Oppose!

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Children should be able to explore and grow, without restrictions!!


strongly oppose

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<p>This is unacceptable and the fact that this is even a proposed document is appalling. Trans children/ teens should not have their rights being stripped away from them in what is supposed to be a safe space. The already incredibly high rates of suicide within the trans community will sky rocket if this is approved. It has been said a million times and needs to be continued to said: TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. It shouldn’t be a hard concept to treat people like people, nothing is different about trans people just because they are trans. Do not approve this document and do not be the reason a trans child takes their life </p>


I support the governor ??

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<p>I support the governor </p>


Keep girls safe in bathrooms - pass the policy!


Fully support

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<p> Fully support  </p>


Oppose VDOE Proposed Transgender Registrations

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I strongly oppose VDOE proposed regulations for transgender students. Transgender students deserve no less than the schools full support in not only recognizing and respecting their chosen identity without parental permission hurdles but also supporting their choice of bathrooms and sports teams.


Strongly Oppose

I agree that Trans Women shouldn't be in sports if they transition after male puberty but the rest can be summed up by the lyrics of the pot except instead of hypocrisy of Drug laws in hypocrisy of anti-queer laws.

Who are you to wave your finger?You must have been outta your headEye hole deep in muddy watersYou practically raised the dead
Rob the grave to snow the cradleThen burn the evidence downSoapbox house of cards and glass soDon't go tossin' your stones around
You must have been highYou must have been highYou must have been
Foot in mouth and head up ass-holeWhatcha talkin' 'bout?Difficult to dance 'round this one'Til you pull it out, boyYou must have been so high
You must have been so highSteal, borrow, refer, save your shady inference
Kangaroo done hung the juror with the innocentNow you're weeping shades of cozened indigo
Got lemon juice up in your eyeWhen you ed all over my black kettleYou must have been high highYou must have been high highWho are you to wave your finger?So full of itEye balls deep in muddy watersin' hypocriteLiar, lawyer; mirror show me, what's the difference?Kangaroo done hung the guilty with the innocent
Now you're weeping shades of cozened indigoGot lemon juice up in your eye, eyeWhen you ed all over my black kettleYou must've been...
So who are you to wave your finger?Who are you to wave your fatty fingers at me?
You must have been out your mindWeepin' shades of indigoTrapped without a reasonWeepin' shades of indigoLiar, lawyer; mirror for ya', what's the difference?Kangaroo be stoned. He's guilty as the government
Now you're weeping shades of cozened indigoGot lemon juice up in your eye, eyeNow when you ed all over my black kettleYou must've beenHighHighHighHighEyeballs deep in muddy watersYour balls deep in muddy watersGanja PleaseYou must have been out your mind.
Enjoy being the modern Tipper Gore.

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I agree that Trans Women shouldn't be in sports if they transition after male puberty but the rest can be summed up by the lyrics of the pot except instead of hypocrisy of Drug laws in hypocrisy of anti-queer laws.

Who are you to wave your finger?
You must have been outta your head
Eye hole deep in muddy waters
You practically raised the dead

Rob the grave to snow the cradle
Then burn the evidence down
Soapbox house of cards and glass so
Don't go tossin' your stones around

You must have been high
You must have been high
You must have been

Foot in mouth and head up ass-hole
Whatcha talkin' 'bout?
Difficult to dance 'round this one
'Til you pull it out, boy
You must have been so high

You must have been so high
Steal, borrow, refer, save your shady inference

Kangaroo done hung the juror with the innocent
Now you're weeping shades of cozened indigo

Got lemon juice up in your eye
When you ed all over my black kettle
You must have been high high
You must have been high high
Who are you to wave your finger?
So full of it
Eye balls deep in muddy waters
in' hypocrite
Liar, lawyer; mirror show me, what's the difference?
Kangaroo done hung the guilty with the innocent

Now you're weeping shades of cozened indigo
Got lemon juice up in your eye, eye
When you ed all over my black kettle
You must've been...

So who are you to wave your finger?
Who are you to wave your fatty fingers at me?

You must have been out your mind
Weepin' shades of indigo
Trapped without a reason
Weepin' shades of indigo
Liar, lawyer; mirror for ya', what's the difference?
Kangaroo be stoned. He's guilty as the government

Now you're weeping shades of cozened indigo
Got lemon juice up in your eye, eye
Now when you ed all over my black kettle
You must've been
High
High
High
High
Eyeballs deep in muddy waters
Your balls deep in muddy waters
Ganja Please
You must have been out your mind.

Enjoy being the modern Tipper Gore.


Strongly Oppose

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As a longtime resident of Virginia, I am vehemently opposed to this rule. This is nothing more than bullying marginalized and vulnerable youth in the name of the governor's political aspirations. That is antithetical to the values of the Virginia that I have come to know and love as my home.

Medical science supports trans people, and trans youth. (https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/aap-voices/why-we-stand-up-for-transgender-children-and-teens/)

Psychology supports trans people, and trans youth. (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/gender-affirming-care-for-youth/)

The law supports trans people, and trans youth. (https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+sum+SB868)

God supports trans people, and trans youth (Mt 19:12, Acts 8:26-40, Gal 3:28)

The role of the governor of Virginia is to support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and to faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon him as Governor according to the best of his abilities. Bullying children isn't in the job description, Mr. Youngkin.


God no


How could anyone agree with this?

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I am a high schooler in Virginia.  Although I identify with the gender I was assigned at birth and the name on my birth certificate, I know many amazing people who don’t.  It disappoints and frustrates me so much that there are so many people who want to go out of their way to make these teens miserable.  It does not hurt anyone to refer to someone by the name and pronouns that make them feel like themself.  It does not hurt anyone to let someone be their authentic self.


Grandpa says support please save my grandchildren


Hurray for Governor Youngkin

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<p>Girls deserve their own spaces and sports.  Let parents raise their children, teachers need to stay out of it. Unnecessary drugs and cutting healthy body parts off children is evil. </p>


Support

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<p> I fully support this.  </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I oppose these proposed policies because they do not reflect evidence-based best practices and will result in harm to trans and non-binary students who are already a vulnerable group of students. </p>


Women’s rights shouldn’t succumb to trans rights. Keep it fair and equitable. Pass the policy!


I support Governor Younkin's common sense gender policies in our schools

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Governor,

Thank you for updating these policies to restore protections for basic parental rights and ensuring that parents are no longer cut out of the process—especially when it concerns how gender and sexuality issues are handled with our kids at school.

I support the new policies’ removal of language that encouraged school officials to follow procedures to essentially deceive parents when their children are making potentially life-altering decisions regarding their gender identity in a school setting.

Thank you for ensuring parents are the rightful decision makers for their children.


Support the Governor’s proposed model policy

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<p>VDOE Model Policy regarding transgender students. I support the Governors proposed model policy and believe it protects the rights of all students and affirms the role of parents. There is no evidence to support that suicide rates will increase. </p>


Support

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<p> Let’s get back to STEM. Allow parents to raise their children.  </p>


Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose, children are wise and need to be protected not set up for failure & ridicule.  I’m disgusted Virginia, we need and deserve better.  </p>


How many kids will die so that Youngkin can divide us and run for president?


I support this policy-

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<p> I am in support for this policy because it is right in line with Code of Virginia 1-240.1 Rights of Parents: A parent has the fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing</p>


Totally oppose.

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<p>Children need to feel safe and supported by their educators. </p>


Parents rights are children’s rights! Pass this policy!


Strongly Support Governor Youngkin’s Transgender School Policy

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<p> I strongly support this policy as it protects parental rights and protects sports programs for girls. Thank you</p>


Oppose

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LGBT students deserve a supportive learning environment.


I absolutely support this policy.

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<p> I wholeheartedly agree with these proposed changes and the sentiment that children belong to parents/families; not the state. I strongly urge those in a position to make this decision to make the necessary changes to ensure that parents are notified by schools when a child requests to be called by a pronoun that differs from their sex or their given name. Furthermore</p>


Protect Trans Youth

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It is imperative that we, as adults, protect the autonomy of trans and gender-non-conforming youth to decide their presentation, name, and share their pronouns, without the involvement of their parents.  For many young people, they will have supportive parents to encourage their authentic expression.  But for a good number of youth, it might be dangerous/unsafe for them to be "outed" by the school to their parents (threaten their housing, be met with violence, etc.)

Protecting trans youth is suicide prevention.

I oppose any legislation that threatens the autonomy of a trans young person.


Minors can’t consent. Protect kids!


Strongly Support Parental Rights!

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<p> Strongly Support Parental Rights!  </p>


Cruel and a horrible example to set for our children

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<p>As a mental health practitioner who has worked with transgender adolescents and adults, i cannot understand why anyone would take actions to make their lives more difficult.  Where is the compassion?  </p>


I fully support this

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<p> I fully support this Guidance Document.   </p>


Pass this policy and protect trans kids


Small step toward sanity

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I fully support this proposal. Parents should absolutely be involved in such a momentous change in the life of a minor. In our current climate a young person can easily be swept up into gender confusion with everyone around him or her encouraging them to act on that dysphoria, without any hesitation or consideration. And to think that could happen with zero parental involvement is terrifying. Let parents be responsible for their children.


Full Support

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I fully support Governor Youngkin on this issue!


Support

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<p> Fully support  </p>


Support for proposed changes

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<p> These seem to be a balance to needs of both groups that give parents input.  </p>


Vehemently Oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy change. Does the governor have any understanding of how hard it can be to be an LGBTQ kid? Being outed to my family was literally one of my greatest fears. My father is a registered republican, I had no way of knowing how he'd react. Would he accept me, or would he throw me out? Would he pack me off to some conversion camp or would he physically harm me? Or would he make me wish he had? This policy change will only harm students and put them at risk of violence from others and themselves.

Do students have no rights to privacy or autonomy? Children are human beings, not dolls to be controlled by their parents.

Besides, didn't the state of Virginia already lose this court case? The name Gavin Grimm ring any bells?


I support this wholeheartedly!


Support this policy for open communication

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<p> I fully support this policy! Parents should always be informed when it involves their child and school. Parents should not be shut out when it comes to their children's health and well being  </p>


Parents rights regarding new K-12 policy

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I am in full support for this new policy that gives a parent the right to have a say in the gender policies that affect their child, use of bathrooms, gender references etc.  Also important to me is the information -teaching about gender that may be totally confusing to young children, this can disrupt a home and cause untold suffering for children who become confused about who they really are.


Stop Picking on Kids

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If you say you are for children, then stop picking on kids.  If you say you are concerned and care about the mental health and well being of our children, then stop picking on kids.  This policy is about marginalizing kids so you can make a political statement.  This policy is nothing more than hate for political gain.  I OPPOSE this "policy" and oppose all those "politicians" who support this hate.


Keep me safe in the bathroom, pass this policy!


Strongly support

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<p> Stop the exploitation of our children  </p>


Youngkin Is a Hateful Hypocrite Bumpkin. Kick Him Out of Office Now!

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Quit finding a category of people to pick on like the traitortrump does. He's worthless trash, he's proven that he is a zero. Don't be like him. Do your JOB and tackle the real issues at hand for once.


This is dumb… let me tell you why

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<p>I strongly oppose the proposal regarding transgender students, mainly because it would not only affect transgender students. Little Edward wants to be called Eddie, based on this policy the school would need to obtain permission from Edward’s parent. This is unnecessary and frankly dumb. What about the student who are 18? Just logistically it’s dumb. Do better. </p>


PROTECT WOMEN'S RIGHTS! STAND WITH PARENTS!

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As a woman and alumni of the Public Schools here in Northern Virginia, I fully support this commonsense new policy. This policy is long overdue and needed to protect young female students and children. SHAME ON VIRGINIANS, ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND PARENTS WHO DO NOT SUPPORT THIS POLICY. If this policy was in place a year ago, the 2 young female students from Loudoun County would have NOT been sexually assaulted. The adults in the Loudoun County school board and the high schools failed them and put them in danger. As women, we need to support the next generation of young women and protect their privacy and safety.

The debate over parental rights in schools has been settled with the election of Governor Youngkin. PARENTS RIGHTS MATTER!! WOMEN'S RIGHTS MATTER!!


I support the 2022 model policies.

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<p> I support the 2022 model policies. Thank you Governor Youngkin!   </p>


As a mother - please help me gain my rights back!


Policy change

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I fully support the changes Gov. Youngkin has made to educating Virginia’s children.
kids should be concerned with studies, teachers should be concerned with teaching curriculum and all educators should include parents in the education of their students.

please make Virginia a state where education is exalted and one of excellence again.


Strongly Oppose!! This will harm students not help

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<p>As a student who identifies as non-binary and has many peer that this bill would directly harm, I wholeheartedly oppose this bill. This will cause many students to be harmed, not just in school, but at home. Leaving them with no place to feel safe and heard. </p>


Support support support


Educator, Mother, Grandmother


Strongly support


OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose this. This is shameful.


I strongly support this. As a young woman

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<p> I want to feel safe in my sport and bathrooms.</p>


I support the governor

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I believe firmly that parents need to be kept informed about things their children do at school regarding gender. Social transition is not a benign process and children who transition and change their minds may find themselves trapped by social pressures to maintain the fiction. Children are still growing and developing all the way through adolescence and there is no compelling reason that schools should be allowed to take precedence over parents in this one matter. I have heard some people say that we shouldn’t tell the parents about gender transitions because they might not be accepting. Might not? In the criminal justice system, you are innocent until proven guilty, but in parenting you are guilty without even a trial!

i do not believe transgendered athletes belong on the team the identify with, nor do transgendered children/teens belong in restrooms or locker rooms that they choose. It is not the job of all those other children to make that transgendered child feel good. If that child needs therapy to learn to accept themselves, then their parents should get them therapy. That is one reason parents need to be involved from day 1.


Thank you! Pass this!


Strongly oppose new model policies guidance

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As a long-time resident of Virginia and parent of a child who graduated recently from public school, I’m strongly opposed to the new model policies guidance issued by Governor Youngkin. The policies will reverse the progress made for transgender and non-binary youth  and put them at risk of bullying by peers and abuse by their parents if they aren’t out to them. Teachers and administrators have a responsibility to protect the students in their classrooms, and this new guidance makes them complicit in putting these kids at risk.


Please Support Trans Children

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<p>I urge you to protect the well-being of Virginia’s transgender youth and honor their legal rights by withdrawing the new Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students announced on September 16, 2022. Restore the Model Policies previously in place, which respect the rights and interests of transgender students. </p>


Fully support

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<p> Thank you Governor!  </p>


Oppose

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I strongly oppose, this will lead to nothing but mental health issues and suicide of CHILDREN who may think they are not good enough or not equal.


Guidance Document DOE

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I strongly oppose this legislation


Vehementley opposed! What is the governors plan for the homeless kids this policy creates.

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State sponsered bullying of marginalized children.  What about the rights of the parents of trans kids?  What is the Virginia DOE's plan for those kids who come from unsupported families, who are outed by the schools and wind up homeless.  Or those children who are left with crippling anxiety, depression.  How many children will take their own lives due to this hateful policy.

Denise Ragsdale


Fully support

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<p> I fully support this decision  </p>


I STRONGLY oppose this policy ????????

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i am very against this policy ????


Laws are laws. Pass this policy!


Strongly oppose

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Give teachers the right to make students feel safe in their classroom


Strongly opposed

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<p>This bill is an act of violence against children. As a current student in Virginia, the statements made here are grossly inaccurate to how schools are and how they should function. My peers would no longer be safe. </p>


Don’t back down to the ACLU


Strongly support our governor


Oppose

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Kindness matters- care for our children by opposing Young kin’s anti student regulations


Strongly support


Strongly oppose, harms children

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I strongly oppose this bill and sincerely hope it does not pass. This potentially harms transgender and queer youth, this requires schools to out children to their potentially transphobic and abusive parents. Child abuse numbers will rise and suicide numbers along with it. Allowing a teenager to go by a different name at school is basic human rights, transgender individuals going by a different name hurts no one, however not allowing such can be damaging to one's mental health. Requiring transgender individuals to be purposefully dead named at school is going to open up the doors for teasing and discrimination. This bill does not benefit anyone, there has never been an issue with teens using different names or pronouns. Quite frankly this whole ordeal is a waste of time and effort. Allow teenagers to express themselves and experiment.

-Written by a seventeen year old trans man


Opposed

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<p>Strongly Opposed! You are endangering lives if you change this policy! </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>As a Virginia educator and former Virginia public school student, I know firsthand how important a supportive, welcoming environment is for all students, including LGBTQ+ students. This policy is cruel and will do significant harm if enacted. </p>


Strongly SUPPORT the protection and safety of all children

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<p> I strongly SUPPORT the updated policy. ALL Children - especially young girls -deserve a safe learning environment. All students should be able to learn reading</p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I support LGBTQIA+ students/children!! This policy is harmful to them


Support for this policy

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<p> It seems like everyone feels this will cause suicide rates among trans students to increase. Suicide is the result of a mental health problem. Sane rational people do not commit suicide. Perhaps get mental health help for these students. But keep this nonsense out of the schools!  </p>


Discriminatory Policy

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As a parent of two Virginia students, I vehemently oppose this policy. I do not want my children to witness classmates being discriminated against based on how they identify and something they cannot change about themselves. I don’t want my children to think it is OK to misgender someone because an authority figure at their school is doing so. Trans students have the right to be respected by their peers and especially by the adults in the school system.

Only 80% of Americans know someone personally who is transgendered and yet we’re allowing uninformed individuals to make decisions for a minority group. This policy creates a hostile learning environment for all students.


Strongly Support this legislation

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I fully support this legislation to protect parent's rights and ultimately the well-being of children. Parents are the best advocate for their children, not a teacher who will only know and be in the child's life for a short period of time.

I also support protecting girls single sex spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms from potential male predators. Boys have no place in girls single sex spaces for the protection of all girls. Girls have no place in male spaces such as locker rooms and dorms for the protection of those girls.

Thank you for protecting girls sports from the unfair advantage and potential harm of males on girls sports teams. Not only are girls more vulnerable to being injured by males but they need their own category to be able to compete and win. The idea that this is not true is a blatant disregard for the truth.

Thank you for doing what we voted you in to do!


Support thank you


Protect Trans and Non-binary Children, not bigoted teachers

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<p>In reversing the previous guidance, you shift the “rights” from vulnerable children to adult teachers and administrators. It is shameful that you would prioritize the discomfort of adult bigots to use a preferred pronoun over the mental health and safety of a child. Reject this new, hateful guidance. </p>


people will die because of this.

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<p>this will kill people. denying transgender kids and teens the human right to be themselves will only cause death. i am out to my parents as transgender and i use my right name and pronouns in school and with friends. my family does not do that. if they decide not to let me go by my name and pronouns, my life would spiral. i have tons of transgender and nonbinary friends that are not out to their families and if they are outed, they could be kicked out or shunned simply for being who they are. affirming trans identities helps to ease the mental stress that comes with being openly LGBTQIA+. without that affirmation, trans kids will die. trans youth are already at a higher risk of suicide, this is only making it worse. </p>


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<p> Fully support try he policy by Youngkin!  </p>


Virginia is NOT for VICTIMS. Please pass this policy!

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Protect our most vulnerable and pass this policy!


*10,000% Opposed* / Support Trans Students Right to be Free & Safe!

Virginia as the birthplace of the United States of America should serve as a model example for how we treat our citizens of all ages. Just as the explorers of this nation were pioneers, so too, should Virginia behave in modern times. In welcoming all people, of all identities, to be free from subjugation, bigotry, harassment, stress, anxiety, and from being bullied by the Commonwealth for reasons best understood only by the holders of views which are factually contrary to the ideals of freedom and liberty.These policies must be rejected and opposed by all citizens of Virginia who value "small government", and "Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness" for all of our citizens - young, old, of any and all identities.Protect Trans Students & grant unto them the Freedom to be Virginians as they so wish to be.Allow these students a place where learning is paramount, and acceptance of them as human beings is without question.Stand Firmly Opposed to any, and all, policies that would deny these young citizens their rights, and force our schools to become politicized enforcement arms of hurtful ideology - when they should be safe, and welcoming, institutions of learning and development.

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Virginia as the birthplace of the United States of America should serve as a model example for how we treat our citizens of all ages.

Just as the explorers of this nation were pioneers, so too, should Virginia behave in modern times.

In welcoming all people, of all identities, to be free from subjugation, bigotry, harassment, stress, anxiety, and from being bullied by the Commonwealth for reasons best understood only by the holders of views which are factually contrary to the ideals of freedom and liberty.

These policies must be rejected and opposed by all citizens of Virginia who value "small government", and "Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness" for all of our citizens - young, old, of any and all identities.

Protect Trans Students & grant unto them the Freedom to be Virginians as they so wish to be.

Allow these students a place where learning is paramount, and acceptance of them as human beings is without question.

Stand Firmly Opposed to any, and all, policies that would deny these young citizens their rights, and force our schools to become politicized enforcement arms of hurtful ideology - when they should be safe, and welcoming, institutions of learning and development.


Strongly support the Republican sanity


Oppose

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As a parent, I believe the students should be able to make the decision of their gender identity. Others must have forgotten how many teens experience being homelessness  due to the treatment and reaction from their own parents. Lets protect the students. 2021 Model Policies should be continued.


I support this policy-

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<p> I am in support for this policy because it is right in line with Code of Virginia 1-240.1 Rights of Parents: A parent has the fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing</p>


Strongly Opposed

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<p>Youngkin will be responsible for any harm that comes to these kids!! Transgender rights are human rights — end of story. </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>Strongly oppose, the governor is a bully and a bigot and is has ZERO concern for the welfare of any child. </p>


oppose

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<p>parents do not own their children. let us make our own decisions </p>


I OPPOSE THIS!  TRANS+NONBINARY RIGHTS

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I am Omnisexual, with some of my closest friends being Transgender. They are some of the coolest, nicest, funniest/all around best humans I know. They need their rights.


oppose


Strongly opposed

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I strongly oppose this policy change All children deserve to be safe in being themselves, especially those who are minorities of any kind and more likely to suffer stress because they're different. This policy puts trans youth in danger.


Strongly oppose


THANK YOU! Please pass this policy!


Protect trans kids!

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As a school we need to do everything we can to make our space safe for trans youth. America is changing, and not for the better.


Outing Trans Kids Increases Suicide Rates

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I am a lifelong Virginia resident, a voter, and a graduate of our public schools.

I truly believe that all the comments here come from love. That loves comes from all the parents here on BOTH sides of the issue, reaching out to support their children and the children of this commonwealth. Every single parent here loves their child. Please allow me to share a story about my family’s love.

In September of 2011 my sister was studying abroad in France, my mom was working full time, my dad was running for office, and I spent two weeks in the hospital recovering from a suicide attempt. They couldn’t pump my stomach because it had been too long, and they were in constant contact with poison control because my liver was shutting down. Unfortunately, I was allergic to the antidote they gave me and I broke out in hives all over my body. They gave me stimulants to control the hives. My mom asked what they would do if the stimulants didn’t work and they had to take me off the stimulants and the antidote and the doctor said “then we pray.” My mother slept in a chair in the hospital for two weeks straight because she loves me. I think every parent here would do the same thing. I am here tonight because no other family should have to go through what mine did, and no children in this state should go through what I did. Thankfully, I am now under the care of an excellent psychiatrist, but not everyone gets the help they need in time.

According to the National Institute for Health, approximately 32-50% of trans people attempt suicide, and that rate is closer to 50% among trans youth. Lack of social and family support for trans youth increases suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Trans youth with family support are 82% less likely to attempt suicide. Trans youth whose parents reject their gender are 13 times more likely to attempt suicide. Let me be clear: Using language that is inclusive of queer, trans, non-binary, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming youth is suicide prevention.

The policy proposed from the Youngkin administration would force children to be outed to their parents in situations where it might be unsafe. They could end up homeless, physically abused, or forced into “treatment” for a condition where nothing is actually wrong. I know all of these parents love their kids. I strongly urge them to simply love their kids for who they are. Kids who feel loved and supported will come out to their parents and not keep secrets from them. This policy is dangerous to the safety, mental-health, and well-being of trans students and I strongly urge you to reconsider these policies. Please don’t let queer kids become political pawns in a war between adults. We can show these kids that we love and support them. There is still time to redact this policy and make reasonable adjustments.

I will end on a reminder from history: It was whites who decided that black people could be free. It was men who decided that women could vote. It was straight people who decided that gays could marry, and it will be cis people who decide the fate of trans people in America.


Save the suicide of kids and support this policy


Personal decision

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This is a person's right to decide who THEY want to be and what THEY want to be called not the parents decision.


Strongly oppose, protect our trans kids

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We need to make sure our trans kids feel safe in school, especially if they don't at home. Respecting trans kids' gender identities is suicide prevention, period.


Policy is pure evil. You want these kids to suffer.

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<p>This is just a policy of bullying intended to take kids who were already marginalized and make them drop of out school, or worse. It is pure evil to take away the rights of the students. You will have blood on your hands if this policy is enacted. Leave well Enough alone.   </p>


LEAVE TRANS KIDS ALONE!! ABSOLUTELY AGAINST!

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Just to make this clear, I would like to start off by saying that I am absolutely not in favor of this new policy.

It is incredibly disrespectful towards trans kids. So many students do not have supportive, progressive parents, which means that they will be forced to be in the closet until they are legally adults who can change their own birth certificate. This forces trans children to use pronouns and names that their chosen gender does not identify with, which could cause them serious mental health issues and trauma. Any policy that damages children and teens mental health this much, is NOT “…with respect to their children” or aiding “…children’s well- being” as governor Youngkin has said it will.

One of the worst parts of this policy is that the vast majority of the people this policy is affecting can not vote for the representative of their state, nor can they post their opinion on this site, because the age limit is 16 and over- So it’s exclusive to much older high school students.

Trans rights are human rights and they must be protected! Not just used to gain political points! Leave trans kids alone and allow them to choose what gender they identify with!!!


SUPPORT  Parents, not school, can best deal with their child's gender dysphoria

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SUPPORT   Parents, not schools, can best deal with their child's gender dysphoria


Served 27 years protecting  the freedom of fellow Americans.

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<p>Freedom is a foundation of our country. </p>


Strongly oppose

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This would strip rights from transgender students. School should be a safe space for all kids.


Support

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<p> I have recently had friends who were teachers in the VA public school system leave their positions due to the 2021 Model Policies. I have also known students that left the public school system and enrolled in private Christian schools because of the current document in effect. The governor's proposal is sound and I am in support of this change.  </p>


Erin Reed sent me here to say ...

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... that trans rights are human rights.

I oppose this sheeet.


My kids won’t step foot in a public school - unless this passes.


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

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<p> I support this policy change</p>


Opposed.

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The new administration's revisions are thinly veiled excuses to cause children emotional harm and tacit approval to do so without repercussion. The same logic has been twisted in years past to attempt to justify all sorts of prejudiced behavior.


Support parents and the Governor’s policy.

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<p> I support families and parent’s rights. Children who are not trans should not have to share a bathroom with a biological person of the opposite sex. Girls should not have to compete against a biological boy in sports. I support all females and their right to fair sports play and competition. All persons should be treated with respect</p>


Support this policy to stop hurting children


Terrorizing trans kids is not acceptable!

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Whether their parents would like you to terrorize them or not, you have no business doing so. If you were tormented and abused throughout your childhood due to your gender or for being straight, would you think that was okay simply because your parents liked it?


Oppose.


100% agree.  Fully support.

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<p> Parents have every right to know what is going on with their children while at school.  </p>


Oppose


Appallingly opposed

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I strongly oppose Youngkin’s proposed policy. It is less than nothing for me to recognize a student’s preferred pronouns or name. The school setting is sometimes the only place people can be themselves. Let schools be a safe space. Shouldn’t we be worried about social emotional learning, mental health and the school shootings?


This WILL hurt children.

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Studies show that trans kids are at a much higher rate to attempt/die by suicide than the average child. Trans kids are more likely to suffer from anxiety and/or depression. We need to support and love all of our kids. Everyone, but especially children, deserve to feel accepted and supported. This policy WILL hurt children. Do not allow our government to hurt our kids.


Model Transgender Policy

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I fully support the governors actions to keep these confused youth using the bathrooms and other facilities of the gender assigned at birth.  A boy is a boy and a girl is a girl no matter the change of hormones or other life affecting procedures that are taken.  We need the respect the majority of the kids in our schools and not expose them to such abhorrent acts as biological boys in girls bathroom or gym facilities as well as the extreme unfairness of biological boys playing girls sports and taking away their chances of excelling in sport against their equals on a team. Bravo Governor for having the backbone to stand up to the LGBTQMSR+ etc and say for our kids - enough is enough.


Oppose

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<p>A person’s sexuality doesn’t affect a single person other than the person itself, it is absolutely no one’s business but their own. They share when they’re ready and feel safe to. </p>


I absolutely support this policy.

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<p> I wholeheartedly agree with these proposed changes and the sentiment that children belong to parents/families; not the state. I strongly urge those in a position to make this decision to make the necessary changes to ensure that parents are notified by schools when a child requests to be called by a pronoun that differs from their sex or their given name. Furthermore</p>


Support

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I support the new guidelines. Teachers need to be able to focus on their subject matter and parents need to be able to parent their children. It is not good to exclude parents from what is going on in their children’s lives. These are children. Once they become of age they may then decide these things for themselves.


I fully support Youngkin!

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<p> There's a reason we elected Governor Youngkin... School policy and parental rights are vitally important!  </p>


Strongly oppose-Trans kids deserve compassion not harrassment

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This is not about parents rights, it’s about targeting kids who are different.


I absolutely SUPPORT and agree with this policy

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<p> As a 'birthing parent'</p>


I oppose the projected 2022 Model Policies

The First Amendment of the constitution does not protect discrimination on the basis of religion, including if you use religion to justify hatred toward another group of people. The Fourteenth Amendment also does not state that children are property. Children are, in and of themselves, independent persons dependent on the guidance of an adult, and have their own interests, communities, and responsibilities as citizens of the US."As a part of that work, educators strive to meet the individual needs of all students entrusted to their care, and teachers work to create educational environments where all students thrive. The Virginia Department of Education recognizes that each child is a unique individual with distinctive abilities and characteristics that should be valued and respected. All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying."Value and respect include using preferred pronouns for trans students, for the same reason you would not call a man "miss." Furthermore, all children are not inherently asexual, yet somehow straight. That is a contradictory belief that is imposed upon children by people who are uncomfortable with their own sexuality. Trying to argue that misgendering children is somehow protected speech is fascistic in nature, and disgusting to see in the US.My grandfather did not fight in WWII just so that people like Youngkin could bring that rhetoric home. As we see a global rise in fascism, we must ask ourselves, is this hatred worth all the lives lost? Is the fear of our brothers and sisters really just Satan speaking to us through the tongue of a politician? I shall remind you, "Pride is identified as dangerously corrupt selfishness, putting one's own desires, urges, wants, and whims before the welfare of others."I would rather accept these children as they are than force them to be harassed by grown adults who still shutter at the idea of a strong working woman who makes her own decisions. These people do not want to protect women, they just want power.

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The First Amendment of the constitution does not protect discrimination on the basis of religion, including if you use religion to justify hatred toward another group of people. The Fourteenth Amendment also does not state that children are property. Children are, in and of themselves, independent persons dependent on the guidance of an adult, and have their own interests, communities, and responsibilities as citizens of the US.

"As a part of that work, educators strive to meet the individual needs of all students entrusted to their care, and teachers work to create educational environments where all students thrive. The Virginia Department of Education recognizes that each child is a unique individual with distinctive abilities and characteristics that should be valued and respected. All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying."

Value and respect include using preferred pronouns for trans students, for the same reason you would not call a man "miss." Furthermore, all children are not inherently asexual, yet somehow straight. That is a contradictory belief that is imposed upon children by people who are uncomfortable with their own sexuality. Trying to argue that misgendering children is somehow protected speech is fascistic in nature, and disgusting to see in the US.

My grandfather did not fight in WWII just so that people like Youngkin could bring that rhetoric home. As we see a global rise in fascism, we must ask ourselves, is this hatred worth all the lives lost? Is the fear of our brothers and sisters really just Satan speaking to us through the tongue of a politician? I shall remind you, "Pride is identified as dangerously corrupt selfishness, putting one's own desires, urges, wants, and whims before the welfare of others."

I would rather accept these children as they are than force them to be harassed by grown adults who still shutter at the idea of a strong working woman who makes her own decisions. These people do not want to protect women, they just want power.


Strongly AGAINST! Support LGBTQ+ kids!

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<p>I am strongly against this policy. Support kids, especially the most vulnerable. You’re only making their lives harder! </p>


Support for ALL Students


Parents who disrespect and abandon their child forfeit their rights as parents. Oppose.

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<p>This is a deliberately cruel law drawn up in anger and shallowness. </p>


I strongly support the governor on this


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Trans and gender non-binary kids walked out of schools around the state today to tell us what they need from us as adults. This policy pits schools and parents against the children they are supposed to love and protect. Kids are safer when our schools are free of transphobia and full of acceptance. I strongly oppose the proposed policy changes.


100% SUPPORT

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<p> 100% SUPPORT More parental rights!  </p>


Support 100%

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This will make our schools a safer place. Thank you!


Discrimination is Still Illegal

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<p>You cannot discriminate against transgender students.  You will cost the taxpayers in court fees because you are pandering to the parents for votes.  Your CRT playbook will not succeed here.  Keep the protections for transgender students in place.  </p>


Transgender proposal

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I strongly oppose something based on fear that will ultimately damage youth who are already struggling to be themselves. Let’s not go backwards.


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<p> FULLY SUPPORT!!! THANK YOU GOV. YOUNGKIN!  </p>


strongly oppose

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these policies will kill kids.

proper pronouns, respect, and appropriate supports safe lives.

there is no need or justification for these harmful policies, and they will absolutely do harm.

Im a therapist, crisis counselor, and past school- based counselor in Charlottesville, Virginia speaking from over a decade of experience in suicide prevention and mental health care.


Great Bill! Fully support!

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<p> Thank you for your continued hard work for our children!  </p>


Support parental rights

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Once the barrage of lawsuits rains down on those afflicting this horror and violence on our children (in the form of brutal surgery and lifetime medicalisation), we will understand our error but it will be too late to protect those who trusted adults to protect them from a societal cancer. Let's stop this nonsense before it gets even worse. At the very least parents should be allowed to decide if their children are to be disfigured and chemically altered.


Strongly opposed

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Transgender individuals are at a much higher risk of suicide. What increases it? An unsupportive environment that refuses to acknowledge or accept their identity - the very environment which is being proposed in these new guidelines. These standards are putting lives at risk for no reason other than to pander to one side of the political spectrum. These guidelines are unacceptable.


Strongly opposed


Opposed - Harmful to Trans Kids

I am a high school counselor and strongly oppose these inequitable and discriminatory policies.

September 26, 2022
The Virginia School Counselor Association (VSCA) opposes the Virginia Department of Education’s 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools as they are currently proposed. The 2022 model policies create barriers to privacy, dignity, and respect for Virginia’s students and seek to undermine previous legislation (i.e., § 22.1-23.3. Treatment of transgender students; policies) that works to create safe and supportive environments for our most vulnerable youth.
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.
Against this background, it is VSCA’s stance that the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools are empirically unfounded and are not in accordance with evidence-based best practices concerning the treatment of transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming and gender-fluid students.

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I am a high school counselor and strongly oppose these inequitable and discriminatory policies.

September 26, 2022

The Virginia School Counselor Association (VSCA) opposes the Virginia Department of Education’s 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools as they are currently proposed. The 2022 model policies create barriers to privacy, dignity, and respect for Virginia’s students and seek to undermine previous legislation (i.e., <a rel="nofollow" x="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvsca.org%2FEmailTracker%2FLinkTracker.ashx%3FlinkAndRecipientCode%3D1NPMOsRnym3Ax4o4aRFLF%252bZYlwvtdnAQicbWsX8Q79puezSYa6p0dognAs%252bY3qwKO08pGLJ%252bZWuygjrWOfpqpkuXylMdkHJBV%252fweb4L%252fED0%253d&data=05%7C01%7Ccatillery%40henrico.k12.va.us%7C24d7a578ce0648d60ac108da9faf932b%7C75d3675888f24aa6bdae1ca9343c0c66%7C1%7C0%7C637997873711978999%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aQ%2Bjkbb0VRZ%2BKIitXp0CJDnImAK3%2Blya52JNeeMFg%2F4%3D&reserved=0">§ 22.1-23.3. Treatment of transgender students; policies) that works to create safe and supportive environments for our most vulnerable youth.

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 <a rel="nofollow" x="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvsca.org%2FEmailTracker%2FLinkTracker.ashx%3FlinkAndRecipientCode%3DL6RTA1gphhP9lBTZtbUiGvxeQOLbjXsPKpJN13NN0ZrLRhxy19nwSmOMcEN6vEmj43IODe4BhLtOTZtgop25QEwp1Ntqeyjg4EVWOityxZU%253d&data=05%7C01%7Ccatillery%40henrico.k12.va.us%7C24d7a578ce0648d60ac108da9faf932b%7C75d3675888f24aa6bdae1ca9343c0c66%7C1%7C0%7C637997873711978999%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0KVdblhayKTxxLY3fXaqqyxQXkf2aZJG83WpiTiQUHw%3D&reserved=0">The School Counselor and Transgender and Nonbinary Youth (Adopted 2016, revised 2022) that states:

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

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

Against this background, it is VSCA’s stance that the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools are empirically unfounded and are not in accordance with evidence-based best practices concerning the treatment of transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming and gender-fluid students.


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If you mess with my trans daughter, I'll KlLL you death!

If you mess with my trans daughter, I'll KlLL you death!

If you mess with my trans daughter, I'll KlLL you death!

If you mess with my trans daughter, I'll KlLL you death!

If you mess with my trans daughter, I'll KlLL you death!

If you mess with my trans daughter, I'll KlLL you death!


this bill will kill people

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<p>this bill will kill people </p>


Support

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<p> The lobbyists have convinced a lot of people that kids are at risk with these guidelines but in fact</p>


I support the new K-12 model policies

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I am very much in favor of establishing the new policies regarding how gender is addressed in grades K-12.  I believe parents have the right to be involved in this process and guide their children through any period of testing and questioning one's gender.  I believe it is the state's responsibility to support parents in this process.  Supporting the parents does support the children in such a vulnerable time. Minors' biological sex should be respected and supported within the school system.  If the child continues to reject their biological sex there will be plenty of time to explore other options as they reach adulthood and are better able to judge for themselves such a weighty decision.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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<p>Parents should be involved in all affairs of their minor children, period. Whoever thinks otherwise has no common sense and is in denial about the risks and consequences. </p>


Concerning the new proposed guidance for schools on gender issues

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I am in agreement with the new proposed guidance policies for school districts.  Please support the rights of parents to be in charge of their students and to be informed of the issues going on at school.  Students should follow the gender that is listed on their school records for the safety and protection of everyone.


Support

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<p> As a school board official</p>


New transgender issue policy

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I agree with this new policy as parents should always be kept informed!


Strongly oppose

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<p>I oppose this wholeheartedly. While I identify as cisgender, I am a healthcare provider who will soon be working in pediatrics and children who identify as LGBTQIA+ may find themselves in a position to seek out medical care from someone like me. There is no logical reason to deny someone a right to healthcare, especially in a country such as the United States where we claim to be "the best" and train healthcare workers to offer services for anyone, we are not trained to discriminate. Furthermore, an LGBTQIA+ person is just like any other person. Forcing them to be outed, isolated from their peers in activities, not using the restroom for the gender they identify with, this accomplishes nothing other than pleasing those disagree with who they are. Forcing children and teens into these situations can be a trauma and feed into the mental health crisis for youths and this population specifically. Our governor needs to admit that passing this policy does nothing to help the state of Virginia, it only serves to further divide it and force people into following the desires of a minority group of people who do not seem to recognize the separation between church and state that is supposed to be in place in our government. The LGBTQIA+ population deserves the same rights as any other person in the state of Virginia and in our country. It's time for Glenn Youngkin and his supporters to join the 21st century and stop imposing their religious beliefs on everyone else. </p>


Support

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I strongly support these guidelines.


Fully support the protection of parent rights

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<p>Thank you for continuing to protect the rights of parents </p>


Support

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<p> Parents have a right to know about any issue their child is dealing with. Thank you Governor Younkin!  </p>


Completely Support.

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<p> I completely support.  </p>


Oppose


Opposition

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<p>I strongly oppose this. Trans people are people, period. They should be treated as such without discrimination and bias. </p>


Yall are missing the point

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After reading through these comments, yall are missing the point.  This isn't about education, this is about basic respect. This is calling people by their name and pronouns and not putting them in danger. I don't care if you think the education needs to be improved because that's not what this is about.  This is simply controlling people and forcing them to be who you want them to be instead of who they are. You can say "stick to the basics of education and get this other stuff out" but that's not what this is. Everyone has a name and everyone has pronouns. This is about basic respect. Yall say you're "pro-life" and then support policies that put people (KIDS) in danger. Do better.


Strongly oppose

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Please read the science behind all of this and please read the data on behavioral health and suicide of the transgender community before putting forth a policy like thism. It is incredibly dangerous to our youth!


Support the policies

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<p> The new policies provide balance in caring for each student and the views and values of their parents. It returns the responsibility for children to their parents. It also respects and better balances the rights and dignity of each student. Children with gender dysphoria will receive more balanced care under the supervision of parents in partnership with school personnel as needed rather than the possibility that parents be excluded from the conversation. Overall</p>


Fully Support


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Just to make this clear, I would like to start off by saying that I am absolutely not in favor of this new policy.

It is incredibly disrespectful towards trans kids. So many students do not have supportive, progressive parents, which means that they will be forced to be in the closet until they are legally adults who can change their own birth certificate. This forces trans children to use pronouns and names that their chosen gender does not identify with, which could cause them serious mental health issues and trauma. Any policy that damages children and teens mental health this much, is NOT “ensuring the well being of students and respecting them” as governor Youngkin has said it will.

One of the worst parts of this policy is that the vast majority of the people this policy is affecting can not vote for the representative of their state, nor can they post their opinion on this site, because the age limit is 16 and over- So it’s exclusive to much older high school students.

Trans rights are human rights and they must be protected! Not just used to gain political points! Leave trans kids alone and allow them to choose what gender they identify with!!!


Do it. I completely support.

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<p> Northam never should have done this in VA anyway.  </p>


Oppose

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I strongly oppose the proposed policies and want to make clear to VDOE that an overwhelming number of Virginians oppose these transphobic policies. These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids.


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<p> Support this and you 100% - thank you for all your hard work!  </p>


"Love Thy Neighbor" - Strongly Oppose

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Please stop politicizing schools and education even more than the country is already doing. It's absurd and grounded in contradictory ideals. How can you "love thy neighbor" as the Bible states and also invalidate someone's identity?. As a teacher myself, I would love the chance to talk with parents myself - about this, about other course topics that may concern them, and anything else - rather than the Virginia government tell me what I can and can't do. You're preventing a healthy school community dialogue by forcing everyone to extremes.


We support the governor!

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<p> Great policy!  </p>


Strongly Oppose

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In support of our children and their mental and emotional well being.


This isn't about parents

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Hiding behind something called "parents' rights," this guidance offers nothing but an attempt to justify giving a handful of close-minded individuals the green light to harass young people. Adolescence is a time when we should encourage self-discovery and allowing compassion towards someone as they discover their sense of identity shouldn't violate state policy.

This guidance goes beyond that by attempting to force the hand of our teachers to enforce unnecessarily cruel regulations. The only way this could relate to parents is by helping them avoid an uncomfortable conversation at home. However, imposing a policy that will cause harm to their child's friends will not help them avoid the topic—it will make it even more likely. It is an infringement of liberty to assign an identity to an individual because it removes their right to live freely as themselves. It is NOT an infringement of parents' rights to allow an individual to determine their own identity. This is just a shameful attempt to institutionalize harassment.


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy. All children deserve to be safe in being themselves. Trans people have always existed and always will.  There is nothing wrong with trans people and no one is harmed by their inclusion in our communities.  Trans youth, however, are harmed by this type of discrimination.  Look at rates of suicide, depression, assault, and homelessness among trans kids.  The environment this policy creates puts trans youth in direct danger.  You must get rid of this policy at once to save children’s lives.


Strongly Oppose

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While parents are responsible for our own children, we all know that not all parents are good and supportive parents.  All teenagers should have the support of their schools when parents can't be counted on.


Fully Support

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<p> Parents should have an active role.  </p>


I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS!

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I strongly opposed the new model policy being put forth by the Youngkin administration. Our children need more acceptance and understanding, not judgement.

This new policy is being considered at a time being considered at a time when an increasing number of people are identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or something other than heterosexual. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, 7.1% U.S. adults self-identify as LGBT, which is double the percentage from 2012, when Gallup first measured sexual orientation. Younger generations have higher self-identity rates. Roughly 21% of Generation Z Americans, who have reached adulthood, meaning they were born between 1997 and 2003, identify as LGBT. The number of youth identifying as transgender also has increased. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.4 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds and 1.3 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds are transgender, compared with about 0.5 percent of all adults, based on health surveys it conducted from 2017 to 2020.

Our schools need to be accepting of these young people, especially as more young people are have concerns about their mental health. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, with LGBTQ youth being four times more likely to seriously consider suicide, to make a plan for suicide, and to attempt suicide versus their peers, according to The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ.

The original model policy was intended to make sure all students feel safe and supported, including transgender and non-binary students.

I do NOT support this new policy, which will potentially put transgender and non-binary students at risk. Schools should be a place of compassion, not judgement.


Oppose

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How could any adult reject a child?  Any child for any reason.  We want to teach our children what love actually is. This policy is a hate crime.


Oppose


I do not support this

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<p>This initiative is dumb and a waste of time. Stop trying to control children’s lives and take away autonomy from them. It would be regressive to take steps in this direction and I hope Youngkin is voted out as soon as possible for proposing such a stupid idea. </p>


Stop pandering to less than 1 percent fully support this

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<p> Reviewed the whole document. Fully support this. When did commonsense became a crime.  </p>


Fully Support


I fully support. We need to support all children !

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<p> All children deserve to be protected !   </p>


Awful idea

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You are a horrid individual who doesnt give two s about the people he governs, you just wish to please the small minority that wanted this to happen. Because of you, we are going back in time, regressing. Whats next, segregation again??  you.


As a granny and parent I strongly oppose Youngkin's policies regarding LGBTQ children

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<p>I do believe that ideally parents should be involved in supporting the life decisions of their children, but I even more strongly believe that children must make those decisions in safety. Too many children don't feel safe sharing their development concerns with their parents; this is where the school and the community need to provide education, support, and advocacy on behalf of the well-being of the children. I also oppose Youngkin's policies regarding LGBTQ children because they assume that all families function the same, have the same parenting goals, and believe the same things about the development of their children.  </p>


Fully support! This will help youth and families

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<p> Thank you for putting forth these ideas! It will be great for our youth and families!  </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<pre>This policy will do nothing but harm transgender children and put them in even more potential danger than they're already in. </pre>


Strongly Oppose

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This will make many trans students lives much harder and more painful than it already is. It isn't worth the pain this will cause


This is very, very good

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<p>This model policy is very good. Better than I expected. We live in God's world and we must obey His laws. </p>


Strongly support (common sense and applicable to all students)

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<p> This is excellent and helps all parents fulfill their duties.  </p>


Finally some common sense. Vehemently support.

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Children need their parents. That should be the basic assumption. Parents and schools need to work together to help gender questioning kids while respecting the boundaries of all children.  It is unconscionable that schools should presume to interfere in the parent child relationship. Young people do not yet have the capacity to understand the long term implications of their actions. It is our collective responsibility to protect them from altering their bodies in ways that serious, life-altering ways that cannot be taken back. Schools have shown an astonishing willingness to deceive parents. They must be made to stop.


I fully support "Schools shall respect PARENTS’ values and beliefs!"

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I fully support this new Model Policy. Thank you, Gov. Youngkin and the VDOE, for showing the courage and leadership to respect the most important people in childrens' lives: their own parents. You have this parent's full support.


Support this policy support childrens


I do not support this!


Fully Support!!!!


Fully support

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<p> Thank you for keeping parents’ rights in place. Government schools need to worry about teaching mathematics</p>


Fully support Youngkin protecting our children with this EO

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<p>As a Virginia parent, I fully support Governor Youngkin with this Executive Order. It is not up to the school, teachers or teachers unions, how to raise our children. They go to school to learn about Math, Science(2 genders), History. They are NOT there to be groomed by anyone's political ideology, to be taught how to be social justice warriors, to keep secrets from their parents or to be sexualized by ANYONE!! The schools have contributed to our childrens gender confusion. WHY were OUR children ALLOWED to skip class to protest the Governor's EO today?! Outrageous! What right does the school have to allow this ?I do not want boys in my daughters bathroom or locker room. Remove the pornographic books from school libraries. Thank you Governor Youngkin for protecting our children and letting the parents make decisions about their children! </p>


Fully SUPPORT not allowing an 18 to man in the bathroom with a 14 yo girl

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<p> Who in their right mind supports males (some 18 and older who still attend high school) going into the girls bathroom? Ever heard of autogynephillia? Or an 11 year old boy in the bathroom with a 5 year old girl? This legislation is to PROTECT KIDS</p>


Strongly Oppose

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Students reserve the right to freedom of expression under the same amendment these policies exploit, let trans kids utilize that freedom to express their gender without discrimination.


STRONGLY OPPOSED


Support support support


Why Are We Going Backwards?

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First, I would like to say that if you think kids appreciate and uphold this document, I invite you to look up literally any article that has an opinion from PLP (Pride Liberation Project) or a student of Virginia State. The evidence is contrary.

As a cis white female, I believe that anyone and everyone under the trans umbrella has a right to used their name and preferred pronouns. Dead names are not names, and birth pronouns don't apply.

I have been lucky enough to have supportive people in my life, but not all of these students can say the same. This document claims to 'restore parental rights' and 'ensure the best' for children, but does the best mean sleeping on the streets?

Some parents treat their LGBTQIA+ children this way, and some do worse. Claiming that these laws will support students is similar to saying that hate crimes are not xenophobic, homophobic, transphobic, etc.

I also believe that laws that directly affect children should never, EVER be used against them. This document is doing exactly that.

In conclusion, these proposed changes are some of many that are anachronistic and harmful to those they are supposed to protect. This document should be rejected in its entirety, and never mentioned again.

Thank you.


I strongly support Gov. Youngkin’s policy.

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<p> Children need time to grow and find themselves. They should not be made to declare their gender at such an early age. There is plenty of time for that when they reach the age of reason. This policy provides for parents to legally request their children be called by pronouns indicating gender other than what is on their birth certificates if they and their children feel strongly about it. Transgenders did compose approximately half of one percent of the population before this targeted campaign began. Now</p>


Strongly support

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The overwhelmingly obvious physical differences between men and women (even as teens) should not be ignored. It not only threatens the safety but also reduces the opportunity of women. Young women. We do not celebrate or encourage other forms of body image problems. We should not start


Strongly support

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<p> Parents should have complete control over their children and no Government</p>


Fully Support

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<p> I absolutely 100% support parents rights an common sense!!  </p>


Opposed

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


Let the kids be who they are

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<p>If your child isn't safe telling you their identity, YOU are the problem, not the school that is offering them the ability to live freely as themselves. </p>
<p> </p>


Strongly support.

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Strongly support these policies. They are reasonable and respectful of both parents and children.


I strongly support this policy.

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<p> I am a parent and a grandparent. I expect the school system to teach reading</p>


Oppose this horrible policy

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I have in my home living with me right now one trans youth who was kicked out of their family home by non-affirming parents. This is the third trans youth to come live with me after being kicked out of their family. Until families stop behaving like this, they DONT have a right to know anything about their child's identity. Forcing schools to out them just creates more homeless youth at great risk of suicide. This policy is dangerous and cruel.


Opposed!

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<p>I oppose this in all forms. </p>


Strongly oppose

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Schools should be a safe place for all children.  These policies will alienate, further marginalize, and endanger already vulnerable children.  Gender affirming treatment improves trans childrens' mental and physical health, and honors the diversity of our community.  Refusing the acknowledge a students identity, use their preferred pronouns, and potentially out them to abusive parents will harm children.  These policies are neither evidence-based nor compassionate.  They are cruel, backward, and endanger children.


Fully support! Thank you for preserving the parents’ right to raise their child.

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<p> Those who oppose this seek to influence a minor for a political agenda  </p>


Protect the rights of parents.

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Protect the rights of parents.


support

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<p> Why do you fear parents being informed about their children?  </p>


I strongly support


Fully SUPPORT

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<p> “The Department also fully acknowledges the rights of parents to exercise their fundamental rights granted by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to direct the care</p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>The proposed changes are blatantly disrespectful to students, teachers, and families. School should be a welcoming place where students' identities and privacy rights are respected by their peers, their teachers, and those who govern. The 2022 model policies not only violate student trust and privacy rights, but they put kids in harm's way—both mentally and physically. Education should provide enrichment. Education should prepare students for the rest of their lives. It should not be a battlefield on which politicians wage culture wars. I strongly oppose this anti-LGBTQ/anti-student policy. </p>


Thank you! I fully support!

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<p> This should have been done sooner.  </p>


Strongly oppose


I support transgender students

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I do not understand why the Republican party is so obsessed with sex, gender and sexual identity.  Transgender youth are first and foremost human beings who deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and equality.  It is not the business of the government to discriminate against any student.  It is hard enough just being a kid.  When a student has to personally deal with being "different" they need understanding and support, not intrusive government supported bigotry.  Who are we to judge? No one chooses their sexual identity, it is innate.  Parents do not always accept a child who is not heterosexual.  These children can be subjected to physical abuse, emotional abuse or made to leave their homes.  Homeless children  often end up in prostitution just to survive.  Lack of acceptance can result in severe depression, drug abuse or suicide.  How is this a better outcome for these kids?

I strongly urge the Governor to stop and think.  Try actually thinking about the physical and emotional welfare of transgender youth.  Your proposals only seek to make being transgender irrelevant or something to excise.  Accept people for who they are and make no laws or regulations to belittle them.  Have some decency.


Support New Guidance

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<p>I fully support the new guidance. This is long over due! Parental rights are extremely important and there is nothing in here that takes away any right of any individual, but simply provides the necessary guidance to address the complex needs of a small group of the student body while ensuring parents are not deliberately pushed to the side. </p>


Parents must have authority over their children’s welfare. Strongly support.

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Parents, not school personnel, have original and ultimate responsibility for the physical and mental health of their children. Public schools should never work to undermine parental rights or subvert their values and authority. This is especially the case when politics and ideology of some board members, administrators and teachers are tempting them to use children as subjects of their social experiments, with potentially grave consequences. Children must be protected from indoctrination by ideologues who have become so powerful in the schools and seem determined to use our children as the equivalent of Hitler’s Youth Corps to carry out their goal of remaking society. Parents are rightly held responsible for the behavior of their children; they should rightfully be in charge of shaping their children’s values, with support rather than interference from educators.


Strongly Support

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<p> I strongly support the involvement of parents with their children’s choices  </p>


I strongly oppose this policy.

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<p>This policy will result in the death of trans and nonbinary students. It is not smart and should not be put in place. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy. All children deserve to be safe in being themselves. This policy puts trans youth in direct danger.


Visit @RoseWaltzEX profile on Twitter

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Visit @RoseWaltzEX in Twitter, she is cute as heeeell.


Shameful

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It’s incredibly disappointing and embarrassing that my governor has chosen to pick on the most vulnerable population in our schools to score political points with his racist/homophobic base of supporters.  These kids are already dealing with so many emotional issues in their lives…they shouldn’t have to deal with such vindictive BS from their  elected leaders as well


Fully Support

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<p> Parents are the primary educators of their children. Parents should remain in control of decisions regarding their children. Fully support. Pass and implement!  </p>


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This comment applies to

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

I fully support the governors actions to keep these confused youth using the bathrooms and other facilities if gender assigned at birth.  A boy is a boy and a girl is a girl no matter the change of hormones or other life affecting procedures that are taken  .  We need the respect the majority of the kids in our schools and not expose them to such abhorrent acts as biological boys in girls bathroom or gym facilities as well as the extreme unfairness of biological boys playing girls sports and taking away there chances of excelling in sport against their equals on a team. Bravo Governor for having the backbone to stand up to the LGBTQMSR+ etc and say for our kids - enough is enough.


Women and Girls deserve their sex based rights and spaces!!

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Women and girls have had it.  We are done playing nice and being kind. Stop colonizing womens spaces ffs we have had enough! I am all for reinstating sex segregated spaces as we have/had? them for a reason!  Enough with this insanity already. Our daughters don’t want to share their spaces with fully intact males.  You want a gender neutral space then turn the mens spaces into gender neutral problem solved. We are not a feeling or an identity!! We are complete human beings with are own sex specific needs! Who is driving this car the parents or the kids?? Who is gonna be the adult if not you then who? Stop lying to kids and telling them they can change sex while you are at it. Do you know how many women and even men I know now who have detransitioned and are mutilated and devastated with the choices they made as teens and young adults. Having phantom pain where their once healthy body parts existed. Endocrine system completely destroyed. Uterus and ovaries destroyed by testosterone so bad a hysterectomy was needed. Early onset osteoporosis and dementia caused by early onset menopause. Do any of you seething trans activists talk to detransitioners or do you just make them feel like  because they aren’t buying what you are selling anymore??? Do any of you normie so called liberals know what you are actually supporting??  Can women and girls stop getting it from both sides?? Women and Girls are dancing, singing and uncovering their hair in Iran which is all illegal to do and if caught by the morality police they can and as we have seen will be punished with to death! They are brave! It’s time for us to be brave too! I’d rather be rude than a ing liar!!!! REST IN POWER MAGDALENE BERNS!!!!


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<p> Reviewed the whole document. Fully support this. When did commonsense became a crime.  </p>


Pass this policy! Protect our families and our vulnerable youth!


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this bill. </p>


oppose

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<p>i oppose the new policies </p>


TRANS RIGHTS ??????

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Trans women and men are just like any other ordinary person and it’s completely stupid that people will try to treat them like trash we’re all human no matter what we all need to support each other no matter what there should be no rule that tells us/ trans people not to be their selves they deserve as much as rights as everyone else. It’s crazy how it’s 2022 and we still live in a world where LGBTQIA rights don’t matter yea we might be different but no that doesn’t mean we get treated any less then the average “STRAIGHT PERSON “. Trans gender students are unique and it’s their choice if they want to get surgery or decide to change and just because they do people need to stop stereotyping everything. Specially if you have friends or family who are trans people need to open their eyes and realize do we want to live in a place where everyone is constantly hating on each other. NO, no we don’t because then when the next generation comes we want them to be better, have rights, and be able to chose who they want to be not destroy their ego because of a right that they should have.


Strong oppose

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I strongly oppose Gov. Youngkin's transgender policies.  All students have the right to learn, grow and feel safe in our public schools.  This policy does nothing but create problems and certainly won't change a student's feelings.  I grew up with a gay brother and the bullying and torture he received in public school was horrendous.  I am 67 years old and cannot believe that this sort of thing continues to go on in Virginia.

Thank you,

Fonda Watson


Teach love, not hate! Don't attack children to score political points

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<p>Please don't teach our kids to hate themselves or others by attacking LGBTQ+ children and adults. Because of hate-filled policies like this one, along with other homophobic and transphobic attacks from society, LGBTQ+ kids have higher rates of depression, anxiety, homelessness, and suicide than their straight peers. Children need to be protected from hate, not from respect and acceptance. Please don't add to our kids' pain just to score cheap political points with fearful, misinformed voters. I urge you to block implementation of this cruel policy. </p>


oppose


Support!


OPPOSE.

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Anyone who thinks this would protect kids is out of their mind. This kind of legislation leads to suicide amongst trans kids. You have blood on your hands if you let this happen.


Strongly oppose

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I oppose policies that discriminate against trans youth, or that impose christian values on the state population.


PROTECT trans kids and PASS this policy! (You read that right)

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Save our kids by passing this policy!


Strongly oppose


THIS

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Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, anyone who supports this can have a terrible day.  you for intentionally putting kids lives in danger. . You.


OPPOSE

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<p>Forcing School officials to "out" their students to unsupportive parents is a gross violation of these kids' rights to breathe their own existence.  You need to foster an inclusive environment--and maybe the only safe environment some of these kids have in their lives--where budding adults are allowed to feel comfortable in their own skin.  These decisions on how to live are not up to the parents to ultimately decide.  They need to be active in their own children's lives and stop trying to push their own values and view upon their young.  As a parent, this type of support to your kids is very difficult, particularly when you don't like their decisions.  But, ultimately, it's not the parent's choice.  It's their child's.  </p>


New policy is good for all kids

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I fully support Governor Youngkin’s common sense policy which returns control to the parents. Parents of minors have every right to be informed of what is happening with their children in schools.  Schools should focus on teaching academic subjects and critical thinking skills instead of pushing gender identity ideology and other political ideologies. Male students should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports or use their locker rooms or bathroom.  They can use single stall bathrooms. Most so called gender dysphoria in children is the result of social media combined with other mental health issues. These children should not be encouraged to undergo procedures which can permanently harm their bodies. Very little is being said about those who transitioned and later regretted it. The Governor’s policy makes allowance for transgender kids by rightfully involving their parents and the statement that it harms trans kids is a lie. If a child is really in danger of being abused then CPS should be notified.


THIS


stop being dumb

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when are you people going to learn that all of these anti trans, anti gay bills and laws and rules are just going to have more and more people turn to fight you. the entire school literally just told you to stick the ruling up your ass and go  yourself.  The  you are trying now is the same  others tried when people of color wanted equality. you will not go in history as heroes. you will go down in history as s


Defeats the Purpose of Public Schools and Divides our Country Further

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A lot of people will talk about the cruelty of this bill. And it is undeniably cruel.  But far more than that, it negates the very purpose of public schools.  Do parents have a right to educate their children? Of course. Do they have a right to share their beliefs and values with their children? Of course. Do they have a right to share their bigotry and hatreds with their children? Debatable, but let's agree, for the sake of argument that they do. Lets agree that parents have an undeniable right to help shape the education and outlooks of their children.

HOWEVER: there is a time and a place for everything.  The place for parents is at HOME.  All parents should engage with their children, and all parents should take time out of every day to talk to them. I agree. AT HOME.

In SCHOOL, their children should learn about the larger world. Not just the world of their parents. Not just the viewpoints of their parents. Not just the biases of their parents. But they should learn about, and learn to live in, the larger and more diverse world of their community, their society, and their country. SCHOOL is where they should learn to be members of a society, and citizens of a country, rather than members of a family unit. In our society, there are Black people. And Gay people. And yes, Virginia, Transgender people. All, in my opinion, created by God. All, in my opinion, equally human in the eyes of God. All, according to the laws of our country, equally citizens. And all, according to the Founders of our nation, equally endowed by the Creator with the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Regardless of what parents want to teach their children at HOME, SCHOOL is where children should be exposed not just to the many facts and sciences and subjects of which their parents may be ignorant, but also the the diversity of the world around them. The job of a public school is to create citizens. It is not to create little carbon copies of their parents. It is to expose children to new ideas, not limit their minds to the ideas of their parents.

Schools employ people who are experts in teaching, not babysitters employed to be surrogates of parents. And I trust the fact that most of them, most teachers, strongly oppose this law.

Our country is already hugely divided by people who have locked themselves into camps in which only one set of ideas is allowed. Now you want to teach that mentality to children? You want to shut their minds, close their eyes, plug their ears, lest they be exposed to the glorious handiwork of a Lord that created all manner of people?

I hope this law gets overturned in court. I think it is probably unconstitutional and may violate civil rights laws.

But in the meantime, I urge anyone who reads my comment to actually think about what you are doing to your children by putting blindfolds over their eyes and ear plugs in their ears, rather than helping them form their own relationships with the other members of the society in which they live.  School should be what unites us as a community and as a country.  Not what turns us against the few people God made differently from the rest of us.


Support support support


Strongly oppose

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As a mother of two younger children, I cannot fathom my child feeling unsafe just because of who they are, who they feel they are, or who they wish to be. As a former special education teacher, I cannot fathom my students feeling betrayed or penalized for who they are. School must be a safe place with resources for ALL. In a world full of so much discrimination and hate towards anyone who is different, this new policy can and will seriously endanger students of all ages. Suicide risk is already elevated for the LGBTQIA community. As is abuse, assault and self harm. Please allow school to be a safe place for all students, without fear of repercussions. All students deserve the right to be loved and supported.
Caroline Martin Aldie, VA


Oppose

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<p>I am a teacher. I am a mother. I am a friend. I am heartbroken for the young Virginians who are scared and do not feel safe tonight. I oppose this bill. Who does this bill actually help? I’m not sure it really helps anyone. But I can tell you who it will hurt. Children should not be used to “keep good” on a campaign promise that was strategically created to feed off of fear. </p>


This is a violation of human rights and it will not stand. I strongly oppose!

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<p>Trans kids should have a safe space at school. By passing this law, kids could be outted, this resulting in being disowned by their family and/or suicide. This is not in the best interest of our students, be damned what our governor has to say. All students have the right to be themselves and this is a clear violation of both the 1st amendment and federal law. </p>


Strongly opposed

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<p>Strongly oppose, I support trans kids </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I personally know someone who will be directly affected by this ruling. They hold back tears when they have to see their deadname be used on school accounts because he knows his parents wouldn’t support him. Now under these policies, teachers will be required to use his deadname every time they refer to him. This policy is harmful and anti-queer. This isn’t about parent’s rights, it’s about depriving transgender and queer students of their rights. This policy is simply wrong and ignorant of the many lives it will ruin.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Children should have the right to decide how they are addressed. They should not be at the whims of politicians, seen as pawns in the political landscape. Children and students are human beings and as such deserve the right to be addressed in school in a way that is authentic to who they are. This legislation is incredibly harmful for many reasons. I strongly oppose it </p>


Oppose -- deez nutz

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<p>I strongly oppose this proposed 2022 model policies. If enacted, these policies will cause specific harm to trans, non-binary, and gender expansive students. Additionally, these policies would broadly harm all students attending schools which would deny the full humanity of all students. </p>


Fight Marxism and support Parents. PASS THIS POLICY!

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You’re doing the right thing, keep it up!


Strongly oppose !!!!!!!!!! This policy will KILL trans kids. Please do not have blood in your hand !

The world is not ruled by old conservative religious values, we must progress as the world progress. With transgenders kids already having higher mental health crisis and suicide risk, this backward policy is harming our marginalized LGBTIQ+ children more than ever, rolling back these protections are devastated to them.If you support this policy, you are effectively a KILLER, you are a cold blooded human being ignorant, selfish, and you, it is you who kill these trans kids, as they will be impacted by higher suicide rates.Please don't be a children killer, oppose this policy!

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The world is not ruled by old conservative religious values, we must progress as the world progress.
With transgenders kids already having higher mental health crisis and suicide risk, this backward policy is harming our marginalized LGBTIQ+ children more than ever, rolling back these protections are devastated to them.

If you support this policy, you are effectively a KILLER, you are a cold blooded human being ignorant, selfish, and you, it is you who kill these trans kids, as they will be impacted by higher suicide rates.

Please don't be a children killer, oppose this policy!


Strongly support this policy.

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<p>I support parental rights. If a child wants to be considered an adult they should go through legal process to have rights to make their own decisions.  The government is not the parent. </p>


I strongly OPPOSE

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Transgender children are already at higher risk of mental health problems and suicide. We need to support schools in creating a safe environment for these students, not make their work more difficult.