Policy Concerns

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As the Alexandria City School Board, we are concerned about VDOEs “model policies” for school divisions that affect transgender youth because these do not align with our mission, vision and core values to support all students and staff, in particular, our core value of ensuring that we provide a welcoming environment for everyone in our school community. We especially take issue with the following requirements:

Referring to each student only using the name that appears on the official student record, or using a nickname commonly associated with the name that appears on a student’s record.

Referring to each student using only the pronouns appropriate to the sex appearing in the student’s official record, that is, male pronouns for students whose legal sex is male, and female pronouns for students whose legal sex is female.

Only referring to students by a name other than those in the official record, or pronouns other than those appropriate to the sex appearing in the student’s official record, if an eligible student or student’s parent have instructed the school division to do so in writing.

School divisions instructing personnel not to “conceal material information” about a student, including information related to gender.

Requiring the use of bathrooms, locker rooms and other “intimate spaces” based on sex,

Singling out athletics participation by stating that the appropriate participation must be determined by sex.

The proposed requirements set forth in VDOE’s recently released “model policies” for school divisions set limitations that can inadvertently cause harm to transgender students in 3 ways:

The policy as written assumes that all students come from supportive and caring family environments. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Requiring school staff to inform parents/or guardians when a student identifies as transgender, before the child is ready, has the potential to put students at risk of verbal abuse, physical harm, and even suicide. Children need to know that they have adults around them whom they can trust. While it is definitely unfortunate, sometimes those trusted individuals are not those with whom they reside. School and school staff provide an alternative safe environment, one in which children are familiar and comfortable with and have access to on a regular basis.

The model policies do not align with evidence-based practices for transgendered youth as delineated in section 22.1-23.3 of the Code of Virginia, specifically as it pertains to the maintenance of students records, the protection of student privacy, and the confidentiality of sensitive information.

The policy leaves little room for an individualized approach to student needs. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to educating students and providing them with social-emotional support and care. School staff need flexibility on how to best address the very complex needs of students who face the inevitable challenges that come with exploring one’s gender identity. These policies fail to account for the nuances that must be navigated when addressing the needs of students as individuals with varying needs and circumstances.

The Alexandria City School Board initially adopted a policy of nondiscrimination in education in December 1996. Since 2013, the nondiscrimination policy has recognized gender identity and gender expression as protected classes for equal educational opportunities, and we continue the practice of reviewing and revising our policies with an equity lens. School Board Policy JB: Nondiscrimination in Education protects students from discrimination due to gender expression, gender identity, sexual harassment and transgender status.

Our school division is committed to the fulfillment of its ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan: Equity for All  which was adopted by our School Board in June 2020. We believe that these “model policies” undermine this vital work and set the clock back on the gains we have accomplished as a school division. We respectfully request that these “model policies” not be adopted by school divisions as we are convinced that they will have a lasting and harmful impact on our youth across the Commonwealth. It not only impacts students who identify as transgender, it also affects their families, friends and loved ones who will grapple with the lasting effects on these youth including mental health issues, suicide, substance abuse/use and the impact on their social emotional well-being. We need to stay focused on the academic recovery of our students and refrain from this distracting work.


Governor Youngkin’s 2022 Gender Statement

Carolyn Poirot, Rockingham County Schools

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<p>I strongly support Governor Youngkin’s Gender Statement! Children need to be protected and not exposed to harmful ideologies at school! </p>


Opposed

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This is ridiculous that trans people still need to fight for their rights at this point in time. Trans rights are human rights and anyone that supports this policy does not support other human beings.


Resources and Safe Spaces

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Page 2-3 - If schools always defer to parents’ judgement millions of children will lack protection from sexual abuse, incest, and physical abuse.  I experienced over 15 years of sexual abuse by my parent; I was the child victim of “the parent is always right” belief when schools don’t intervene.  Schools have an opportunity to protect children and it is VERY important children know that “parents are not always right” and that school is a potential space to find safety and help if needed.

Page 2-3 - Doctors and therapists do not inform parents of every conversation with a child, they are asked to leave the room for sensitive exams and conversations.  In much the same way, a school should NOT be sharing sensitive information released by the student to another adult professional.  If a student is in danger at home, they need another place and person to talk to.

Page 2-3 - To serve the needs of all students one needs to accept all students, the 2022 Model does not support or encourage acceptance, but rather tries to conform everyone into one definition and two sexes.  The needs of students goes beyond “sex” it includes but is not limited to learning styles, learning disabilities, cognitive differences, and language differences, none of which are mentioned in this model policy.

Page 4 - I support the definitions from the 2021 Model Policy to better support “all” students.

Page 5 - I disagree.  2022 does not include the 2021 policy comments, therefore it is not  inclusive.

Page 9 - Nothing in the 2022 Model addresses or gives guidance to the reason a student may be feeling suicidal.  To provide dignity and respect to our students, we need to address why someone is feeling unsafe or unsupported.  The 2021 Model informs the public and education professional of possible reasons why a student may be feeling suicidal and offers next steps.

Page 10 - We give students different environments to learn (such as labs, gyms, libraries, ramps, even chair options to meet their needs). The proposed restroom policy singles out non-conforming students and denies them an environment to not only learn (gym prep) but for a basic human biological function.

Resources – If the 2021 Model policy does not include the 2022 model resources, then update the 2021 version to include them.

Sample Policy - By forcing educational personnel to follow school records vs a student’s preference, you are no longer supporting or treating “all” students with respect and dignity.

I strongly oppose the 2022 Model Policy, and I support the current 2021 Model Policy.


We will not be silent. Protect trans people.

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<p>Trans people are not your enemy. They do not want to hurt you. </p>


RCPS teacher and Trans-ally

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I strongly oppose the governor’s proposal.

He can go suck an egg.

I will continue to do what is best for students in my classroom.

I am very much looking forward to a time when you are no longer our Governor.


In Support of the new Pro-Parent Policies!

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

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


Oppose

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In section D, Identification of students, it states:

"1. Every effort should be made to ensure that a transgender student wishing to change his or her means of address is treated with respect, compassion, and dignity in the classroom and school environment."

This statement is immediately rejected by the following:

"2. [School Division] personnel shall refer to each student using only (i) the name that appears in the student’s official record, or (ii) if the student prefers, using any nickname commonly associated with the name that appears in the student’s official record.

3. [School Division] personnel shall refer to each student using only the pronouns appropriate to the sex appearing in the student’s official record - that is, male pronouns for a student whose legal sex is male, and female pronouns for a student whose legal sex is female."

I am a public school teacher in Virginia. This is a non-issue that Republicans have created. Non-cisgendered students (LGBTQ+) are at risk for depression and suicide and policies such as these only increase those statistics. It is unnecessary and reckless and killing kids. The dynamics of gender and sex are changing - that's okay! There is nothing inherently wrong with that even if it makes some people uncomfortable. Please leave these children alone and let schools continue to do what they do best: care for and ensure the safety of the children under their roof. School personnel know and care about kids. School personnel already communicate with families about their children. Please, instead of using trendy political topics to continue to divide us, create policies to help school personnel build supportive bridges with parents and families of these already at-risk youth. The rights of our students to be who they are and be supported in that outweighs the opinions of those that are uncomfortable. Families affected are already supported by school personnel. This policy is stoking a dying fire and making it worse.

Oppose these new guidelines and continue with the caring guidelines of the previous administration. We need more care in our state, not more division and hate.


Oppose

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<p>I oppose the updated policy. Students should be allowed to choose their own pronouns without approval from their parents or guardians </p>


Terrible policy change

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<p>This policy will create a hostile environment for trans students at school, and a any education policy that makes school more hostile to students is a policy that needs to be rejected. </p>


highschool dxd's character gasper

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<p>gasper is a hot vampire </p>


Very much opposed

Very much opposed to the proposed change.  These kids are struggling in life enough, with how God made them, and now they have other people trying to make their lives miserable who are, in actuality, being critical of God's handiwork.The principle reason that dominates the hatred seems to stem from Biblical verse, English mistranslations of the original Hebrew language and idioms.  And many using that basis for their position (probably a large number of the supporters on this page) don't even realize that the Bible wasn't originally written in English, which is laughable.Treat these kids with dignity and respect.  Help them escape the trauma associated with gender-based restrooms.  Allow them to have a moment's piece at school, as the home lives of many are not good due to parents with a lack of understanding.

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Very much opposed to the proposed change.  These kids are struggling in life enough, with how God made them, and now they have other people trying to make their lives miserable who are, in actuality, being critical of God's handiwork.

The principle reason that dominates the hatred seems to stem from Biblical verse, English mistranslations of the original Hebrew language and idioms.  And many using that basis for their position (probably a large number of the supporters on this page) don't even realize that the Bible wasn't originally written in English, which is laughable.

Treat these kids with dignity and respect.  Help them escape the trauma associated with gender-based restrooms.  Allow them to have a moment's piece at school, as the home lives of many are not good due to parents with a lack of understanding.


I do not support the Governor’s policy

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I support all kids in Virginia, and all kids includes transgender kids. I do not support the Governor’s policy.


Most Strongly Support!

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I most strongly support this wise policy to protect the families of Virginia. It is really just common sense and decency.


Our priority should be students' welfare

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I beleive that schools should protect the rights of all students to express themselves and receive the care, empathy, and understanding they deserve for being who they are.  If we think back to the civil rights era, we realize it is abhorrent to discriminate against individuals because of their race.  So, too, is it wrong to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  Children are navigating who they are at this point in their lives, and they need support, not censure.  It is especially critical that transgender students -- who are at greater risk of depression and suicide -- are able to affirm their identity.

I do not support any regulation that prevents this fundamental right to be oneself.


YESSS!! Parents know better most of the time, thankful for this!!

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<p>I’m thankful to Youngkin because it is so important that parents are allowed to stay on tip of what is going ok with their kids. They know their kids best; children are not fully developed and do not know better for themselves. Kids are NOT mini adults; they are inexperienced, vulnerable to popular vote, and are only just growing up where they might make tons of bad decisions! For the most part, parents have given up their life to love their children! to support and educate these kids. They know better. What an amazing resource to have families who are raising their children, studying their very needs and their wants in order to carefully and intentionally dicern what is the best thing for their kids. Its an extremely hard process, there is no reason for school to get in the way. </p>


Support parent’s rights

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In most cases, parents know and love their children the best. It’s a parents right and duty to  protect their children from the many dangers and false information that is spread in our communities and world. The education system is obligated to teach math, reading, history, science and problem solving skills. Students should learn how to think and make informed decisions with accurate information.  The education system should not tell students what to think and expose them to explicit sexual books in school libraries as well as gender ideology that is against the religious values of many. A child in the classroom should not be encouraged to hide information from their parents and receive gender affirmation from teachers. It’s unbelievably grievous that this would ever been done in schools especially without keeping the parents informed. Transitioning to a different sex is very dangerous and can  result in sterilization and lifelong health complications. Children are not capable of making these decisions. I strongly support parents rights. Thank you and God bless Virginia!


trans people are human! show love not hate!

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opposed! respect trans people


Parents rights to protect their own children from potentially life-ruining decisions!

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If you don’t even know what you want to do for college, how would a child know that they want to permanently change their sex? The government has no right to encourage CHILDREN in dangerous behaviors/life-changing decisions, yet alone block parents from knowing about these major things or “interfering” in their own child’s life. The parent actually cares for the child and has rights to take care of/protect their children. The government has no right to take that away and harm our nation’s new generation.


For the safety of all the children, I oppose these policies.

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Whether biological or not, parents aren’t always a safe place for their children. Trans/non-binary/queer students deserve safety outside of their homes. Sometimes, that can be found in schools staffed with teachers and counselors who are educated on LGBTQIA+ topics and who have a basic understanding of mental health. Schools are formative in the lives of children regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identification or lack there of, and social or financial status’.

As the adults, we must look out for the children who can struggle to standup to their bullies which can sometimes be found at home. If we want to create a successful education system we must be concerned with the children’s safety.  A step towards this can be done by providing continued education to bigot parents who can be hurtful to their own family members. This proposed 2022 model policy would only hurt children and the parent dynamic as it does not encourage healthy communication within a household. It’s a violation of the children's privacy. Before anyone contests, yes children are entitled to their privacy from parents even though they’re minors they are still human with inalienable rights.


Assassination Classroom is great anime.


STOP DEHUMANIZING LBGTQ PEOPLE- OPPOSED


Trans rights a human rights

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<p>Trans rights are human rights, kids are just as valid as adults, gender assignment at birth does not define a human beings gender identity in the present of future. I'm a trans kid and I am terrified every day to go to school. because I don't know what to expect. I'm out at school and I don't feel safe to go there. and its not just about protecting girls and women. What about the trans kids all the other kids just like me who get bullied every day just for being themselves we need protection too. just because we're different does not make us monsters. We deserve to feel safe and comfortable too. The fact that I don't feel safe or comfortable in Luray High School is the issue. So instead of debating on if a kid a human being can use a bathroom why not try to make schools and other places safe for trans kids and trans adults. </p>


Model 2022

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Strongly Agree, parental rights foremost


Strongly oppose this policy

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Transgender students deserve the same rights and freedoms as everyone else – the ability to be recognized for who they are and how they perceive themselves. Thee Model Policies will hurt transgender students’ rights to present their true selves to the world. Youngkin claims he is protecting parents’ rights, but he is only promoting the interests of parents who oppose their children’s identities. He is limiting the rights of parents who support those identities, as these parents would for the first time have to present legal documentation to ensure that their children’s gender identity and choice of name would be recognized at school. And Youngkin is eviscerating the rights of transgender students themselves.

Adoption of anti-transgender laws and regulations can inflict significant, measurable, and immediate harm to the health and mental well-being of transgender youth; it is not a minor adjustment to obscure rules. A Washington Post survey shows that Youngkin’s proposals have already struck fear and distress in transgender students throughout the state. Other studies show that anti-transgender laws and regulations increase already high rates of depression and suicide among transgender youth, rates which have already been increasing along with the recent wave of anti-transgender legislation nationally. One report found that in 2021, 42% of transgender youth aged 13-24 years old seriously considered suicide. The proposed Model Policies reflect a cold indifference to the well-being of transgender students and a willingness to inflict cruelty on them for political gain in the culture wars Governor Youngkin so energetically pursues.

Three of the changes to be imposed by Governor Youngkin’s Model Policies have been directly correlated with rates of attempted suicide among transgender youth. Respect for a youth’s pronouns, the ability to change name and gender on legal documents, and access to spaces that affirm their sexual orientation have all been shown to lower rates of attempted suicide among transgender youth. The Governor’s Model Policies would reverse current Virginia regulations protecting all of those rights in school settings.


I will cum buckets into Saika

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Saika is hot asf bro lets go!!!!


Strongly Against!

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Transgender kids will not feel like themselves if they can't be addressed by their proper pronouns and use the bathroom they feel most comfortable in. This issue is silly, kids should be able to what they feel most comfortable doing. There should be no homophobia, it's very similar to discrimination. I can compare this issue to back in the 60's when there were bathrooms segregated by color except this time it's gender identity. This could also lead to an increase in suicide. Only students can decide what's best for the community and their school, parents don't get to decide.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This policy is harmful to LGBTQIA+ students. Policies like this will not protect them or offer a conducive environment for learning in schools. I strongly oppose this allowed to be implemented. </p>


Respect is powerful

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Respect is a very powerful thing and doing something very small like calling a child by a name they prefer is very simple. Acknowledging that as children grow up, they discover more about themselves is good and doing small acts that show you respect their identity is easy. I've seen the effect that small actions have every day and no one should try to take away a way to respect people.


Strongly oppose

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<p>I feel very strongly that the proposed policy change will hurt the children. We all know that growing up is hard on some children regardless of how they identify. Schools and teachers have always been a safe place for them to express their feelings about stuff they are going through whether it is struggles with friends or siblings or parents or boyfriends/girlfriends, etc. Having someone to talk to is a much needed outlet. Especially when there is a rise in teenage depression. If you take this away from trans youth, it will only result in more depression in them which will tragically lead to more deaths. Trans youth should be treated with respect to their wishes and the schools should be a safe place for them. </p>


OPPOSED


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New policy is cruel, unsupportive, and WRONG. Trans rights are human rights.


Highly support parents being parents!!!

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The school/government is not the parent ever, let's bring some common sense back. Parents have a right to know anything and everything the school is doing.

Thanks and God Bless


Parent Supporting Trans Kids

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I fully support trans kids and completely oppose any policy that makes schools more unsafe for them. All of the trans adults I know we're disowned by their parents. Sometimes school personnel are the only safe adults a child can talk to.


Best Catboy to exist.


if you have any compassion please OPPOSE


Oppose.

I am a male maid that looks like a female, but I am completely male, even though I like acting like a female. Femboy.Femboy.
Malewife.oppose.

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I am a male maid that looks like a female, but I am completely male, even though I like acting like a female. Femboy.

Femboy.

Malewife.
oppose.


Support Trans and LGBTQ rights

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America is supposed to set an example for the World. All Kids deserve to be healthy and happy. Celebrating and embracing Trans and LGBTQ differences will educate and enhance humanity, and reduce mental health challenges in already marginalized children, youth, and young adults.


Trans kids deserve support. They are unique humans who must have support.

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These children did nothing wrong and they do not need to be bullied and traumatized  by  adults  that they may turn to for guidance. Identity, gender identification and the right to choose their own name they wish to be known as in school are all a part of preventing further mental health issues, which may lead to a hopelessness, which culminates in suicide.  No adult in an educational setting has the right to impose their religious  or personal beliefs on a student and make their learning environment toxic. These students need  acceptance and neutral information about gender identity.


Strongly opposed

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Do not support this bill


Protect Parent’s Rights - Fully support policy

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<p>The school boards and teachers have the responsibility to teach our children the core subjects of math, science, history and liberal arts. They are overstepping their authority to counsel our children on their sexuality. No one is saying that a child can’t make certain choices; it simply states that a parent must give consent. It is a parent’s right and responsibility to know what is happening with their child and to provide them support and guidance. It is not the responsibility of the school board or teachers. Thank you, Governor Youngkin, for giving the power to raise our children back to the parents. </p>


YOUNGKIN

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SLEEZY POLITICIANS DONT CARE ABOUT OUR SAFETY. KEEP TRANS PEOPLE SAFE


Trans rights are human rights

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<p>Trans kids exsist, being trans is NOT a mental illness or a fad, kids know themselves better than the teachers or the parents, trans kids are their own people, they deserve human rights. </p>


OPPOSED OPPOSED OPPOSED OPPOSED TO THE THOUSANDTH DEGREE


Malewife Astolfo.

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Astolfo is the essence of my life, he uses he/him pronouns and goes by that. His class is rider and he also goes by "Kuro no Raida", he partakes in the Holy Grail War and fights with many other people.

Anyway I oppose to this.


Oppose

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I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia.


Strongly Oppose This Policy

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I strongly oppose this policy. It has few and dubious benefits, and will impose very real tangible harm on transgender students in Virginians.

The policy is not based upon consensus recommendations of recognized pediatric medical and developmental health care associations.  Indeed, significant medical research demonstrates the very harm that the policy threatens.

Trans students gender identity poses no inherent harm to others. Trans students are already challenged and vulnerable school children, and under constant heavy pressure to conform. This policy would add to that by institutionalizing the belief that their gender identity is inferior to the community's demands for conformity, that they are by law inferior to other students, that they have fewer rights in our society, that they will remember all their lives.

This policy will also increase the risk that trans students will be ostracized and bullied, and will suffer violence for violating state sanctioned community conformity.

The policy risks disrupting perhaps permanently, trans students education and development into educated, healthy, well adjusted adults by requiring them to deny and repudiate the gender they identify and adopt and adhere to a birth gender identity deeply alien to them.  This will add to the already heavy psychological burdens and coping requirements they carry every day in their efforts to belong to the school and larger community.

Forcing trans students to adopt a gender identity that is alien increases risks of alienation, withdrawal, isolation, severe depression and hopelessness, and contributes to risks of self harm and suicide.  Trans students have a documented higher risk.  These policies will increase those risks.

Trans students need acceptance, safety and belonging in public schools and a learning environment that reflects that objective is essential to their educational development and growth, vital to their stable mental and physical health and their ability to engage with and thrive in the world around them, and to participate fully and contribute fully to the future of our commonwealth.

We have as much or more to learn from trans students as an other member of our community. Their active, engaged participation in school requires us to change and grow in our understanding. Change and accommodation of others different from us in appearance is challenging and inconvenient, but we must all learn to reasonably accommodate difference in diverse school environments to function effectively in a diverse world.  What are we teaching both non-trans and trans students if we mandate a policy that eliminates reasonable accommodation.  We are telling them that trans students are not worth accommodation and inconvenience, and that we are not prepared to grow to meet the challenge of learning from their full participation as members in our commonwealth.  Bad lessons for any child.

Please do not impose the needless and irremediable harm these policies risk to trans students and to their families and communities. These harms are real and tangible, and life altering. The policy would be a stain on Virginia's reputation for recognizing, learning, growth and progress in the protection of core human rights and values.

Before moving forward, it is important to gather all the resources and expertise,  including medical, to learn more about the benefits and costs and ramifications of any trans student policy to the children the board is charged with educating and protecting. Learn from trans students who have matriculated and those that haven't and members of their families. Listen and learn the most reliable information about what is best for the children, and reach a consensus.

All Virginians deserve that policy.

I look forward to seeing it.


Strongly oppose dehumanizing policies

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I strongly oppose the draft model policies, which place undue burdens on trans kids and their parents.


Trans kids

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<p>I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS! </p>


I am definitely opposed


Trans kids

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<p>I don’t support this! </p>


PROTECT TRANS KIDS

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<p>Continuously policy is being shared that targets disadvantaged populations, I do not support this. Trans children need to be protected better and this policy does the opposite. Disgusting. PROTECT TRANS KIDS, PROTECT OUR DAMN KIDS. </p>


Outing trans kids is inhumane

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<p>Outing trans kids is just horrible- imagine if someone outed you without your consent. How would you feel about that? </p>


Do not adopt the 2022 Model Policies

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The 2022 Model Policies define far fewer terms regarding gender identity than the 2021 Model Policies. The 2021 Model Policies defined eleven scientifically-backed and LGBTQ+-inclusive terms surrounding gender identity. The 2022 Model Policies define only two terms regarding gender identity: “sex” and “transgender student.”

Neither of these definitions meet the evidence-based best practices as is required in Va. Code § 22.1-23.3(A). Sex is defined as “biological sex” in the 2022 Model Policies. The 2022 Model Policies also define “transgender student” as “a public school student whose parent has requested in writing, due to their child’s persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs with his or her sex, that their child be so identified while at school.” Both these definitions use outdated and scientifically incorrect terminology in defining the trans identity. The 2022 Model Policies’ definitions and terminology cannot meet the evidence-based best practices requirement.

Notably, the 2022 Model Policies define being trans as depending on parents’ recognition instead of the student’s self-identification. They further call being trans the student’s “belief” which reinforces the false narrative that being trans is a choice as opposed to a deeply held knowledge and realization of one’s identity. It further operates on a male/female binary by using the term “his or her” that is demonstrably and scientifically false as it erases the existence of intersex and nonbinary people. This shift in definitions completely strips trans children of the self-determination of their identity in Virginia’s public schools.

This is wrong because it’s blatantly discriminatory and ignores a trans person’s right to privacy. It also directly goes against fact and bases itself in a false narrative.

This affects my friend and teammate who has already faced enough hardship for just wanting to exist as who he is. I am a member of the Virginia Women’s Rowing Team and I support and love my teammate. These policies directly hurt his right to privacy, self identity, and overall existence.

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


this will harm children! doctors have warned!


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy. It is clearly meant to harass students who identify as trans, and to punish teachers who respect their requests to use preferred names or pronouns, by placing additional administrative hurdles in front of them, irregardless of the student’s parents wishes. Enforcing this policy would be absurd. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>I vehemently oppose the proposed change. As a parents of six children educated in Virginia public schools our agenda has always been to educate them, first and foremost, to grow up to be good, kind, empathetic, tolerant, respectful, critically thinking, scientifically literate, versed in evidence-based history, well educated adults. All of our kids should be proud and happy to be who they are and be loved and respected for who they are. The proposed change is retrogressive and panders to a small, loud subset of intolerant and willfully ignorant parents who are promoting “a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation”—and let’s call it what it is—White Christian nationalism. We should support the rights of the vast majority of parents who work with our supremely competent education professionals to provide our kids a first class, reality-based education and help them grow into their best possible selves. </p>


Vehemently Oppose

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<p>As a parent of a trans youth, these proposals are not only despicable, they are also deadly.   Republicans push protecting lives so hard, then protect these kids, and do not risk outing them to potentially abusive families.   </p>


Parents have the first priority of place when it comes to their child’s needs

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<p>I support the governors policies. Our children are not wards of the government. Protect and promote family relationships instead of undermining them. </p>


Strongly oppose

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The Virginia legislature adopted legislation in 2020 that required the Department of Education to provide school boards with model policies to support students as they navigate the complex path to establishing their personal identity, including the protection of transgendered students’ rights. Model policies issued in 2021 provided clear guidelines for local school boards to follow in establishing local policy.

The new model policies issued by the Virginia Department of Education contradict the intention of the legislature in passing the original bill. This will confuse both school districts and individual educators.

Many legal scholars have stated that the proposed policy would require districts and teachers to violate Federal and Virginia law. Costly litigation will divert critically needed education dollars from the classroom.

We urge the Department of Education to revise the proposed guidelines to conform with the original intent of the legislature and to comply with Federal law.


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Support parents rights and all students rights


Oppose overturning policy

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<p>We need to protect all kids including trans kids. No harm is done to cis kids by assuring trans kids can safely go to school and be treated well and not humiliated and forced to give up going to the bathroom during the school day. Just leave the kids alone! </p>


Strongly oppose - kids have a right to a safe school

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<p>I love my daughter unconditionally. I will love her no matter how she identifies. What this policy does not do is provide any additional parental rights. A parental right would be my daughter being able to have an open and honest conversation with her school counselor. Knowing that my daughter is safe in their school is a right all parent’s deserve. NOT outing a student to their parents who may not be ready to be open about who they are. I am ashamed that our great state has devolved into these faux culture wars. I only hope our governor rescinds this awful policy and to stop politicizing students and teachers. Support our educators. Support our students. End the politicization of our schools </p>


Support parental rights

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Families are the building blocks of society. Parental rights must be respected to allow the family to flourish. Parents have the right and duty to raise their children as respectful, loyal, honest, and good citizens or residents. They are beat equipped to have a positive impact on the youth who will shape our nations future


Strongly Oppose! Protect the Children

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Students deserve to have their rights protected. There is nothing in the current laws that take any rights away from parents, however, changing the policy will put many children in danger. The relationship one has with their child should be open enough to have honest conversation but that is not always true. For many LGTB+ children school is their safe place and the place they can truly be themselves. No one is trying to change children into anything or conceal anything from parents. Allowing children a safe place to be who they are is protecting so many.

Please do not put this policy in place. Children have rights to be who they are.


Fully Support this Trans Policy

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<p>I fully support VA's proposed trans policy. It is more than fair and accomodating. Please thank the Governor for doing what he said he would do. This is one if the reasons we elected him. </p>


TRANS PEOPLE ARENT DANGEROUS! GUNS ARE!

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kids arent depressed because of pronouns or  like that. were scared to go to school. keep schools safe from guns not students


What are we afraid of?

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<p>This starts with the misguided belief that all parents are loving and treat their children well. What about an unreasonable parent that ignores the true belief of their child?  Would the school not intervene or offer counseling, or provide a safe space for a child that was being physically abused by their parent?  But what if the parents belief that corporal punishment is ok?  Why is the parent’s right to decide not taken into account in every situation?  Because we know sometimes a child’s interests are not respected by parents. We should apply that same standard for gender beliefs.  I’m not saying schools should help children go get surgery or physical treatments with telling parents, but let the, express their true selves, even if they are afraid to tell their parents.  That’s what this boils down to. Unfortunately an unrealistic fear of “liberal teachers convincing ‘normal kids’ that they’re really transgender is being pushed by a vocal group, we are setting up to fail our kids.  We will look back on this time and regret the harm we unnecessarily caused if we adopt this policy. </p>


Oppose the 2022 Model Policies

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Genevieve Bashore, 4th year student at the University of Virginia.

I strongly oppose the 2022 Model Policies and ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.

The 2022 Model Policies implement damaging changes to anti-bullying policies and limit students freedom of autonomy. The 2022 Model Policies robs students of explicit protections regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. The new policies only recognize “biological sex” as a form of identification, and only accepts the binary of sex that our society assumes. The guidelines outlined in the 2022 Model remove the protections that support trans individuals. It is apparent in this policy change that the VDOE does not care about LGBTQ+ youth being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against.

The policy demands that the only qualifying constituent for terms of address is the legal record which displays gender and name identification. Even the support of parents (while this should not be the determinant either) is not enough to allow a student to be addressed by their rightful pronouns or name. Changes must be made to the legal document for this recognition of personhood to occur. This is a long and arduous process which is made increasingly difficult by systemic barriers which hinder a person’s ability to undergo such changes. The 2022 Model Policies further encumbers students by actively disregarding their identification of self and denying them their right to exist. Schools should not be acting to impede their students’ evolution and should instead support them in this process. This is an abhorrent erasure of identity that needlessly enforces archaic standards of recognition and allows for discrimination through arbitrary terms.

The 2022 Model Policies contend with individual rights on multiple fronts. They not only takes away one’s freedom of expression, but to a much more extreme extent, endanger the lives of individuals who exist outside off our society’s conventions. These policies threaten to ‘out’ students to their parents. Many trans youth are not in situations where they will be accepted should their parents learn of their identity, some may even be endangered by this act. By denying students of their identity and exposing their privacy to their families, schools are actively discouraging trans youth from attending school by making it an unsafe environment. This policy change is an act of aggression against the LGBTQ+ community. It deprives individuals of their right to existence because they do not conform to compulsory archetypes. I implore policy makers to listen to the public and to not let such heinous policies be implemented.

As a former student of a Virginia public high school I have witnessed my trans peers face discrimination from both students and faculty. However, I have also witnessed a culture of acceptance and cultivation among the community I was a part of. The high school that I attended was quite supportive of LGBTQ+ youth, an environment which promoted acceptance and cultivated the development of understanding individuals. By allowing students to exist in the conditions of their truth the school fostered discourse and bolstered the community. Since that time much progress has been made in advancing trans protections. However, the 2022 Model Policies seek to undo so much of the good that has been created. To see our society regressing is truly painful. Such injustice will not be condoned.

Once again, I ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies and reinstate the 2021 Model Policies.


Histrionics in governance

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The unintended consequences of these guidelines are going to be catastrophic and painful. People will always have nicknames (I swear if I had a penny for every time someone told me "please, Bill is my dad, call me Jack" I could freaking buy Alaska again (and not just because Russia is desperate)), no one should be looking at childrens genitalia, and if parents are really so upset about their children being exposed to narratives and facts that make them uncomfortable, they're welcome to homeschool their children.

Teachers are already dealing with more than they're being paid to handle. Asking them to police the identities of the children they're responsible for educating, and even worse, expecting them to snitch on them to their parents?

Look, if parents really want to know what is going on with their children, and they don't know? That's on them.

Parents get to have the relationship with their children that they create. If their children don't trust them, if their children don't talk to them—that's something that they need to fix themselves.


Proud parent

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I am disgusted by Youngkins attempts to disrespect our children. Any parent who supports the attack on our children to be who they have a RIGHT to be should be ashamed!! Stop trying to use schools to parent your kids!! We should be rejoicing that this generation is not stuck with the same stigma from previous generations! Leave them alone and keep your bigoted policies out of our schools!


Oppose proposed changes

Katie Morgans, Albemarle County Public Schools

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<p>Besides not being grounded in research, which is bad enough, these proposed changes are clearly not about parental rights because they give teachers the ability to opt out of using a student’s correct pronouns, even if a parent has asked them to. This is just anti-trans garbage. </p>


Help us protect our children

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Please rescind this new model policy language. This is not what our general assembly intended with this bill.  The original model policy seeks to protect our children and affirm our parental rights to keep them safe. The best way to do that is by allowing them to be whomever they are meant to be.

Why on Earth are you so obsessed about which bathroom our kids use? It's actually creepy the amount of time that you spend thinking about children's genitals.

You speak about parents' rights, but which parents are you supporting? Certainly not me.

School is hard enough to navigate as a kid. Please leave our kids alone and spend more time worrying about how to attract and retain amazing teachers  and less time worrying about where our kids pee.


Alliance Defending Freedom SUPPORTS the Proposed Model Policies

Ryan Bangert, SVP, Alliance Defending Freedom

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Alliance Defending Freedom (“ADF”) supports the Virginia Department of Education’s proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools (“2022 Model Policies”). This rule replaces the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools (“2021 Model Policies”). Unlike the 2021 Model Policies, the 2022 Model Policies respect parents’ role in making important healthcare and education decisions; maintain safe intimate spaces for women and girls; preserve sex-separate sports to allow women and girls the opportunity to thrive among their peers; and respect students’ and teachers’ fundamental freedoms of religion and speech. Moreover, the 2022 Model Policies correctly afford compassion and respect to all students, regardless of their gender identity.

ADF is an alliance-building legal organization that advocates for the right of all people to freely live out their faith. It pursues its mission through litigation, training, strategy, and funding. Since its launch in 1994, ADF has handled many legal matters at both the state and federal levels involving parental rights, athletic fairness, student privacy, the First Amendment, and other legal principles, including several cases arising from constitutional violations by school districts following the 2021 Model Policies.

The 2022 Model Policies recognize that parents are the primary caregivers for their children, they have the right to make important healthcare and education decisions for their children, and they should not be treated with suspicion by a school.

School officials should openly communicate with parents about all aspects of their child’s school life.

The 2022 Model Policies rightfully foster this communication by seeking to engage parents first. They ensure parents can opt their child out of counseling services pertaining to gender and allow parents to decide whether to permit a school counselor to speak with their child about gender-related questions. See 2022 Model Policies §§ III.A.3-4. School officials must use a student’s legal name (or its derivative) along with pronouns consistent with the student’s sex unless the parents request otherwise. See §§ III.D.2-4. A student’s name or sex in the official school records can only be changed if requested by a parent and substantiated by a legal document indicating such change. See §§ III.C.1-2. Finally, the 2022 Model Policies prohibit school officials from requiring that teachers conceal material information about students from parents. See §§ III.D.7.

Parents’ rights to raise, care for, and educate their children are pre-political natural rights. “[T]hose who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” Pierce v. Soc’y of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510, 535 (1925).

The United States Constitution and Virginia law recognize and protect parental rights. The law recognizes that parents, not school officials, are the primary decision-makers with respect to their minor children. Parham v. J.R., 442 U.S. 584, 602 (1979) (“Our jurisprudence historically has reflected . . . broad parental authority over minor children.”).

Children lack the “maturity, experience, and capacity for judgment required for making life’s difficult decisions,” which is why parents have authority to make decisions in their child’s best interests. Id. And, parents, not government officials, “hav[e] the most effective motives and inclinations and [are] in the best position and under the strongest obligations” to decide what is best for their children. Jackson v. Benson, 578 N.W.2d 602, 621 (Wis. 1998).

Parents’ constitutional rights reach their peak on “matters of the greatest importance.” C.N. v. Ridgewood Bd. of Educ., 430 F.3d 159, 184 (3d Cir. 2005); see Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205, 233–34 (1972). Medical and health-related decisions fall in this category: “Most children, even in adolescence, simply are not able to make sound judgments concerning many decisions . . . . Parents can and must make those judgments.” Parham, 442 U.S. at 603.

Virginia law, like federal law, affirms these fundamental rights. Va. Code § 1-240.1 (“A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.”); § 22.1-207.2 (parental right to review a school’s family life curricula); § 22.1-207.2:1 (parental right to review audio-visual materials with graphic sexual or violent content in anti-bullying or suicide prevention program).

Affirming parental rights and empowering parents ensures each child’s emotional, social, and physical needs are met. Parents know their own child’s specific needs best, and parents are best equipped and positioned to meet those needs. Consequently, schools should never seek to hide information from parents or cut them out of important decisions impacting their child’s health.

Unfortunately, school districts in Virginia used the 2021 Model Policies to introduce harmful policies that exclude parents from conversations about their children’s health and force teachers to deceive parents about their children’s struggles.

ADF is challenging several such policies. In the Harrisonburg City Public Schools, teachers are required to ask for and always use a student’s preferred names and pronouns. Teachers also must hide that information from parents unless school officials authorize sharing it. See Complaint filed in D.F. v. Sch. Bd. of Harrisonburg, Case No. CL22-1304. Loudoun County public schools proposed a similar policy and placed a teacher on administrative leave because of his speech at a public board meeting questioning the policy. See Complaint filed in Cross v. Loudoun Cty. Sch. Bd., Case No. CL21-3254.

Many districts also maintain “shadow records” where official student records, accessible by parents, contain different information from the child’s “Gender Support Plan” or other “shadow” files hidden from parents—even if they specifically request to access their child’s records. A district court in Kansas recently found that such policies likely violate the Constitution. Ricard v. USD 475 Geary Cnty. Sch. Bd., No. 5:22-cv-04015, 2022 WL 1471372 (D. Kan. May 9, 2022), ECF No. 21.

These policies intentionally exclude parents from important information and conversations about their minor child by falsely presuming school officials—who may only interact with a child for a few hours each week—are better equipped to guide a child through adolescence and beyond than the child’s parents.

This is an unconstitutional imposition on parents’ fundamental rights.

Deferring to parents’ decision-making is especially critical with respect to gender identity struggles in children, where leading psychiatrists and psychotherapists widely vary on both causation and the best courses of intervention. See Expert Aff. of Dr. Stephen B. Levine, Doe v. Madison Metro. Sch. Dist., No. 20-CV-454, ¶¶ 22-44 (Wis. Cir. Ct. signed Feb. 10, 2020), https://bit.ly/3TSOerz. Governments should not mandate a one-size-fits-all approach in these cases. Even more concerning is evidence that a majority of children (in several studies, a very large majority) diagnosed with gender dysphoria “desist”—their gender dysphoria did not persist—beyond puberty. Id. ¶¶ 60-62.

Indeed, immediately putting a child with gender-related distress on puberty blockers pushes them down a dangerous and potentially irreversible path. The child risks a range of long-term harms, including sterilization (chemical or surgical); physical health risks associated with exposure to elevated levels of cross-sex hormones; surgical complications and lifelong after-care; family alienation; inability to form healthy romantic relationships; and elevated mental health risks. Id. ¶¶ 98-120. Some countries, like Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom, have stopped encouraging children to transition, employing instead a “watch and wait” approach. See, e.g., Royal College of Psychiatrists, Supporting transgender and gender-diverse people, March 2018 (United Kingdom).

Under Virginia law, the Department of Education must develop model policies “in accordance with evidence-based best practices.” Va. Code § 22.1-23.3. But the 2021 Model Policies unquestioningly adopted a reflexive “affirmative” response to students experiencing distress with their biological sex, ignoring evidence that a student’s “social transition” as part of an “affirmative” response (i.e., using different names, pronouns, or clothes) has real, significant implications for the child’s long-term health. Decl. & Expert Rep. of Dr. Stephen B. Levine, B.P.J. v. W. Va. State Bd. of Educ., No. 2:21-cv00316 (S.D. W. Va. Feb. 23, 2022), ECF 286-1, ¶¶ 127-137, https://bit.ly/3L19WFw.

The 2022 Model Policies correct the 2021 Model Policies’ unsupported, one-size-fits-all, immediate-affirmation approach. The 2022 Model Policies recognize medical and psychiatric treatment should be administered by doctors and psychiatrists with the appropriate informed consent. The school’s role is not to diagnose a child and have teachers administer such treatment without parents’ knowledge or consent.

School officials were never meant to be gatekeepers controlling when and whether parents have access to their children’s lives. The 2022 Model Policies correct this error and reflect parents’ primary role in directing their child’s upbringing.

The 2022 Model Policies preserve safe intimate spaces for women and girls.

Restrooms, locker rooms, and hotel rooms are intimate spaces where people sleep, change, shower, and perform other private functions. They are spaces where people are vulnerable, especially young women. No person should be forced to disrobe or do other private activities in the presence of members of the opposite sex. This basic and commonsense principle of human dignity is why we have separate changing facilities, shower areas, restrooms, overnight accommodations, and dorms for men and women, boys and girls.

Under the 2022 Model Policies, “[o]vernight travel accommodations, locker rooms, and other intimate spaces” (including restrooms), shall be used by students based on sex. See 2022 Model Policies §§ III.G.2-3. The 2022 Model Policies also provide, however, that “[s]ingle-user bathrooms and facilities” be made widely accessible for all students. See § III.G.4.

Private spaces are separated by sex to promote critical objectives such as privacy, dignity, and an environment free of sexual harassment. The 2022 Model Policies respect students’ right to have their personal privacy protected, especially survivors of traumatic sexual harassment or assault.

Justice Ginsburg agreed that sex-separate spaces are not only constitutionally permissible, but also “in some situations required, by regard for individual privacy.” Ruth Bader Ginsburg, The Fear of the Equal Rights Amendment, The Wash. Post, April 7, 1975. Such individual privacy is “a right of constitutional dimension” and runs in harmony with, not contradictory to, equality. Id.

Female students deserve to know that their physical privacy will be protected. Being forced to expose one’s unclothed body to “people of the other sex may be especially demeaning and humiliating.” Fortner v. Thomas, 983 F.2d 1024, 1030 (11th Cir. 1993) (citation omitted). Those concerns are heightened for self-conscious teenagers going through puberty and girls who are facing new and varying feminine hygiene needs. Schools should be places where girls can learn and grow, not be subjected to “embarrassing, frightening, and humiliating” experiences. Safford Unified Sch. Dist. No. 1 v. Redding, 557 U.S. 364, 374-75 (2009). Female athletes forced to share locker rooms and private spaces with a male describe “extreme discomfort” because of his physical body, not his gender identity. Allie Griffin, Lia Thomas competitor says she felt ‘extreme discomfort’ sharing locker room, N.Y. Post (July 27, 2022), https://nypost.com/2022/07/27/lia-thomas-competitor-riley-gaines-felt-extreme-discomfort-in-locker-room/.

Being forced to sleep or undress alongside males can be traumatic for female sexual assault survivors. Many of these women struggle to even enter public spaces where they will encounter men—the mere thought of encountering a male in private spaces where they undress, attend to private bodily needs, or sleep only adds to their fear and trauma.

The 2021 Model Policies required access to restrooms corresponding to gender identity be available to all students. That was far beyond what federal law requires and misconstrued Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, 972 F.3d 586, 596 (4th Cir. 2020) (“But today’s question is limited to how school bathroom policies implicate the rights of transgender students who ‘consistently, persistently, and insistently’ express a binary gender.”), as amended Aug. 28, 2020—itself a badly reasoned decision. The 2022 Model Policies restore schools and extracurricular activities as safe spaces for learning and adolescent growth.

The 2022 Model Policies support women and girls by enhancing their safety and opportunities to compete in sport.

Athletic competitions should give girls equal opportunities to showcase their hard work, discipline, and athletic abilities. This means females should compete against only females. Allowing males to compete on female teams harms female athletes, both with respect to their safety and their ability to demonstrate and receive recognition for their accomplishments.

The 2022 Model Policies provide that a student’s participation in “any athletic program or activity that is separated by sex . . . shall be determined by sex.” See 2022 Model Policies § III.H. This restores young womens’ right to have a fair shot at winning and receiving the benefits of competition, like scholarships and recognition for their hard work.

Sex-separated teams exist to provide fair competition. They control for physiological differences so competition can reward “talent, strategy, training, and dedication.” Exhibit 6, Expert Witness Declaration of Dr. Emma Hilton (Hilton Decl.) filed in A.M. v. Indianapolis Public Schools, 1:22-cv-1075 (ECF No. 36-6), ¶ 5.2. The Court agrees: Justice Ginsburg wrote in United States v. Virginia that the “[p]hysical differences between men and women . . . are enduring: ‘[T]he two sexes are not fungible.’” 518 U.S. 515, 533 (1996) (citation omitted).

The athletic advantage held by males over females is because of the male body, not masculine identity. Because athletic competitions test physical bodies and their capabilities, the only way to provide girls with fair competition is to base sports competition on physical bodies, or sex.

Finally, these physical differences also matter for female safety. National and international sports organizations recognize sports can be significantly more dangerous when females are forced to compete against males. See, e.g., World Rugby, World Rugby approves updated transgender participation guidelines (Oct. 9, 2020), https://www.world.rugby/news/591776/world-rugby-approves-updated-transgender-participationguidelines. Since girls are already at a higher risk than boys of career-ending Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries and both concussions and more severe concussion outcomes, it is safer for girls to play exclusively against females. Exhibit 15, Declaration of Chad Carlson in B.P.J. v. W. Va. State Bd. of Educ., ¶¶ 70, 58.

Where safeguards like those in the 2022 Model Policies are not in place, girls are being dramatically and negatively impacted. Girls are being told that they have the right to participate in athletic competitions, but no right to win. See Declaration of Chelsea Mitchell filed in B.P.J. v. W. Va. State Bd. of Educ., 2:21-cv-00316 (ECF No. 286-1), ¶ 14. Female volleyball players felt demoralized after they were too intimidated by a male on the other team and afraid of getting hurt to actually play. See Exhibit 5, Declaration of Darcy Aschoff (Aschoff Decl.) filed in B.P.J. v. W. Va. State Bd. of Educ., 2:21-cv-00316 (ECF No. 286-1), ¶ 24.

Women and girls across the country are afraid to speak up about this issue, fearing retaliation, censorship, and lost scholarships. But they deserve real opportunities to compete, earn scholarships, and win on a fair playing field. The 2022 Model Policies allow girls a fair shot at these opportunities while also protecting their safety.

The 2022 Model Policies restore the freedoms of speech and religion for both students and teachers.

Instead of unlawfully censoring certain viewpoints on gender identity or unconstitutionally compelling students and teachers to use pronouns and names inconsistent with a student’s sex, the 2022 Model Policies respect constitutional protections for speech and religion.

The 2022 Model Policies prohibit school officials from compelling staff or students “to address or refer to students in any manner that would violate their constitutionally protected rights.” See 2022 Model Policies § III.D.6.

Schools have long been recognized as important societal institutions for learning and the exploration of ideas. Schools cannot fulfill their function of training citizens fit for participation in American democracy if they become instruments of ideological conformity. This is dangerous for the next generation and often unconstitutional. The myriad opinions on human identity raised by the issue of sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity are the sort of “things that touch the heart of the existing order” over which the Constitution guarantees “the right to differ,” especially in American schools. W. Va. Bd. of Educ. v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624, 642 (1943).

Following the 2021 Model Policies, many Virginia schools imposed restrictions on teacher speech, generating litigation. ADF cases in Harrisonburg and Loudoun County illustrate the harm done by the 2021 Model Policies: school staff members may hold beliefs that prevent them from personally affirming or communicating views about human nature contrary to those beliefs, particularly for those who believe “preferred pronouns” communicate an untrue message to a child. See Complaint filed in D.F. v. Sch. Bd. of Harrisonburg, Case No. CL22-1304, ¶¶ 72–78; Complaint filed in Cross v. Loudon Cty. Sch. Bd., Case No. CL21-3254. Schools have no interest adequate to outweigh the teachers’ interests in such cases.

School policies governing sex and gender identity affect speech and religion. Students who identify as transgender commonly request to be addressed by different names and pronouns. Like any speech, using pronouns inconsistent with a person’s sex communicates the message that what makes a person a man or a woman is solely that person’s sense of being a man or a woman. However, students and teachers who take a contrary view of the relationship between biological sex and personal identity (for religious, philosophical, scientific, or other reasons) may be reluctant to use another’s “preferred” pronouns or name because using them contradicts their own deeply held views. See Meriwether v. Hartop, 992 F.3d 492, 507-08 (6th Cir. 2021) (a professor’s right to refuse to use opposite sex pronouns “reflect[s] [the] conviction that one’s sex cannot be changed”).

The 2022 Model Policies recognize that students who identify as transgender deserve compassion and respect. And so too do teachers and students with different views and beliefs about gender ideology. We can show kindness to the former without violating the rights and convictions of the latter by compelling them to speak things they disagree with. This ensures that teachers are not forced to choose between their faith and their job and that Virginia continues to uphold the fundamental freedoms of all of its citizens.


Opposed, please for the love of God

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I'm not trans. I have really no stake in this. But looking through these comments I am abhorred what some people have to say, and it is shocking how harmful transphobia is. PLEASE protect these kids -- every single person should have the right to express who they truly are without fearing for their safety. That is a human right, and one that harms exactly no one. I know that transness may be confusing, because it slaps our society's deep-rooted patriarchal values in the face and completely destabilizes what we are conditioned to expect from a man and a woman. Personally, I think that is a good thing. But what is most immediately important is trans people's safety and wellbeing, which right now is extremely vulnerable, so we have an ethical imperative to protect it. Therefore I OPPOSE the 2022 Model Policies.


I'm Scared, I am a Child and I am Scared

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If a child felt safe to tell their parent the name, pronouns, and social treatment that makes them feel comfortable in their own skin, I promise you, the child would tell their parents. It hurts every time one of those is misused, so it is a conscious choice to keep their identity quiet. I'm not ready. Since January of this year, I have slowly come out to my closest friends, broadening out. It is terrifying. I've barely worked up the courage to finally tell some of my teachers the accurate way to address me at the beginning of this school year. Finally, I felt liberated, respected, and listened to, all feelings that would be impossible for me to experience with these policies in place. I couldn't be myself, I'm scared that if these policies pass teachers who are uneducated or even prejudiced might take the chance to out me to my parents. I'm scared that my government will pass these polices and by doing so take away the safety I find in the classroom, and take away the love I have for school. My whole heart and soul oppose these proposed polices.

Transgender kids don't need any more hardships, we don't need any more reasons to be scared, or any fewer places to be ourselves. This semester, I have 4 courses, two of which are AP, to study and complete coursework for. I am sick, currently with a cold- possibly worse- but also chronically with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Dysautonomia. I have rehearsals to prepare for and attend, a State Champion public speaking title to defend in the upcoming season, my school's completely student-run drama club to lead as president, and student council duties to fulfill. I have to battle against my anxiety, OCD tendencies, ADHD, and depression every day, I fight to keep living at all. Not to mention, the applications, paperwork, and research I need to conduct to prepare for my post-high school career. I am constantly scraping from the bottom of what should be an empty bucket. And yet, tonight, I spend my time writing out this comment. I should be drawing out construction blueprints and writing the conclusion to an AP Chemistry lab focused on the synthesis of a complex iron salt. Instead, I am writing an explanation that shouldn't have to be given. Instead, I am pleading for you to give young people just a little bit of credit in that we know what feels right to be called and we know when it is safe to tell our dear parents. Instead, I am grappling with the idea that I can't trust my government to protect me and my siblings, not all blood but all family the same.

Doctors have told you plainly these policies will cost lives- children's lives. That should be the one and only argument you need. I have called the mother of my best friend to tell her to go home from work and get to her child because if she didn't she'd come home to her child dead. I have stayed on the phone with my friend so that I could make sure he didn't take the pills he wished he could swallow that would cause his last breaths. I have taken care of my friend after he stayed up all night trying to keep his boyfriend from taking his own life. Horrifyingly, I could go on. Every single one of these people has something in common: we are all trans. There is already the plight of suicide and hurt we go through, when professionals tell you unquestionably your actions will increase this, how could you possibly continue?

I know you want parents involved. I understand that. I agree that parents should play a very close role between the student and teacher. I grant a lot of my success to the fact of my parents being so involved. But the involvement you seek will not bring the results you claim to hope for. All these policies will do is terrorize the already marginalized and almost always bullied transgender students, put teachers in the position of choosing a student's heart over their job, and find another way to make it easier to hate those who are different. I oppose the suggested guidelines.


Support The New Policy

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Teachers need to stop grooming other people's children with their liberal ideology.


Trans Rights

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<p>Strongly opposed </p>


Support New Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools

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<p>I support the new policies 2022 which protect all parents rights to parent and be involved in their child's education. No more opportunities for female students to be sexually assaulted by males using female restrooms. When incidents occur at schools-parents need to be notified. Gender identity books have no place in our elementary schools. Teachers need to teach basic core curriculum-English, Math, Reading, Writing, History, and Science. Stop allowing our children to be brainwashed and exposed to things that are parental choices and responsibilities to discuss with their children in the home. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I respect the data and conclusions of Virginia School Counselors Association who cite the suicide rates experienced among transgender young people who are not respected for the gender with which they identify.

Having worked in Virginia Public Schools for 28 years, I certainly respect parents. However, it is critical that, in the case of respecting the young people who identify as transgender, we must listen to them to save these young lives. We are not talking about a large percentage of Virginia students, but a very small number whose lives and well-being are as important as yours and mine.

This policy must not be enacted.


Strongly oppose

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<p>Schools should be a place where children are able to safely express themselves.  Trans children are especially vulnerable and should be protected.  </p>


I support the new policy

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Hello,

I strongly support the governor new transgender student policy.

Thank you!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>TRANS YOUTH DESERVE PROTECTION THIS IS HARMFUL </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose the proposed policies targeted at gender non-conforming students. Research has shown time and time again that transgender and non-binary individuals are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide when compared to the general population and marginalized sexual orientations. These occur at an alarming rate within the trans community and putting these policies into place will only increase the rate of these mental health issues. The policies will quite literally put our students' lives at risk.

School should be a safe place for all students and the policies proposed do the exact opposite of protecting our students; it puts a target on gender non-conforming students' backs and sets a precedent that the misgendering and mistreatment of trans individuals in school and in society are okay.

I am not okay with this and I do not accept that these policies could be implemented in our schools very shortly. Whether or not you currently have children in the school system, you should be disturbed by this. You should be outraged. I am disgusted, angry, and terrified for our trans students. Do you want children to live or die? I choose life and if VDOE has ANY humanity left within them, they will too.


Strongly Oppose

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This policy will do nothing but cause harm to children figuring out how to be themselves and who they are as people.  Strongly oppose.


Oppose changes to  trans bill

Dr. Alice Twining, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

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I am completely opposed to changes in the bill about our trans children in schools. Ultimately they are the same as all other children and should be accorded the respect they deserve.


it's a nickname...


Strongly Opposed

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<p>This policy is ill-informed and cruel. It’s not for parents or protecting the rights of all students. In fact, it panders to one group at the expense of another, increasing the risks of negative outcomes for affected students. This policy has no place in Virginia and I strongly oppose its implementation. </p>


Strongly opposed to policy dissolving trans students' rights

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I am the parent of two young children. I have also been a public school educator. I am extremely concerned about the proposed policy, which is anti-trans and which will make schools less safe for vulnerable trans youth. Transgendered people, and youth in particular, are at a much higher risk of self-harm, including suicide. We need schools to be a safe space for our children. What we do not need is good teachers and administrators being scared into not being able to do their jobs in making safe learning spaces for all kids.

If my child turned out to be trans, or had any other issue that they didn't want to discuss with me right away, I would hope that they would have other safe people to discuss it with in their daily lives. Yes, I would hope that I would be a safe person for them to talk to about it. But not every child has that situation at home.

Furthermore, as a parent and as a human being, I would hope that we are at the point which we can use people's preferred names and pronouns. This is a human right, but is particularly important for vulnerable children. Who is being hurt when we call another human being what they wish to be called?

Same with bathrooms. Let people use gender-affirming bathrooms. This is the safer and more comfortable way to run our schools.

Lastly, let kids play sports. No kid is coming out as trans so that they can have a leg up on the girls' track team. The idea is ludicrous.

Please, let all of our kids have childhoods in which they can participate in sports, have safe spaces to talk to school counselors and teachers, and use the names they want us to use.

I oppose the draft policy.


Preserve Parental Rights!

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Parents are their children’s first teachers and have legal authority over them. The family is a sacred institution and the basis of a free society. Parents have every right to know what their children are doing or considering doing, especially if it could affect their mental or physical health! Parents MUST be informed if their child requests a name and gender change! To keep this information from parents is a form of grooming behavior, which is never in a child’s best interests. Thank you Gov Youngkin!


Strongly Opposed

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Title says it all, as an educator I am strongly Opposed to this policy that endangers children.


absolutely not

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I may not be in the US, but I have trans friends there who would be utterly miserable if these changes came into effect. They already tiptoe around their parents as it is, and you want to make their life harder?? The potential danger this poses to every trans kid is immeasurable--YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT UNACCEPTING PARENTS ARE CAPABLE OF.


Strongly Oppose


OPPOSE

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STRONGLY OPPOSE!! THIS IS NOT EVEN LEGAL!!


Strongly oppose

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<p>As a mother and a teacher, I OPPOSE this policy, which would create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment. Our kids deserve better. </p>


Support Parental Rights 100%

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Don't let a small group of people dictate the morals and values of the majority.  Support Parental Rights and stop indoctrinating our children.


request for more autonomy and privacy for our students

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<p>I believe that at the high school level, students should be able to request to be addressed with their preferred names and pronouns, and have that request honored by their teachers and school, without having to involve their parents or make any legal changes. </p>


healthy kids have support systems other than their parents!!

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keep schools supportive to different identities! extremely opposed to this horrendous policy!


Revised Transgender policy

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<p>     Parents authority with their children must be respected!!!  Transparency from public schools is always key to a healthy, secure and trusted relationship with parents.  Futhermore, parental authority is a Constitutional right shown many times by the US Supreme Court and also upheld in Virginia law.  It behooves public school administrators to maintain integrity and commitment to fully respect parental authority and adhere to this new and revised policy.  Chuck Boyer</p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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The kid should be treated like their gender. FACTS OVER FEELING!!!! This stuff is going WAY too far and we as parents have GOT TO STAND UP!!!! This is absolutely sick twisted and disgusting! Stop brainwashing our kids and grooming them for this perverted filth!


Common sense please

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I am a parent and medium sized business owner in Fairfax county. I urge the board to take the updated guidance from the governor’s office and accept them for what they are - a common sense approach to protect children at a vulnerable time in their lives. Children need the guidance of their parents to help them navigate life decisions as them grow into full fledged adults and productive citizens of our community. Elevating the responsibility of a child’s upbringing and education is crucial to this process. Therefore parents need to be the most informed and involved person(s) in a child’s life. Not a teacher, administrator, or counselor. Allowing for parents to consent to the use of pronouns should be an easy yes. Using bathroom and locker rooms of one’s sex should be a no brainer.

Have you considered that the mental health epidemic has exploded since woke policies have become reality in Fairfax county. If you tell kids lies are truth it’s not hard to fathom that their sense of reality may become distorted leading them to anxiety, depression, and worse. It’s crazy and sick to keep pushing this while see the direct consequences.

But for some reason so many politicians (you) are scared out of your mind what the woke twitterati will say if you don’t conform and take their authoritarian stance. As a business owner I can’t tell how many women in my company are truly uncomfortable and scared of opening bathrooms to men who a biologically stronger than them and could easily take advantage of them. They are real voices that I guarantee far outnumber the small but loud voices keyboard warriors on twitter. How about you take stand, grow a backbone, and lead by example by having kids (yes kids we’re talking about) use the bathroom of their sex. Listen to your constituents, standup for parents, and protect our kids. Please affirm the governor’s guidelines.


Against the policy

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All people have a right to chose the name they are called. Schools currently allow students to request to be called by a nickname or middle.  This shouldn’t  be taken away from students who are trans.

Trans students  are a vulnerable segment of our population with higher than average incidences of self harm and death by suicide. Having a trusted adult’s support can make a significant difference in these kids’ lives.   Don’t put teachers in a position where they are required to out a student who may not yet be ready to tell their parents.

This policy does not protect our students. It leaves them vulnerable.


Please do not

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This will destroy the mental health of your children, please do not do this.


Trans Rights Are Human Rights

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<p>Trans rights are human rights, let kids be who they are. </p>


Support Trans Kids!

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I strongly oppose the Dept. of Education's 2022 draft model policy and the removal of protections for transgender and non-binary students in Virginia public schools.

As a non-binary adult, I know this legislation would have had a serious negative impact on my mental health when I was a child and would have limited my ability to succeed in school. Please support transgender and non-binary kids.


KIDS NEED TO FEEL SAFE IN THEIR SCHOOLS- WE ARENT HARMED BY TRANS PEOPLE


Anonymous

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I support all kids in Virginia, and all kids includes transgender kids. I do not support the Governor’s policy.


Support parents and school keep informed. Suicidal? Get external mental health help.

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<p>Any teacher who advocates for trans kids rights in school is not doing their job: TEACH your subject matter, not your political preferences. Get off your proverbial high horse and do what you were hired to do. You work for us, not vise versa. </p>


Oppose Guiding Principle A

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Principle A assumes that "parents are in the best position ... to determine (a) what names, nicknames, and/or pronouns, if any, shall be used for their child by teachers and school staff while their child is at school, (b) whether their child engages in any counseling or social transition at school that encourages a gender that differs from their child’s sex, or (c) whether their child expresses a gender that differs with their child’s sex while at school." This strips the student of personal autonomy in the common scenario that their parent is not supportive of or actively aggressive towards non-binary or trans expression. It will put many LGBTQ+ students at risk, making school just another place where they cannot be themselves without fear of being outed to hostile guardians.

Students have the right to their own beliefs, values, and identities outside of their parents (and school!). Let them be themselves.


Strongly support the common-sense policy

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I strongly support the policy which affirms parents as the primary educators and nurturers of their children.  How ironic that the gender-mutilation faction is presented so often as "the norm," while parents' vested-interest holistic care of their child is labelled "radical."  Thank you to Governor Youngkin for this bastion of common sense.


Support proposed 2022 Model Policies on Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and 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 was hostile to parents rights and a proper understanding of the human person. This proposed policy would restore consideration for the rights of parents, students, and school employees.

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

Student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities, and events should be determined by sex, e.g., example for overnight travel accommodations and locker rooms. Girls should be able to participate in female-only sports.


Trans rights are human rights

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<p>I oppose any harmful policy against trans and bi children. </p>


STUDENTS OPPOSE THIS POLICY- THEY STAGED WALKOUTS- LISTEN TO OUR VOICES

LISTEN TO TRANS PEOPLEKEEP TRANS PEOPLE SAFE
TRY EMPATHY AND LISTEN TO TRANS PEOPLESTOP BULLYING

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LISTEN TO TRANS PEOPLE
KEEP TRANS PEOPLE SAFE

TRY EMPATHY AND LISTEN TO TRANS PEOPLE
STOP BULLYING


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this model policy. All students deserve to attend schools that create a caring and supportive environment. Policies such as this deny students agency over themselves, and create a system that would force the state to be complicit in mental or emotional damages to a child in the name of “parents rights.” Courts have confirmed again and again that the rights of the parent are limited when it comes to decisions about health of a minor by granting minors the right to make their own decisions when the parents’ choice is harmful. This same standard should apply to emotional and mental health, and as mandatory reporters, schools have a duty to place the welfare of the minor above personal beliefs. Practices that are encouraged and supported by the best available scientific knowledge should be the standard across public education. This policy is a travesty and has no place in VA. </p>


OPPOSE this administration's effort to marginalize the most vulnerable students!

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Trans students are the most vulnerable students.  This proposal to bring back policies that marginalize them and to force students who identify as girls to use boy's restrooms and vice versa is abhorrent.

It is even more disgusting that you choose to disguise what is blatant, old fashioned discrimation as "parental rights."  But the absolute worse part is the lying and the use of deflection right in the narrative of these guidlines on this site where you claim the 2021 guidleines "ignored legal and constitutional principles" when in fact THESE proposed guidelines are blatant violations of U.S. Supreme Court decisions, federal regulations and state law passed by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Your logic that discriminating against trans students is mandated because of "constitutional protections that prohibit governmental entities from requiring individuals to adhere to or adopt a particular ideological belief" is outrageous.  The only ideological belief in play here, is the extreme right-wing intolerant view that trans people need to be marginalized.  If this were the 1950s, you would be saying that Brown vs. Board of Education was an abomination because it "required individuals to adhere to the ideological belief" that blacks and whites are equal.

You also project when you say "The 2021 Model Policies promoted a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools."  No, the 2021 guidelines promoted equality and non-discrimation.  This administration is the one with the "social" agenda.  Once again, were this the 1950s, you would be saying that the view that segregation was discriminatory "promoted a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools."

These proposed guidelines are a discriminatory disgrace and must not see the light of day.


Strongly Opposed

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Countless experts have repeatedly spoken out about the fact that these policies will only harm gender-nonconforming and transgender children. The role of the VDOE is to protect and serve the school children of Virginia, not to enact hateful policies that will cause nothing but grief and pain for thousands of children.


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose the proposed policies marginalizing trans and LGBTQ students. Students need to supported by counselors in a safe and secure environment and the proposed policies do not foster a healthy place to explore their identity.


Parent Opposed to this Policy

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I am a parent and a friend of several trans persons, including a young person.  I am opposed to this policy in the strongest terms.  Why you would choose to launch a culture war on the backs of the most vulnerable young people, who deserve our protection, compassion and respect, is beyond me.  It is beneath the dignity of the Commonwealth.  Pleas focus resources and efforts on helping students catch up after a pandemic.  Thank you.


I’m a democrat that agrees with proposed changes

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I’m a democrat, I generally think youngkin is awful- I think he lies and grifts like most of the GOP. However, I read through this entire proposal and I completely agree with every point. Furthermore I have a masters of social work (MSW) degree, I worked in public child welfare in Virginia for 8 years. I am also a mother of two children Fairfax county. I have personally seen the devastating impact that gender ideology has had on one of my daughters. LONG story short- peer influence, unsupervised you tube and Tik tok content - she was convinced that she might be trans. We saw this not as a declaration of her true nature that required our affirmation - but as a red flag to the devastating depression that she developed during the pandemic. We started therapy for her depression, enrolled her in outdoor camps, sports, , etc..found multiple ways to love and support her, but we did NOT affirm. We gave it little oxygen either way while we continued to support, love and help our precious daughter grow and heal. She’s now in an high school- thriving. In the depths of her depression ,the likely well meaning affirmation by school staff would have been confusing, harmful and derailing. Changing one’s gender is a SIGNIFICANT social, emotional, psychological and medical event - parents should absolutely be involved and informed of this. If the school staff suspects abuse and neglect - they are mandated reporters and are mandated to report abuse and neglect. If not - then they should never be secret keepers for children. I’m a Fairfax county parent and we are so very pleased with every aspect of this excellent school system - except this. I am not providing my name because I wish to protect the privacy of my children.


Opposed

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<p>Unfortunately the language in the 2022 model policy is not going to protect all children or prevent bullying since it allows people to hide behind the 1st Amendment and choose to ignore a child’s request to be called a different name unless they have it legally changed. This is going to cause more harm than good and make many children feel even more marginalized and singled out than they already do. </p>


Support absolutely

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Parents Rights!!!  Teachers should teach not indoctrinate!


SUPPORT 100%

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Parents have the right to know what their own children are up to. It is the parents' business to make sure their kids are healthy and safe, and withholding crucial information such as this could be devestating.


listen to what the students want!!

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students walked out because they support trans people! they are not being harmed by trans people! listen to the people who are actually affected by this policy! keep trans kids safe!


I support..duh


Must Be Withdrawn Immediately

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These policies must be withdrawn immediately. They must be withdrawn for multiple reasons, each of which standing alone would justify their withdrawal, but standing together demand it.

These policies violate the Virginia Human Rights Act which protects against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in education institutions in the Commonwealth. See Code of Virginia § 2.2-3900.  Without question these policies discriminate on such bases. To discriminate means to make a "distinction in the treatment of different categories of people" without just cause. These guidelines require those who are transgender to declare so in writing in order to be treated as such. Cisgender persons face no such burden.

These polices contradict themselves. For instance, paragraph D of the model policies state that "every effort should be made to ensure that a transgender student wishing to change his or her means of address is treated with respect, compassion, and dignity in the classroom and school environment." The polices the immediately proceed to allow staff to "refuse to refer to students in any manner" they don't want to. This is not respect. Most people would, very reasonably, feel disrespected, if they were told that they got their own name wrong. I am sure the Governor and Superintendent would. Maybe they should not force that on to anyone else.

Even worse, the policy not give students the same right with respect to staff, leaving open the possibility that a student could get punished for misgendering a teacher but that same teacher would be allowed to misgender the student. Respect is a two way street.

These polices could result in suicide, child abuse, child neglect, or even worse. These policies seem to assume that all students will have supportive families. This is simply not true, and while in some cases family involvement is appropriate, that must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Requiring family involvement may put some students in an impossible situation. They may involve their family, who they are scared to come out too, and who may subject them to abuse and neglect. However, they may also stay in the closet, causing mental health issues, increasing the risk of suicide. If the Governor and Department are not willing to take the blame for this, they must withdraw the guidelines.

If these guidelines are not withdrawn, school boards should refuse to enact polices modeled after them and commence legal action if necessary.


Strongly Support this Policy

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The new policies honor the sacred role of parents in the care of their children during school, athletics and other activities. We should respect the dignity of all people, including parents whose role is to provide the primary guidance and support of their children.


Strongly oppose these policies

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<p>I strongly oppose these proposed policies. Let’s build school environments that support trans kids. </p>


SUPPORT! IMPLEMENT IMMEDIATELY! NO MORE!!!

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Schools need to focus on ACADEMICS and let parents do the parenting.  Parents have a right and an obligation to know ALL matters concerning their child - academic, health, behavioral issues or anything else.   No academic institution has the right to withhold information from the  parents.  Full transparency on what’s being taught and discussed in classrooms.  Teachers or school administrators who do not work TOGETHER with parents, work against them.  Schools are not indoctrination camps.
Children should be protected at all costs, particularly girls.  No biological male should be in girls sports or lockers.  Girls and boys are biologically different and that difference must  be respected.  Bringing biological males into girls sports or lockers destroys women sports and subjects girls to harmful environment.   Transgender kids should be respected like any other human being but NOT to the detriment of any other group of people or person.   Instead of encouraging transgender ideologies, teachers should teach academics.  Teacher-activisits contribute to promoting gender confusion under the guise of ‘protecting transgender kids’ and should be immediately fired.  We parents STAND UP and protect our children’s malleable minds from harm disguised as a ‘progressive, concerned teacher-activist’.


Harmful, disruptive, unnecessary

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This proposed policy is nothing but thinly veiled bigotry and ignorance. Targeting specific groups of children with the intent to essentially invalidate their existence and identity is disgusting. This proposal and other anti-trans ideologues have no place in Virginia schools. Acknowledging and using a persons preferred name and pronouns requires zero effort or belief, and is basic decency. Is this really what we want to teach our children - that only some people are deserving of respect, courtesy, basic human rights? This sets a dangerous precedent and is contrary to Youngkin’s “parental rights in schools” platform. As such, the policies enacted in 2022 should remain in place, protecting all students rights to privacy, dignity, and respect in an educational environment.