“Perhaps we should send them all to camps, too!”

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"This is directed at the ones who are trying to take away these rights. I don’t know why you think it’s a good idea to attack an entire group of people like this. Especially children. Not only subjecting them to bullying from other students, but teachers as well. Forcing them to fit a mold that you have designed and treat as a “proper” human being. Informing parents who may hurt their children if they don’t fit that mold. Knowing that many children will take their own lives because of this or even be killed by others because people will start to think it’s ok because the government thinks we are the scum of society, too. Sorry if we don’t meet your expectations. You should look up Nazis in a textbook sometime. You seem to have a lot in common. \n\nAnd to the ones who stand with us. Thank you. Never stop fighting. We deserve to live in a world that is safe and be able to exist as ourselves without others trying to kill us off like this. This is just another way that they think they can stop people from being trans. We all know that’s not how it works. The people who seek to harm us are the monsters… not us. "}'>This is directed at the ones who are trying to take away these rights. I don’t know why you think it’s a good idea to attack an entire group of people like this. Especially children. Not only subjecting them to bullying from other students, but teachers as well. Forcing them to fit a mold that you have designed and treat as a “proper” human being. Informing parents who may hurt their children if they don’t fit that mold. Knowing that many children will take their own lives because of this or even be killed by others because people will start to think it’s ok because the government thinks we are the scum of society, too. Sorry if we don’t meet your expectations. You should look up Nazis in a textbook sometime. You seem to have a lot in common.

And to the ones who stand with us. Thank you. Never stop fighting. We deserve to live in a world that is safe and be able to exist as ourselves without others trying to kill us off like this. This is just another way that they think they can stop people from being trans. We all know that’s not how it works. The people who seek to harm us are the monsters… not us.


What the hell is a furry? Liberals have seriously lost their minds!!!!!!

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What in the world is going on? Governor save us please!!! Liberals have lost their minds!


I support students

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"All students are worthy and deserve respect. Transgender students deserve the same. Reversing the gains toward equal treatment of LGBTQIA+ plus students have been given over the last few years is obscene.  I am a high-school teacher and I have no plans to treat anyone less humanely today than I did yesterday. Stop targeting people because they are different from you. Just let people be themselves. Teachers are not indoctrinating kids to be LGBTQIA, and Virginia should not try to get students and staff to dislike them because they are. Virginia should be leading with inclusivity instead of trying to follow the prejudiced and small minded into the past. Virginia is for lovers. Let's lead with love by not persecuting students."}">All students are worthy and deserve respect. Transgender students deserve the same. Reversing the gains toward equal treatment of LGBTQIA+ plus students have been given over the last few years is obscene. I am a high-school teacher and I have no plans to treat anyone less humanely today than I did yesterday. Stop targeting people because they are different from you. Just let people be themselves. Teachers are not indoctrinating kids to be LGBTQIA, and Virginia should not try to get students and staff to dislike them because they are. Virginia should be leading with inclusivity instead of trying to follow the prejudiced and small minded into the past. Virginia is for lovers. Let's lead with love by not persecuting students.


totally opposed

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I oppose this measure and urge VDOE to dismiss it immediately. These policies will harm students in their place of education and home. Discriminatory policies have no place in education, and children deserve privacy and personal choice.


Hate

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All This bill law or whatever will do is cause hatred anger and bullying towards the LGBT students. Transgender children will begin to be beaten to the point of suicide. This can not happen


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


Harmful

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Hi Glenn, this policy will actively harm the lives of children and those you seek to protect. The policy only serves to put people in danger and is based in ignorance. I recommend reaching out to educators, people who work with children and trans youth, to see the horrendous impact this will have.


Support for Parental Rights

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<p>I support these proposed changes for addressing gender disphoria within our state's public schools. On the whole, no one knows or loves their children as much as their parents. Parents' wishes should be given first consideration in decisions affecting their child's education and formation. These changes provides the proper balance between parents and school officials. </p>


OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose Youngkin’s proposed policy. Available scientific research and mental experts widely agree that gender affirming policies are in the best interest of trans and non-binary students. Additionally, gender affirming treatment in the school setting strengthens the quality of education through creating inclusive learning environments.


Re: VA Governor Youngkin's proposal to persecute trans/gay kids in schools

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Governor Youngkin, what you are proposing is unAmerican, unChristian and inhumane. We should be supporting EVERY student in school, not trying to find ways to persecute children that don't fit our preconceived notions of sexual orientation. Trans and gay students need protection, support, and encouragement, not persecution.


Equality for all

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"My child attended public school in Roanoke.  Along the way she discovered her true self and thankfully a teacher who supported her.  Without that support we likely would have lost yet another beautiful child to agonizing senseless suicide.  Even though our child did not get to benefit from the \"new protections\", we were all thrilled that It was a beginning.  To hear that the basic acts of humanity are looking to be reversed, again not only allowing but encouraging humans to act on their ugliest unfounded ignorant uninformed hand fed lies is one of the worst atrocities.  I am against it."}'>My child attended public school in Roanoke. Along the way she discovered her true self and thankfully a teacher who supported her. Without that support we likely would have lost yet another beautiful child to agonizing senseless suicide. Even though our child did not get to benefit from the "new protections", we were all thrilled that It was a beginning. To hear that the basic acts of humanity are looking to be reversed, again not only allowing but encouraging humans to act on their ugliest unfounded ignorant uninformed hand fed lies is one of the worst atrocities. I am against it.


Trans rights are human rights

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All this bill does is strip transgender youth of dignity and potentially expose them to abuse. It's absurd that we still have to fight things like this.


Trans rights are human rights

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I strongly object to these outrageous policies against trans students!


I support this 100%

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<p>I support this change. </p>


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I oppose this policy vehemently. Trans rights are human rights.


Empowered to speak due to experience raising a transgender daughter.

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"I'm grateful and ever so proud to be called \"Mom\" by my transgender daughter.  She is so full of light and love and people gravitate toward her because she is genuine!  Before she shared her much-guarded secret with her Dad and me, she was miserable, lonely, scared, and suicidal.  When she decided to open up to us and could see that we accepted her, she blossomed into a warm, lovely, confident individual.  She is one of the lucky young people who happen to be transgender, as not all parents and families are that supportive, which is one of the reasons that I don't agree with the new education policy that forces these students to be outed to their families and their peers.  This policy takes away the young person's right to approach their parents with honest dialogue on their own terms instead of having the school system get involved.  Also, I read through the new policy that states all students will be treated with respect.  These transgender students are not respected when they are outed within the school system and forced to use a restroom that does not agree with their gender identification. I know from experience the harm that this misgendering will cause these students.  The misgendering is only second to gender dysphoria, which is a medical condition. It is recognized by medical experts.  As parents of a now young adult, who has gone through this gender dysphoria, we have been in the trenches with her.  We know this is very real and we came so close to losing our child.  Please reconsider these new policies that affect transgender and non-binary students."}">I'm grateful and ever so proud to be called "Mom" by my transgender daughter. She is so full of light and love and people gravitate toward her because she is genuine! Before she shared her much-guarded secret with her Dad and me, she was miserable, lonely, scared, and suicidal. When she decided to open up to us and could see that we accepted her, she blossomed into a warm, lovely, confident individual. She is one of the lucky young people who happen to be transgender, as not all parents and families are that supportive, which is one of the reasons that I don't agree with the new education policy that forces these students to be outed to their families and their peers. This policy takes away the young person's right to approach their parents with honest dialogue on their own terms instead of having the school system get involved. Also, I read through the new policy that states all students will be treated with respect. These transgender students are not respected when they are outed within the school system and forced to use a restroom that does not agree with their gender identification. I know from experience the harm that this misgendering will cause these students. The misgendering is only second to gender dysphoria, which is a medical condition. It is recognized by medical experts. As parents of a now young adult, who has gone through this gender dysphoria, we have been in the trenches with her. We know this is very real and we came so close to losing our child. Please reconsider these new policies that affect transgender and non-binary students.


Proud grandparent

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I support my grandchild.


New Policies Protect Children

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As a parent and advocate for children’s well being in my community, I wholeheartedly support the new policies proposed by our current VA governor.  It is the adults’ responsibility to guide and protect the children in our care.  These policies reclaim our obligation to assist our children in making sound decisions  that will carry them into adulthood as well adjusted individuals.


I oppose anti trans policies in schools

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The idea of telling your family member that you don't love them, either out right or by action, is heart breaking. The pain that you feel is unbearable, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone else.


Don't change the current policy

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I believe that changing the current policy with regards to transgender and non-binary students would be harmful.  Disclosing to parents is a sensitive issue and it should not be mandatory. It could cause a child to become homeless. There is nothing wrong with the current policy. It follows the best practices of professionals in the field including people who are themselves transgender or non-binary. Making these changes is a political maneuver and transgender and non-binary should not be treated as objects in a political game."}'>I believe that changing the current policy with regards to transgender and non-binary students would be harmful. Disclosing to parents is a sensitive issue and it should not be mandatory. It could cause a child to become homeless. There is nothing wrong with the current policy. It follows the best practices of professionals in the field including people who are themselves transgender or non-binary. Making these changes is a political maneuver and transgender and non-binary should not be treated as objects in a political game.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>As a pastor who deeply cares for many in our community, I am appalled at this proposal. Schools are a refuge for many students. They should be a place where students can come as their whole selves, a place of expression of diversity, and a place to empower the next generation. This proposal harbors distrust and unfair judgment in a learning environment and creates a place of fear for many queer students and those who support them. God calls us to accept all, in the many diversities of creation. Please consider the harm that this would do to students, and keep schools safe for those of all identities. </p>


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I oppose Gov Youngkin’s anti transgender and LBGTQ proposals.


Trans students deserve human rights.

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Trans students deserve human rights. They have the highest rate of suicide ideation of all youth due to rejection from society and family members. Taking away their rates will increase this rate along with many other harm full stats. Please see the GLSEN School Climate Survey Results.


Teacher

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I absolutely oppose this policy! As an elementary teacher I’ve seen first hand how not allowing a child to be recognized as themselves would cause even more harm on the pile of emotions and challenges they’ve already faced. This is many steps backwards. Students needs understanding and acceptance; not to feel as if they are on defensive 24/7. A student will never calm down and learn anything if they are felt hunted. Their fellow classmates are accepting and open to who their friends are. Please don’t v accept this guidance, it will harm everyone and have a snowball affect on mental health for every person in school."}'>I absolutely oppose this policy! As an elementary teacher I’ve seen first hand how not allowing a child to be recognized as themselves would cause even more harm on the pile of emotions and challenges they’ve already faced. This is many steps backwards. Students needs understanding and acceptance; not to feel as if they are on defensive 24/7. A student will never calm down and learn anything if they are felt hunted. Their fellow classmates are accepting and open to who their friends are. Please don’t v accept this guidance, it will harm everyone and have a snowball affect on mental health for every person in school.


OPPOSE

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I oppose this bill. It will damage the trust and safety that LGBTQ+ students feel in schools as well as hinder there ability to trust and feel safe sharing with educators. This bill will only harm these students and their relationship with education. As well as negatively impact their mental health in ways that will difficult if not impossible to rectify.


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Please stop spreading hateful legislation against LGBTQ+ youth!


I OPPOSE

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As a citizen of this country and the commonwealth of Virginia, I wholeheartedly believe that anyone who supports this change doesn't care about the health and safety of children in Virginia. By supporting this, you are revoking the rights of a child to defend themselves against situations in which they are unsafe. What next? Will you enact a bill that allows for physically abusive parents to know that their children have reported them?  There is absolutely no reason to support the removal of the rights of any human being, and by supporting this change, you are proving to your fellow citizens and your children that you do not view our next generation as people who are worthy of defence and protection from potential harm. What ever happened to liberty and justice for all? Do we the people no longer believe in standing up for the rights of the weak and defenseless who are unable to stand up for themselves? Look at all the protests of this change, children and adults alike, and ask yourself if you're supporting this change because you truly believe that it will keep children safe despite the ample peer-reviewed evidence proving that idea incorrect? Or are you supporting it because it's easier to be afraid of what you don't understand? To the parents supporting this, do you have any idea why? Is it so that you can punish your children for not feeling safe to open up to you at home? Is it because you worry about not providing a safe environment for your children to speak to you openly and honestly and to receive support? Because there is no way you will ever have the trust of your children. By supporting this, you are ensuring that there is no where your child feels safe to have a discussion of their experiences, and no support to help them through it. And to those of you in Richmond, our politicians proposing and supporting this blatant infringement of human rights, I have no pity. You all know exactly what you're doing and why, and I think it's disgusting and cowardly. You all should be ashamed of yourselves for deciding that stripping the rights of other human beings in our own country is something fine to do in your mad dash for power. I and many others who believe in equity and equality for everyone in this nation and this state will continue to push against your attempts, no matter what. This change should not happen, and I stand firmly in that belief. Children have a God-given right to feel safe in their homes and in their schools, and by supporting this bill, you are stripping them of that right.


Trans youth must be protected

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"As a trans student in southwestern Virginia, I already don’t feel very safe in school. Many of my peers are transphobic and so are some teachers. Last year I was outed by my english teacher and it put me in a precarious situation, which fortunately, ended well for me. I cannot say that the same would happen for the hundreds of other trans students in Virginia that would be affected by these polices. If these polices are passed, my trans friends with unsupportive parents would be put in serious danger. Getting outed to their parents could mean getting kicked out and becoming homeless. Additionally, the passing of these polices would raise trans suicide rates. I want me and all other trans people to be able to learn safely, for this to happen, these polices cannot  be put into affect."}'>As a trans student in southwestern Virginia, I already don’t feel very safe in school. Many of my peers are transphobic and so are some teachers. Last year I was outed by my english teacher and it put me in a precarious situation, which fortunately, ended well for me. I cannot say that the same would happen for the hundreds of other trans students in Virginia that would be affected by these polices. If these polices are passed, my trans friends with unsupportive parents would be put in serious danger. Getting outed to their parents could mean getting kicked out and becoming homeless. Additionally, the passing of these polices would raise trans suicide rates. I want me and all other trans people to be able to learn safely, for this to happen, these polices cannot be put into affect.


Support Pro-Parent Policies in Schools   SUPPORT!!!!

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Support the parents right to make decisions for their children, no other person should have to decide what or how children should be called or treated. There is a Man and there is a Woman, not a mix of both. Only Satan is a mix of both. God help us!


OPPOSE

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How would it feel to be coldly told “You’re not who you think + feel you are..?” Please: side with love and compassion.


Opposition to Proposed Policies for Treatment of Transgender Children in Schools

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School policy should be built around the best interest of all children in attendance to promote learning, development, health and well-being that is accessible to all. These policies should be developed in accordance to recommendations from the AAP, CDC, and other experts/public health organizations that utilize evidence-based studies to create these guidelines.

Some children only receive the care, attention, and love they deserve and need from their teachers and friends during school hours.

Passing policies that would remove a potential safe-space for children suffering any form of poverty, scarcity, or discrimination is a disservice to everyone.


This model creates future chaos on our children

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Placing any kind of restrictions on anyone is a restriction to life and living. The reason so many trans kids commit suicide. Life already is difficult for trans kids to adjust to their own issues and overcome discrimination against something they cannot change. Measures like this one only serve one outcome: to create jaded and cynical people about the government resulting in lacking the necessary emotional muscle to live peacefully among others, when others cannot live peacefully among them. Eliminate this model."}'>Placing any kind of restrictions on anyone is a restriction to life and living. The reason so many trans kids commit suicide. Life already is difficult for trans kids to adjust to their own issues and overcome discrimination against something they cannot change. Measures like this one only serve one outcome: to create jaded and cynical people about the government resulting in lacking the necessary emotional muscle to live peacefully among others, when others cannot live peacefully among them. Eliminate this model.


I OPPOSE the guidance

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This is a complete and total attack on LGBTQ people.


Virginia Department of Education Guidelines on Transgender Youth

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I vehemently oppose changing the present Guidelines pertaining to treatment of transgender youths in Virginia schools which afford these students the respect and treatment they and all students deserve.

Gov. Youngkin's self-serving proposal is designed only to further his support among his base, is cruel to transgender students, and is blatantly wrong.


Trans rights are human rights


We strongly support parental rights and therefor the Governor's new policies

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As most European countries have learned, the "science" behind the use of puberty blockers and extensive, irreversible surgery for minors experiencing gender dysphoria is seriously flawed.

The vast majority of children who experience dysphoria will grow through it, and therefore, Affirmative Care could be considered nothing more than a money making scheme.  Because of the shabby research findings, and the obvious conflict of interest that gender specialists have, there are no "standards of care" that the public can trust.   Because of this, parents  must remain the primary decision makers with regards their children and this issue.


Equality for all

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I OPPOSE the discriminatory policies impacting LGBTQIA students in Virginia.


I Agree With The Governor

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I completely agree with Governor Youngkin.  Parents should be making decisions for there  children.  Schools should be educating children, everything else is up to the parents.


Oppose


Trans rights are human rights!

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Trans rights are human rights!


I OPPOSE the guidance

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i totally oppose this harmful change proposed by youngkin..it is unfair, unkind and not in keepeing that ALL people are created equal


I oppose the 2022 proposed model policy and support the current one!

The guidelines that were put in place for schools were fair, protective and put in place after previous agreements. To change them and remove protections for students is not only wrong but potentially harmful to these students.The Governors draft policy is rooted in transphobia and seeks to erase trans and non-binary youth from the classroom. The changes will most certainly create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment. It will prohibit teachers and school personnel from supporting trans and non-binary students. The proposed guidelines create bathroom and sports policies that prohibit access and/or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity. I oppose the proposed guidelines.

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"The guidelines that were put in place for schools were fair, protective and put in place after previous agreements. To change them and remove protections for students is not only wrong but potentially harmful to these students.\nThe Governors draft policy is rooted in transphobia and seeks to erase trans and non-binary youth from the classroom. The changes will most certainly create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment. \nIt will prohibit teachers and school personnel from supporting trans and non-binary students. The proposed guidelines create bathroom and sports policies that prohibit access and/or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity. \nI oppose the proposed guidelines. "}'>The guidelines that were put in place for schools were fair, protective and put in place after previous agreements. To change them and remove protections for students is not only wrong but potentially harmful to these students.
The Governors draft policy is rooted in transphobia and seeks to erase trans and non-binary youth from the classroom. The changes will most certainly create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment.
It will prohibit teachers and school personnel from supporting trans and non-binary students. The proposed guidelines create bathroom and sports policies that prohibit access and/or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity.
I oppose the proposed guidelines.


I support this

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<p>I do not need to justify my opinion to anyone, just know that I support these guidelines and parental rights. </p>


I OPPOSE the guidance

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I wholeheartedly oppose this policy! It is bias on so many levels!


I OPPOSE the guidance

I OPPOSE the new guidance that seeks to roll back protections for transgender and nonbinary students.I OPPOSE the draft policy and want the VDOE to reject themLet us stop discrimination against ALL especially our youth. Being bullied, excluded and ostracized is not acceptable! Navigating growing up during this time is hard enough without discriminatory tactics designed to put down, degradate, and humiliate any human being especially our transgender, nonbinary youth! Let us stop many suicides due to rejection based on prejudices. Let us somehow stop judgment and instead encourage listening and allowing people to grow into the way God made them. The Virginia Values Act bans discrimination against LGBTQ people in places of public accommodation, which includes educational institutions like public schools. This means that schools must offer a safe and equal learning environment to all students, teachers, and staff, including those who are LGBTQ.The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (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.STOP DISCRIMINATION IN VIRGINIA!!!!!

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I OPPOSE the new guidance that seeks to roll back protections for transgender and nonbinary students.\n\n\tI OPPOSE the draft policy and want the VDOE to reject them\n\nLet us stop discrimination against ALL especially our youth.  Being bullied, excluded and ostracized is not acceptable!  Navigating growing up during this time is hard enough without discriminatory tactics designed to put down, degradate, and humiliate any human being especially our transgender, nonbinary youth!  Let us stop many suicides due to rejection based on prejudices.  \nLet us somehow stop judgment and instead encourage listening and allowing people to grow into the way God made them.  \nThe Virginia Values Act bans discrimination against LGBTQ people in places of public accommodation, which includes educational institutions like public schools. This means that schools must offer a safe and equal learning environment to all students, teachers, and staff, including those who are LGBTQ.\nThe Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (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.\nSTOP DISCRIMINATION IN VIRGINIA!!!!!\n"}'>I OPPOSE the new guidance that seeks to roll back protections for transgender and nonbinary students.

I OPPOSE the draft policy and want the VDOE to reject them

Let us stop discrimination against ALL especially our youth. Being bullied, excluded and ostracized is not acceptable! Navigating growing up during this time is hard enough without discriminatory tactics designed to put down, degradate, and humiliate any human being especially our transgender, nonbinary youth! Let us stop many suicides due to rejection based on prejudices.
Let us somehow stop judgment and instead encourage listening and allowing people to grow into the way God made them.
The Virginia Values Act bans discrimination against LGBTQ people in places of public accommodation, which includes educational institutions like public schools. This means that schools must offer a safe and equal learning environment to all students, teachers, and staff, including those who are LGBTQ.
The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (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.
STOP DISCRIMINATION IN VIRGINIA!!!!!


OPPOSE

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Please let trans child have a safe space in their schools. Not all parents are understanding of their child’s journey. Listen to doctors, history, and most importantly, trans kids. This policy will result in unnecessary trauma and harm.


Protect trans youth

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Withdrawing the 2021 Model Policy violates both state and federal law. The new guidelines run counter to current social norms and recommendations from mental health professionals. According to a 2020 peer-reviewed study, \"transgender and nonbinary youth were 2 to 2.5 times as likely to experience depressive symptoms, seriously consider suicide, and attempt suicide compared to their cisgender LGBQ peers.\" Additionally, \"LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers,\" according to research conducted by Johns and colleagues in 2019 and 2020. This new policy will do nothing but harm children. Addressing students by their preferred pronouns, and allowing them to use the bathroom of the gender they identify as, has nothing to do with parents' rights. It has to do with making students feel included and welcomed in public schools. This policy is harmful, shameful, and illegal. Parents can put their children in private schools if they do not like the public education system. They do not have the same training as teachers, counselors and other education professionals."}">Withdrawing the 2021 Model Policy violates both state and federal law. The new guidelines run counter to current social norms and recommendations from mental health professionals. According to a 2020 peer-reviewed study, "transgender and nonbinary youth were 2 to 2.5 times as likely to experience depressive symptoms, seriously consider suicide, and attempt suicide compared to their cisgender LGBQ peers." Additionally, "LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers," according to research conducted by Johns and colleagues in 2019 and 2020. This new policy will do nothing but harm children. Addressing students by their preferred pronouns, and allowing them to use the bathroom of the gender they identify as, has nothing to do with parents' rights. It has to do with making students feel included and welcomed in public schools. This policy is harmful, shameful, and illegal. Parents can put their children in private schools if they do not like the public education system. They do not have the same training as teachers, counselors and other education professionals.


Oppose

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Virginia, like Wyoming, has a long history of working to ensure fairness for all students. Please remember that history and do the right thing today - stand up to bullies who want to push trans youth around.


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


OPPOSE

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Everyone should have the right to be called the name and pronouns that best fit with their identity. Students who prefer their middle name to their first name are often allowed to be called by their preferred name in schools. Why should trans kids be any different? As a transgender adult in rural Virginia, I wish that my school had been more affirming of LGBTQ students. The Governor's proposed policies would put students at risk instead of supporting and protecting them. That is not the type of public school that I want my tax dollars supporting. Using someone's preferred name and pronouns is not a distraction or liberal agenda or attention-seeking behavior. It's just kids wanting to be themselves!"}">Everyone should have the right to be called the name and pronouns that best fit with their identity. Students who prefer their middle name to their first name are often allowed to be called by their preferred name in schools. Why should trans kids be any different? As a transgender adult in rural Virginia, I wish that my school had been more affirming of LGBTQ students. The Governor's proposed policies would put students at risk instead of supporting and protecting them. That is not the type of public school that I want my tax dollars supporting. Using someone's preferred name and pronouns is not a distraction or liberal agenda or attention-seeking behavior. It's just kids wanting to be themselves!


I support! Thank you, Governor Youngkin

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This is common sense and provides true protection for all children. Parents are the primary educators.


I OPPOSE the guidance

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I OPPOSE Youngkin’s policy and everyone who cares about the youth should also. For a transgender or nonbinary student, being called by their chosen name or pronouns can be lifesaving. It creates trust between peers, adult role models, and family members. If a trans or nonbinary youth feels as if they are accepted, they are less likely to show severe signs of mental illness or commit suicide. Furthermore, Youngkin’s policy would allow for teachers and staff to “out” a trans or nonbinary student to their parents. If the student does not have a supportive household, this could lead to the child being harassed, thrown out of the home, or not feeling as if they are loved. In middle school, I had a transgender friend who was outed to his family by a school counselor. His family was not supportive of his identity, which led to him having suicidal ideations. This should not have happened in the first place because of supposed confidentiality between students and counselors, but this would happen more often if Youngkin’s policy is enacted. Every child should be able to decide on their own terms when to share their identity with their family. If enacted, Youngkin’s policy will lead to higher rates of mental illness among queer youth and will put many youth in danger."}'>I OPPOSE Youngkin’s policy and everyone who cares about the youth should also. For a transgender or nonbinary student, being called by their chosen name or pronouns can be lifesaving. It creates trust between peers, adult role models, and family members. If a trans or nonbinary youth feels as if they are accepted, they are less likely to show severe signs of mental illness or commit suicide. Furthermore, Youngkin’s policy would allow for teachers and staff to “out” a trans or nonbinary student to their parents. If the student does not have a supportive household, this could lead to the child being harassed, thrown out of the home, or not feeling as if they are loved. In middle school, I had a transgender friend who was outed to his family by a school counselor. His family was not supportive of his identity, which led to him having suicidal ideations. This should not have happened in the first place because of supposed confidentiality between students and counselors, but this would happen more often if Youngkin’s policy is enacted. Every child should be able to decide on their own terms when to share their identity with their family. If enacted, Youngkin’s policy will lead to higher rates of mental illness among queer youth and will put many youth in danger.


OPPOSE

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"To be human is to be different. I suffer from exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) a synthetic estrogen while in utero. I suffer DAILY from the onslaught of ignorance and social stigma, while my DNA shows BOTH male and female. I have the right to be both since genetically, I am. People cannot help but to use unconscious bias, I see it every day. To be this way, is utterly awful, I'm an adult, and I can barely handle it. I can understand that these younger people may have medical conditions like myself, or, conversely, they could be making a choice to what makes them feel better about who they are. People who show concerns about which bathroom to use show ignorance. A true trans-person IS what bathroom they choose. Someone who imitates is a predator. But like all things, the bad people ruin it for the rest of us (et al). Ignorance has always been what causes strife and conflict in life. Be a part of the change of that thought process, and start to think consciously. Suicide is a very real thing, especially with the trans community because of the utter lack of acceptance to who they really are. Take their humanness into consideration, and be compassionate."}">To be human is to be different. I suffer from exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) a synthetic estrogen while in utero. I suffer DAILY from the onslaught of ignorance and social stigma, while my DNA shows BOTH male and female. I have the right to be both since genetically, I am. People cannot help but to use unconscious bias, I see it every day. To be this way, is utterly awful, I'm an adult, and I can barely handle it. I can understand that these younger people may have medical conditions like myself, or, conversely, they could be making a choice to what makes them feel better about who they are. People who show concerns about which bathroom to use show ignorance. A true trans-person IS what bathroom they choose. Someone who imitates is a predator. But like all things, the bad people ruin it for the rest of us (et al). Ignorance has always been what causes strife and conflict in life. Be a part of the change of that thought process, and start to think consciously. Suicide is a very real thing, especially with the trans community because of the utter lack of acceptance to who they really are. Take their humanness into consideration, and be compassionate.


Do not do this.


OPPOSE

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I 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."}'>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.


Oppose Youngkin’s 2022 Anti-Transgender Student Policy

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I, among others, strongly oppose Youngkin’s 2022 Anti-Transgender Student Policy. Leave bigotry and politics out of the classroom. Youngkin’s 2022 Transgender Student Policy is Government interference in family matters.


School board/LBGTQ

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Please keep the brave younger generation safe. Fight Youngkin politically motivated crusade against LBGTQ youth. Schools should continue to be a safe refuge for all minorities
Thank you


I oppose Youngkin policy

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If you have ever known a child who is transgender, then you know the difficulties the child and family goes through. We don’t need to add to it.


OPPOSE

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I support all expressions of one's identity. If our youth and adults are not hurting themselves, hurting others and live a happier life expressing themselves how they see themselves. This freedom should be celebrated, not repressed.


OPPOSE

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"At no point should a CHILD be ostracized for being who they are! Leave your fascist, genocidal beliefs OUT of our education system. School is supposed to be a safe place for learning about the world and not a place to fear for your life if you go there. Teachers also should not be subjected to your cruel policies either. Teachers have enough to contend with and should never be required to pass judgment on children based on their personal beliefs. That’s not what teachers are for."}'>At no point should a CHILD be ostracized for being who they are! Leave your fascist, genocidal beliefs OUT of our education system. School is supposed to be a safe place for learning about the world and not a place to fear for your life if you go there. Teachers also should not be subjected to your cruel policies either. Teachers have enough to contend with and should never be required to pass judgment on children based on their personal beliefs. That’s not what teachers are for.


I OPPOSE Gov. Youngkin's model impacting trans youth

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I OPPOSE the guidance proposed by the current governor due to the negative impact that this model would have on trans youth. As a mental health professional in Hampton Roads and a professor of counseling, I am very aware of the negative impact of anti-trans legislation on the mental health and well-being of trans youth. Through this legislation, trans youth will be further ostracized, oppressed, and dehumanized. Additionally, the safety and well-being of these students will be threatened significantly by this guidance."}'>I OPPOSE the guidance proposed by the current governor due to the negative impact that this model would have on trans youth. As a mental health professional in Hampton Roads and a professor of counseling, I am very aware of the negative impact of anti-trans legislation on the mental health and well-being of trans youth. Through this legislation, trans youth will be further ostracized, oppressed, and dehumanized. Additionally, the safety and well-being of these students will be threatened significantly by this guidance.


Strongly opposed

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"This new policy will hurt children. As a pediatric nurse I have cared for trans teens. They just want to be accepted and loved as all of us do. I can’t imagine feeling trapped in a body that didn’t match how I saw myself. I am also a parent so I understand wanting to be informed about my child. My children knew they could tell me anything but not all parents are open to difficult conversations. I also feel that as a Christian this policy goes against Christ’s command to love one another. It clearly is discriminatory towards trans people."}'>This new policy will hurt children. As a pediatric nurse I have cared for trans teens. They just want to be accepted and loved as all of us do. I can’t imagine feeling trapped in a body that didn’t match how I saw myself. I am also a parent so I understand wanting to be informed about my child. My children knew they could tell me anything but not all parents are open to difficult conversations. I also feel that as a Christian this policy goes against Christ’s command to love one another. It clearly is discriminatory towards trans people.


This proposed policy will harm students

Catherine Clinger, former Virginia public school teacher

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As a former Virginia public school teacher, I strongly oppose the proposed model policies affecting trans youth.

First, no child should be subjected to rejection due to their self-identity. As early as age 3, children are beginning to develop their sense of identity. When we fail to accept people for who they are, we pass painful judgements on them and create unnecessary emotional and psychological pain. No child should feel such rejection.

Second, no child should be put at risk of emotional and physical harm. These proposed policies presume that all transgender and non-binary youth have loving and supportive families. Sadly, that is not the case. Forcing a child to get documentation from their parents confirming that their gender differs from their sex assigned at birth could endanger those who live in households where they are not affirmed. These proposed policies would say to transgender and non-binary students that they must choose between disrupting their family life, risking emotional and sometimes physical harm, and being able to be who they are in their school environment.

Finally, every school in Virginia should be a safe haven for every student. These proposed policies seek to restrict which bathrooms transgender and non-binary students can use, force students to participate in events, sports and other school activities based on their sex assigned at birth and hinder the ability of teachers and staff to offer any support, without also outing the student to parents. Why would we compromise the health and safety of any child enrolled in our public schools? Every school in Virginia should be a haven for every student, not another venue for discrimination and trauma.

Targeting some of the most vulnerable children in our schools not only undermines their ability to pursue an education, it also undermines our educational system as a whole and contributes to the already high number of LGBTQ+ students who attempt suicide. Youth who have had access to LGBTQ-affirming spaces — including schools — report lower rates of attempting suicide than those who did not.

For all these reasons, please reject these proposed policies.


I OPPOSE the guidance

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"I OPPOSE the guidance put forth by the governor. I have a trans child in school and we are fortunate enough to already have a legal name and gender marker change. But I fear the damage this new guidance will cause for those trans kids who may not be as fortunate or as far in their journey as we are. This guidance is transphobic and does nothing but harm these children who have the right to a safe learning environment."}'>I OPPOSE the guidance put forth by the governor. I have a trans child in school and we are fortunate enough to already have a legal name and gender marker change. But I fear the damage this new guidance will cause for those trans kids who may not be as fortunate or as far in their journey as we are. This guidance is transphobic and does nothing but harm these children who have the right to a safe learning environment.


Every child has the right to grow up in a world that honors their whole selves.

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<p>Every child has the right to grow up in a world that honors their whole selves and offers every opportunity for health and wellbeing. Gov. Youngkin's proposed policy contradicts what we as Americans have long supported, that “All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying.” However, by refusing to affirm students' identities, this new guidance actively discriminates against those same students. I am strongly opposed to this harmful proposed policy. </p>


I support all students

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I'm writing in support of ALL our students, especially those most at risk of suicide, which are our LGBTQ+ children. Let's find ways to encourage and support our students rather than ostracize them or exclude them. Governor Youngkin's policies do not help our most vulnerable student. They seem designed to hurt them and cause division.


Mother of 7

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I support Youngkin’s legislation!


Protect ALL Youth However They Identify

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"All children deserve a safe trauma informed/responsive space to learn, grow, and to feel safe; especially in a world that may not feel safe to them.  Sometimes their homes are not safe, their streets are not safe, even watching the news can make you feel uncertain, our schools should be the safest most trauma responsive spaces in our communities!  Please Protect Trans Youth, Youth of Color, Youth of every belief, dress, spectrum!  These are all of our children!  Protect them!  Namaste!"}'>All children deserve a safe trauma informed/responsive space to learn, grow, and to feel safe; especially in a world that may not feel safe to them. Sometimes their homes are not safe, their streets are not safe, even watching the news can make you feel uncertain, our schools should be the safest most trauma responsive spaces in our communities! Please Protect Trans Youth, Youth of Color, Youth of every belief, dress, spectrum! These are all of our children! Protect them! Namaste!


Care about kids? Support trans kids

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Please do not reverse the current Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in public schools. These new policies are not evidence-based best practices, received no public input while being drafted, would lead students to be outed before they are ready, and cause harm and discrimination to transgender and non-binary students. All students deserve to feel safe and welcome at school. Hurting trans kids hurts all our kids.

Efforts that support transgender youth in living according to their gender identity are associated with better mental health. The American Academy of Pediatrics found that transgender teens have dramatically higher rates of suicide attempts and self-injury. Adolescents who receive gender affirming care have been found to have a reduced risk of suicidal thoughts. Reversing these policies will have a real impact and will actively harm children. I cannot support any policy that harms children and neither should any one else.

According to the study by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, about 27% of transgender students said they feel unsafe at school compared to 5% of cisgender males and 7% of cisgender females. More transgender students also reported being bullied at school — 35% compared to 15% of cisgender males and 21% of cisgender females.

Transgender teens were more likely than their peers to have their first sexual intercourse before age 13. They also were more likely to be forced to have sexual intercourse, according to the report.

Researchers also found just over 26% of transgender teens have experienced physical dating violence, compared to 6% of cisgender males and 9% of cisgender females.

Transgender teens’ risk factors for suicide also were higher including suicide attempts — 35% compared to 5.5% of cisgender males and 9% of cisgender females.

Substance use among transgender teens was higher for nearly all substances in the survey. Authors noted this could be linked to their high rates of violence victimization. They called for more support for these teens.

“Taking steps to create safe learning environments and provide access to culturally competent physical and mental health care might be important first steps to improving the health of transgender youths,” they wrote.


OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose this guidance. I suggest doing research on ways to actually support marginalized LGBTQ+ youth and cease this guidance which stands to do further harm to these students.


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

Andrea Weiskopf Latin Teacher LCPS- direct quote from her Twitter page

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These wacko wok mob teachers are proud to be indoctrinating your children. This is a direct quote from a middle school teacher in Loudoun County. Yes the same Loudoun County with numerous bathroom sexual assaults and where a counselor has been arrested for sexually assaulting her transgender student. Loudoun County is an absolutely disgraceful school district. These perverted teachers have no boundaries. These teachers must be investigated and terminated.


OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose everything proposed in this measure. Government has no business dictating any terms of the personal concerns & lives of the people for whom they claim to represent. I support the individual’s to decide, say & do what’s best for themselves without senseless interventions from anyone in a position of power.


I Oppose Youngkin's proposed Student Policy

I am writing—as a nonbinary person—to express my strong opposition to Gov. Youngkin's proposed student policy.Transgender and nonbinary (T/NB) students must be protected, respected, and treated as valued individuals, just like all other students. These proposed policies would endanger the well-being of T/NB children and expose them to bullying and emotional harassment. These dangerous proposed policies must be rejected, and the existing policies that protect T/NB students must be kept in place.Thank you for taking my comments into consideration.

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<span data-sheets-userformat='{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0}' data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"I am writing—as a nonbinary person—to express my strong opposition to Gov. Youngkin's proposed student policy.\n\nTransgender and nonbinary (T/NB) students must be protected, respected, and treated as valued individuals, just like all other students. These proposed policies would endanger the well-being of T/NB children and expose them to bullying and emotional harassment. \n\nThese dangerous proposed policies must be rejected, and the existing policies that protect T/NB students must be kept in place.\n\nThank you for taking my comments into consideration."}">I am writing—as a nonbinary person—to express my strong opposition to Gov. Youngkin's proposed student policy.

Transgender and nonbinary (T/NB) students must be protected, respected, and treated as valued individuals, just like all other students. These proposed policies would endanger the well-being of T/NB children and expose them to bullying and emotional harassment.

These dangerous proposed policies must be rejected, and the existing policies that protect T/NB students must be kept in place.

Thank you for taking my comments into consideration.


Support Youngkin's Proposal

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I have two daughters, and I support my right to protect them in schools from biological males in bathrooms, locker rooms and sports.  I support Governor Youngkin's proposal.


I OPPOSE the guidance

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I OPPOSE the guidance. I have a young family member who identifies as a trans-female, and I want her to feel safe and validated in school.


I support Glenn Youngkin's common sense policy


Please don't hurt my kid and their friends

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I strongly opposed the proposed policy guidelines offered by Gov Youngkin. Based on my own personal experience with my trans youth and with their friends, these policies would put them in significant danger, both psychologically and sometimes physically.


I OPPOSE the guidance.


Thank you!  Giving the power back to parents!  Fully and strongly support this!

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This is a common sense approach to this subject and firmly returns authority to parents, back from clear government overreach.  Thank you!


trans kids  need to left   alone and let them lean

Transchildernhave the right the same as any other childernLet them learn be bome successful and grow andhave good life

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Transchildernhave the right the same as any other childern
Let them learn be bome successful and grow andhave good life


OPPOSE

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Let the kids be kids! Let them express themselves and be free in that expression. Regardless of background, how many of us could’ve benefitted more from freedom surrounding our identities?!


Common sense and thoughtful policy

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Having read the document, I applaud this thoughtful, common sense, child and parent centric approach. I strongly support Gov. Youngkin's proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.


Governor Youngkin for president!

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We love you Governor. Thank you for putting children before agendas.


Finally there is an adult in the room. THANK YOU GOVERNOR!

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Thank you for reigning in the wacko wok mob liberals. There is no stopping their runaway agendas. I am glad to see there is an adult in the room.


Rescind these shameful proposed policies

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The Virginia Department of Education must rescind these shameful proposed policies immediately for the good of students, parents, and the entire Commonwealth.

ALL children, especially transgender and nonbinary children need protection- not harassment and hurtful policies.


Thank You Youngkin

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Thank you for keeping our kids safe! Boys do not belong in girls restrooms and vice versa. Nor do they belong in locker rooms or showers. It's also not biologically fair for Boys to compete against girls. Thank you for upholding what is right!


FULLY SUPPORT YOUNGKIN AND PARENTAL RIGHTS

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<p>I fully support these efforts and restoring parental rights in schools. Parents alone have the rights to raise and make these decisions on behalf of their children. I hope these efforts are successful. </p>


Gov. Youngkin's proposed policy is cruel. Trans youth should be protected, not singled out for hate.

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This policy is cruel. It will harm trans youth and do nothing to protect anyone else.

My sister (formerly my brother) is transgender. These policies would have hurt her. I knew she was trans in high school but my parents didn't. Thank God. If she had been outed to them by school authorities, my father would have kicked her out of the house before she was even old enough to hold down a job or get a college loan. I know this, because he cut her off when she came out later. Again, thank God she was old enough to get herself through college when all this happened.

All transgender people like my sister want is to be treated with the same decency anybody else expects to be treated with. New name and pronouns - big woop - no skin off my teeth and I use people's different married names all the time, so why not this. Bathrooms - who wouldn't want to be able to go in peace - my sister says she's way more scared of regular people than they have any right to be of her. Playing sports? Who cares - there are like TWO transgender athletes playing high school sports. If you really wanted to support girls' sports, you'd spend money equally on it to men's sports' - but I don't see anybody clamoring to do that at UVA.

All this regulation is going to do is harm people. You're using the power of the government to make transgender kids think they're worthless, hated, and broken. Jesus wanted to protect the weak and the least among us, not oppress them. Be better. Be like him.


Strongly Opposed

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Transgender is not a political ideology


Policies overreach and undermine parental rights, leaving students less safe

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I write today in opposition Governor Youngkin’s draft model policies for transgender and nonbinary students.  Under the guise of protecting parents’ rights, the model policies instead are riddled with contradictions, overreach and overly police teachers, and undermine the rights of parents of transgender and non-binary students. Taken together, these policies will ultimately harm students by sanctioning some forms of harassment and limiting the ability of parents, schools and students to find reasonable solutions to safely support their students at school.

The policies are riddled with contradictions: Section B speaks speaks against bullying and harassment, but then D6 seemingly carves out an exception, indicating that a school cannot “compel personnel or other students to address or refer to student in any manner that would violate their constitutionally protected rights.” In my view, using a student’s preferred name and pronouns is not compelled speech and will ultimately sanction harassment of students.

Likewise, policy G3 seems to contradict federal law. It explicitly states that “students shall use bathroom that correspond to his or her sex, except to the extent that federal law otherwise requires”. It then cites Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board in which the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled twice in favor of a student, rather than forcing him to use the bathroom based on his assigned gender.  The Supreme Court refused to hear the case, and thus the Fourth Circuit’s judgement stands.  Why does G3 otherwise contradict the Fourth Circuit’s ruling?

The policies overreach: Not only does section G seem to contradict current federal law, it also limits the flexibilities for schools and parents to reach accommodations related to bathrooms, lockers, and overnight travel. The policies do encourage single-user facilities (G4) but this may not be a universal solution and schools, parents, and students should retain the ability to come to reasonable accommodations. These policies limit those options by compelling a student to use a facility assigned to their gender, unless a single-user facility is available.

Similarly, D2 indicates that personnel only use the name that “appears in the students’ official record” or any commonly associated nickname.  This is a ridiculous overreach – plenty of students use names that may not be in the official record and may not be commonly associated nicknames.  Again, give teachers, parents and students the flexibility to reach reasonable solutions rather than mandate the use of official records for names, nicknames and pronouns (D1-D5).

Undermines Parent’s Rights: Some supporters of this policy suggest that all it does it ensure that parents are involved in these important conversations and that schools do not conceal information from parents. Indeed, D7 specifically prohibits a school division from concealing “material information about a student from the student’s parent, including information related to gender.” But policies D1-D5 undermine the rights of parents of transgender and non-binary students.

D4 allows a parent to “instruct in writing” if the student may use a different name and or pronouns, but there are a myriad reasons why a parent might not want to “instruct in writing”. Their preferences should be respected.

Further, reading D5 and C2 together, it suggests that the only way to update a child’s legal name or sex is to submit a “legal document, such as a birth certificate, state- or federal-issued identification, passport or court order substantiating the student or former student’s change of legal name or sex.”  Why should a parent have to take these measures? These policies ultimately undermine the rights of parents to support their children through adolescence.

In closing, these are complex issues with long reaching impacts for students and parents alike. We can both ensure that parents remain essential partners with schools to address all of their children’s needs, while also retaining flexibilities for schools, parents, and students to address these complex issues. These model policies, however, overreach and undermine parents, and as a result, are likely to increase harm for transgender and non-binary students.


Strongly Support the 2022 policies

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As a parent in Virginia, I was completely flabbergasted that my input about my daughter and how she should be treated was completely disregarded and considered irrelevant.  I was shocked to find out that under the 2021 policies that the school did not care one iota about knowing my daughter, her history, our family, or our opinions. They didn't care that she has been in therapy for years.  They didn't care about her medical history.  They didn't care about her learning disability. They didn't care about ANY of our input. The ONLY thing that mattered to the school was that our underage daughter wanted everyone around her to pretend that she's a boy.  That's it.  One word from her trumped any and all input from us as her parents.  Parents with heterodox views are totally irrelevant under the 2021 policies.

The 2021 policies start by assuming concerned parents are bigots, and that parent-child disagreement will damage a child. I used to think that this opinion was just histrionics from conservatives.  It’s not. I discovered that it doesn’t matter how reasoned and measured your concerns are, no deviation from gender orthodoxy is allowed under the 2021 policies.

Parents MUST be allowed to teach their children their family values and beliefs.  Schools NEED to include parents in important decision making.  Parents need to be kept informed, especially if our children are struggling.  Our children are our precious family members.  Parents are rightly furious.

I strongly support the new 2022 policies because they recognize the importance of families and tries to support the child parent relationship.  The new policies ensure parents remain relevant in their children's lives.  They also recognize the real, material, immutable sex-based differences between girls and boys for the purpose of sports and the necessity of single-sex spaces.

Concern: “Transgenderism” definition creep.  It used to mean someone who was diagnosed with gender dysphoria; now it includes anyone who has gender non-conforming behavior or dress.  We need to support our tomboy girls and effeminate boys and encourage them to be themselves.  We need to protect single-sex (not single-gender) spaces.  PLEASE implement Gov. Youngkin’s common sense 2022 policies.


STRONGLY AGREE- Thank you Youngkin

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We want our parental rights back and we want our children to be able to feel safe in their schools. Thank you Governor Glenn Youngkin for having the courage to propose new policies.


Using the bathroom of your birth gender is not a new concept in our society

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Life isn’t always fair. Society has rules and boundaries. Just cause you feel like it is not a reason to make everyone else uncomfortable. I am sorry that adults in your life have not provided you with personal boundaries.


Why would anyone have a problem with this

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All this does is turn the power over to the parents as it relates to their child, which should have never even been a question. All you people opposing probably haven't even read it, and if you read it and still have a problem with it, you are the problem and probably a groomer.


Support common sense policies.

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<p>I support policies that keep parents informed. Policies should first protect students and their safety and rights, then that of parents, and lastly that of schools and systems. Thank you Gov. Youngkin. </p>


You are the best governor ever. Thank you Governor Youngkin.

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Thank you for being an adult in the room and bringing sanity back to our schools.


Only an absolute pervert would advocate for boys to use little girls locker rooms and showers.

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Shame on the woke libs preying on our children to pass their agendas.


Strongly oppose this proposed change.

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I am not a parent.  But I was born, raised, and educated in Fairfax County, VA.

It is incredible how this proposed change details how everyone should be treated equally, then immediately demonstrates how that is a farce.  The entire "purpose" of this proposed change is about catering to parents who care more about their self-image, and getting help from the state in hiding the fact that they care less about the actual welfare of their children.

This is absolutely disgusting.

Just because you were raised a certain way doesn't necessarily mean it was right.

Just because "this is how we've always done it" doesn't necessarily mean it was right.

Forcing a child to live a lie, live in fear, traumatize them for the rest of their life, just to cater to a parent who is clearly not paying attention enough to their child to show them the love they deserve, is entirely unthinkable to me.

Parents are supposed to nurture their children, not box them in to arbitrary rules.  If your child wants to wear a dress, so be it.  If they feel more comfortable being called Shawn rather than Shawna, so be it.  Encourage them to be themselves, and support them.

Please don't adopt this proposed change.  Virginia is better than this.


Support Trans Children - It could save lives

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All children including transgender, gay, bisexual need to be recognized and know that they are protected whether it be at home or in a classroom.  Do not pass judgement without knowing the scientific facts.  Also, none of us live within another human being body and mind so we cannot speak for anyone else in this situation.  Schools must support all students with a safe and positive environment.


Governor Youngkin for president!

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Thank you for protecting our children from teachers union’s agendas.


Shame on you Youngkin

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<p>Shame on you Glenn Youngkin! This is one of the most hurtful things you could ever do to LGBTQ+ youth. Separation of a church and state. This shows all of us that you’re only worried about kids that are white “straight” and christian. You can’t actually think this is a good idea. And if you do, one day, I hope you get to experience the amount of hurt this will bring to others for yourself and your family. SHAME ON YOU! </p>


Strongly disagree

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<p>STRONGLY DISAGREE with this. </p>


Fully support the proposed 2022 Model Policies:Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for Students & Parents

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I fully support the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools. The 2021 policy, which was hostile to parents rights and a proper understanding of the human person, badly needs replacing! This proposed policy would restore proper rights to all. Thank you.


FULLY OPPOSE

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Not only is your proposed policy an egregious attack on decency, it's rooted in an antiquated fear and baseless sensibility. If you're so worried about this topic, the solution is to get rid of men/women restrooms altogether. Many businesses and community spaces successfully utilize universal restrooms, albeit in individual-use designs. To be honest here, if you got rid of all the urinals in men's rooms, there'd be much more flexibility and capacity for our use. And once you remove the urinals, look around--seems it could be easily used by ANYONE SIMULTANEOUSLY to satisfy a basic human need.

As for your arguments concerning sports and required "outings"/restricted pronoun use by teachers, I hope you're made to feel as uncomfortable and targeted as the poor CHILDREN you are attacking. But then again, I suppose you lack the ability to feel anything near empathy.


Do not do this.


strongly oppose

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Stop being obsessed with kid’s genitalia and be more obsessed with protecting our children and their mental health. Aren’t we supposed to be freedom for all?


Vehemently oppose

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My name is Emily and I have 2 children who attend (and 1 who is too young at this moment) public school in central Virginia.  I vehemently oppose your policy changes requiring schools to “out” trans and non binary students without their permission, prohibit the use of preferred pronouns, etc.  Should America want to continue to be a land of personal freedom, I believe our public education system is a natural place to start with allowing (or at least not penalizing for) freedom of personal expression.

If you’re looking to enact policies that in fact protect my children’s bodies and mental health while they are in the classroom, gun safety policy change would be a wonderful place to start, considering guns (not pronouns) are now the leading cause of death our kids.

I’m in fact not concerned about the child seated next to my 9 year old who might ask her to call them “they” or who might express they have a crush on her even though they’re both girls.

Again as a parent in a Virginia school, having policies that could lead to NOT asking to my kindergartner to hide behind her Wonder Woman backpack for a drill to prepare for when a person enters their halls with a semi automatic weapon would be my first priority.  Perhaps once this gets fixed we could work on the pronouns and who they’re attracted to next?

Until that point, I see this as a greater threat to their physical and mental health and ultimately the success of our nation and humbly ask you to focus policy change there.


Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose!  </p>


Fully support Youngkin

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I fully support this new policy.  Schools need to be focused on academics.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>The proposed policies seek to erase trans and nonbinary youth from the classroom and create a hostile and dangerous school environment. They restrict restroom access and sports participation for transgender and nonbinary students, require faculty and staff to “out” trans and nonbinary students to their parents, and prohibit teachers and staff from supporting trans students in a range of ways, including blocking them from using a student’s affirming name and pronouns. These policies do not serve the needs of all students or show them respect.  </p>


Whole heartedly support the Govenors Stand on these imprtant Issues

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It is important in any society that we recognize the importance of our children and their education.  We need the school system to partner with parents in some of these complex issues.  We need to always remember though that the Children belong to their parents (not the state) and their families.  We need to support policies that support the fabric of the nuclear family in our society.  We need to ensure that policy protects the disadvantage without denigrating the position of the majority.  No child should be left to their own confusion.  Yes the school system is a part of the solution however it never replace the role of the parent.  Thank you Governor Youngkin!


Strongly Oppose Proposed Policy on Trans Students

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I strongly support trans-affirming policies in Virginia schools; we need to keep the 2021 policies.  The 2022 proposed policy is another attempt by Youngkin to overturn progress in Virginia.  His actions are the latest in GOP trumpism and are hateful and regresssive.  Please keep the 2021 trans-affirming policies and reject the reactionary policy of the current misguided administration.


Protect our children

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I am strongly in favor of the parental rights for their children. Our schools and school officials must limit their action to deliver true education not to indoctrinate the minds and hearts of our young by imposing ideologies that go against the morals and conscience of a family. The department of education needs to revise and change their policy regarding transgenderism from our schools. Our duty and right as parents and citizens is to protect and form our children.


How do politicians have time for this?

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I have yet to hear of a real threat to non-trans children, or society in general. I've read quite a bit of scare-mongering on the subject, but nothing substantiated. I always find it disheartening when people with power (politicians in this case) drum up threats to prop themselves up as saviors.

There are real issues the government should be focused on. Poverty has increased with energy companies padding their profits. Where is real movement to support families in need? Schools have been massively underfunded, especially through the pandemic, and we have a teacher shortage. Why put time into this when we need more focus on school funding and keeping experienced teachers?


Oppose

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<p>It’s simple, the proposed policies with harm Trans kids and the community. There is evidence based science showing the harmful impact these policies have. </p>


I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS LEGISLATION

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<p>Passing this legislation will directly put trans and non binary students in danger by outing them to potentially unsafe and abusive environments and have drastically negative consequences on their mental health. Passing this legislation WILL put students in danger of self-harm and harm from others. Trans students, like ALL children, deserve to be protected. </p>


Proposed Transgender Student Policy of VDOE

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<p>I am writing on behalf of my transgender grandson who is a high school student in Hanover County. As a former teacher, I know how important it is for each student to feel safe, protected, and free of malice in order to learn and achieve their fullest potential. My grandson has faced harassment, bullying, and exclusion, which breaks my heart and his spirit. Schools must be safe places where kids are cherished, nurtured, and protected. The proposed VDOE policy seems to me to intentionally threaten transgender children and should not be adopted. </p>


Support the Policy that PROTECTS our DAUGHTERS from Males in Sports, Bathrooms & Locker Rooms

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<p>I SUPPORT whole heartedly the new policy that protects females in their safe spaces from males. </p>


I fully support Gov Youngkin.

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<p>I fully support Gov Youngkin. </p>


HIWASSEE TRANSGENDER VOLLEYBALL PLAYER SEVERELY INJURES FEMALE HIGH SCHOOLER WITH SPIKE TO THE FACE

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Stop this insanity. Liberals can’t handle control. They don’t know when to stop. They are steamrolling over biological females. Please help Governor.


I oppose the Governor decision

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<p>I have been a victim of hate crime in school because I am lgbtqia+. There is plenty of scientific proof that trans kids suffer even worse. Stop bullying them on the government level. </p>


Thank you for Protecting Girls Sports Gov Youngkin!

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<p>I SUPPORT the new policy for 2022 under the guidance of Governor Youngkin. Thank you for protecting girls and women in this insane time. </p>


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

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On behalf of the Hispanic community, I want you to know that we support your policy. We need to protect our families and especially our kids from the indoctrination going on in schools. Who gave teachers unions the right to indoctrinate our children? Please help Hispanic parents fight this nonsense.


I strongly oppose Transgenderism in schools needs to be stopped right now.

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You're talking about an adult issue I strongly oppose your transgenderism in our school systems. The parents have a right to know everything that happens with their child. You are not the parent. We recommend psychological help and counseling for these patients. I would rather see a boy giving testosterone and a girl given estrogen. As I say I strongly oppose this transgenderism in America and right now in Virginia.


Strongly oppose this regulation that marginalizes thus actively harms youth (children!)

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This is wrong because trans people do NOT deserve to be bullied or marginalized or shunned. These policies put their mental health and consequently their LIVES at great risk.

As a Virginian medical student who has completed all of my education in this state it is appalling to me that some of my friends and classmates would be totally shunned by the state and education system under this policy. They deserve to live their lives and pursue the opportunities they want to pursue.

For these reasons, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


Oppose this cruel legislation

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This would put more kids and youth in danger by not supporting and affirming their identities! Trans people will still exist, trans kids will still be trans if you don't affirm them. They will just be unhappy, and more likely to self harm. We need to do all we can to support them!


Protect Parents Rights. No one loves their children as parents do and will be there for them.

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I am fully in favor of strengthening and protecting the rights of parents to be informed about what’s going on with their children. If administrators and teachers are actually concerned with the lives of their students they will recognize that only parents truly care for the well-being of their children and will be with them long after these young people move on from school. These decisions about identity do indeed have long reaching impacts on their students lives and only parents can know all that is needed for their children.


STRONGLY AGREE

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Our kids deserve biologically proper bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports!


From a Virginian

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My husband is a Virginia native who can trace his lineage in this state back to the American Revolution. His family and identity are deeply tied to Virginia and her history. His great grandfather built much of the northern region’s infrastructure, and there’s still a road running through the area that bears his name.

My husband grew up visiting the state’s  historic sites and battlefields with his grandmother, who felt it important to pass on Virginia’s memories to her grandchildren. As an adult, he has attended no less than three of Virginia’s schools of higher education. The only time he has left the state for an extended period was to join the Army and fight for our country in Iraq.

We are expecting our first child this Spring and would be honored to raise him or her in the state his/her ancestors made their home. But if gender ideology continues to make headway in the state’s schools, we cannot in good conscience raise our child here.

Please don’t make us choose between our heritage and what’s best for our child.


AGREE AGREE AGREE

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Keep our kids safe from predators - kids and teachers alike who oppose following the science.


Strongly Oppose!

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Model policies like these put the rights, safety, dignity, and lives of gender nonconforming students at risk. According to a study from the Trevor Project, one in five transgender and non-binary youth attempted suicide in the past year. However, the same study found that “LGBTQ youth who found their school to be LGBTQ-affirming reported lower rates of attempting suicide.” Affirming a child’s gender identity saves lives.


Strongly Oppose

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Trans and Non-Binary Youth deserve to be protected. This means that they should be able to be happy and express themselves in whatever way will make them happiest. By forcing faculty to out them to their parents, you are putting these children in danger of abuse and death. I remember when I was in high school, all the teachers had a policy that on the first day of class, when they first took attendance, you could tell them what name you went by and they called you that for the rest of the year. This was not designed for trans students, it was for all the people who went by their middle names or nicknames like "Jimmy." If you block trans kids from using a chosen name, you would also be blocking non-trans kids from using chosen names or middle names. As far as sports go, this is specifically because people are worried that transgender girls will have an advantage in women's sports. What does it matter? Every girl has a different amount of testosterone and strength level. They are all different heights. No one has the exact same physical advantages, so let the kids be who they want to be and play in sports that should be fun. If you think that anyone will go through all of the discrimination of being transgender just to win in a league that will get less recognition and care, the concern should be about how hyper-focused that child is in winning. I also never hear concern about transgender boys in the men's leagues, but this would effect them too. This is also a friendly reminder that it is more likely for someone to be born intersex than it is to be born with red hair. This will also effect those kids too who have different chemical balances. Let non-binary kids (genetic, chemical, and otherwise) express themselves and have the same opportunity as binary kids rather than set them up for abuse and bullying.

Another note: if I start talking about "my coworker" and then you have a question like "what did they say about that?" this is a perfectly normal sentence structure using "they" as a singular pronoun. So saying that is it grammatically incorrect is not true.

These policies are made to specifically attack children, invalidate them, and will effectively tell teachers to bully them, when they should only be given protection from the adults around them.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Trans children deserve to be respected and protected. I strongly oppose the governor's views and proposed legislation. Allow children to learn in peace and allow them to be themselves. </p>


Follow Your Biological Making

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As a parent of 3 children, their safety and well-being is a top concern. Trans children can choose to identify however they please, but they need to use their BIOLOGICAL bathrooms, locker rooms, and play in the designated sport for their biological bodies.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


100% SUPPORT

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<p>Thank you Governor Youngkin for keeping our girls safe in sports and all areas of school. I do not want to send my daughter's into unsafe spaces. </p>


Support & Protection for #GirlsRights in sports, locker rooms & bathrooms

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<p>I SUPPORT this new 2022 policy in protecting #GirlsRights!! </p>


I oppose this guidance change.

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<p>I oppose the replacement of the 2021's model policies on the treatment of transgender (trans) and non-binary youth in schools. This proposed guidance change is unnecessary and dangerous to trans youth. </p>


Keep Girls SAFE in Sports, Bathrooms & Locker Rooms. #WomenAndGirlsRights #MeToo

#GirlsAndWomensRights Where are the Feminists protecting GIRLS?

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Keep our girls safe in sports, the bathroom & locker rooms!

APPROVE  & thank you Governor Youngkin!!!


Support parents rights


PROTECT TRANS KIDS

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Children should be allowed to feel safe and loved. NO MATTER WHAT. Taking away rights and the safe-space trans children have, especially in schools, because you choose to live with a closed mind should be embarrassing.  If you experience a feeling of "uncomfort" with how someone lives their life, with no harm being done to you, then you need to reevaluate what public you are actually serving. These proposed policies are dangerous and harmful to children. CHILDREN. This is HARMFUL to CHILDREN and that is not okay. WE OPPOSE THIS POLICY.


Support for equallity


Individual rights first, parents second, schools third

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Comment on the Virginia Model Policy regarding the treatment of transgender students in the state's public schools

A recent study cited by Reuters estimated that just over 1.6 million Americans over the age of 13 had self-identified as transgender. This consisted of 1.3 million adults or about 0.5 percent of the US adult population and about 300,000 youth between 13 and 17 that have publicly self-identified. One does not decide to be transgender as it is cool or advantageous. In our current culture, there are substantial disadvantages to doing so, although these have somewhat lessened, which may help explain the higher percentage of youth that self-identify as transgender.

As it is a relatively rare situation, and discussion of it was discouraged at the time when many of our schools were built, the facilities constructed did not take into the consideration all students’ needs. But, as has been done appropriately and successfully for students with disabilities, which are also a relatively small minority, as mandated by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) existing school facilities can be retro-fitted and new facilities can be designed to better accommodate the needs of all students.

The proposed model policy has a strong emphasis which recognizes a parent has more rights with respect to their children’s education than a teacher, school administrator, or school board does. This is well founded and correct, but it like arguing who should have won the bronze or silver medal in the Olympics. The student should come first. This is missing from the Model Policy. Therefore, it should be significantly edited before adoption, recognizing the primacy of the student, then the rights of the parents, and finally the schools.

If the parents having custody of the children are aware of and supportive of a student’s gender identification then that is fine. But when the parents disagree with each other, or both disagree with, oppose, or are unaware of the student’s gender identification, the Model Policy will create problems and trample on the students’ rights. Clearly the decision to self-identify as other than the gender assigned at birth is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. As the students are generally under 18 years of age, it is best if the parents are on board, but in some cases informing the parents will lead to violence. A school should not inform parents that their child wishes to self-identify as transgender at school. That is not in the purview of “reporting on the student’s progress at school.” It is completely irrelevant. Thus, for students under the age of 18 who don’t wish to have their parent(s) informed should have another option. The student is best able to assess whether they might be at risk of violence if their parent(s) were informed. Considering that the law limits contracts that those under 18 can enter, and that deciding to identify as transgender is an equally serious decision, not to be taken lightly or rescinded on a whim, it would appropriate for the student to involve some other responsible adult in making the self-identification. This could be a doctor providing medical treatment to the student, an adult relative, or a social worker. The schools should not get into the business of providing such services.

The Model Policy also overemphasizes the supposed “needs” of other students, stating in section B of the Guiding Principles “with due sensitivity to the needs of other students and the practical requirements of the teaching and learning environment.” Lurid examples are cited by on-line trolls, of boys falsely declaring themselves to be transgender, to gain access to girl’s bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams. As for the first two, the ready availability of pornography online makes the ability to see what they shouldn’t not worthwhile considering all of the other overhead associated with such a declaration. The protection of the girls’ physical safety needs to be addressed in other means. Compared to the number of school shootings and other violence against students, the potential for violence by those falsely self-identifying as transgender is so miniscule as not to be worth discussing. Schools would be entitled to punish someone making a false self-identification, as it lying. On the matter of access to sports teams, it is better to leave this to the bodies governing the sports, not to have a separate, possibly contradictory policy for Virginia schools.

Please go back to the drawing board, add in the recognition of the primacy of the individual student rights and an ability for student that is planning to self-identify as transgender to involve another responsible adult if they believe that involving their parents put them at risk. And please stop pandering to the expressed fears that are not borne out by actual incidents. Transgender individuals are relatively uncommon, and thus not personally known to many. It is unknown to such, and we tend to fear the unknown. It is difficult to understand but we don’t have to understand why, only the transgender individuals rights and safety should be protected, like everyone’s.


"Model Guidelines" & Transgender Students

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I am submitting a comment because I became acquainted with a transgender teenager and his family in the past year and I have learned a great deal from this experience. I came to understand personally the tremendous burden this student was under due to his gender.  This student began to feel his "assigned (at birth)" gender was inconsistent with "who he is" as early as third grade. Later, he threatened suicide unless he could live the gender he felt he truly is. He also did not want to go to school or be involved in school activities.

This is a very complex situation to explain but I want to be clear that this student was not "pretending" to be a different gender and was not trying to "trick" (or hurt or shame) anyone. His parents and family have stood up for this student on their own - and without the intervention of the school system or what appear to be onerous code requirements. As I came to know this student, I realized it would be extremely harmful to have the school administration intervene in such a private, personal matter as being transgender.

I oppose these proposed guidelines. I believe they would be harmful to this particular student and his family and therefore contrary to the principles of fair and equal education for all students.  Thank you


100% Support

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To the opposition- where is the line for what school’s can decide to not share with a child’s parents??


Oppose

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<p>Protect trans and nonbinary youth. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose the guidance. This policy will not make my straight, cisgender children more safe. It is, however, incredibly dangerous for trans children and it’s also a huge waste of time. Let’s talk about keeping kids safe from active shooters or how to increase learning outcomes. Not this crap. </p>


I strongly oppose this harmful policy change

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Protect Trans and non-binary kids.


Full Support- Compassion necessitates Truth

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Telling children who suffer from gender dysphoria that they are, in fact, the opposite gender is scientifically impossible and objectively wrong. That issue aside- Hiding this serious issue from a parent is absolutely insane. What other serious life altering issues can a school hide from a child’s parents? I can’t believe this is even a debate.


strongly opposed

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<p>As a long time volunteer with Richmond Public Schools, I am strongly opposed to any legislation which does provide a safe environment for all students, including transgender students.  </p>