an agenda. It is just who people are - I'm friends with many of them. They are loving, caring, invested citizens.

We should instead be talking about how we support our trans kids in schools to foster better acceptance and environment in Virginia schools. The newly proposed guidelines would only hurt teachers, students, and families in Virginia.


I oppose this bill

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I strongly disagree with this policy. Trans rights ARE human rights and we will not be silenced.


You’re going to get kids killed doing this

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Please reconsider pushing this bill


Stop Virginia's ridiculous version of "Don't Say Gay"

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Discrimination is rightly illegal in this country, and this "Model Policy" is specifically discriminatory against a protected class.  There is no excuse for this pandering to MAGA trolls by attacking a small, vulnerable population of kids.  If Christian parents are too fragile to imagine their kids having to tolerate those different from them, there are plenty of private schools for bigots available in Virginia.


How is this supposed to be small government??

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Persecuting Trans Kids is a shameful political stuntTrans rights!!


Protect our LGBTQ+ students!

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More than half of LGBTQ students have considered, or tried suicide, because they have been bullied, harassed, and ignored. For the health and well-being of every student, we need to meet students where they are, and protect them.


Strongly OPPOSE

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This guidance will kill trans youth.

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Healthfound that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (53%) of transgender and nonbinary youth. Nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide. However, LGBTQ youth who had access to an LGBTQ-affirming school reported lower rates of attempting suicide than those who did not. Additionally, learning about LGBTQ people or issues was associated with significantly lower odds (23%) of a past-year suicide attempt in LGBTQ students.


Oppose Governor Younkin's attack on freedom

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Since the purpose of this policy is to restrict the rights of parents of trans and nonbinary children, it must be opposed by all people who believe in freedom.

Freedom is a simple idea.  Freedom requires that people get to make their own decisions about how they live their life.  This proposal is an attack on people who choose to make gender choices that the governor does not approve.  It attempts to force people to live according Governor Younkin's dictates rather than in accordance their own decisions.

Like all attacks on freedom, it is inherently cruel.  It is designed to stigmatize people.  It promotes bigotry and hate.   It must be rejected.


Strongly oppose transgender policy

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<p style="text-align: justify;">In a country that teaches respect for all people, the education system should indeed be inclusive of all people - without discrimination against against those who peacefully wish to be the person they are.  Being transgender is more than a preference, it is a biological condition that is addressed.  I have no issue with parental notifications of student gender - what I have a significant issue is with the State imposing blocks to discriminate against transgender people in schools.  All people should have a right to education regardless of race, creed, color or sexual orientation. Consistent with our laws in business or society. </p>


Trans rights matter

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STRONGLY OPPOSE - This will harm children


Oppose

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<p>This inserts a new ideology for the old one. If parents want to be more involved in their kids education they shouldn't send them to someone else all day 5 days a week. </p>


Strongly oppose

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As a Virginia parent and educator, I strongly oppose this proposed policy.  This proposal would create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment for our VA transgender and nonbinary youth, requiring teachers and staff to forcibly “out” students, prohibit staff from supporting trans and nonbinary students such as using a students affirming name and pronouns, and prohibit access or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity.  All our students deserve a supportive and affirming school environment, especially our vulnerable and marginalized populations like our transgender and nonbinary youth.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This isn’t about parents rights- if trans kids have supportive, loving parents, they’ve probably already come out to them. This bill would only stop kids in unsafe homes from coming out, which are the kids who need supportive adults around them the most. This is a homophobic bill aimed at hurting trans kids as a political move. </p>


Leave trans kids alone

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Trans kids are awesome and deserve the same respect we all want


Strongly oppose transgender policy

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<p>In a country that teaches respect for all people, the education system should indeed be inclusive of all people - without discrimination against against those who peacefully wish to be the person they are.  Being transgender is more than a preference, it is a biological condition that is addressed.  I have no issue with parental notifications of student gender - what I have a significant issue is with the State imposing blocks to discriminate against transgender people in schools.  All people should have a right to education regardless of race, creed, color or sexual orientation. Consistent with our laws in business or society. </p>


OPPOSE

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<p>Support transgender people </p>


THESE POLICIES WILL KILL KIDS !!!

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DNC hate on full display! Parental right ARE human rights & LGBTQIA isn’t under attack here! Read!!!


Vehemently oppose

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I am a parent of two students in Henrico County and am myself a graduate of Henrico schools.
This proposal is cruel and unnecessary. It is a political stunt to target our most vulnerable students.
I am sure you are aware of the research showing the high suicide rate among trans and non-binary students. This will only increase that.
I am vehemently opposed.


I support this document

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<p>I agree with this document. Parents should have a say on what their children learn in public schools and also how their child is addressed at school. </p>


Strongly Oppose with My Whole Heart.

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<p style="text-align: center;">Hysteria and restrictive laws against developing adolescents and teens only harms more kids. Calm parents who support their kids as they figure out their authentic selves — whether they are, in fact, trans, or queer, or non-binary, or gay, or cis—demand safe schools for their children. We also have that right. Youth without safe spaces at home, without supportive families, especially need safe harbors - like LGBTQ clubs at school - to be themselves and find peer and adult  support. To be safe. Hysteria and bizarre tactics of enforcement will only cause severe harm to kids just trying to get through school while also being true to themselves. A little bit of compassion -  like Jesus had - will save lives and not effect the majority of students who are not transgender & are also just trying to get through each day. No student should be spending lots of time in a bathroom. Politicians and adults who  magnify unrealistic threats and imagine that _ students_  give one fig about who might be in a stall. Please stop using anyone’s child for your political or religious beliefs and practice loving kindness. Parents of trans children, like myself, demand safe and supportive schools for ALL students. </p>


Oppose Gov Youngkins Transgender and Anti-CRT Policies

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How is this supposed to be small government??


Strongly oppose

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This legislation is oppressive and regressive. Laws should be in place to create more freedom and higher levels of safety and security for more individuals not generate cultures of fear and domination and shame. All students - trans, non-binary, or otherwise - should have the right to seek safe spaces at school should their identities be under threat at home, should have access to facilities including bathrooms and activities that correspond with their gender identity, and should have the right to be referred to by whatever pronoun they choose. I cannot think of a single justifiable reason why it should be otherwise and why the law should be written to subvert a process that is happening happily and orgs ically among the citizenry


Strongly oppose

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<p>Support love young transgender children </p>


Do not adopt Youngkin's policies to discriminate against transgender students

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This policy does not accommodate or support Virginia students. It is a regression in human rights.


Trans rights matter


OPPOSE

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<p>This is government overreach.  Our youth are not political tools.  </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose the proposed policies on trans students in Virginia. </p>


I strongly oppose this policy

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This policy harms LGBTQ+ children and I will do everything in my power to oppose it and support the LGBTQ+ community.


Not benign

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<p>Social transition of a confused child is not benign, it is a psychological intervention that can have profound effects on a child’s psyche. Parents must be made aware of this. I can see it in my kids’ school. Kids are unhappy in puberty- shocker- and the internet tells them it’s because they’re “in the wrong body”. Kids with autism are especially influenced by this because puberty is so difficult for them & many are black and white thinkers - if I’m not this, I’m that. If schools, parents, therapists and medical professionals do nothing but affirm this idea, the child is set on a path towards being on a medical leash for life - puberty blockers, wrong-sex hormones, surgeries on their physically healthy bodies.  It’s not benign.  Parents need to be aware of what is going on with their kids.  I’m a lifelong lefty and this is what makes sense to me and many liberal parents. I will not vote for anyone who wants to hide a psychological intervention on children from parents. Thank you for taking my comment. </p>


Support for Governors policies

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There is nothing discriminatory about these policies, thank you Governor


Strongly oppose

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<p>This policy is abhorrent. Trans youth should be protected, supported, and given full human rights. They deserve to be affirmed with their pronouns, provided safe bathroom spaces, and allowed to decide when to share that information with others. This policy is rooted in bigotry and hate and I vehemently disagree with it. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE - This will harm children


Transgender children

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<p>The current guidelines protecting the rights of transgender children should be left in place and must be enforced in every school district.  The psychological and emotional damage suffered by trans children whose gender identity is denied in their school environment is catastrophic.  To support the gender identity of all students does no harm to cisgender students and their parents and will help save the lives of transgender students.  </p>


Strongly oppose

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I do not support this.  These policies put students at risk.  Please do not enact this plan.


Trans protections save lives

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<p>As a student who is trans, school has always been a safe haven. It saved my life to be able to have a safe space where my friends, classmates, and teachers call me what I want them to. This bill will kill. </p>


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As a Libertarian I STRONGLY oppose this government OVERREACH


This is cruel and harms children

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I oppose this new guidance. The old guidance was about promoting the wellbeing of children in a vulnerable group. This new guidance is entirely ideological. But the result will be very real and very bad for these kids. Shame on you, Youngkin. Pick on someone your own size.


I support- Mom of a trans kid

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I know parents who found out via parent-teacher conference that the school socially transitioned their kid.  Not cool.  2 autistic kids whose parents have been through hell trying to restabilize their kid after school interference.  You can be supportive and affirm feelings without confirming and concretizing an identity in a developing adolescent.  You are NOT a safe haven if you don’t include parents!  You are putting kids at risk!

My own kid is trans-identified.  If you don’t know what it’s like to navigate this with a young person as a parent- please stet your comments.


Oppose Governor Youngkin’s Transgender Policy for Schools

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LGBTQ youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.

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

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

*If you are needed support or resources reach out to PFLAG National or website www.PFLAG.org.


Protect LBGTQ Youth

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Protect LBGTQ youth.  They are Virginians, Americans, they are human beings.  They are as deserving of protections as any other American. You don’t have to like them or understand the special challenges they face, but our various constitutions and our religious beliefs require us to defend them. Youngkin’s/Republican proposals are immoral, UN-American, fascistic and part of the agenda of a MINORITY of Americans.  LBGTQ youth are our children! They need our love and support to find their way in this crazy world. They face added challenges during an already difficult period of development. They need our respect..


No new policy

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How can you destroy peoples lives.


Focus on education for once

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State school testing scores are so pitiful, the legislature has voted to regress to basic Federal testing to make teachers unions happy.  It's hard to constantly clammor for more pay when they don't have a record to stand on.

But sadly, the entire clown world US has bought into all of this G Floyd racial BS, trans BS, covid panic, and everything else EXCEPT education.  These state school kids are falling so far behind the serious private school kids.  Big picture, this country is in deep .  Stomp on absurd "trans kids rights" for the betterment of ALL educational rights.  A trans kid is mentally ill just like trans adults. Send them to special schools if it's a continued problem.


I oppose this bill vehemently

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<p>There is no reason to victimize trands children. Is it not enough that they have been used as political pawns by the GOP to try and scare parents in to voting for them?  These kids are hurting nobody by being their authentic selves, and now you want to harm them more. This bill is a travesty. </p>


Strongly oppose - immoral and unethical

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<p>Governor Youngkin is using children as pawns in a disgusting political game designed to garner votes, not protect anyone - certainly not children. Stop treating transgender children as less than human  to score political points. It's not just a threat to their health and safety, it's a threat to our collective ideals of acceptance and opportunity for all. </p>


Devastating blow to our children and my family

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<p>I’ve never cried hearing a proposed law but I read this and burst into tears. My niece is now going to have to move out of VA to be safe. This law makes her a target, making her go into a mens room as a beautiful young girl will absolutely cause her to be physically harmed. This proposal puts my nieces life at risk along with many other transgender children. How absolutely awful of a human do you need to be to think this law is actually beneficial to our children. </p>


Trans kids are awesome and deserve the same respect we all want

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I strongly disagree with this policy. Trans rights ARE human rights and we will not be silenced.


The proposed Trans student guidelines are dangerous and harmful. Strongly Oppose.

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These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Trans teenagers already have much higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal actions, these policies will only worsen these statistics. Students are entitled to a respectful learning environment, they should feel safe in their schools.

These policies will kill children.

Let me repeat that. Children are going to die so that the governor can gain political points.

In addition, all students should have the right to counseling in their schools. It may be uncomfortable or dangerous for students to discuss certain personal issues with their parents, which is why parents should not be able to opt their children out of counseling


Strongly oppose

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As a Virginia parent, with a child in elementary school, I sincerely and strongly oppose this new guidance.


Parental Rights

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Parents have known their children since birth. Do not assume that a teacher knows the child better that the parents. That would be like assuming peoples bosses know them better than their spouse. Parents have the right to know about what is happening within the school walls. Stand up for parent-child relationships and families!


I support this proposal

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<p>I support this proposal. Parents have the right to parent their children and that includes at school. </p>


Have better road signs

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The road signage in northern VA is bad - please add more signs and have fewer 6way intersections and traffic circles. Thanks


Strongly support

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<p>Strongly support. This bill helps parents be informed of their child’s well being. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose this proposed bill. This would not only hurt children but also adults who may not be trans. This could very easily be a slippery slope into yet more minority oppression and harassment.


You cant legislate trans people away

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I strongly oppose this bill


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose the newly proposed guidelines for transgender youth in our school system. As a parent of two students attending middle and high school in Virginia, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of supporting trans youth. My sons have friends who have changed their name and clothing style to better represent their true identity. These students suffered less stigma, confusion and abuse because the school system fostered an environment of acceptance. My sons do not see the trans students as being a problem, but rather, they see them as they should, peers. Virginia teachers should be allowed to support their students in every way possible. Teachers should not be held responsible for harming trans youth or “outting” students who are questioning their gender identity. The newly proposed guidelines will harm our students and teachers - regardless of their gender identity. </p>


Support

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<p>I support this.  </p>


This bill is garbage


I SUPPORT Gov. Youngkin

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This ridiculousness has got to stop. Many of the issues that people bring to work, school, etc areNOT a result of what goes on at work or school, but what goes on at HOME, presently or years ago, and it is not the responsibility of either work or school to make that right.  Creating more and more line items to make different groups stand out just creates more options for prejudice and sets these groups up for more and more disappointment as you set up unreal expectations - such as pronouns!  I happen to be female, and sometimes people address me as "maame".  Not my favorite title, but I acknowledge that they are doing their best to be respectful. I am NOT offended. It does not change who I am or ruin my day. When people insist upon a specific term that others would not have any way of knowing, they create barriers and are continually looking for reasons to be offended.  Plus, using pronouns such as "them" for an individual just goes against our grammatical training and, again, sets people up for failure (the speaker), and disappointment (the person being addressed).  Regarding restroom use - perhaps creating gender neutral options in all schools  - both restrooms and locker room areas - would be an option.  I fully support loving our children and providing them with the tools they need for success, but I also believe that we have taken things to the "Nth" degree and it's becoming counterproductive.  I support Gov. Youngkin on this one. We have to move back to center and let the Golden Rule guide us.


Opposed to 2022 Model Policies

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As a current high school counselor and former middle school counselor (totaling over 15 years experience in public schools), I have worked with numerous students who have struggled with their sexual and/or gender identity. Some have had supportive families, some have not, and some were unsure how their parents would accept them. My job is to be a constant positive support in their lives, no matter their decisions or circumstances. I help them find the courage to "come out" when it is safe and to find resources when needed. My job is not to sway them one way or the other.

Fortunately, many students have supportive families who encourage them to be their true selves. However, I have worked with students who do not feel supported at home and this sometimes leads to self harm or suicidal ideation. If this policy is enacted, I am fearful that more students will choose to harm themselves when they do not have supportive families.

On the flip side, I have never knowingly worked with a parent/guardian who has engaged in self harm or suicidal ideation due to a school acknowledging their child's gender/sexual identity. I have also never had a student or family come to me expressing concern about a transgender student using the same bathroom/locker room as their student.

My goal is for all of my students to graduate from high school and be able to give back to our community as productive citizens. I have seen much harm come from policies that do not support LGBTQ+ students. I am a life-long Virginian and I fear that changing this policy will make our commonwealth less welcoming and less safe for many families.

I encourage you to continue the 2021 Model Policies and follow the letter and spirit of the current law passed by our General Assembly, who were elected by the people of this commonwealth.


I support this document

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I support this guidance. Schools have become too much about social issues and not education. Parents must be involved in something as life changing as gender issues. Once children become adults they can make whatever life changing decisions they need to. Teach math, science, history etc... Not gender issues.


Teaching morality is the job of the PARENTS, NOT the school system.

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Deception is not morality.  Who gave schools the authority to decide what is best for our children?  To convince them that they are not the gender they KNEW they were until they walked through the schoolhouse doors?  To entice them to hide their innermost struggles from those that would give their very life for them?  To encourage the deception and confusion of a double life?  Did they pray and anxiously await their arrival into their lives?  Did they labor to bring them into the world?  Did they witness their first words?  Did they hold their little hands as they took those momentous first steps?  When this precious child starts school, we mistakenly believe the school is looking out for our child’s best interests.  That’s how it used to be, for the most part.  Parents’ wishes were respected, because teachers and administrators knew their job was to provide an EDUCATION.  Not so, anymore.   Parents, stand up!  God entrusted your precious children to YOUR care.  God’s Word in Ephesians 6:4 tells “fathers to bring his children up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD.”  It is YOUR job to teach true morals and values; not relinquish this God-given responsibility to a self-serving institution with no true regard for the well-being of your children… or true morals…