Strongly opposed. This is not about protecting Virginia students. It is about harming them.

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I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2019 and received a Master’s in Counseling form William & Mary in 2021. I currently work as resident counselor at a private mental health counseling practice.

Governor Youngkin’s policy on transgender students claims to be about protecting students, but there is no evidence that any student will be protected by these laws. The agreed upon treatment of a child experiencing gender dysphoria is allowing them to social transition via wearing gender affirming clothing and going by a name which makes them feel comfortable. Preventing this in a school setting where dramatically increases the risk of suicide among transgender students. Furthermore, allowing social transitioning poses no threat to the student transitioning or their classmates. Fear-mongering about male students pretending to be trans to sneak into girls bathrooms/locker rooms are entirely a media fabrication. In reality, trans students are overwhelmingly more likely to be the victims of violence than to be the perpetrators, and to pretend otherwise is to be willfully ignorant.

Furthermore there is strong evidence that these laws directly lead to bullying, violence, and discrimination against not only transgender students, but also any cisgender student who (by their own choice or not) do not strictly conform to gender stereotypes. For example, there are many cases of cisgender girls who have been barred from playing school sports because they naturally appear more masculine. Also, these policies would give teachers license to shame and harass any student who they believed was not behaving in a way that they felt aligns with the gender they were assigned at birth. If these policies go into affects, many Virginia students will face immense harm, and many trans students will be pushed to suicide.

Governor Youngkin is of course aware of all of these facts. He knows that by making these laws, he will be making Virginia schools demonstrably less safe for any student who does not fit in with their peers. He knows it will lead many transgender students to kill themselves or drop out, or simply suffer silently. That is the reason he is suggesting it. Governor Youngkin would rather see hundreds of children dead than accept that some children are different from others, and that those different children are worthy of life. He and his GOP allies wish nothing more than the eradication of transgender and gay people, and they do not care who gets caught in the crossfire.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


I oppose this policy

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<p>I firmly oppose this hateful policy. </p>


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


I oppose this fully.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


opposition

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<p>I strongly oppose this. Trans youth should be protected and respected and deserve fair treatment </p>


Strongly oppose.


I am strongly opposed.


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Fully Support, Pro parents rights, pro child safety

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Thank you Governor Youngkin for protecting  to parents rights for the care and safety of  their children. Children belong to their families, not the state or the public school system.


Let Trans Kids Be Kids

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If you do not understand someone's experience, try to understand instead of trying to ban their existence. Please create inclusive policy for trans people. Let trans kids be kids, please.


I am completely opposed.


Harming children

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The proposed guidance harms children


I strongly oppose this decision

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This will only cause further harm to trans youth. By forcing teachers to deadname and misgender trans students, a precedent is being set that erases trans youth and by extension trans adults. If a cisgender student wanted a nickname or different name to be used, there wouldn’t be any issue. This motion deliberately isolates and infringes on the rights of students and will only add to the already striking suicide rates among lgbtq youth.


This is a terrible policy decision.


I Strongly Oppose This Policy

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This policy will only result in harm to an already vulnerable population. This policy makes it impossible for school personnel to use discretion in working with trans and non-binary students in a manner that best serves the students and guarantees their safety.


Strongly oppose

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This policy will only cause further harm to trans kids and pave the way for further discrimination against already-marginalized groups. Please support human rights instead of this abhorrent policy.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Strong Support--Children are not Wards of the State

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I strongly support Governor Youngkin's Model Policy on the Privacy, Dignity and Respect for All Students and Parents.  This policy would challenge the Marxian strategy which seeks to make our children wards of the state and drive a wedge between parents and children at every turn.

In addition, it protects the privacy and safety of our girls who do not want to share a locker room or hotel room with a biological male.

Don't listen to the fear-mongering.  This is good, common sense policy that reasonable people support.


Agree to this change

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Parents should have the final say in something so critical. The students are still children with still growing brains and very few life experiences to model them. They do not belong to the state and taking more and more decisions away from the parents who know them best, is a horrible idea.


All for it

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That there are a disproportional number of anonymous and cowardly spam comments from people who have no interest in actual human society should speak volumes to the rest of us who are thinking caring adults who live in a modern world full of a rich and amazing diversity.

Our communities are made stronger by this. Our children are protected and encouraged to explore and be who they are as opposed to an alternative which condemns them and raises the rate of suicide in this country.  As a fully faithful Christian my entire life I'm completely in favor of this.


This policy is inhumane and disgraceful

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The data is clear: you can't make trans kids not trans by denying them care and acknowledgment; all you can so is harm them.  Trans children that are denied care, including acknowledgment, acceptance, privacy, and the ability to go through life as their gender, have substantially higher suicide rates.  If you want dead kids, then go ahead with this bill.  I, for one, oppose it and cannot understand anyone who supports policies that will literally kill our children.


I fully oppose this.


Strongly support Gov. Youngkin and the New Model Policy

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<p>As a FCPS employee and student attending FCPS, I strongly support Gov. Youngkin's new policy directive. </p>


Terrible policy idea

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<p>School should be a safe place for kids. Kids are going through changes and trying to figure out who they are. Parents are not always safe. Look at the rampant abuse of kids and teens in the state. Look at the statistics of kids kicked out of homes, removed by CPS, ext. Outing a child to their parents could be a death sentence. </p>


Do not do this.


I am strongly opposed.


Liberal Gay Mafia is coordinated attacking this board


keep trans kids safe

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i strongly oppose this bill. it could get people killed. please be smart about this!!


Strongly oppose

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This will hurt trans students.


Oppose Glenn Youngkins murder of trans kids

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<p style="text-align: left;">Glenn Youngkin has decided to oppose the established medical community treatment of LGBTQ+ kids increasing the risk of mortality amongst Virginia public school students. Glenn Youngkin is pro dead children. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Please do not do this

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<p>This policy does not have the best interests of children, their parents, or teachers in mind. Please reconsider. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I oppose strongly

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This will only further hurt trans children.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


On the off chance your god doesnt exist

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Faith doesnt need to be had to recognize the effects that gender dysphoria have on youth. Differring to parents on these things futher alienates children and creates the silenced situations in which things kike suicide thrive. If you cant reconcile that with a book thats a thousand years old, perhaps blame it on progress. Either way, faith isnt needed to see the effect on our kids when we try to tell them who they are, rather than listening to what they say.


This will harm Trans kids.

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Do not do this. If you truly care about the physical and mental well-being of Virginia's youth, end this now.


Don’t harm the youth

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This is a horrible choice that will harm children across the state and create long lasting damage within our school system. Please do not allow this horrible act of discrimination.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I am completely opposed.


support your kids 'free agency' on your own watch

<br/>Don't try to groom my kid to support your degeneracy


Strongly Support Gov Youngkin's new policy

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Finally someone with common sense is protecting girls from having boys in their private spaces. The schools are out of control & children are destroying their lives with this woke nonsense.


Do not do this.


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Trans kids need our love, protection and FREEDOM to choose their own path


I fully oppose this.


Try acceptance of Trans people instead.

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Instead of vilifying and condemning trans people. Try kindness, acceptance and accommodation. Stop the hatred. People just wan't to live their lives free of bullying and persecution.  Trans people are a threat to NO ONE. Stop demonizing marginalized people. Where is the empathy. People do not ask to be different. They just are. Come down of your high moral horse of bigotry and hypocrisy. People are people. Stop creating enemies out of innocent people.


Protect kids, don't attack them

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Please don't repeal anything that protects trans kids. When trans kids are misgendered, deadnamed, or otherwise made to feel unsafe, they are more likely to harm or kill themselves. I am trans and am missgendered all the time. I am 44 years old and it hurts and is exhausting. For a child, it is so much worse. Protect all children and give them safety. Don't let bigotry and hate harm children.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Strongly oppose

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This policy will harm innocent children.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Strongly oppose.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I strongly oppose this


This is a terrible policy decision.


Trans People Exist

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I find it hard to enter into a policy discussion with an administration whose baseline policy outlook seems to include the view that trans people do not exist. Is the idea that trans people are some kind of mix-up that can be cured by religion, or stern parenting, or perhaps some other means?

Actually they are our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, children... you know, Governor, our loved ones? The people we are commanded by God to cherish and support and uplift?

I just don't see what you see here, man. Hope you change your mind.


No!!  Please stop!

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This isn’t about parents it’s about a child as a person in their own right and an individual.  They have rights too, including to their is. Thoughts and sense of self.  We have no right to take that from them and focus on parents instead. If a child felt comfortable telling their parent, they would!  And we can help them get to that point, but somethings that is not an option. Stop endangering our lgbtq youth!


I vehemently SUPPORT this! BAN TRANS!


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


This is bad

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This policy is designed to harm trans children. It is not in the interest of students.


Nazi tactics against trans people

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Inhumane law, should be ashamed. Apparently government is a OK stepping on people's rights but Republicans and governor want less government oversight. What a bunch of horse .


I reject Gov Youngkin's anti-trans policies

I write to stand against Governor Youngkin's transphobic policies.
Governor Youngkin's policies are rooted in transphobia and only seek to further harm trans and non-binary kids. They create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment for those same students as they require teachers and staff to forcibly out students to their parents against the student’s will.
Youngkin’s policies would prohibit educators from using students’ affirming names and pronouns to help support their students and their mental health. Putting trans students further into harm's way, they also force the students into a bathroom and sports policy that do not adhere to their true gender identity, making them potential targets for bullying, abuse, and violence.Governor Youngkin’s policies also explicitly contradict state law and are illegal. In 2021, Governor Ralph Northam signed the Virginia Values Act into law after it was passed through the General Assembly. This law prohibits discrimination in public and private employment, credit, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, among other additional protected categories. The protections in this act have been extended to protect LGBTQ+ youth in Virginia public schools throughout the Commonwealth to prohibit discrimination, harassment, and violence in against these students.I cannot stand for these policies to be illegally forced upon Virginia's students in the name of the Republican Party's so-called “parent’s rights” campaign against kids. We need to protect trans kids, and these policies only seek to harm and further marginalize LGBTQ+ people.Thank you.
Respectfully,Colleen MooreArlington, VA

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I write to stand against Governor Youngkin's transphobic policies.

Governor Youngkin's policies are rooted in transphobia and only seek to further harm trans and non-binary kids. They create a hostile and potentially dangerous school environment for those same students as they require teachers and staff to forcibly out students to their parents against the student’s will.

Youngkin’s policies would prohibit educators from using students’ affirming names and pronouns to help support their students and their mental health. Putting trans students further into harm's way, they also force the students into a bathroom and sports policy that do not adhere to their true gender identity, making them potential targets for bullying, abuse, and violence.

Governor Youngkin’s policies also explicitly contradict state law and are illegal. In 2021, Governor Ralph Northam signed the Virginia Values Act into law after it was passed through the General Assembly. This law prohibits discrimination in public and private employment, credit, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, among other additional protected categories. The protections in this act have been extended to protect LGBTQ+ youth in Virginia public schools throughout the Commonwealth to prohibit discrimination, harassment, and violence in against these students.

I cannot stand for these policies to be illegally forced upon Virginia's students in the name of the Republican Party's so-called “parent’s rights” campaign against kids. We need to protect trans kids, and these policies only seek to harm and further marginalize LGBTQ+ people.

Thank you.

Respectfully,
Colleen Moore
Arlington, VA


passing this laws is a major mistake

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<p>this law does nothing but impose neddless cruelty apon the children of Virginia </p>


Oppose!!


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


I oppose this fully.


Strongly opposed to new regulations

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This bill gravely impacts the freedom of humans to express themselves and their gender safely. It is imperative to a free society that we support bodily autonomy for all. Anyone who wishes to pursue happiness should be free to do so, especially within the limits of their body and choices. It is the right of life that ensures the necessity of liberty, and nowhere is liberty more sacred than in the relationship of a person with their body and how they carry it in the world.


public school

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I appreciate you giving parents control but the public school system is broken. After seeing the fluff they are teaching I kept my child out of public school.

There's not enough teachers or teacher's aids. No subs for anything. They are forcing teachers out and replacing them with people they can control. History is a joke. We need to dismantle the DOE and start teaching real History and math and science. Not this nonsense they're trying to pass off as education


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If you oppose this you oppose parental rights


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Do not do this.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


This is inhumane

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Just because you do not understand the experience of transgender individuals does not give you the right to treat them as anything less than full humans with every right you have. Educate yourselves, and stop being bigots.


This is a disgusting policy to enact. I am strongly opposed to this.

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"The Department is mindful of constitutional protections that prohibit governmental entities from requiring individuals to adhere to or adopt a particular ideological belief." If you're so mindful of constitutional protection, why are you adopting a policy that targets the privacy that all LGBT+ members of society are rightfully allowed, given that the dangers of revealing themselves (of which include hate crimes and murder)? Why is this policy even being considered in the first place?

Parents only have the right to know whether or not a child will attempt to harm themselves or others, OR if their family members or someone they know will attempt those things. This doesn't apply to transgender individuals whatsoever, because being transgender doesn't make one prone to self-harm. Self-harm is linked to mental distress, not the type of gender one is. This entire policy is likely built up on a, pardon my French,  rhetoric that transphobic people use to further their disgusting and incorrect ideology.

If you really wanted to help trans kids, you wouldn't force them to come out to their parents, especially when those parents can turn around and become abusive towards their kids for such things! Shame on you!

Take your violation of rights and get it out of this state and its schooling system.


I am strongly opposed.


I fully oppose this.


i oppose

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I oppose Governor Youngkin taking away the rights of trans students


I oppose the document in its entirety.

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<p>I support the rights of all people to enjoy the liberties available to everyone, only limited where and act limits the liberties of others. This document is against liberties. It assumes majority cultural norms must be followed by everyone which encroaches on the liberties of the minority. This document is regressive, sending the state back to the darkness of the Middle Ages. </p>


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Mary Ann Kreitzer, Les Femmes - The Truth

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<p>As a mother of five and grandmother of 26 I strongly support the rights of parents as the primary educators of their children and the rights of children to be safe. The recent attacks of girls by boys using girls bathrooms is totally unacceptable as is the abuse of parents by extremist school boards. This model guidance is desperately needed to protect the innocence and safety of children in our public schools including to protect them from imposition of gender ideology and discrimination against people of faith. The schools need to return to teaching the basics: reading, writing, and arithmetic. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.


let trans kids live their lives

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JUST LET TRANS KIDS LIVE THEIR LIVES WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU ABUSIVE S


Parents of 'trans' kids never grew up.


Strongly oppose

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<p>Many adults struggle with mental health crises because of the inability to express their true identity in a safe and accepting space as children. There is so much research about how trying to suppress children's identity leads to depression, anxiety, and life being taken too soon. School is already a battlefield for many who do not fit cleanly into societal standards. LGBTQ+ children deserve the same safety and agency that all children deserve. I believe that Youngkin's policies are a step backwards and will lead to much unnecessary pain and suffering and I fully oppose them. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Gov. Youngkin’s new K-12 policies

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I support Gov. Youngkin and strongly support parents rights in the education of their children.


I am Strongly Opposed to the Proposed Changes

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I am strongly opposed and deeply troubled by the proposed changes. As a United Methodist pastor, I remember several confidential conversations with LGBTQ youth and young adults who were claiming their identity and were terrified of the reaction of their parents if they learned who these young people truly were. There home would not be a safe space for them; for the public school system to systematically and intentionally "out" a student is dangerous and poses significant risk to their well-being. Not every parent is the "Donna Reed" parent Gov. Youngkin assumes is the case for all our students. There are many reasons for LGBTQ students to be tempted to suicide; parental intimidation and rejection is one of them. It seems to me that the proposed guidelines cannot effectively meet the commitment to letting parents have final say over all things related to the children and the commitment to the well-being of all students. I confess I am not hopeful, given the Governor's  seeming commitment to a political base more than to genuine needs and sound science, I sincerely hope and pray these proposed guidelines will not be confirmed.


I oppose these changes

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We need to honor and love our trans children, not shame them and castigate them. They should be called by their preferred names and pronouns. They should have adequate bathroom facilities that match their gender, not their biological sex. They should not fear being outed to abusive or unsupportive parents (I realize most parents are not abusive or unsupportive, but such parents do exist and schools should protect them from such parents). They should be loved, respected, and cared for by their teachers and school officials.


I oppose this fully.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I am in support of trans rights.

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We are not talking about kindergarteners getting picked up by transgender witches who transfigure their genitalia, and therefore deserve to be burned. We are talking about teenagers attempting to find solace in their identities, we are talking about your son being bullied en masse by cruel classmates with this being supported by the government, we are talking about your daughter locked in the men’s restroom surrounded by people who may physically and emotionally scar her permanently. “Protecting our children” please. That’s what’s this bill is going to destroy. This bill is putting your children in the lions den, move them to the safety to express themselves, to the safety of their identity, away from the danger of bigotry. I beg to whatever ounce of kindness in your heart to take this bill away and burn it. When I was a kid I remember having a friend named Jaxon who was covered in bruises and scars because of policies like this. Put the blood libel down and listen to the children themselves before you lose the ones you love.


Strongly oppose.


Protect trans kids!

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Protect trans kids from hatred and bigotry!


I am strongly opposed.


I am completely opposed.


Do not do this.


#BanGroomers


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Parents Should Control Public Education

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Parents should be the ones to set the overall K-12 Curriculum. Teachers should be stopped from teaching or talking about sex and gender. God created a man and a woman and that's all there is. Also, they should not be teaching or talking about pronouns or other such nonsense. Our children should be protected from these types of extreme indoctrinations.


This is how you endanger children.

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<p>School should be a safe place for kids. Kids are going through changes and trying to figure out who they are. Parents are not always safe. Look at the rampant abuse of kids and teens in your state. Look at the statistics of kids kicked out of homes, removed my cps, ext. outing a child to their parents could be a death sentence. </p>


Opposed

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I oppose these policies. These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


I oppose these model policies, let the 2021 policies stand

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All public school students across Virginia have the right to be let alone and not used as collateral in a political debate that started with a teacher tip-line and that has progressed to calling public school teachers "groomers".  The number of college students pursuing education credentials has decreased over the past 10 years and our governor's political agenda is driving the best teacher and potential teachers out of the profession.  Glen Youngkin's actions are an impediment to the success of our Commonwealth.  If specific public school districts want to debate the 2021 guidelines, let them do so in a fair and open manner that is held to local accountability.  Stop using the power of the state to control local school boards and divide parents along a non-issue.


Re: If there's a liberal gay mafia....

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<p>.....Because you noticed enough to respond.....ywnbaw</p>


Strongly Opposed

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<p>STRONGLY OPPOSED </p>


Oppose!

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This policy is discriminatory,opposing federal law.also what about the rights of parents who support their Trans children? Completely ignore those rights?


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Please don’t do this to trans kids.

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My little sister is in your school system. She has trans friends. When I told her about this guidance document change and what it would mean, she didn’t want to believe it. She denied it. She yelled at me. She made me pull up the document and show her, and then she left the room and sobbed for a good solid hour.
For so, so many trans kids, this is going to be horrible. As if discrimination against them wasn’t bad enough already. Do you know how stressful the public school system is? How utterly hostile and inhospitable? Do you know how many times I contemplated suicide, how many times my sister contemplated suicide? Well we’re still here. Despite the public school system. So you’re going to make an already inhospitable environment worse. Bear in mind that my sister and I are not trans. If it was that bad for us, how bad will it be for trans kids whose suicide rates are so much higher? This can, and mark my words will kill trans kids. I know you think you’re helping parents by doing this. I don’t care if you believe being trans is real or not, I don’t care if you think those kids are just confused. But you must consider what the consequences of your actions will be towards those children! Confused or not, school is often the only place they have away from parents who don’t believe or support them. Can you really bring yourself to take that away from them? Parental rights do not trump children’s lives. That’s why CPS exists. Are you ready to accept the moral responsibility of these guideline changes? Are you ready to have these children’s lives on your conscience?


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


I oppose this fully.


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Strongly Support. Its common sense, like gender


I am completely opposed.


Another Step Toward Genocide

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<p>I am a 29 year old trans woman living in Richmond, VA. I started my transition at the age of 22 but had known about my identity as early as five years old. I grew up in a rural county where I had no idea what being trans meant. Had I understood the concept earlier in my life, I would be facing what this future generation is going to be facing, which is discrimination and ostracization. This is what Youngkin's policy is going to be bringing to children who are simply trying to live their lives without harming anyone in the process. This policy is meant to be a parentals rights policy, but why then if parent's rights are so important that they are not believed when they tell people that their child identifies as trans. Why is it then that a parent's word is also being scrutinized especially in states that are currently banning gender affirming care even with parental consent. It's simple, it is because this isn't about protecting parental rights nor is it about protecting children. If it was about protecting children then these lawmakers would go by the statistics we have regarding decrease in suicidality among trans people when their gender is affirmed and parents, classmates, friends, etc. are supportive. This is and always will be about controlling people. I say this is another step toward genocide because it is another state that is working toward making sure trans people are not shown the same human decency and respect that their peers will receive. It is about making sure these children are seen as different. Youngkin's policy much like other Republican governors, i.e. De Santis, seeks to make sure trans people and their freedoms are slowly taken away to the point that they believe that they can stop people from being trans. They're already in the process of taking away trans people's healthcare, and in Alabama it is a felony for doctor's to prescribe gender affirming care for those under 19 years old. I will say that again, 19 years old. Further explaining that this isn't just about children but an effort to make it so that people are not able to transition at all. These are stepping stones. It is an absolute disgrace knowing that these policies and laws are being made and that they are simply allowed to continue their efforts to take away another human being's right. This policy needs to be stopped. </p>


I am strongly opposed.


I fully oppose this.


YOU ARE WRONG!

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This new policy is hateful and harmful. Our LGBTQ youth shouldn't be made targets, shouldn't be outted to parents who may harm them, and they shouldn't be made to live in fear, which will happen if Gov Youngkin continues down this dangerous path.

LGBTQ students want equal access to education, and they can't have that when they are demonized, called names, and with policies that make it clear they are OTHER THAN!  Asserting parents' rights is asserting parents' right to complete dominion and ability to groom their children in any way they see fit, regardless of how the child feels. If a child of 15 decides they don't want to be Christian and join a religious club of another faith at school, will the school be obliged to "out" them to their parents? These proposed policies strip every kid of any autonomy. It strips them of their individualism. It tells every kid that they don't know themselves and certainly can't make decisions for themselves.

My teen has picked which classes they have wanted to take since 9th grade. My teen has chosen what sport to play. My teen will choose what college to attend. By Gov. Youngkin's logic, my teen should have no ability to have that decision-making. It is abhorrent, reckless, and without any science to back it up other than a bunch of zealots who can scream hate under the guise of parental choice. You are not hiding your homophobic, transphobic, and every phobia you have toward anyone that isn't following your same path. I hope every parent screaming about groomers, pedophiles, etc about our schools is blessed to have an LGBTQ child, but sadly that may mean a child out there will be faced with the ultimate betrayal by a parent: to hate their child under the guise of religion.

This hate is being driven by nothing but religion. My child's first amendment right means they have an individual right to live their life free from the harm of others. Gov. Youngkin is violating every LGBTQ child under the guise of forcing others to live by his religious convictions. Gov. Youngkin's legacy will be that of a one-term Governor who thought he could force his hate on others. The majority of Americans do not agree with your anti-LGBTQ policies. You are a minority, and if you want schools to teach hate, then do so but don't try and destroy our public schools and defund them under the guise of this unconscionable hate.


Please ADOPT this policy

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We need to have our parental rights upheld.

This new policy document upholds our rights: "Parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children: Policies shall be drafted to safeguard parents’ rights with respect to their child, and to facilitate the exercise of those rights....Schools shall defer to parents to make the best decisions with respect to their children."


Do not do this.


Strongly oppose.


?? STRONGLY OPPOSE ??

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this policy is very harmful to trans youth and i do not support it. glen youngkin should be ashamed of himself for trying to put this through.


Firmly Oppose This Policy

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<p>Trans kids are children dealing with the most some of the most difficult challenges of becoming an adult. They deserve our unconditional love and support and protection against dehumanizing policies that other them and bully them. Trans individuals have some of the highest rates of suicide in the US and policies like this are part of the reason why. Let's show trans kids how much we LOVE them so they can in turn know it's ok to love themselves too. </p>


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If there's a liberal gay mafia, why are yours the only ones that look like spam


I STRONGLY oppose this policy

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I strongly oppose this policy because it harms the mental well-being of trans children and ALL children should be protected!


This bill defies all medical best practices.


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


#ProtectQueerYouth, #ProtectTransYouth

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This is a disgusting idea that will not help anyone-- it will only make queer children and transgender children scapegoats, while the kids who are actually harmed (usually by adults from their churches and schools) will see no justice. You should be ashamed of yourselves.


SUPPORT TRANS KIDS

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Let's prevent the suicide of children by providing support to our children


No.

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This is an absolute hate crime, and should very much not be passed. This endangers trans kids, and will put them through unbearable emotional pain. It is time to stand up, and protect our community. This bill will very much hurt every single Virginia kid, and if anyone takes inspiration from this bill, more kids will be endangered.
This isn't funny, and I look forward to seeing this have it's demise.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Parents matter

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Thank you for everyone that wrote this bill. Parents matter parents choices matter parents beliefs matter and I am grateful that this administration cares enough to listen to the parents of the children that are put in your care to educate them about basic math science reading and writing.


Let these fellow people exist in peace and equality.


Parents matter


This is completely and utterly wrong, unacceptable, and a violation of privacy and self expression

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This is a complete and utter violation of students freedoms and rights. They are not hurting anybody! People need to educate themselves it is 2022.


I fully oppose this.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Strongly oppose

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<p>This will bring emotional and physical harm to trans kids. I strongly oppose this proposal. </p>


I am strongly opposed.


I oppose this it is hurtful

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<p>This is very harmful. I strongly oppose it. </p>


Do not do this.


Strongly oppose.


I oppose this fully.


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


I completely oppose this.

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<p>This is despicable and makes no sense for safety and happiness. </p>


I am completely opposed.


Oppose This Policy

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Dear Governor Youngkin,

   As an educator working in your state for 22 years, I’ve worked with thousands of students across elementary and middle school classrooms.  I have seen firsthand what bullying looks like and the harm it can do to children. Sometimes it comes from supposed friends and peers.  Other times it comes from outside of the school building and in the community. Schools should be a safe haven for ALL students. It is not a place to play politics. Our children are growing up in a society that is thriving on self-centered attitudes instead of empathy. This policy will only harm, not help. This will target children instead of protecting them. Play politics out on the campaign trail and leave Virginia’s children alone!


This is a terrible policy decision.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


Opposed

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These policies will harm children. Protect trans youth!!


Very strongly oppose

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As a Virginia citizen, voter, parent and educator, I strongly oppose this proposed policy. Our transgender and gender non-conforming students are extremely vulnerable and need school to be a welcoming and affirming place. Removing recent safeguards like access to gender neutral restrooms will do more harm than good. I urge you to reconsider these hateful policies that will put Virginia's children at further risk.


??????STRONGLY OPPOSE??????

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Virginia is for lovers, not haters. Reject this hateful policy


Draft Policy for Parental rights

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I support the Governor’s proposed

Policy. Parents have a right to be

involved in life altering decisions

and children lack the wisdom, maturity

man’s experience to make permanent life altering

decisions. And boys don’t belong in girls

restrooms or locker rooms. I don’t care who

they think they are.


Oppose

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Strongly oppose this proposed change. Protect trans youth, protect trans lives.


I fully oppose this.


I am strongly opposed.


Trans rights are human rights

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This political witch-hunt of the trans community is not without precedent. On 6 May 1933 Adolf Hitler sent his thugs to loot and burn the Institute of Sexology. The medical research was destroyed and the patients were murdered in the holocaust.

this is what politicians do when they have run out of policies to help their nation or theor people. They vilify and kill the marginalized members of y community. Children be damned.

The policies being discussed here are no less extreme. The current nonsense of hospitals forcing children into sexual reassignment surgery is absolutely ridiculous. First of all it already isn’t allowed under WPATH guidelines. But practically speaking even if it was it still does not happen. It is a rare and EXPENSIVE procedure for even adults. With a massive amount of medical gatekeeping besides.

however restricting any and all health care for the trans community is incredibly dangerous. The data on the suicide rates alone should adequately show this. When you compare those numbers to the numbers collected after even socially transitioning (that is to say change of clothes, name, and pronouns) is DRAMATICALLY improved. Like few things in medicine have these success rates.

History is clear. Medicine is clear. An attack on the trans community is an evil attempt to deflect from the failures of politicians and it is one of the few true evils in this world. Do not follow in the footsteps of Adolf Hitler. Leave these children alone.


This is very harmful!!

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This proposal would significantly harm trans and non-binary youth. If it goes into effect, you could be subjecting many students to potential abuse and humiliation.


Strongly oppose.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Pro Parent.  Finally.

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<p>Parents do not abdicate their rights when sending kids to school.   </p>


I am completely opposed.


I strongly oppose this policy.

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<p>All children deserve to feel safe making choices that help them feel most fully like themselves. I strongly oppose Youngkin’s policy. </p>


Support trans kids/no hate in VA

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<p>Trans and queer kids are just that— kids. By introducing discriminatory and hateful legislation against them, you are inviting violence and sending a clear message that they are seen as somehow less than a whole person and do not deserve basic protections. I strongly oppose legislation that prohibits trans kids from using their chosen name at school and using the bathroom that matches their gender identity. Teachers must be supported and encouraged to treat their students with respect, including using appropriate names and pronouns, or else we are teaching children that disrespecting human life is acceptable and that personal experience is not to be trusted. </p>


I oppose this guidance

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As a parent of a young child who is growing up being taught to respect others and appreciate difference and speak up for themselves, I want to keep my child and others as safe as possible, including giving them autonomy to choose what feels right in their life, not being told who they can be. There are so many issues that should be taking precedence of our state government beyond keeping a kid from using the name and pronouns they want to and being true to themselves. Politicians need to focus on giving more funding to schools, more support for teachers and staff, more resources for learning, more safety from guns and bullying and abuse and  all the ways adults make things harder on children as it is. Make  lives better and freer, not worse. I oppose this guidance and hope the VA DOE will get with the times and keep moving forward and not backwards. Equality and equity and safety and love for all children, no exceptions or conditions! Let them learn and live!


Support trans kids, oppose this

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It’s so easy to not be a hateful bigot, maybe give that a shot instead of this trash


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I oppose this regulation

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<p>The way this regulation is written will only harm trans kids. The Northam era regulation should be maintained, and this proposed rule should be withdrawn. </p>


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


I oppose this fully.


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Oppose Governor’s Guidelines

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<p>I strongly oppose Governor Youngkin’s guidelines for schools regarding trans and non-binary students. I urge the board to listen to experts on this matter: the LGBTQ community and their advocacy groups. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I oppose this policy

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There is something particularly insidious about continually stripping children of basic human rights under the guise of keeping parents involved. Their kids should decide whether or not they feel comfortable sharing personal information with their parents, not teachers. A child's gender is, in no way, intertwined with children's educational career. The goal of this policy is obvious and painfully disheartening to see that adults are so willing to open children to potential harm for ideological gain.


I demand these new guidelines be implemented in Warren County schools

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Schools are expected to teach reading, writing, math, and thinking skills.  They are not to be "change agents" to destroy the civilization that developed them.  In a land of guaranteed freedom of speech and the press, those who wish to exercise these freedoms are being bullied into following the false "political correctness" of radicals.  A boy may want to be called a girl, but the speaker should be free to use his own words and call the boy a boy under freedom of speech.  Teachers should not be fired, or students censured for using their words as they see fit.   Bathrooms and locker rooms should reflect the actual nature of the persons involved, not their personally preferred pretend gender.  A physical boy in a girls bathroom or locker room is a real danger, as has already been demonstrated in some schools.  We must return to several thousand years of tradition and sanity.  Hurray for and thanks to Governor Youngkin!


Oppose!

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This proposal will limit the ability of children to safely develop their identity in a free and fair school environment. It will also serve to damage the mental health of transgender children that prefer names that differ from their name at birth.


Strongly oppose.


I am strongly opposed.


Liberal Gay Mafia is coordinated attacking this board


I fully oppose this.


let them pee

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Can you let the kids be? Politics has no room when it comes to literal children, please, don't drag them in to this. USA, the world is watching you everyday and believe me, they have strong opinions...


I am opposed

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<p>This goes against the basics of mental health support for Trans and LGBTQ youth. Gender affirming care is supported by science and backed by the American Psychological Association. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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It is important for the health of individuals to allow everyone to use the bathroom associated with their declared gender.

It is in the best interest of every child that they are addressed by the name they associate with their being.

Virginia should not be known for bigotry, prejudice and HATE.


Do not do this.


I fully oppose this cruel and horrific policy

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The proposed policy is inhumane and cruel. It is impossible to type all the reasons why this policy is firstly unconstitutional and secondly a horrific piece of evil intent.


Do not do this!!

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<p>Transgender students are not villains or monsters, so stop treating them as such. They are people, trying to live their lives and be happy just like anyone else. Let them use the bathroom they choose. Respect their pronouns. Stop making their lives even more difficult. </p>


I oppose

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I oppose the discrimination of trans children in school.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


This is about protecting CHILDREN.

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There are many comments on here about how this is bad for "trans children." You people are delusional. Children, by definition, are not competent to make such decisions. Most of them don't know what to wear, or what they should have for breakfast. And YOU who oppose this support letting them make life-altering decisions at an early age, when there is PLENTY of evidence of how much damage it can do to them later, when they have reached the age of competence and realize they have ruined their lives. People who believe there is such a thing as "trans children" are supporting child abuse. Of course, these same people also support killing babies, which are scientifically, biologically, viable humans from the time the egg is fertilized. Apparently, the facts are lost on such people, who only want to parrot abusive lies from their far left masters. Just like it was in the Soviet Union when I was growing up.

Thank you, Gov Youngkin, for having the courage to stand up against the continuing lies and propaganda supported by those who would turn America into a socialist/communist backwater. Next, I suggest you invite the people who oppose this policy to move to one of the existing socialist/communist backwaters, where human rights are trampled and children are abused, and where parents have no say in how their children are raised - there are plenty of them available.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Thank you!

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I support the effort to put rights back where they belong when it comes to parents and families.  Schools need to focus on reading, writing and history, the good and the bad, not gender studies.


I oppose this fully.


I support girls and parents rights in Virginia.

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I am in support of the guidance document being proposed in Virginia for our schools.  Our girls are being assaulted and devalued by the policy of allowing males into female locker rooms, bathrooms, and sports teams. Parents have a right to know what is going on with their children, from birth into teenage years, without government interference.  Teachers should not be forced to walk the line on topics outside of EDUCATION.  My DIL quit teaching in PWC as she was not on board with the direction of education. Sex and gender identification does NOT belong in schools. Leave our kids alone.  They are being indoctrinated into not being comfortable in their own skin.  Transgender equality is already in place in our country without forcing everyone to take part. Stop the insanity in our schools!


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


Strongly oppose.


Strongly Oppose

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Growing up in the 1980's I wondered what kind of person I would have been during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950's and 60's. I was sure that I would fight for Civil Rights. I imagined how embarrassed Senator Byrd and Governor J. Lindsay Almond must be now. I wondered how they could live with themselves. How could they have so much hate?

But I now look at you Governor Youngkin and see the banality of hate. The ignorance that you and your supporters show is astounding. Has there ever been a situation where the people who were working against the civil rights of a group of children were considered to be in the right? You have aligned yourself with those who are the most destructive to continued human rights.

US law protects parents' rights to raise their child, but not hurt their child. Parents have the right to control what information is shared within their home, but not what information is shared in the public school. School can teach what science has learned about evolution and what science has learned about sexuality and gender. Evolution is strongly supported by evidence. That gender is socially constructed and defined is strongly supported by evidence. The 2022 Model Policies sound as backwards/uneducated as a belief that illness is the result of unbalanced humors or witchcraft.


I fully oppose this.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I oppose this fully.

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<p>This change could bring harm to trans youth. They deserve protection and autonomy. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


I am strongly opposed.


This will kill kids

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This document is ageist, transphobic, and homophobic. The idea that students can't decide how they want to be addressed in class without parental permission is absolutely insane and outrageous. This targets trans youth blatantly and is clearly a strategy to prevent kids from coming out and force them to conform to ancient and outdated cis and heteronormative standards.

You are not "helping" anybody by forcing this conformity. Not allowing trans or nonbinary kids (nonbinary people are completely erased from this document) to use the pronouns they want or the names they want is absurd. Nobody would prevent "Annabelle" from going by "Anna" or a boy with long hair correcting his teacher for the pronouns he uses.

Additionally, asking students to be "persistent and sincere" in their requests for use of different names/pronouns ignores how fluid gender identity is. Where is there room for a person coming of age to be questioning and experimental? We let people who fit inside of the gender binary experiment with goth phases and religious involvement, why don't we extend the same courtesy to trans/nonbinary people with their gender identity and expression.

We're not asking parents or teachers to get medically involved, this is basic human respect and dignity that we are stripping away from one of the least understood and valued groups in our society: our children.

Additionally, the use of "sex" to refer to "biological gender" is extremely outdated. The proposal itself has to toggle back and forth between what words it uses because "sex" can refer to gender assigned at birth, the act of having sex, and sexual orientation. It would be easier for everyone if we stopped using this archaic language and started using "gender assigned at birth". Gender is a social construct.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Fully support these changes.

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<p>The trans ideology is destroying families.   These kids are being groomed to reject their families.   These kids need mental health support.   Changing their identities isn't going to help their future.   There is research out there that once they start this transformation that is when the risk of suicide increases.   Thank you Youngkin.  </p>


Keep CA out of VA


Protect Trans Youth

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The 2021 policy enacted by the Department of Education created guidance to school boards and schools that protected trans and non-binary youth and provided an inclusionary learning environment for all students – exactly the role of public schools in our nation. This new proposed policy takes away protections that kids had to be free from harm in their learning environment, imposing standards that put them in danger in school and for some, at home. I urge the Board to reject this new policy and maintain the 2021 inclusive policy.

Schools are to act in the best interest of the child and protect children while in their care. We train educators to identify bullying behavior and signs of abuse in the home and the steps they can take to intervene. By forcing an educator to use "birth assigned sex" when determining names and pronouns of children and teens instead of respecting the student, this policy will out trans students who are socially transitioned but, for whatever reason, have not gone through the process to make legal changes, increasing their risk of assault and bullying. For some trans and non-binary students, school is the only safe space in their life and the educators they interact with who are respectful of them are the key protective factor that leads to survival. This policy will take that away from at-risk youth.

If this policy is enacted, suicides in LGBTQ+ youth, especially trans youth will increase. Bullying of these same youth will increase. Targeted attacks of these same youth will increase. These are hyperbolic statements, but facts based on data from organizations like the CDC, who recommend that schools provide safe spaces for all youth, especially LGBTQ+ youth to reduce teen suicides. A 2019 NIH study documented that real and perceived safety at school is a protective factor for trans students in reducing suicidal tendencies.

As a parent of a trans student, I implore you to prioritize the life of my child over the feelings of a few people with limited understanding of trans people. Prioritize saving children and keeping schools safe for every child, regardless of anyone's personal belief system. Reject this cruel policy.

Respectfully,
Amanda L. Pohl, LMSW, MDiv, MS


VA Parent - Strongly Oppose

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<p>Watching the government attack a tiny minority by attempting to legislate them out of existence is unbelievably disheartening. This is not in line with the will of all Virginia parents. Please stop acting as if this is on our behalf. It’s not. Your religious crusade against LGBTQ students and teachers is noted and opposed. </p>


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


No way I support Youngkin all the way.


Do not do this.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


This will cause violence against innocent children

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<p>Outing an LGBT person is always wrong. At best, it will cause undue stress and anxiety. At worst it will cause violence against them. If the kid doesn’t feel safe coming out to their parents, that should be respected. It is objectively factual information that just using a trans kids chosen name reduces suicide by huge numbers. The fact this is even being considered is absurd. </p>


Not a good idea

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<p>Not only will this put transgender students under undue stress, it will also put them in unnecessary danger. This is a terrible idea.   </p>


Strongly oppose.


I am completely opposed.


Protect Trans Kids

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As both a Christian and a mother of a trans child, I oppose this change in policy.

What would you like to be called at work, Governor Youngkin?  What if I said it was my first amendment right to call you Mrs. Oldkin? Because my religion doesn't believe in men or in the word 'young'?  We only believe in old women.  We worship Carol Burnett, Julie Andrews, and Judi Dench.  So, now you're Mrs. Oldkin. And I'm only going to address you by she/her pronouns (because I don't believe in men).

But, wait, that's not who you are, is it? And it doesn't really matter if my religion does or does not believe in men, men exist.  And it doesn't really matter if my religion does or does not believe in the word 'young', because that word is accepted by most people as a legitimate and inoffensive word that describes people under a certain age.

Transgender people exist. Transgender is not a sin or a vice. Transgender (particularly early transitions, like my child) is generally accepted by the medical and psychological community as a legitimate difference in brain structure that matches the gender they are claiming.

Everyone has the right to determine how they are addressed by others. You won the election, so you get to be Governor.  You inherited your last name, and you want to claim it. Thus, you're Governor Youngkin.  If I walked into the Governor's mansion and started addressing you as Mrs. Oldkin, it would be offensive, even if I was doing it "with a good heart." It's not how you've asked to be addressed.

This new "model policy" effectively does that for every transgender child who has done the difficult and brave work of discovering who they truly are and ask to be addressed by their affirmed gender, name and pronouns. This policy is offensive, prioritizing the comfort and feelings of people who have done absolutely no research to understand the issue at hand.


I oppose the guidance

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I oppose the guidance and want the VDOE to reject this draft policy set out by Governor Youngkin. This policy harms transgender students who desire to learn in a focused environment. This will negatively affect transgender students who have poor rapport with one or both of their guardians.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


No.

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Unacceptable and actively harmful. 1000% oppose and actively refusing to allow this.


Oppose - Do not keep information from parents

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The idea of counseling students in a school setting and keeping information from parents is wrong.  Parents are responsible for their minor children and must deal with the consequences of anything that happens with the child.  Parents cannot be undermined by the school system who does not have to deal with these consequences.  Gender dysphoria is a family issue.  The school should not be involved, and certainly should not keep information from parents or engage in counseling communications with the student without the parents.


I oppose this fully.


I OPPOSE the guidance

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As a Virginia voter, I am registering my opposition to the new guidance. Several of my friends are parents of trans or non-binary children, and they have told me how much happier and calmer their children became when their identity was affirmed by others.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


I fully oppose this.


This is a terrible policy decision.


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Do not do this.


STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS POLICY

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<p>This new policy is needed, among others like it, to bring proper parental knowledge and control back into public education and the relationship schools should have with parents. Parents have primary responsibility for their children and should not cede those rights to a teacher, school or school system. No teacher, school or school system should attempt to take over those parental responsibilities. </p>


Strongly oppose!

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<p>This is harmful to parents and students alike. </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


OPPOSE

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<p>Create gender neutral, one stalled restrooms. Every one can use regardless. This allows the separation if parents desire and a safe place for a trans student, student who has anxiety using the restroom in front of others, or a young lady embarrassed by monthly visitor, etc. </p>
<p> </p>


Advocate

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Good morning,

I am writing about the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools. As a school counselor and resident of Virginia I do not agree with the policy that is currently being proposed.

The ASCA National Model that we follow also raises several points of concern between the policy and the guidelines that school counselors set out to follow. I have provided some key components from the model below:

A. RESPONSIBILITY TO STUDENTS

A.1. Supporting Student Development

School counselors:

Have a primary obligation to the students, who are to be treated with dignity and respect as unique individuals.

Foster and affirm all students and their identity and psychosocial development.

h. Respect students’ and families’ values, beliefs and cultural background, as well as students’ sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and exercise great care to avoid imposing personal biases, beliefs or values rooted in one’s religion, culture or ethnicity.

J.  Advocate for equitable, anti-oppressive and anti-bias policies and procedures, systems and practices, and provide effective, evidence-based and culturally sustaining interventions to address student needs.

A. 10. Marginalized Populations

School counselors:

Advocate with and on behalf of students to ensure they remain safe at home, in their communities and at school. A high standard of care includes determining what information is shared with parents/guardians and when information creates an unsafe environment for students.

Actively work to establish a safe, equitable, affirming school environment in which all members of the school community demonstrate respect, inclusion and acceptance.

E. Understand and advocate for all students’ right to be treated in a manner that honors and respects their identity and   expression, including but not limited to race, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, language and ability status, and to be free from any form of discipline, harassment or discrimination based on their identity or expression.

F. Advocate for the equitable right and access to free, appropriate public education for all youth in which students are not stigmatized or isolated based on race, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, language, immigration status, juvenile justice/court involvement, housing, socioeconomic status, ability, foster care, transportation, special education, mental health and/or any other exceptionality or special need.

Virginia School Counselors Association also raises valid points. Below those are listed:

“VSCA recognizes that:

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

Transgender and nonbinary youth whose schools prevent them from using the restrooms/locker rooms that best matched their gender identities were significantly more likely to be sexually assaulted, 26% for transgender males and 149% for transgender females (Murchison et al., 2019).

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

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

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

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.”

To conclude I do not believe that this policy is promoting equality amongst our students. I believe that this is giving more power to the parents and oftentimes the only place the students feel safe is at school and this is taking that away from them. If we have to contact a parent for permission and then not meet the request of the student due to the parents answer we are not doing any service to our students. We are supposed to be here for each student and this policy is not helping to show that we support all of our students no matter what. I hope that this is taken into consideration and that changes are made so that we are able to serve all students without the boundaries that are set in this new policy. Really the policy is for the parents and not reflective of student needs at all and this should not be the case nor will it be useful in progression in the school setting.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Things done in secret are rarely good or something to be proud of.

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Thank you Gov. Younkin for not allowing the teachers, local schools and NEA from hiding such awful and vital information from Parents.


I am strongly opposed.


I Oppose this guidance

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When I was a child, they called me "tomboy". I didn't know better and I was ashamed.

When I was a young adult, I cut my hair to feel more myself. They asked me if I was a boy or a girl. I didn't know how to answer and I was ashamed.

When I got older, I learned to hide. I wore my hair long and got married and kept my birth name and tried to pretend I was happy. I didn't know there was a healthier option and I was ashamed.

I know better now. I know I should have been a boy, a young man, a man.

Transition wasn't an option for me. It is an option for young people today. According to medical experts, it's a healthy option.

Youngkin should be ashamed.


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Unacceptable

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<p>One should have the right to their privacy. By doing this it could lead to many kids being shamed/physically harmed at home. Please do not do this. </p>


Very stronly opposed

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Hello,

I am writing to express my displeasure and strong disagreement with the current proposed changes to existing model policy for trans and non-binary students. This policy is targeting a marginalized group at their most vulnerable--in schools--and working on the false assumption that parents will always work in the best interest of their child with regards to trans and non binary issues. This policy allows for teachers and counselors to potentially become informants to parents regarding gender/trans issues and leave children with no confidential allies to seek support and guidance.  Children are not guaranteed acceptance by their own parents if they are outed as trans or non-binary and in fact parental rejection likely contributes to the high rate of suicide and substance abuse that many trans and non binary people are prey to.

I am the mother of a trans child and while they were not trans while they were a student in FCPS, they did have peers who were, and the emotional issues that their peers faced were significant. I can't imagine how much worse things might have been if a policy such as the proposed one were in place then.


Strongly oppose.


Just No

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You're not helping children. You're hurting them. The most vulnerable ones.


Parents should parent, teachers should stick to the core subjects

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I'm so proud of our Governor for standing up for parents. They have every right to parent their children without government oversight by public schoolteachers who are so wrapped up in students' sexuality, the kids aren't even passing SOLs in many counties! Truly I never thought I'd write a sentence like that: gov't paid teachers want to talk about their STUDENTS' SEXUAL IDENTITY RATHER THAN CORE SUBJECTS. Stay in your lane and appreciate your gov't paycheck and summers off!!!


This is a terrible policy decision.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Gays Against Groomers

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gaysagainstgroomers.com

They've been blacklisted and de-platformed as a result of their mission to protect children --  so what does that tell you about those who oppose their mission?


Stop discriminating and performing child abuse

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<p>The harm that comes from making a child be something they are not is life long. It makes no sense to go out of your way as a governor or school administrator to hurt children. We know who we are, no one has to look between their legs to know their identity. Outing Trans youth can have deadly consequences. After doing what you propose and they react feeling hopeless trapped and alone and decided to kill themselves you should be head responsible for their death. You want to do the right thing, not cause harm to a child. Stop this madness and allow kids to be themselves. They only person it seems to hurt is you, so I suggest you get help, counseling and come to terms with your need to harm children. Kids should be called by their name, allowed to express themselves, go to the bathroom in piece and allowed to participate in sports if they so desire. Think of the lawsuits and money you will expend taking on this perverse act of yours against children. If you have kids, I feel sorry for them and the legacy you will leave them as an abuser of children over an entire state. You are going to Trump your hate over their medical help and well being. When did you become smarter than doctors in objecting to their medical care?  Stop the insanity before it’s too late and children are lost! </p>


I oppose this fully.


Do not do this.


Terrible policy

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<p>This will bring harm to all our children, especially Trans children.   </p>


Strongly Oppose,

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<p>Absolutely horrible guidance; this will result in harm to transgender kids. </p>


I oppose this move.

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<p>We need to protect ALL children in schools, not just the ones that "conform" to whatever society tells them they have to be. Revoking the 2021 policy is cruel to trans kids and all kids. We need to be accepting, not divisive. </p>


I am completely opposed.


I oppose this 1000%

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If this law goes through Trans suicide rates will go up by thousands. Many transgender kids have parents who aren’t supportive so when at school it is their safe space where they can feel appreciated and loved. If this is taken away from us we will have no safe space so we will resort to suicide. You are a retard if you agree with this law and if this goes through you do not care about the kids you only care about you and your selfish bias. Our governor has probably never had to work for anything in this world so he has no idea how rough it is to be different and have to go through injustice. Personally as a trans kid  You.


Strongly in favor of this. Sex is real. Don't let the anti-science crowd gaslight parents

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<p>We can't allow ignorance and misguided trendy gender theories to force parents to pretend that biological sex doesn't exist. On top of that - what is transgender exactly? There is no medical test, no psychological test. There is no consistent legal standard such as in the UK (where they require a gender recognition certificate). If the only standard is "this boy now says she's a girl", then that's useless and unworkable for your typical public school. Even worse when kids claim to be "non binary" and change their identity from day to day. </p>


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


All rational parents support this

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Thank you for taking this action. The madness has to end.


Strongly Opposed : A Concerned Citizen and How This Relates to NC's HB-2

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Hello,

  I have been thinking about this and how I am going to say it since it dropped on 9/16/2022 about the Youngkin Administration’s education policies on how they treat LGBTQ+ kids and public educators. I could not standby and be silent about it. To say this, it is transphobic and bullying behavior of the Youngkin Administration to put policies like this, but it is not surprising because of how the Youngkins’s are as people, especially the fact that the governor and First Lady of Virginia are insecure and mean people that care about showing off how rich they are and will do anything to be popular and put money in their pocket books. Hate and Discrimination will and should not be tolerated anywhere, that includes a school setting.

    Even though I live next door in NC, here in NC while I was a freshman in college, NC in 2016 passed a bill called HB-2 that targeted trans people and let me tell you, it was embarrassing and also insulting towards the LGBTQ+ community and it made NC not an inclusive place at the time. Passing policies that discriminate the LGBTQ+ community like these examples are putting the lives of LGBTQ+ people and their families at risk and it’s not ok to do this anymore. It is not Christian to hate people that are different from you. It is not in good faith to hold an inaugural party at the time of when cases were high with no safety precautions towards covid that put an entire commonwealth and neighboring states at risk of getting sick.  It goes to show how the Youngkin Family, in my opinion are unauthentic and selfish people that pretend to care about everyone but they do not care about anyone. For example, when Suzanne Youngkin in a video said that “she married a winner” with her kids laughing in the background on election night, I know who she bullied specifically that night and that and example of that shows that she was being insensitive and also shows her insecurities by her behavior.

When Glenn and his staff bullied a teenager in February, specifically his press secretary Macaulay Porter, his apology was not an apology at all. It wouldn’t surprise me if their four kids bullied anyone and I hope in writing this that if any of Glenn and Suzanne’s friends and family, including their kids friends and former classmates that do not agree with their behavior and have been questioning it for the last eight months, yet alone, not feel good about any of it, including this policy the Youngkin Administration put out on outing LGBTQ+ kids, I understand it is an awkward and hard position to be in, but honestly, it is time to speak up against their behavior because it is hurting so many people and it is all on you to do the right thing. The silence is unacceptable. For the entire LGBTQ+ community, I standby you and will be standing up alongside you because you deserve to be treated with respect and love, especially in school. Plus, please vote in the election if you do not agree with the policy.

Also,

Shame on the Youngkin Administration

Resources:

Youngkin Education Policy:

https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/GetFile.cfm?File=C%3A%5CTownHall%5Cdocroot%5CGuidanceDocs_Proposed%5C201%5CGDoc_DOE_6284_20220915.pdf&fbclid=IwAR3MPJRPRHfJuwNV_DWvaN_SztYenhmh1B0aMI1WGepJiJTynDYbKB7lv48

Video at 4:49 of Suzanne Youngkin's line of "Married A Winner":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRdOARivdsU

NC HB-2 in 2016 :

https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2015E2/Bills/House/PDF/H2v3.pdf

Picture of the Inaugural Party In January : https://www.instagram.com/p/CYxeXFwN0zb/?igshid=NDRkN2NkYzU=

Trans Youth Death Rate:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345113/


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


What happened to small gov't?

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<p>This is a gross overreach from a political party I grew up thinking was for a smaller, less intrusive gov't. Your religious freedom stops when it tramples on peoples rights, this applies to abortion, religion, gender, sexual orientation. Republicans have lost their mind since Trump was elected, they refuse to accept modern science, and refuse to acknowledge our history as a nation. This legislation is dangerous. </p>


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


I am strongly opposed.


This will bring harm to trans kids.


I strongly oppose this guidance

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<p>I strongly oppose this guidance. My 13 year old son is in public school and knows trans kids at his school and to him it is no big deal. He has not been harmed in any way by the existing policies that our district follows that support trans youth. I have family and friends in the LGBTQ+ community and they need all the support they can get and we do not want to go backwards in supporting them. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Against this policy

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As an educator, I am opposed to this because it harms children. Students who are transitioning or who are afraid to are incredibly vulnerable.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


This is a terrible policy decision.


Do not do this.


I fully oppose this.


I am completely opposed.


do no harm - our kids need all of our support

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Young people who identify as non-binary and trans, as well as members of the LGBTQIA community, suffer isolation and depression at higher rates and face bullying and emotional distress in school settings at higher rates than most students. Teachers are among the many positive and supportive adult role models our children need - they need tools and support and hands NOT tied by the state - in order to support our non-binary and trans kids.  In an era of epic teacher shortage, our teachers who are non-binary and trans need to feel safe and comfortable in their profession.


I oppose this fully.


I Strongly Oppose This Guidance

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I strongly oppose the implementation of this guidance.  Its creation is a thinly veiled attempt by a particular political group to appease the lowest common denominator rather than actually benefit the students of our Commonwealth.  Instead, it harms children by forcing their journey towards understanding, accepting, and loving themselves to be much harder than is even remotely necessary.


Governor’s school transgender policy

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I strongly oppose this archaic proposal


Strongly oppose.


I Oppose This Cruel, Anti-Education Policy

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I oppose this draft document in the strongest possible terms. Even if you leave aside the cruel way these proposed policies target any children who may be questioning their gender identities (and you shouldn’t leave that aside), this is a piece of education guidance that will only worsen the quality of education for Virginia children. When you create a policy that singles out and stigmatizes children for their differences, the only thing they will be able to focus on is their safety, NOT their education. When these kids should be spending their school years focused on learning, figuring out who they are and gaining new experiences, they will spend their entire day looking over their shoulders and wondering if they will have to face state-sanctioned discrimination. As someone who was bullied as a kid, I know the psychic toll that being singled out for your differences can have at a young age. This is an experience that no child should be forced to go through, and knowing that these policies will foster even worse experiences for children, forcing them to be singled out not just by their peers but by their teachers (who should be protecting them) and a society that is fearful of what they represent, is a devastating reality to confront. And for those who think that these policies will only ever affect the “different” kids that you are so afraid of, recognize that every single kid who will be stigmatized by these policies has friends who will worry over the well-being of their buddy, or teachers who won’t be able to provide the best instruction possible out of fear of retaliation or inadvertently doing damage to a student, or parents who will suffer at work and at home because of what their kid is going through at school. The ripple effects from this legislation will be massive and devastating, and the damage done to those affected will last a lifetime. I recommend that the Virginia Department of Education scrap this entire proposed document and re-write their guidance to actually focus on increasing the quality of education in our state, instead of worsening it for all but the most hateful and vindictive adults in the seats of power.


Opposed - vile and cruel

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This is what we're wasting time and money on in 2022? Pathetic.


I opposed this policy.

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The new transgender student policy is harmful, at best. At worst, it could be deadly for trans kids who don’t have a space where they can be themselves without jumping through hoops and dealing with red tape. Schools are supposed to be a safe place for kids to be loved and respected for who they are, and this policy goes directly against that baseline goal.
I believe that the only point of introducing this policy is to enrage the opposing political party, and that amounts to using the lives of kids as pawns in a political argument. No actual good comes from this policy - only bad; therefore it should be eliminated.


I oppose the proposed policies

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These proposed policies are a major step backwards in promoting school environments where all students are safe to learn and grow. School years are so foundational in an individual's sense of self, confidence, and safety in their own skin, and we need to prioritize policies that allow students to be advocates for themselves, regardless of what their parents believe.


Strongly oppose this misguided guidance

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As a matter of policy, public schools must support and accept all students and provide an environment where they can learn and grow, limited only by their own abilities and interests. The "guidance" in this proposal separates, denigrates, and devalues trans kids, the exact opposite of what they need. Depression, suicide, and homelessness are higher among trans kids than their cis peers; misguided policies such as this will do nothing to improve that situation.

If you are considering suicide or are otherwise in crisis, help is available by calling 988.


I OPPOSE this Proposed Policy Change

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I OPPOSE these policies. These proposed policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to trans and non-binary students.


"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

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We must show love and kindness to all whom we encounter. This is the only way to achieve common good, peace, and prosperity.

Unfortunately, policies such as this only serve to stoke hate, fear, and malice. There is no good in permitting vitriolic speech towards ANYONE, regardless of their gender-identity, race, creed, or any characteristic.

It is sad to me that some of our public servants, and some of our fellow citizens, would support spewing such animosity and anger towards anyone, let alone children.


I strongly support new policy

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I strongly support the new proposed policy


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Do not do this.


Strongly oppose

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Schools should be a safe space for all children.  Yes, parents should be involved with their children, but unfortunately not all parents are supportive of their own children's choices.  Forcing the schools to follow one ideology based on fear is ridiculous and will ultimately harm children.  We should be looking for ways to make schools safer and supporting our kids, not forcing them to be someone they aren't because of a minority opinion.  Love everyone as they are and want to be and give them the support that they need.  This is just wasting time on the stupid culture wars instead of actually trying to make schools better for our kids.


This will bring harm to trans kids.

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This will bring harm to trans kids.


This is a disgrace

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<p>This policy is cruel and dangerous. </p>


I am strongly opposed.


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


I oppose this

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Trans youth deserve to feel safe and accepted in their schools!


I oppose this fully.


I fully support this move

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I fully support the changes! I don’t want my granddaughters to have biological boys in the girls bathrooms. I voted for you to save the innocent children! Thank you!


I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Strongly support

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I strongly support our Governor Youngkin and administrations wishes to abominable VDOE 2021 policy for ‘The Treatment of Transgender Students’ under Gov Northam. It's time to get common sense back into the education system.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


I strongly oppose!

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Stop sexualizing kids and pushing transgender agendas in schools!


This will bring harm to trans kids.


Forcing citizens to experience gender dysphoria is bad public policy

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I don’t understand what possible rationale (other than theocratic bigotry) that you have for insisting on a public policy against healthcare.  Gender reaffirming healthcare has clinically proven to prevent gender dysphoria and reduce risk of suicide.

Clearly you either prefer trans kids to commit suicide or hate supportive families.  Please don’t persecute trans citizens or their families.   it’s not too late to not be horrible!


This is a terrible policy decision.


your rape culture is showing

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<p>Children cannot be excluded from the realistic troubles of the world if they have to worry about having their identities constantly seized and attacked. The obsession with our children's bodies on behalf of our lawmakers is not only alarming but counterproductive and tasteless. The attempt to make America a fascist government on any level should not stand. </p>


Strongly oppose.


Do not do this.


I am completely opposed.


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this </p>


OPPOSE

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<p>I 100% oppose this bill.  What a disgrace.  </p>


Stop the discrimination

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These kids need support, not discrimination. Stop the anti-trans policies.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I am strongly opposed.


Privacy, Dignity, and Respect Policies

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These model policies are rooted in transphobia and only seek to further harm trans and non-binary kids.

As we all know in 2021, Governor Ralph Northam signed the Virginia Values Act into law after it was passed through the General Assembly. This law sweepingly, effectively prohibited discrimination in public and private employment, credit, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, among other additional protected categories. The protections in this act have been extended to protect LGBTQ+ youth in Virginia public schools throughout the Commonwealth to prohibit discrimination, harassment, and violence in against these students.

Governor Youngkin's proposed policies explicitly contradict state law and are illegal.


This is a shame and regressive.

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I strongly oppose this sad, backward suggestion. I think to say it’s a freedom of speech issue for the opposing person is completely backwards, and that it’s also extremely confusing in wording even for cisgendered kids. So if Samantha who was born a girl and identifies as one wants to go by Sam, are you going to tell her she isn’t allowed to? Massive overstep into someone’s personal identity.


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I oppose this in the strongest possible manor.


Support

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Virginia is not for groomers!


I strongly support this change

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<p>I strongly support this change. Parents should never be left out of decisions that impact their child. Schools do not have equal or more authority over children's lives than their parents. This is a commonsense measure and I applaud Governor Youngkin for keeping his campaign promise. </p>


I oppose this fully.


I am strongly opposed to this

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I am strongly opposed to the se proposed changes. When transgender kids have their gender validated, they are more happy and less likely to attempt suicide. This change is inly hurting people who are already vulnerable.


Teachers Support Governor Youngkin

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Thanks to you Governor Youngkin and your administration for respecting the rights for parents and teachers.


Archaeologists in support of policy

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Years from now when archaeologists discover  our bones, they will only have two choices on their reports, male or female.


I Strongly Oppose This

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It is a terrible policy change and simply an attempt to be cruel due to ignorance.


Do not do this.


I oppose this harmful policy.

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<p>I oppose this proposal. As a parent, I want to know that my child will always be safe and supported at school. This policy would do the opposite of that, preventing teachers from supporting trans and nonbinary kids and putting them in harms way. This is not the Virginia I want to raise my child in. </p>


Strongly support proposed 2022 Model Policies (Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all students/paren

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I strongly support the 2022 Model Policies on the ‘The Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools,’ and am grateful for the responsiveness of Gov Youngkin and the VDOE in their efforts of rescinding and replacing the radical and potentially dangerous 2021 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools under Gov Northam. This rewritten 2022 policy safeguards and restores parental rights and values in the upbringing and education of their children.  The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees religious freedom and prohibits the government from compelling speech that is contrary to an individual’s personal or religious beliefs, such as the forced use of ‘gender identity’ pronouns. Moreover, the 14th Amendment in our Constitution gives parents a "fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children."

Under the previous 2021 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students Gov Northam 'disregarded the rights of parents' and also "promoted a specific viewpoint aimed at achieving cultural and social transformation in schools” aka ‘indoctrination and social engineering.’ The previous policy usurped parental authority and gave new meaning to ‘Right to Privacy’ —meaning the school/teachers protected student ‘privacy’ and withheld minors’ transgender transitions, gender identities and sexual orientation from their parents/legal guardians UNLESS they had the students’ permission to do so.  The former policy also gave males with gender dysphoria access to bathrooms and other areas where females disrobe, and overnight travel accommodations for school trips, thus violating the females’ right to privacy.  This same restroom policy was in place at the Loudoun County (Virginia) Public Schools, which reportedly covered up a 15-year-old girl being raped and sodomized in a stall by a teenage boy wearing a skirt. This same teenage boy was transferred to another public school where he attacked another female student.

This revised 2022 policy will keep biological boys out of the Girls Public School Bathrooms and other designated female areas with provisions for a separate space for transgenders to use.  Virginia's Department of Education states that the word "sex" means biological sex.  The policies also define "transgender student" as "a public school student whose parent has requested in writing, due to their child’s persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs with his or her sex, that their child be so identified while at school."  This is a common sense policy that ensures ALL students are treated with dignity and respect and provides positive and safe learning environments for ALL students.  It’s a huge step in a positive direction for families and students.


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Strongly oppose.


Support the Governor

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Keep Virginia from becoming California


This is a terrible policy decision.


It is a grave mistake to pass this.


I fully oppose this.


Yes to Withdrawing the 2021 Model Policies!

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Thank you for taking this action to protect the constitutional rights of parents. My family is increasingly bewildered as to the direction that Virginia's public schools are taking, and whether that is a direction we want our child to go when she is old enough to be educated. Families should be in charge of Virginia's schools, not far left ideologues.


Don’t


Absolutely Not

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<p>The proposed new model policies for transgender students are invasive, transphobic, and discriminatory. These cannot and should not EVER be put into practice ANYWHERE within the state of Virginia. </p>


I am strongly opposed.


Opposed.


I oppose this fully.


Protect Trans Kids

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<p>Trans girls are girls. Trans boys are boys. Educate yourselves and stop with policies that do harm. </p>


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Strongly oppose, protect trans kids </p>


It is a grave mistake to pass this.

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It is a grave mistake to pass this.


Strongly opposed

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As a Virginia native, I am usually proud of my birthplace and upbringing. However, I am thoroughly ashamed of this proposal. If the aim is to harm children, this proposal is a success. Supporting the rights of transgender children is lifesaving; this has been shown time and again in multiple, rigorous, longitudinal studies.

If this policy is adopted, children will come to extreme harm. Do not adopt this policy, for the sake of our children.


Strongly oppose

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All children deserve protection. This includes transgender students. Many students come from households where their safety would be at risk if their families knew they were trans.


I am completely opposed.


Do not do this.