Are you guys even American?

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Where did the freedom go? Freedom of expression? Freedom from unjust discrimination? Oh, does that only apply to the white cis gendered crowd?


Anti LGBTQ  bill

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I find it offensive that the governor would try to remove the human rights of my child for political publicity.  I'm disgusted that he and some parents are so preoccupied with the biological sex of my child. Leave them alone.


Strongly Oppose.

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<p>This proposal is shameful. The first amendment does not protect misguided, delusional, fearful religious ideologues to impose their fears and bigotry on others. Separation of church and state once again is being used to justify harm to others. All kids deserve to be supported and protected. And trans kids deserve to be protected from the evils of religious hate and bigotry. </p>


Strongly oppose this change

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<p>I oppose this new policy. Let's continue to support and protect all children, binary and non-binary, gay and straight, trans, etc. </p>


Adults pushing the suicide narrative are manipulators, Don’t listen to them

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They hate your children and want them to be miserable like them.


Worry about no bullying to all children, and helping children catch up to their grade level

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<p>Schools need to worry about ALL children not being bullied. I do not support this, let kids be kids. Stop trying to force pronouns and same sex bathrooms on our public schools. Regular bathrooms are already an issue in middle and high school as it is.  Public schools need to worry about and focus on children who are behind in grade level instead of this. This is not an issue in Isle of Wight, but kids who need extra help with work is. </p>


Treat trans kids like kids

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<p>stop being weirdos obsessed with the sex organs of children and just leave them alone; this change would be very bad </p>


Thank you for bringing back Sanity Gov Youngkin...strongly agree

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<p>The school system is not for supporting or encouraging gender preferences or for "social change" which interferes with actual education of science (especially) math, history, English and so on. Encouraging gender preference is confusing to most students and that conversation needs to be lead by parents, not teachers who could contradict the family values of parents. </p>


Support

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The policy is necessary.


Yes to this policy!!!! Restore parents rights and protect children and educators

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<p>Public schools, Dept of Ed, & government do not own our children. Parents should be respected and not forced to have rights taken away by educators-who would be forced to deceive parents. </p>


Opposed to new policy

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I strongly oppose the new polices proposed by the Youngkin administration. They will cause harm to transgender children. They are also a threat to anyone who seeks to support transgender children. These policies come from a place of ignorance, fear, and hate, rather than love and true concern for the well being of children. As a parent of children in Virginia public schools, I support policies that uplift all children. As a Christian, I have no patience for policies that seek to marginalize children who are already at higher risk to be mistreated by society. “Love your neighbor as yourself”


Un-american

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To use our favorite phrase as of late, this policy is un-american. This eliminates any small safe space transgender and non-binary students ever felt like they had. The State of Virginia has explicitly, in-writing, disenfranchised transgender and non-binary students of the rights we fought so many years to gain.

It is a sad, sad day for Virginia.


I strongly agree with this bill

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Are children have lost to much during covid, school is to learn not for social programs. Not my children's problem that some parents push woke confusion on there child instead of making them learn in school to be a better person.


Strongly oppose this change


Support

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We need a return to common sense.  Yes, support all our kids, but as an extension of parents and families, not as a replacement.  Schools should stay in their lane.


Protect trans kids

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Trans students should be treated with respect, not used as political pawns.  Ideally, parents of trans kids would be supportive, but that is not always the case.  Informing parents of trans kids has and will lead to severe physical and mental harm to those very vulnerable children.  Allowing adolescents to express their identity, whether that is as a goth, a country kid, a nerd, or a transgender person, is crucial to their development.  School should be a safe and supportive environment for ALL students.


This is abuse.

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This policy is going to be pushed out without any thought for what might happen to those trans children. If you agree to this policy, don't you think you are thinking too simply? Do you really care about a good environment for education or do you only care about your assumptions of trans people?


Trans kids do not matter more than normal kids


Your Transphobia is Showing

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy. If this policy were to pass it would devastate many lives of our trans and non-binary students. No matter what, I will continue to honor and respect their privacy and celebrate them. This phobic policy will tear them down. </p>


Please reconsider pushing this bill

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Please dont hurt the tiny few trans kids that exist in VA for political points


Oppose this policy.

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Trans kids need to feel supported and safe in their schools, not dismissed or hunted down.  The suicide rate of trans kids will go up.  Read about older trans people to gain an understanding of what emotional turmoil they go through when unsupported.


This forum seems fixed to make it seem like the majority are against the proposed policy but are not

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<p>Why would you open a public comment that requires no name or especially no email (at least hidden to the public)? This allows people (and especially kids!) to comment thousands of times, and make it appear that the public feels a certain way. People who support this policy have jobs and better things to do than to sit on here and post comments. I fear for this country when looking at many of these comments of individuals who don’t appear to understand the definition of fascism, what freedoms and God-given rights we are entitled to, or the contents of our own country’s constitution. </p>


How to show a child love and respect.  Call them by their preferred name.

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One of the most confidence boosting sounds a child can hear is their name.  An adult’s inability to accept the name by which a child prefers to be called only demonstrates an extreme immaturity and lack of empathy.  In this case, it is not the vulnerable child who should be marginalized.

If this bill causes even one suicide, that’s one too many. And research shows, it will cause at least one.


In support. Funding for restroom?

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Support the guidance document proposed for Transgender students and believe it is intended to protect all students, parents and teachers. Appreciate that parents will be part of these decisions for their students as they are with all other matters.

What is the financial impact of requiring all schools to have a single use bathroom available with proper signage?  I do agree with this solution but believe this will have financial implications. Perhaps one time incremental funding for the renovation is an opportunity.


Transgender Policy

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Finally some common sense.


Trans people are real!! Do we have to say this?

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They're very real and very amazing people!! I don't know about y'all but the people in my school are great. If anything, they're often the best people you'll meet. Wondering if those who agree with this policy has even met trans people to even think of treating them this way.


Thank You for Bringing Back Common Sense Policies

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<p>Please do not let those who are not taking into consideration the safety of all of our students seat your resolve to protect all students. Your new rules are fair, equitable and inclusive of the needs of all. </p>


Let science be science

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<p>Believe in the science, was that only meant as a bumper sticker for COVId? A person can’t change their DNA. I understand that we want to be compassionate to people who are struggling with identity. Compassion does not always come in the form of affirmation. It is hard to write that as a parent, but it is true. More importantly, why would a child need to change gender on a school record? Does it give person the ability to go into opposite sex locker rooms or bathrooms, because isn’t the education the same? And seriously, who introduces the idea of changing a record to a student? But in reference to locker rooms and bathrooms, shouldn’t all children be protected not just trans kids. I am on the side of science. Otherwise, legal options are my vote. </p>


OPPOSE

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This is so harmful, petty, and pathetic. Teachers are not the enemy- we are trying to make your children feel safe and respected at school. Nothing more. I promise we dont have time in the day to preach "leftist ideology". I fear for lgbtq+ children under Youngkin's proposed policies.


I oppose this bill

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Trans Rights are human rights


This is harmful to kids.

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There is plenty of scientific evidence proving that using chosen names and preferred pronouns make trans kids less likely to die by suicide.  Like it or not, model put those kids at higher risk.


Please reconsider pushing this bill

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You cant legislate trans people away


I support the policy change

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<p>I support the policy change for the public schools. Children are not sexually mature enough and need too wait until they are adults to make a decision on their sexuality. </p>


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose the proposed amendments to Virginia's policies.  Our children and students deserve to be treated with dignity and support.  This proposal does neither.

Our children are not pawns to be played to further the cynical political ambitions of our Governor.


Oppose!

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<p>I oppose this new policy. Let's support and protect all children, binary and non-binary, gay and straight, trans, etc. </p>


So we're just ignoring basic respect and human decency now?

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I don't think this should even be an argument. Why are we targetting a specific group of people when they have done absolutely no harm, yet be biased towards those who have done worse but get away with it just becausd you think they're "normal"? Can't even let children figure out how to get along with others and not live a miserable life that YOU chose to live?


Parental rights- not activist rights.

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The policy that Gov. Youngkin's administration gives parents back their rights to raise their kids and be involved in the decisions related to their kids. Kids should not be making life altering decisions at their ages because their brains have not fully developed and do not have the life experience to know the consequences of many emotionally made decisions. Making the decision to change yfrom your biological sex as a young person has led to many suicides because of the mental scars it can lead to. Please stop letting activists brainwash kids to disobey their parents and be influenced by these activists.

Thank you Youkin Administration for bringing common sense back to Virginia.


Opposed!

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I, as a teacher and parent in VA, oppose transphobic legislation and policies. We need affirming and safe language, legislation, and policies. ALL students should have a safe and peaceful school experience.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>In my work as a psychologist with adults, I have directly seen the negative impact of this proposed legislation on mental health of Virginians.  This policy is not in line with what we know saves the lives of trans and non-binary kids and adults. Supportive schools, teachers, and family members who affirm kids names and pronouns reduces suicide.  The proposed policy is harmful. </p>


How do we know that everyone posting is from Virginia?

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I have great concerns that this board is being overtaken by LGBTQ activists and isn’t representative of the thoughts and feelings of Virginians on this matter.  I approve this policy, as I feel that it benefits trans students to have their parents involved in decision making about what they are going through.  We have to stand up for our children and not allow them to destroy their bodies at the whim of a political social contagion.


Biological girls do care about bathrooms!!!

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Trans rights are men’s rights, they don’t care about biological girls, parents they don’t care about you daughter being raped if the rapist is using a skirt and make up!


This policy is anti-Virginian, only caters to a potential presidential/national office run

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As a lifelong Virginia resident, I am opposed to this policy. This unnecessary drags Virginia politics into the national spotlight for reasons that provide absolutely no benefit for the citizens of VA.

Creating policy strictly to cater to national outrage politics harms Virginians because it means less time is dedicated to focusing on issues that are actually impacting us instead of this obvious ploy to stage a presidential run.


Transgender rights must be upheld

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Transgender and LGBTQ students are oppressed and have the highest rate of suicide and depression. Let them live as free individuals. They are harming no one . Oppression is wrong . The education system needs to foster kindness, acceptance, equity, individuality and understanding. We need to stop imposing religious beliefs into curriculum! Educators embrace helping all students irregardless of their backgrounds, race, religious beliefs or personal perspectives. We must not instill biased indoctrination of an arbitrary, political viewpoint. Education is about opening access to knowledge, not requiring oppression of any type to any group of people . Educating with compassion .


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose the Model Policies document of 2022 for parental rights. As a Virginian for 28 years, I love the diversity of people I work with, know and consider friends. I totally support people of any age and whatever they want to be called, whatever pronouns they want to use, and whatever timeline they want to use to share this information with others. I have personally known several people for whom coming out at home resulted in them being out of their home. Do not make teachers be in this position. The mental health of too many Virginians is negatively affected by this policy. Please go back to the supportive, inclusive 2021 policy. </p>


Support trans youth

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<p>Please work on our economy and pro business policies and stop putting your religious views on our children. I can’t believe where you are choosing to spend your time. All students need equal rights, equal human rights. </p>


Why is the topic about children and bathrooms? Do even bathrooms have to have gender?

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Your obsession about controlling these trans students is very concerning


Trying to Control children With Governmrnt is Fascism

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<p>The government does not have control of or own our children. This is not a Communist country. </p>


Do the people who agree with this policy feel no shame?

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Are we really choosing to take a step back? How much further back do you want to go in history? It's really looking like a pattern.


Strongly Oppose

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It is beyond disgusting that anyone would support turning any person, especially children, into political pawns to spread the Governor's hate and bigotry. Just admit you lack any sort of empathy or understanding of people who are different from you and move on, it's none of your business anyways.


let trans kids learn in peace

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For some of you, this bill might be very appealing because it validates your beliefs and you feel it is "safer" than current practices; however, implementing this into Virginia Schools will only have negative impacts. We all go to school to learn and therefore expect to have a safe, comfortable environment at school in which we can fulfill the purposes if being at an educational facility without worry. Implementing this bill will take this away from trans and nonbinary kids entirely. Students will be forced to be in a place everyday in which they are ostracized, mistreated, and overwhelmed by the possibility of being deadnamed, misgendered, or even outed. Students with this constant stress and negative treatment may see lasting mental heath effects, increased stress, and potentially a drop in grades and school involvement because of this. All this bill is going to accomplish is making trans and nonbinary kids miserable and at higher risk of suicide. Trans kids do exist and legislating them will not cause them to change or go away, it will just make them fight harder.


Oppose - let all kids be kids

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<p>As you say in the document, all kids have a right to a safe and harassment free school environment. However, this policy change will make it more difficult for trans students to have access to such an environment. Trans children are a threat to cis students only in the minds of ignorant and bigoted parents and their children. It is more often the other way around with trans students being far more likely to be the victims of school violence than the perpetrators. Therefore making legislation that harmfully singles them out is more damaging to trans students (a small minority mind you) than it is beneficial to cis students. Life is hard enough when you’re a kid/teen. Don’t make life even harder for them by enacting this legislation. </p>


Dangerous

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<p>These rules will endanger countless students. We should be supporting and protecting our students, not putting them in danger. </p>


You all forget that there is a thing called human rights

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You say that you care about the children, but target children at the same time. It was never about protecting them, you just want to control them.


This bill is garbage

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You cant legislate trans people away


Protect Trans Kids

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy. This policy is dangerous to trans kids, and as an educator, I would posit that it will also further strain the supply of teachers, as many of us would refuse to endanger a student by outing them to a potentially abusive family. Trans inclusive environments for youth save lives. Please reject this policy and protect kids. </p>


Oppose

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I strongly oppose this bill. It truly will harm children that are lgbtq.


Very strongly support this policy that protects children, parents, & educators

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<p>This policy is very much needed as a start to fix the corruption within the educational system to target & attack children & families.  </p>


"Step in the right direction," yeah, the right direction into a fACIST nation

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People!! We learn history for a reason!! Wake up!!!!!


Who gives a crap about bathrooms?

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Trans people exist and deserve to be treated with respect and love. Governor Glenn Youngkin says he wants to support all students and make them feel safe, while including parents in this discussion of how they should be treated in a school environment. He acts like he wants everyone to be heard. Instead, those in the trans community are silenced. Why? Because bathrooms. Ridiculous.


Trans Rights are human rights


Those who agree do not care about human rights, only about control.

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You don't really care about the children. You just want to impose your beliefs onto others. You says you're American but you don't even know the Constitution.


Thank you!!

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Thank you, Governor Youngkin, for looking out for parents. We deserve to know what is going on in our schools and with our children. We do not want biological gendered students in the opposite gendered restroom. We do not want to bow down to request of preferred pronouns. There would be no end to requests! We do not want biological boys playing in girls sports. Thank you for listening. Even though the transgender community may be loud, just know they are outnumbered. Thank you for all of your hard work.


A step in the right direction

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<p>This is a step in the right direction. Parents should be respected and included in their child's education. At no point should the schools withhold information from parents about student behavior, academic performance or well-being. This especially applies when the child is experiencing an identity crisis and potential emotional distress. </p>


Adamantly opposing this bigotry

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I am adamantly opposite to any rules that limit rights of students to exist as they please,  to be educated and to prosper in whatever manner they choose. Y'alls actions in this regard are disgusting and deplorable.


Support

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Parents have responsibility and authority over their children. Kids in high school and younger have no full understanding of the world, and should not be making life-altering decisions so young.
As a teacher totally against the unions, and wanting authority in the home, where it belongs, we need schools to do a better job of protecting kids, rather than grooming them and just claiming everything is only about rights and licentious living.

As a parent, I applaud this, and would say that those who call this bigotry are some of the most dishonest people you will ever meet. We need to protect kids from themselves, and groomers, especially in Fairfax County, which seems all too eager to want to groom kids for perversion.


Support


Let’s let teachers.

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<p>Whoever they are. This is PUBLIC education. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE!! ITS THE STUDENTS THAT MATTER!! THINK ABOUT THE STUDENTS INDIVIDUALITY

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This policy isnt good for anyone other than the non-progressive bigots.


Leave trans kids alone

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Trans Rights are human rights


Oppose

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I oppose this guidance.


Strongly Oppose

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This policy will single out, stigmatize, and harm children.


I oppose this bill


Opposed

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<p>Strongly opposed </p>


Oppose

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<p>Strongly opposed! </p>


Transgender proposal

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I strongly oppose Youngkin's degradation of transgender students. This is not about giving parents control, it is a targeted campaign of hate. Republicans claim to be the party of small government yet they keep showing us how authoritarian they are in our "free" country by actively seeking to limit our freedoms. Shame on you!


Please reconsider pushing this bill

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Please reconsider pushing this bill


Horrible policy

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This policy favors the white conservative bigot and it makes sense too since they're all nosy and up your business. What control freaks.


Trans Policy is wrong

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This policy is harmful to our children trans or not.  All children deserve to to be educated in an affirming environment surrounded by the support they need to become successful adults.  As adults we should be modeling kindness and inclusion.  This policy is antithetical to our core values.


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


Strongly Support

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<p>Strongly support </p>


Leave trans kids alone

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You cant legislate trans people away


I oppose this entirely

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<p>I oppose this entirely, this is the land of the free, where every individual has the right to be their own person. It shouldn't be pushed on students that they can't be who you want to be. Especially if kids are taught at such a young age that they can be whoever, and whatever, their heart desires at such a young age. That's just my thought on it. </p>


Leave trans kids alone

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I strongly oppose this bill


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This is a fear, uneducated and religious inspired move that has no place in governmemt or policy. The only result of this will be the death of our youth. </p>


There is NO such thing as Trans Children

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Adults are projecting their paraphilia onto children and, as a result, medicalizing them for life.

The trans lobby is nothing more than a virtue signaling designed as an astroturf campaign to support big medicine.


Thank you Gov. Youngkin!

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<p>Thank you Gov. Youngkin for this refreshing move toward sanity!   </p>


Children pronouns matter

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A child has the right to be called whatever they want without parent approval. It is unfair to out a child, and risk their safety at home. If a kid asks to go by a nickname, how is this any different? If is their preferred identity and should be treated with the respect and dignity it deserves.


Oppose

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Forward not backward. Oppose!


Thank you Governor Youngkin!!!

Thank you! Thank you Governor Youngkin for standing with the parents and their rights!!!Thank you for standing up for our rights and giving us that power of raising our kids with our family values! ?? Please keep fighting the good fight!

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Thank you!
Thank you Governor Youngkin for standing with the parents and their rights!!!
Thank you for standing up for our rights and giving us that power of raising our kids with our family values! ?? Please keep fighting the good fight!


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Strongly AGREE with the Governor on Model Polices for Schools


I oppose this fully.


Oppose


Bio girls rights matter too

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<p>I can’t compete against a 17 year old bio male in soccer </p>


Transgender students

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We are launching a culture war on the backs of kids. I thought we were past that level of ignornance.


Oppose

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Forcing trans students to be identified by their birth names will jeopardize both their health and education. These students often struggle with making their birth gender public when dressing and behaving as the opposite gender. They keep their birth gender a secret from even their closest friends due to fears that their trans status will make them subject to ridicule and bullying. The bullying can be extreme resulting in serious injury or worse. Additionally, the trans child may choose to drop out of school rather than endure the bullying. These students deserve our compassion and help rather than policies clearly designed to punish and bully. Whether or not a trans child decides to disclose his or her status should be a personal one, not one forced by the school district and the state of Virginia.


Overweight & nose ring = Not a Doctor

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<p>I don’t feel safe at school.  What about my rights. </p>


Teachers against groomers

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<p>Stop letting chubby women with nose rings provide you medical advice. </p>


Oppose

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Youngkin doesn't care, this is just a wedge issue for his Presidential run.  The whole goal here is to spin up the pearl clutchers in Loudon county.


Oppose Gov Youngkin's Transgender and Anti-CRT Policies

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I rise in opposition to Governor Youngkin’s education policies on transgender and anti-CRT. They are both misguided prejudiced policies with unintended consequences. Race relations is part of American History: the good, bad and ugly and it must be taught even if you call it “CRT'' and it makes you feel bad. You can’t teach the weather and leave out the rainy days because it empowers people without umbrellas. It is not empowering to attack law-biding parents’ transgender students. A sex change is a medical procedure under healthcare. The student's parent or guardian saw fit with medical professionals to perform the procedure. Consider LGBT a medical disability because it promotes non-reproductive biological relationships if you must, but compassion and respect is required even if it makes you uncomfortable and consider it unholy. Let medical science decide if it’s fair for transgender females to compete with natural born females in sports. The State must accept constituents for who they are, not dictate how it wants them to be. Civil rights are for everyone’s protection, especially minority members of society.

Officials want a transgender boy who was born as a girl to use the girls’ bathroom and girls’ locker room. Think of the reaction from all of the girls upon seeing a boy enter their bathroom or gym locker room and the mental health impact on all of them. What kind of official requires outwardly appearing males to share female facilities with natural born females and vice versa? And that’s just in a school setting with minors. What about adults using public facilities like restrooms, spa locker rooms and retail dressing rooms?

LGBT people deserve civil rights protections implemented under former Governor Northam and supported by Supreme Court decisions. Governor Youngkin took Christopher Rufo’s Republican Manhattan Institute think tank campaign advice against LGBT too far by attacking the rights of transgender children. Reinstate Governor Northam’s policies because it respects everyone's civil rights.


Children are being used by the minority and abused by people of authority!

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<p>Teachers have no right to twist the young minds of children with their political or social opinions.  Their job is to teach a child reading, writing, arithmetic, true history and non political view government.  If they want to add anything else, how about some life skills like how to cook, clean, pay bills, how to invest their money or balance a checkbook?  Only the parents have the right to teach their children about core values and about sex (when they feel their child is mature enough to learn about it).  </p>


Don’t mutilate young kids

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<p>No medical intervention until 18 now what the highly unqualified librarian says </p>


Oppose this policy; parental rights?

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As a teacher, I oppose this policy.  I value each of my students and have an inclusive classroom where ALL walks of life are welcome.  I am fortunate to teach at a school that shows much support for LGBTQ+ youth and staff.  If this is about parental rights, then why does the Commonwealth of Virginia allow minors to receive birth control, STD testing, and pregnancy counseling without parental consent/notification?  We can withhold medical information from parents, but are required to disclose pronoun use?

I will continue to support my transgender students and use their preferred pronouns.


Teachers aren’t the kids parents

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<p>We need to respect the rights of parents. </p>


I oppose!


Strongly Oppose


Strongly oppose!

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I strongly oppose this. Every human has rights, and we should not dictate the rights of trans kids!!


TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

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Trans rights are human rights


Oppose, schools should not out students who did nothing wrong

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Many families do not accept gender non-conformity for their kids. They have a right to do that as they are concerned about bullying etc. Trans people suffer mentally when they cannot have a place to speak honestly, making outside the home also hostile will just force them to stay in the closet longer and outing them possibly lead to punishments at home. Multiple parents have posted about how they cut off their kids from all communication including internet access and indefinitely ground them. Medically the children cannot get any care without parents consent so there is no valid reason to out them.


No more making things easy for groomers!!!

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<p>Parents it’s time to get your rights back!! They are your children not the teachers </p>


Support this

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<p>Support, back to basics </p>


Trans Policy

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<p>I strongly oppose the trans policy. </p>


Trans kids DO exist


Strongly support

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Trans kids do not exist!!!


Strongly support!!


Strongly oppose


Trans kids do not exist!!!


Support!!!!


Absolutely Opposed

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<p>Let teachers teach. Let students learn. Stop interfering with the personal lives of students. This has nothing to do with education and everything to do with fascist control of people. </p>


Don’t do this, it is a insane law.

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<p>Transgender law is absolutely bad.  </p>


100% support


God bless all of you!!

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<p>Thank you God for a Governor and tram that is willing to hear the majority. We don’t need anymore perversion in our schools </p>


Support Support Support

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Support Support Support


Object


Thank you!!!

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This is a start to safety for all students. Thank you for this!!


Oppose


trans kids exist


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Trans rights!!

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Studies show that trans kids just want to be themselves.


Oppose transgender hate policies

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<p>All people deserve to be respected as humans regardless of there self image and identity. Self expression allows people to live comfortably in their own skin.  This legislation will lead to increased complacency with gender/ sexual identity related hate crimes and suicide.  We must learn from our history and show compassion to all citizens,  not just those who fit cultural norms.  This legislation is extremely dangerous to the wellbeing of a vulnerable population. We must move forward in the fight for human rights,  not backwards. </p>


Oppose!

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Strongly oppose. This will harm kids, not help them.


Persecuting Trans Kids is a shameful political stunt

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<p>Glenn Youngkin’s recent attacks on trans youth is nothing but a shameful political stunt that will do more harm than good. Outing trans kids to their parents is going to cause more harm than good, but it seems our current governor is more concerned with getting votes from bigots than actually caring about the lives of Virginian youths. </p>


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

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This is not an issue of parents' rights and it never has been. This is an issue of human rights for transgender children that are being taken away as we speak. We are not scary or here to harm your cisgender children. We just want to exist. Please do not pass this policy. Our lives may depend on it.


Vehementantly Agree.

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Parents have the right and responsibility to rear their children as they see fit. Schools do not coparent with them. The purpose of the school is to educate and not to social engineer. Transitioning causes irreputable damage the consequences of which schools and teachers wikl never have to address. Parents are left picking up the pueces. Stop the  onsense. Boys are not girls and girls are not boys.


Change to transgender policy.

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<p>I oppose Youngkin's proposal.  Current policy must not be changed.  The damage to human rights must not be allowed. </p>


OPPOSE!!


Trans children do not exist!!!

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No human is capable of changing sex, that’s a fabrication of sick minds.


Opposed

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<p>This should not be a requirement of educators. Educators do not need the extra burden. There is no benefit to families, parents, children. </p>


Strongly agree

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<p>The governor is doing exactly what he was elected to do. Women and girls deserve safe spaces including bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams.  Schools need to get out of the business of parenting and parents’ rights must be respected again. </p>


Strongly agree


This is just common sense, fully agree with this

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I really don't know how we as a society got to where we are. Boys should not be allowed in a girls bathroom/locker room or vice versa. Why would a school board put themselves at risk. As a parent of a boy and a girl, no I am not a biologist but I know the difference, I don't understand how parents can disagree with this. We shouldn't be making public policy for a small minority of students.


Strongly oppose.


Please keep our children safe

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I have 2 children, 1 girl and 1 boy. We are a Christian family and instill Christian values in our children. They are taught NOT to judge ANYONE, that is not their job. They are taught to be loving and accepting of everyone. Unfortunately that is not the case in a lot of families out there, and people can be cruel. There is just as much risk associated with allowing transgender children to used the bathroom that they "identify" as, as there is using the bathroom that they are "biologically", to BOTH sides. Our school assigned a 3rd bathroom for any student that didn't feel comfortable with the "gender identified" bathrooms, it is a private single stall bathroom, 1 entry at a time.


***STRONGLY AGREE*** 100% STRONGLY AGREE**PARENT RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS***

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<p>Straight kids need basic human rights observed too. Perhaps a school for the transgender is more appropriate for sexual ozone children and the parents that want men changing in girls locker rooms and their daughters raped in the. School bathrooms.  </p>


Trans rights are not humans right!!!

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Gender dysphoric children should not be given special treatment over their peers, young girls don’t want boys in their most private and vulnerable spaces. Gender ideology don’t care about children, only about recruiting more zombies for their agenda. These are childless adults obsessing over the gender and sexuality of other people’s children. If you have to keep it secret from the parents then maybe you’re a groomer!! Let kids be kids in the body they were born in, stop the life long medication of healthy confused children, stop giving predators easy acess to young girls and stop affirming delusions, nobody is born in the wrong body!! Gender dysphoria is a mental illness!!


Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose these policies and hope districts will consider allowing students to come as they are, be themselves, and peacefully coexist with our wonderfully diverse student populations.  For all of education’s current focus on relationship building and lowering  students’ affective filters to allow them to learn and be their best selves, it seems counterintuitive to create a stressful environment for them each day.  Let’s work to nurture and support all students in our state! </p>


Parental rights outweigh Trans rights for children. Sorry, not sorry.

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<p>Demonrats will always try to corrupt our children. They hate that they’re losing and we’re on to them with our eyes wide open now. We got busy and didn’t pay enough attention and trusted WAY too much for WAY too long. But not anymore. Agree with this and want it passed yesterday. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE. TRANS RIGHTS FOREVER.

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<p>STONGLY OPPOSE. TRANS RIGHTS FOREVER. </p>


Protect trans kids

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Outing someone to their family can be extremely dangerous. Especially when someone is being outed as trans. This could result in horrific abuse and neglect of a child that could damage them for the rest of their life. Being trans already increases a child's risk for suicide. Why add more stress to their plate? Trans children are not the enemy. They do not exist to harm or prey on other children. They are in school to learn and try to thrive just like any other kid in the hallway. Discriminating and harming a child mentally because of an obsession with their genitals is weird.

Dont pass this, let trans children be children


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this proposal as it will be more harmful to some of the most vulnerable youth than it will contribute to "parental rights" in any credible manner. </p>


Love this! Democrats are hypocrites & don’t believe parental rights are human rights.

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<p>Strongly AGREE with the Governor to give parents their avid given rights back. </p>


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

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<p>The democrat hate your children. Fight back! Fight back loudly and don’t let them take over the raising of your child. Don’t let the left take away the rights of parents or the rights of the 99.99% of children who, at age three could care less about whether they have a vagina or a penis. Seriously! Find something better to do than destroy children, destroying families, destroying parental right, destroying America as we know it. You people are sick and on judgement day, you’ll wish you’d found God and been a better human. </p>


Strongly Oppose This Policy Update

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I am a taxpayer and citizen in Virginia. My spouse and I have owned and lived in our home in Virginia for nearly 20 years, and our child has attended a Virginia public school for most of their life.

I strongly oppose this proposed policy change on moral grounds. This proposed policy change endorses blatant discrimination against some of the most vulnerable citizens of our State, and interferes directly in their lives in a way that is intrusive, unwelcome, and extraordinarily cruel.

I believe that our State has a duty to do everything it can to protect the lives of the marginalized, and published studies clearly show that policies like this lead children to commit suicide. If this policy is put into effect, the Governor, the Department of Education, and any compliant school districts will have blood on their hands.

Discriminating against transgender students in this manner also goes against my strongly held moral and religious beliefs, and not allowing trans students to live in accordance with their gender identity may also similarly violate their deeply held beliefs.

I also strongly oppose the proposed policy on legal grounds. This proposed policy would be in violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity regardless of the individual's assigned sex at birth, as well as Fourth Circuit rulings that schools must allow trans students to use facilities aligned with their gender identity, and that gender dysphoria is a protected disability.

Unlike the proposed policy, the model policy that is currently in place is in compliance with state and federal law. As a parent, I already have extensive protections under Virginia law; I do not see any need to change policy to increase my own power at the expense of vulnerable children. As a Virginia voter, this proposed change appears solely driven by Governor Youngkin, who seeks to use Department of Education policy changes to further his position by appealing to individuals who wish to oppress children and their rights. If Virginia parents truly believe that they need this additional power, the appropriate place to attempt to make that change is through the Virginia legislature.

Finally, I strongly oppose this proposed policy for practical reasons. If this proposed policy change is enacted, schools will be responsible for determining what to do with students whose relationships with their parents may be irrevocably damaged -- or who may be expelled from their homes -- if their parents find out they are trans. This places teachers and schools in unworkable situations at the expense of children.

In conclusion, I strongly oppose this policy and it should not be adopted by the Department of Education. The existing 2021 Model Policies should be maintained.


The opposers are bots! PARENT RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS! PROTECT OUR CHILDREN & PARENTS RIGHTS.

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<p>This new law is to protect parental rights. It’s not taking anything away from the trans community or any other community but it’s giving the LARGEST community back their power over the children they birthed! The state nor the schools raise our children. We the Parents raise our children, whether the opposition minority like its or not. Whether the minority floods this comment section all day every day until the comments are closed, they are not the parents of OUR children and most of them are paid advocates for work ideology and have no idea what it’s like to have a child and raise a child, let alone love a child. When hiring college students to flood the comment section, it’s hard to take those opposing commenters seriously. </p>


I strongly support-PROTECT OUR YOUNG GIRLS FROM ABUSE IN BATHROOMS!!

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I support!! Think about the girls that don’t want to share their restrooms with boys!! Do they not matter??


trans rights

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Trans rights are human rights


Teacher in opposition


Trans Liberation now

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<p>Stop oppressing trans people and suppressing freedom of expression. Just because you don't agree with their lifestyles doesn't mean you have to make their lives living hell. Life is already hard enough for them without hateful legislation like this. </p>


AGREE with Youngkin. If you oppose, then you don’t have children & you’re a paid woke, comment bot

Momma Bear protects her children against woke school policies

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<p>those of you opposing these changes are NOT parents and are clearly just a bunch of paid activist from the work left that want to continue to indoctrinate YOUR Child(ren). VA parents made themselves very clear in Nov 2021. We wanted Youngkin bc he promised to put parenting back into the school system and not vice versa. Parents eyes were opened and we were horrified to learn that our childrens public education was a complete 180 of our public school education. Pushing anti-nuclear family, anti-American sentiment and pushing LGBTQIA+++++++++ like it was the majority norm on our children was alarming to uncover. But we’re awake now and we’re coming for anyone that comes for our children and we won’t ever get complacent again. We trusted our schools were run by loving parents but we found out that our schools were run by foreign adversaries embolden by the almighty dollar to do whatever they could to manipulate and destroy the parent/child relationship and build their small army of work followers, one by one, like China has done for decades to the children of that horrible nation. VA isn’t China and PIR children aren’t yours to indoctrinate. We, the parents, win this fight. Not you! If you oppose the rights of 99.99% of the children in schools today, then go open your own school for rhe 0.01% of kids that clearly have special needs when it comes to their gender identity and their sexual orefeeence and their parents need to aecualoze thwie 1 month old through college. We don’t want any of that nonsense in our public schools. We love straight and gay but we don’t want it forced on our children. We will guide them through life and be there for them if they ever turn hat or turn straight. Whatever it is, it’s OUR child and our issues to deal with, not the schools. Just do your job and teach HISTORY, English, math, reading and writing so our kids don’t fall behind any more than they already have thanks to covid and nonsense sexual crap, not to let I in CRT, that’s just kept our schools from being able to effectively teach. WE, and I speak for millions of parents, the MAJORITY, STRONGLY AGREE WITH YOUNGKINS NEW PLAN! </p>


I agree with the governor’s policy, and I am a parent of students in IOWC.I am concerned that a well organized leftist campaign is underway to undermine parents’ role in raising moral children .  Do not let socialist activist s indoctrinate our youth

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I agree with the governor’s policy, and I am a parent of students in IOWC.
I am concerned that a well organized leftist campaign is underway to undermine parents’ role in raising moral children .  Do not let socialist activist s indoctrinate our youth


Do not pass

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<p>One of the worst policies ever and put too much government intervention on our personal lives. They should stay hands off. </p>


Opposition

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<p>Care about the children? Care about the parents? Or are just transphobic bigots? This is a very strange thing to be concerned about rather than providing better school facilities, fundings, and better gun safety. </p>


GOP hate on full display

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We all get ONE journey through this life.  ONE.  That's it.  We all deserve the freedom to take that journey in a way that brings joy and peace.  Allow our children the freedom to be authentic.  There is nothing more beautiful than that.  This GOP hate is ugly and wrong.


I oppose this fully.


STRONGLY oppose!!!

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You cannot claim to be “pro life” and pass this legislation at the same time…. Giving parents a “choice” now WILL cost lives. If you are as pro life as you claim to be, now is the time to prove it by supporting ALL human lives!


Peace for everyone

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I will not be forced to believe something that is not true. kids should be involved with this.


Strongly AGREE - Parents are in control, not confused, easily manipulated, innocent children

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I was appalled that VA even adopted such a strong stance years past in regards to basically giving the .01% of the preschool to 12th grade schools the right to give the LGBTQIA+ community of children more rights than those of the every day boys and girls who identify as who they are and we’re born as, male or female, straight or gay. VA public schools went way too far off center allowing any CHILD of any age the ability to use bathrooms that coincided with whatever the CHILD decided to be for the minute/hour/day. There are rules to follow that protect the 99.99% of the remaining CHILDREN, yet no one from the VA DOE or the school boards in some of VA’s most populated areas seemed to care about whatsoever. And in those areas, where the policies that are current in place, without any parental rights, we’ve heard about multiple rapes (and those are the ones we know about. Think about how many have been covered up!), boys getting naked and changing in girls locker rooms only to show their penises to young girls, teachers being told to deceive parents and call the PARENT’S CHILDREN by their birth name in front of the parents but not at school or to help students in elementary school seek transgender body deformation surgery without discussing with the parents, and putting tampons, maxi pads, condoms and lubricant in the bathrooms of preschool aged children up to 12th grade. Not to mention the QR coded and DOE websites that send kids to go read about “How to suck dick” or “How to eat pussy.” Yes that’s crass and yes that’s what’s available to your child so don’t bash me for rewriting what’s presented to your child, especially those that act like they strongly oppose this new legislation  we know it’s mostly bots, people who aren’t even parents and political hacks posting “strongly oppose” comments on here anyway.

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK GOV YOUNGKIN! This is why we the majority of VA parents voted for you. Don’t be caught off guard by the “oppose strongly” trolls on here. They’re paid to sit and flood the comment section here and try to silence the mass of working g parents who don’t get to comment on every parental issue as they hold down one or more jobs right now to subvert Bidenflatiin. This is why VA hired you because we knew you cared about our children. OUR CHILDREN. Not the lefts children to indoctrinate as they please or to raise how they please. PARENTS RAISE CHILDREN, not wokists!


Strongly oppose this policy

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<p>By placing this policy into practice, it is going to increase more mental health problems such as anxiety and depression with children and teens, as well as the increase with suicidal ideation. </p>


Trans rights are human rights

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Strongly opposed to this immoral bill


Strongly opposed

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Strongly opposed to this bill


Strongly agree with the Governor.

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<p>It’s the law. Abide by the law. </p>


Transgender school policy

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<p>Strongly oppose; impractical, unethical, and immoral </p>


I strongly support!!

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Non trans kids matter too!! Let the parents take care of their children!! Trans ideologues are lunatics!!


Transgender kids school policy


Oppose this legislation

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For the "pro-life party" this legislation does nothing but further the hate and isolation these CHILDREN already feel. It is cruel and spiteful and does nothing to promote the commonwealth.


Trans rights are Human Rights

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Trans people deserve the same respect as Cis people. That includes respecting their decision to use a different name, different pronouns and making appropriate faculties accessible to them. To do so otherwise is discrimination.


OPPOSE

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<p>I strongly oppose Youngkin’s proposed Trans policy. </p>


Strongly oppose this policy for legal, moral, and practical reasons

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I strongly oppose this policy on legal grounds. This proposed policy would be in violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity regardless of the individual's assigned sex at birth, Fourth Circuit rulings that schools must allow trans students to use facilities aligned with their gender identity and that gender dysphoria is a protected disability (Virginia is part of the Fourth Circuit), and the Civil Rights Act as interpreted by the Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County.

"[A school district who limits what a student may do because they are] homosexual or transgender [limits] that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex. Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids." -- Bostock v. Clayton County, modified.

Additionally, I strongly oppose this policy on moral grounds.

1) Discriminating against transgender students in this manner goes against my strongly held religious beliefs and not allowing trans students to live in accordance with their gender identity may also similarly violate their deeply held beliefs.

2) As a taxpayer, a Virginia citizen and voter, and a Fairfax County Public Schools alumnus, I am appalled that the state government would interfere in the lives of marginalized students in this manner. The Commonwealth has a duty to do everything it can to protect the lives of the marginalized, and study after study after survey after survey clearly show that policies like this lead children to commit suicide. If this policy is put into effect, the Governor, the Department of Education, and any compliant school districts will have blood on their hands.

3) There are approximately 4,000 trans students out of 1.2 million students in the Commonwealth. I wonder why the Governor has directed the Department of Education to focus on it now when preexisting (2021) model policies were already in place and in compliance with state and federal law. It cannot be because there are major incidents, because there are none. There is no pressing crisis needing to be resolved. I am forced to conclude that the Department of Education is being used by the Governor to further his position in a culture war by crushing vulnerable students into submission.

I strongly oppose this policy for practical reasons:

The proposed modal policies seem to exist in a fantasy world where if you keep trans kids from living according to their gender identities, they will be able to simply "go back" to living as their sex assigned at birth with no issues and where all students and parents will agree on how to approach these subjects. These fantasies are just that -- detached from reality -- and will cause further problems for schools, parents, and students. Someone assigned female at birth but who has transitioned to male would be required to use the girls' restroom and locker room -- imagine the discomfort girls will feel when that student who appears to be male walks in. Imagine the discomfort boys will feel when a student assigned male at birth but who appears to be female walks in. Schools will be responsible for ascertaining what to do with students whose relationships with their parents may be irrevocably damaged -- or who may be expelled from their homes, denied funds for college, etc. -- if their parents find out they are trans. All of this places schools in unworkable situations at the expense of children.

Finally, I would like to enter the words of Virginia trans students about these policies into the record, as recorded by the Washington Post:

The Washington Post asked students statewide to share how they are feeling, garnering more than 260 submissions across 30 school districts as of Wednesday evening.

The vast majority were from transgender students who wrote in fear. Some who transitioned years ago are worried they will be outed to unsuspecting classmates. Others who are mid-transition, or just beginning to transition, are worried they will be outed to their parents and forced to leave home. Many wrote they are feeling angry, depressed, suicidal.

“Because of it, I’ll probably have multiple breakdowns a day, my grades will drop,” wrote a 16-year-old. “Everything I’ve worked so hard to overcome will have been for nothing.”

...

Over the next several days, Ace did not learn much. He was too busy worrying a teacher would approach him about his name or pronouns, although no one did. He worried someone might stop him on the way to the boys bathroom, although no one did that either. Still, Ace began minimizing restroom trips by skipping lunch or waiting until he got home. At night he took melatonin, seeking the release of sleep. It didn’t help.

Ace’s thoughts strayed to dark places. Before this year, Ace said, he has attempted suicide three times, most recently in November, because he was miserable over the wave of anti-transgender legislation appearing across the country. More than 300 bills restricting trans rights have been proposed nationwide, according to a Washington Post analysis, and many target schools.

Since the Virginia guidelines’ release, Ace said, he has felt the impulse to harm himself. He does not know what he will do if he is forced to return to female pronouns and facilities at school.

“I would not be okay,” he said. “I could not deal with that. I would genuinely be a danger to myself.”

...

Ashton, who spoke on the condition that his last name not be used for fear of bullying, discovered he was transgender in seventh grade and began transitioning to male a year later. His parents were supportive, and — after wrangling briefly with Arlington Public Schools — he managed to get his names and pronouns changed in school records.

Now a deep-voiced 17-year-old senior and president of the Yorktown High School Gay-Straight Alliance (or GSA) club, Ashton passes as a male, he said. His school has gender-neutral bathrooms and he prefers to use those, but no one would look twice if he used the boys’ restroom. Apart from a small group of students who persist in harassing him, Ashton said, life at school feels almost as comfortable and accepting as life at home.

Ashton was relieved to see his school district put out a statement vowing opposition to the guidelines, one of a trio of Northern Virginia districts to do so. A handful of others have signaled they will comply, but most have yet to say anything. Still, Ashton feels unsure Arlington will succeed, so he is making preparations. First up is researching how to legally change his name. Second is trying to wrap his brain around using the girls’ restroom again. That will be more uncomfortable for girls than for him, he said, given he presents as male.

But mostly Ashton wishes he could speak directly to Youngkin. “You have to pay attention to the rights of children,” he would say. “There is nothing wrong or dirty about being trans. It’s just a part of us that we live with.”

...

The teen, a 17-year-old senior, was assigned male at birth but identifies as female. She came out to her parents a year ago, she said, but they refused to believe her. After several yelling matches, they decided to ignore the problem. Now, the teen and her parents live together uneasily, both sides afraid to broach the “taboo topic,” the teen said. The teen’s parents continue to use her old name and treat her as male. The teen spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation from her parents.

School is the teen’s safe haven. Her teachers use her new name and pronouns, and she uses gender-neutral bathrooms. Some friends support her gender transition, encouraging the steps she’s taken — growing her hair out, painting her nails. The teen occasionally tries on dresses and skirts, too, which she says make her feel alive. But she has not dared wear those outside her bedroom.

Under the new guidelines, the teen is preparing for a very different life. No matter what her district says, she believes the guidelines will encourage teachers and student alike to harass transgender children. All she wants, now, is to disappear.

 ...

The teen has known they did not align with any gender for a long time. As a child, it felt wrong when they were told to “go play with the girls.” But the student’s parents do not believe transgender people exist, the teen said, and think being transgender is a ploy for attention.

Once, the teen tried to broach the subject with their parents — who value education — by proposing to fill out college applications as a trans student, perhaps easing the path to admission. The parents, alarmed, refused to let the teen speak with their younger sibling for a week, fearing a mention of trans people might “taint” the younger child’s mind, the teen said.

The teen went public with their gender identity at school this year, announcing a different name and pronouns to friends and teachers. Until this month, the student planned to make it through the rest of senior year by existing as their true self at school and a shriveled version at home. The teen dreams of attending a university in the Northeast and majoring in gender studies. The teen meant to tell their parents about their gender once they were much older.

Under the new guidelines, though, the teen fears their parents will learn the truth now — and can almost feel their future slipping away.

“It would lead to either me not having housing,” the teen said, “or them not being willing to pay for my college.”

In conclusion, I strongly, strongly oppose this policy and it should not be adopted by the Department of Education. The existing 2021 Model Policies should be maintained.


TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!

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If you really care about kids, you should also care about trans kids. They exist. They have always existed. And they will continue to exist! Hateful legislation will not change any of this.


Strongly oppose this legislation based on intolerance and fear

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It is not hard to see where this proposed legislation came from. It is clearly a divider designed to prey on people’s fear of those unlike themselves for political gain. In doing so, they forget that these are real human beings with the same human hopes and aspirations as all of us and that laws like this diminish all of our humanity if enacted. This need to divide will not be quenched with this law, who will be the next target? It might be any of us. Let’s resoundingly reject this monstrosity and concentrate on our common humanity instead.


Model policies for the treatment of transgender students

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I oppose the proposed new policy.  Please keep the protections for transgender students.


PLEASE PROTECT TRANS YOUTH

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What Governor Youngkin has proposed here is extremely harmful. It feels like he wants trans and non-binary people to be hurt, no matter how you try to spin it. This doesn’t protect anyone and trangender people are not a threat to you in the first place. This will lead only to more children being abused, killed, having mental health problems, or considering what they feel like is their only option, and that only has one ending. This is downright discrimination and it’s disgusting. As a non-binary person, I’m scared to even live in a state governed by a man that believes all of this is not only okay, but necessary. If you want to protect babies still in the womb so badly, feel the same about the kids out here. Protect them. Protect transgender and non-binary students. Protect ALL LGBTQIA kids. Please oppose these policies. This is dangerous!!! Children’s lives mean more than your political agendas!!!


Strongly Oppose, Policy Threatens trans kids and violates the Virginia Human Rights Act

This policy would put trans kids in danger in abusive homes, and may cause an increase in everything from suicide to abuse. Also this violates the Virginia Human Right Act, which states the following:"B. It is the policy of the Commonwealth to:
1. Safeguard all individuals within the Commonwealth from unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability in places of public accommodation, including educational institutions and in real estate transactions"If this passes expect it to be fought in every court in the state.

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This policy would put trans kids in danger in abusive homes, and may cause an increase in everything from suicide to abuse. Also this violates the Virginia Human Right Act, which states the following:

"B. It is the policy of the Commonwealth to:

1. Safeguard all individuals within the Commonwealth from unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability in places of public accommodation, including educational institutions and in real estate transactions"

If this passes expect it to be fought in every court in the state.


Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools

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<p>I wholeheartedly support Gov. Youngkin's approach to parental rights, children's interests, and his guarantee to all Virginia's citizens that the focus of education must be -- education. Disqualifying parents from the curriculum oversight allows the almighty State to enter ever further into the private affairs of Virginias. Those who oppose the Governor's policy will regret their decision when the police come knocking.  </p>
<p> </p>


Keep kids safe. All kids. That includes trans children.

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Youngkin is endangering our children for his own agenda. Let our LGBTQ+ youth grow up safer than we did.

Know better, do better.


Strongly Oppose

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Trans Rights are Human Rights. This proposal is an unfounded and unconstitutional breach of the privacy and well-being of trans kids, their teachers, and their parents. A genuine no-win situation. What would anyone stand to benefit from this? Gender affirmation in trans and non-binary youth is associated with a sharp decrease in anxiety, depression and suicide. This does not just apply to hormone replacement therapy: having a solid backbone, a foundation of people who support one's transition, is also associated with this same sharp decrease. This bill destroys children's chances at both, under the guise of protecting them. That is rightful cause for the bitter disgust and backlash you're accruing on this proposal.

To the lawmakers: think about the impact of this bill. The actual impact, not the one you assume it'll have. Maybe you already have, and you don't care, or even want that impact. Maybe you just aren't informed. Either way, it isn't good, and this proposal must be stopped.


Outing trans kids is a hate crime.

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<p>Outing trans kids without their consent can lead to that child’s death. Trans people are murdered at rates that are horrific and harassed at even more significant rates. Being against trans people is being for the murder of trans people. VA trans kids, and trans kids all over the world should be able to live a full life that is full of positive growth, love, and complete acceptance. </p>


This is ABHORRENT and will cause kids to commit suicide

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as a 20 year old trans woman who has lived in virginia her entire life, this change has been detrimental to my feeling of health and safety living in virginia. Having students in school misgender or deadname me, and being made fun of by girls in the restroom early in my transition, led me to a very dangerous place mentally, and caused me to start self harming.  it’s a horrible constraining and lonely experience for a child to go through. transgender children are already so incredibly vulnerable, and need all the help they can get, that help is social gender transition, and later on around or before 18 medical hormone transition, with surgeries available as an option after 18, the fact that this is even a question is absurd. and the idea that this is “giving the parents a choice” is a lie, the only “choice” this gives to parents, is to bully helpless trans youth. parents should not be allowed to force gender norms onto their child, especially if their child is trans. Trans children need a safe place where they can talk with their teachers freely, without having to worry about being kicked out of their own home, or worse, physically or sexually abused by their own family for being trans, a story that is sadly common in this country. PLEASE do not allow this to happen, if you care about the state of humanitarian rights in this state, and the rest of the country, you NEED to block this from happening. if not i will not feel safe raising my children in the only place i’ve ever known to be home.


I strongly oppose the new policy to end protections for trans kids.t be

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<p>Trans are kids and must be treated as worthy of equal rights! </p>


Children were given to parents by The Most High for a reason.

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It's blasphemous, to allow the internet, queer educators and government officials to discredit and undermine parents authority and position in their children's lives.


Strongly oppose.


Trans rights are human rights

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Glenn Youngkin is a bigot


Strongly Oppose

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This guidance will only lead to detrimental outcomes for transgender and gender nonconforming students. These students are already at increased risk of depression, bullying, assault, and self-harm. Removing the modicum of protection and acceptance provided by the earlier guidance is a massive blow against these vulnerable students. There is no cost, beyond a few seconds of learning, for teachers to address a student by their chosen name and pronouns. Meanwhile, the cost of being outed to peers or parents who are hostile towards LGBTQIA individuals may be devastating. I urge you to review the American Academy of Pediatrics documents relevant to this topic and redesign this guidance, rather than scapegoating a vulnerable group under the guise of promoting parents' rights.  https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/4/e20182162/37381/Ensuring-Comprehensive-Care-and-Support-for?autologincheck=redirected?nfToken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000


I strongly oppose this bill seeking to directly harm trans children.

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<p>I am a trans person born, raised, and currently living in Virginia. My girlfriend is trans. Most of my best friends are trans, and all of them are queer. Gay and trans kids are often in unsupportive and abusive homes, or live with homophobic and transphobic parents. The policy to let parents know about any changes in their child’s pronouns is unjustly invasive and seeks directly to punish trans kids. It seems that the goal is to direct trans kids to either staying in the closet like I did until college, or to put them at the mercy of their parents. You know the current political climate. You heard about how an alumni drag show got rescheduled from the high school it had been hosted at for years after intense backlash. You know that a lot of the parents of kids in your districts aren’t going to like their kids being gay or trans. Those kids are going to get abused for being trans. This policy will ensure that. There are kids who only feel comfortable dressing how they want to at school, who can’t at home because they’ll get beaten or kicked out. This will kill trans kids. You will be complicit in killing children. </p>


Trans rights are human rights

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<p>Trans rights are human rights. </p>


We are talking about minors, right?

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This seems to be about parent's rights. The law still protects children regardless of sexual preference.


School counselors work to safeguard the well-being of transgender and nonbinary youth.

School counselors are committed to all students’ academic, career and social/emotional development, regardless of gender identity, gender expression and gender attribution (GLSEN, 2022b). Transgender and nonbinary students and their families face increased risks as well as unique circumstances that often require additional support and recommendations to help ensure these students receive the same educational opportunities as their peers (Kosciw et al., 2020). Research shows 83.3% of transgender and 68.7% of nonbinary youth reported being victimized at school due to their gender (Kosciw et al., 2020),  The adverse health and educational consequences for transgender and nonbinary students are even greater than those for lesbian, gay and bisexual students. Students with supportive adults in their building are less likely to feel unsafe or to miss school and more likely to have higher GPAs, to pursue postsecondary education and to feel a higher sense of belonging in school (GLSEN 2022c). School counselors recognize the overall goal is to ensure the safety, comfort and healthy development of all students, maximizing inclusion and social integration while minimizing exclusion and stigmatization.

The School Counselor's Role
School counselors recognize the responsibility for determining a student’s gender identity rests with the student rather than outside confirmation from medical practitioners, mental health professionals or documentation of legal changes. School counselors collaborate with other school personnel to address district operations, programs, policies and activities that may put the well-being of transgender and nonbinary youth at risk. Although the guidelines within this statement provide important suggestions, they cannot anticipate every situation that might occur.  Each student’s unique situation should be addressed on a case-by-case basis, using a student-centered approach that includes ongoing student and parent/guardian engagement (as appropriate) and school personnel with a legitimate educational interest per the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Title IX guidance and legal briefs issued by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) have defined fair and equal treatment for transgender and nonbinary students in relation to student names and pronouns, student records, privacy, restrooms, student safety and dress codes (OCR, 2021). School counselors promote the use of best practices to inform their support of transgender and nonbinary students, such as the following recommendations offered by the National Center for Transgender Equality (2021):

Names and pronouns: School staff should address students by their chosen/affirmed name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, regardless of whether there has been a legal name change.
Student records: Schools should make every effort to use students’ chosen/affirmed names on student records, even if a legal name change has not been made. This includes making changes in the school’s student information system, so the affirmed name is the one that appears on most printed unofficial materials (e.g., rosters, diplomas, student IDs, yearbooks, school newspapers, etc.) while the legal name is kept in a segregated, confidential file. If students have not disclosed their gender identity to a parent or guardian and as a result their name and/or gender marker cannot be changed on their student records, their chosen/affirmed name should be noted as a “preferred name” in the system?. This affirmed name should be used by staff and peers, according to the transgender or nonbinary student’s wishes. Attendance rosters and ID cards should reflect the student’s wishes regarding name and/or gender marker/pronouns, regardless of recorded name and gender on student records. The legal name should be used only where specifically required. Districts and schools should determine which uses require the legal name, including whether it is required for specific testing or reporting purposes (GLSEN & NCTE, 2020).
Privacy and confidentiality regarding disclosures: Transgender and nonbinary students have a FERPA-protected right to privacy; this extends to students’ gender identity, birth name, sex assigned at birth and medical history. Schools must make every effort to only reveal information about students’ gender identity when others have a legitimate educational purpose, which does not include mitigating possible discomfort of others. This right to privacy and prohibition of disclosing students’ gender identity extends to students’ parents/guardians, with whom schools should work collaboratively, directed by students’ comfort about what and with whom to share their confidential information.
Restrooms and locker rooms: Students have the right to use restrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identity. Schools should work with transgender and nonbinary students to ensure they feel safe and can use the selected facilities with dignity. Upon request from any student requesting additional privacy, schools should provide alternatives such as single-user bathrooms and curtains or stalls in changing areas.
Dress code: Schools have the right to implement a dress code as long as it does not discriminate against students based on gender identity, including by prohibiting some students from wearing attire that is approved for use by other students. Students have the right to express their gender while complying with the dress code, and the dress code must be equally enforced among transgender, gender nonbinary and their cisgender peers.

 GLSEN offers additional guidance (2022a):

Physical education classes and intramural sports: Students should be allowed to participate in physical education classes and intramural sports aligned with their gender identity.
Interscholastic sports: Students should be allowed to participate in interscholastic sports aligned with their gender identity.
Gender-based activities or practices: Gender-based programs in school districts should be evaluated to ensure they are offered with students’ best interests in mind and have a clear, educational purpose. Students should be allowed to participate in these programs in accordance with their gender identity. Policies regarding overnight accommodations should be made well in advance to ensure solutions are developed that are respectful, inclusive and allow for transgender and nonbinary youth to fully participate with no additional burdens compared with their cisgender peers.

Summary
School counselors promote affirmation, respect and equal opportunity for all individuals regardless of gender identity or gender expression. School counselors encourage a safe and affirming school environment and promote awareness of and education on issues related to transgender and nonbinary students.

References
GLSEN & NCTE (2020).  Model local education agency policy on transgender and nonbinary students.  Retrieved from: https://www.glsen.org/activity/model-local-education-agency-policy-on-transgender-nonbinary-students GLSEN. (2022a). Changing the game: Game plan for administrators and athletic directors. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/changing-the-game GLSEN. (2022b). Gender triangle education guide. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2019-11/GLSEN-Gender-Triangle-Education-Guide.pdf GLSEN. (2022c). Improving school climate for transgender and nonbinary youth. Retrieved from: https://www.glsen.org/research/improving-school-climate-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth. Kosciw, J. G., Clark, C. M., Truong, N. L., & Zongrone, A. D. (2020). The 2019 National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth in our nation’s schools. New York: GLSEN. National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) (2021). Fact sheet on U.S. Department of Education policy letter on transgender students. Retrieved from http://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/ED-DCL-Fact-Sheet.pdf US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) (2021). Enforcement of Title IX of the education amendments of 1972 with respect to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in light of Bostock v. Clayton County. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/202106-titleix-noi.pdf Resourceshttps://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ocr-factsheet-tix-202106.pdfhttps://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ed-factsheet-transgender-202106.pdfhttps://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/events/webinar/lessons-field-supporting-transgender-nonbinary-students-k-12-schoolshttps://www.glsen.org/essa-implementation

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School counselors are committed to all students’ academic, career and social/emotional development, regardless of gender identity, gender expression and gender attribution (GLSEN, 2022b). Transgender and nonbinary students and their families face increased risks as well as unique circumstances that often require additional support and recommendations to help ensure these students receive the same educational opportunities as their peers (Kosciw et al., 2020). Research shows 83.3% of transgender and 68.7% of nonbinary youth reported being victimized at school due to their gender (Kosciw et al., 2020),

The adverse health and educational consequences for transgender and nonbinary students are even greater than those for lesbian, gay and bisexual students. Students with supportive adults in their building are less likely to feel unsafe or to miss school and more likely to have higher GPAs, to pursue postsecondary education and to feel a higher sense of belonging in school (GLSEN 2022c). School counselors recognize the overall goal is to ensure the safety, comfort and healthy development of all students, maximizing inclusion and social integration while minimizing exclusion and stigmatization.

The School Counselor's Role

School counselors recognize the responsibility for determining a student’s gender identity rests with the student rather than outside confirmation from medical practitioners, mental health professionals or documentation of legal changes. School counselors collaborate with other school personnel to address district operations, programs, policies and activities that may put the well-being of transgender and nonbinary youth at risk. Although the guidelines within this statement provide important suggestions, they cannot anticipate every situation that might occur.

Each student’s unique situation should be addressed on a case-by-case basis, using a student-centered approach that includes ongoing student and parent/guardian engagement (as appropriate) and school personnel with a legitimate educational interest per the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Title IX guidance and legal briefs issued by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) have defined fair and equal treatment for transgender and nonbinary students in relation to student names and pronouns, student records, privacy, restrooms, student safety and dress codes (OCR, 2021). School counselors promote the use of best practices to inform their support of transgender and nonbinary students, such as the following recommendations offered by the National Center for Transgender Equality (2021):

Names and pronouns: School staff should address students by their chosen/affirmed name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, regardless of whether there has been a legal name change.

Student records: Schools should make every effort to use students’ chosen/affirmed names on student records, even if a legal name change has not been made. This includes making changes in the school’s student information system, so the affirmed name is the one that appears on most printed unofficial materials (e.g., rosters, diplomas, student IDs, yearbooks, school newspapers, etc.) while the legal name is kept in a segregated, confidential file. If students have not disclosed their gender identity to a parent or guardian and as a result their name and/or gender marker cannot be changed on their student records, their chosen/affirmed name should be noted as a “preferred name” in the system?. This affirmed name should be used by staff and peers, according to the transgender or nonbinary student’s wishes. Attendance rosters and ID cards should reflect the student’s wishes regarding name and/or gender marker/pronouns, regardless of recorded name and gender on student records. The legal name should be used only where specifically required. Districts and schools should determine which uses require the legal name, including whether it is required for specific testing or reporting purposes (GLSEN & NCTE, 2020).

Privacy and confidentiality regarding disclosures: Transgender and nonbinary students have a FERPA-protected right to privacy; this extends to students’ gender identity, birth name, sex assigned at birth and medical history. Schools must make every effort to only reveal information about students’ gender identity when others have a legitimate educational purpose, which does not include mitigating possible discomfort of others. This right to privacy and prohibition of disclosing students’ gender identity extends to students’ parents/guardians, with whom schools should work collaboratively, directed by students’ comfort about what and with whom to share their confidential information.

Restrooms and locker rooms: Students have the right to use restrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identity. Schools should work with transgender and nonbinary students to ensure they feel safe and can use the selected facilities with dignity. Upon request from any student requesting additional privacy, schools should provide alternatives such as single-user bathrooms and curtains or stalls in changing areas.

Dress code: Schools have the right to implement a dress code as long as it does not discriminate against students based on gender identity, including by prohibiting some students from wearing attire that is approved for use by other students. Students have the right to express their gender while complying with the dress code, and the dress code must be equally enforced among transgender, gender nonbinary and their cisgender peers.

 GLSEN offers additional guidance (2022a):

Physical education classes and intramural sports: Students should be allowed to participate in physical education classes and intramural sports aligned with their gender identity.

Interscholastic sports: Students should be allowed to participate in interscholastic sports aligned with their gender identity.

Gender-based activities or practices: Gender-based programs in school districts should be evaluated to ensure they are offered with students’ best interests in mind and have a clear, educational purpose. Students should be allowed to participate in these programs in accordance with their gender identity. Policies regarding overnight accommodations should be made well in advance to ensure solutions are developed that are respectful, inclusive and allow for transgender and nonbinary youth to fully participate with no additional burdens compared with their cisgender peers.

Summary

School counselors promote affirmation, respect and equal opportunity for all individuals regardless of gender identity or gender expression. School counselors encourage a safe and affirming school environment and promote awareness of and education on issues related to transgender and nonbinary students.

References

GLSEN & NCTE (2020).  Model local education agency policy on transgender and nonbinary students.  Retrieved from: https://www.glsen.org/activity/model-local-education-agency-policy-on-transgender-nonbinary-students

GLSEN. (2022a). Changing the game: Game plan for administrators and athletic directors. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/changing-the-game

GLSEN. (2022b). Gender triangle education guide. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2019-11/GLSEN-Gender-Triangle-Education-Guide.pdf

GLSEN. (2022c). Improving school climate for transgender and nonbinary youth. Retrieved from: https://www.glsen.org/research/improving-school-climate-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth.

Kosciw, J. G., Clark, C. M., Truong, N. L., & Zongrone, A. D. (2020). The 2019 National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth in our nation’s schools. New York: GLSEN.

National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) (2021). Fact sheet on U.S. Department of Education policy letter on transgender students. Retrieved from http://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/ED-DCL-Fact-Sheet.pdf

US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) (2021). Enforcement of Title IX of the education amendments of 1972 with respect to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in light of Bostock v. Clayton County. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/202106-titleix-noi.pdf

Resources
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ocr-factsheet-tix-202106.pdf

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ed-factsheet-transgender-202106.pdf

https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/events/webinar/lessons-field-supporting-transgender-nonbinary-students-k-12-schools

https://www.glsen.org/essa-implementation


Strongly opposed

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The proposed model policies will not protect our children but will cause further harm to all children. If you actually believed in being pro life you would not create policies which we know lead to the alienation of transgender and nonbinary students which create a breeding ground for self harm. Virginians do not want these proposed changes to take affect. I strongly oppose these model policy changes.


I strongly oppose

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I STRONGLY OPPOSE the guidance.


“Discrimination against transgender individuals is illegal discrimination on the basis of sex.”

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“Recent federal court decisions have upheld protections for transgender people, including a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision, written by Trump appointee Neil M. Gorsuch, that determined that civil rights law barring sex discrimination covers transgender people.

In 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled that a transgender student could not be barred from using a boys’ bathroom. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of that ruling last year.

Erlich represented a woman whose case recently led the Fourth Circuit to rule that gender dysphoria — the distress a person feels when their gender does not match their sex assigned at birth — is protected under disability law.

Virginia also has a Human Rights Act that bars discrimination in schools based on gender identity.

Youngkin’s policies include an admonition to treat transgender students “with respect, compassion, and dignity in the classroom and school environment.” But Eden Heilman, legal director of the Virginia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said that’s not enough: “That’s not how the law works.” (Weiner, 2022)


Do not do this.


Strongly oppose this harmful policy

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<p>I strongly oppose this harmful, transphobic policy. This will harm trans students and their mental health. This is not progress. </p>


THIS BILL WILL FORCIBLY OUT CHILDREN TO ABUSIVE PARENTS - Youngkin this blood is on your hands!!!

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“Schools should serve as safe spaces for all children — not just because all homes don’t feel safe, but especially because all homes don’t feel safe.” (Vargas, 2022)


What the  is wrong with you transphobic sickos

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Transgender people are literally like 1% of society. Imagine being a transgender child, especially in a isolated or unaccepting household. The very last thing those vulnerable children need are policies like this to hurt them.

Putting the lives of vulnerable children at risk for political points is disgusting.

You may win votes in the short term but this will emd up with the icide and emotional scarring of trans kids.

Treating kids with respect is free.

Best,

Michael Starnes


facts > feelings! these policies are empirically unfounded & contradict evidence-based best practice

Advocacy Alert &
VSCA Statement on 2022 Model Policies

Virginia school counselors work to remove barriers and support the social, emotional, and mental health needs of all students. VSCA Ends Policies state that “Virginia School Counselors are committed to working with and advocating for marginalized groups, promote the mental health and wellness of all students, adhere to the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors, and actively work to dismantle destructive systemic inequities.”
Additionally, Virginia school counselors follow the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Position Statement on The School Counselor and Transgender and Nonbinary Youth (Adopted 2016, revised 2022) that states:

School counselors work to safeguard the well-being of transgender and nonbinary youth. School counselors recognize all students have the right to be treated equally and fairly, with dignity and respect as unique individuals, free from discrimination, harassment and bullying based on their gender identity and gender expression.

Finally, Virginia school counselors seek to create environments that are not only inclusive and equitable for all students, including our transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming and gender-fluid students, but that celebrate the full scope of their identities, allowing them to thrive and reach their fullest potential. Furthermore, Virginia school counselors commit to dismantling any and all forms of inequity in Virginia’s public education system and fully support LGBTQ+ students. Every Virginia student, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, has a right to learn free from discrimination and harassment.
Against this background, it is VSCA’s stance that the2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schoolsare empirically unfounded and are not in accordance with evidence-based best practices concerning the treatment of transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming and gender-fluid students.

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Advocacy Alert &

VSCA Statement on 2022 Model Policies

Virginia school counselors work to remove barriers and support the social, emotional, and mental health needs of all students. VSCA Ends Policies state that “Virginia School Counselors are committed to working with and advocating for marginalized groups, promote the mental health and wellness of all students, adhere to the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors, and actively work to dismantle destructive systemic inequities.”

Additionally, Virginia school counselors follow the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Position Statement on <a rel="nofollow" x="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvsca.org%2FEmailTracker%2FLinkTracker.ashx%3FlinkAndRecipientCode%3DL6RTA1gphhP9lBTZtbUiGvxeQOLbjXsPKpJN13NN0ZpR16iIlCmHhxjlkfIVwu0VAkibOVBBOrb65Ou8UwzXBUvoEEEEkYc4mj8Apm3htUA%253d&data=05%7C01%7Ccburges8%40gmu.edu%7C82a279e8b51b47d3677208da9fe26caa%7C9e857255df574c47a0c00546460380cb%7C0%7C0%7C637998092130964120%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=K8M6KJLNl2AxTyG%2BOCtevhcm8UxoL7NP4hVC90xOxOc%3D&reserved=0">The School Counselor and Transgender and Nonbinary Youth (Adopted 2016, revised 2022) that states:

School counselors work to safeguard the well-being of transgender and nonbinary youth. School counselors recognize all students have the right to be treated equally and fairly, with dignity and respect as unique individuals, free from discrimination, harassment and bullying based on their gender identity and gender expression.

Finally, Virginia school counselors seek to create environments that are not only inclusive and equitable for all students, including our transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming and gender-fluid students, but that celebrate the full scope of their identities, allowing them to thrive and reach their fullest potential. Furthermore, Virginia school counselors commit to dismantling any and all forms of inequity in Virginia’s public education system and fully support LGBTQ+ students. Every Virginia student, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, has a right to learn free from discrimination and harassment.

Against this background, it is VSCA’s stance that the2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schoolsare empirically unfounded and are not in accordance with evidence-based best practices concerning the treatment of transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming and gender-fluid students.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>We need to protect ALL children, LGBQ and trans included. </p>


Strongly opposed

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<p>Do not pass this proposal, please do not hurt our children. </p>