these guidelines infringe upon the rights of trans students

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Trans children are fundamentally entitled to exist as who they are, and to suggest otherwise contradicts the individual rights, freedoms, and liberties that are ensured to Virginians and Americans through our written laws. The feelings of some parents do not change the rights of trans children, and forcing trans kids to use a bathroom that does not correspond to their gender identity violates their right to exist in their identity as a trans person. It also accepts the hateful, bigoted, and false premise that trans people simply living as they are is somehow inherently perverse or sexual. That trans kids might have their rights violated or face this sort ignorant hate from adults too scared, lazy, greedy or power-hungry to think or act differently makes me as a Virginian deeply ashamed of my state. It does not take years of trans students' suffering due rights violations to realize that these guidelines are wrong. It is and will always be true that trans people, just like everyone else, have the inherent right to exist in our world.


Strongly Oppose - Keep Trans Students Safe

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As a mother to two children in Virginia public schools, I STRONGLY oppose the misnamed “2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.”  It is not lost on me that the culture wars of politics have threatened to take over making student centered decisions in our state and in my community.

My husband and I have worked hard to raise our two children with the utmost principles of dignity, kindness and empathy.  As part of that, we have expressed and they have embraced that we must respect everyone for who they are and where they come from.  If it is one thing we have learned by 2022, it is that nothing is simple and there is no way to look at children in binary gender roles.

Transgender students face violence and threats at higher levels then other students.  They can often face homelessness and food instability.  Schools are often one place they can feel safe and accepted for who they are.  Any attempts to deny them their existence through arbitrary government regulations not based in what is best for trans youth erases their dignity and puts them in direct danger.

As a mom, I cannot live with government regulations that put my own children in danger and those around them.  I strongly urge you to abandon your attempts to force a political agenda wrapped in “parental rights” that actually ignores parents and what is best for their kids.

We are watching these decisions from Richmond that impact our own families, friends and children.  Stop your horrific attempt to erase these children and their identities.  They deserve so much more.  The state could learn a lot from my own children about dignity, kindness and respect.

Please oppose any adoption of this ill named regulations.


Protect Trans Kids

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I strongly oppose the 2022 proposed model policy. These guidelines will serve only to harm children and subject them to a hostile school environment. If a child lives in a home that is hostile to LGBT people, this policy will put them in danger by forcing teachers to "out" kids to their parents/caregivers.

The medical community overwhelmingly agrees that sex assigned at birth is not the same as gender identity, and that allowing kids to live as their gender identity has a major positive impact on their mental health and well-being.

Protect trans kids. Allow kids the freedom to express their gender however they choose.


Strongly Opposed to Policy

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I go to a very left-leaning school on the other side of the country. We're extremely inclusive of trans kids - we ask for pronouns whenever people are introducing themselves, literally all of our bathrooms are gender neutral, and we even have a club for discussions of gender, and it's great! Lots of kids from other parts of the district who aren't respected in other places do much better here - and are happier and healthier here - because their identities are actually respected. Even people just experimenting with their identities are respected - I don't know for sure if I am actually trans or not, but everyone at my school is very nice and supportive of me experimenting with pronouns and the like.

I'm bringing this up because I want to explain what happens when policies like this DON'T get implemented. In a world where these policies were present in my home state, NONE of these would be possible - we would be legally required to call students by pronouns that they don't identify with, we'd have to gender our bathrooms, and we'd have to tell people's parents about how they identify. All of these policies would be detrimental to the mental health of the trans kids at my school.

Of Course, you may make the argument that the policy still allows trans kids to identify as they wish and be respected, but they would need parental permission for that to happen, and many trans kids - especially in more conservative areas like Virginia - wouldn't be able to get that. In some cases, they would be abused by their parents after coming out or being outed, simply for how they identify. It is presumptuous and ignorant to think that someone's parents would know more about their inner life, identity, and feelings than they do. Nobody knows someone better than themself, because other people don't have to deal with being them all the time. I would urge you all to reconsider this policy for the sake of the mental health of trans children in Virginia and all around the country.

(Also if you're concerned about people doing "irreversible damage" to themselves by socially transitioning - names and pronouns are just words. If a boy can be called "ello" instead of "he" in Spanish class, then "he" can be called "she" if that "boy" tells you that they don't identify as a boy at all. There is literally no harm in using someone's preferred pronouns. It's not surgery, it's not hormones, it's literally just noises you make with your mouth. It costs nothing to just be respectful.)


I Support Governor Youngkin

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I support Governor Youngkin's policy for Parental Rights.  Boys in girl's bathrooms and locker rooms is ridiculous and dangerous and vice versa.  We need to use our common sense and wisdom.  Education is too focused on nonsense.  No wonder test scores on reading and math are low.  Hard to believe this is what we have come to. Protect the children.


Do NOT support Governor’s changes

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<p>Stop letting your BELIEFS control other peoples lives! </p>


This policy is vile, evil, disgusting, and is going to make the suicide rate of children even higher

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OPPOSED!!! Who the hell thought this policy made any sense?? Our idiot governor?? Youngkin needs to go. This dumbass policy needs to go. The writers of it need to be removed from any form of governing, even something as small as a PTA. You are horrible hateful people. I hope none of you have children. Trans kids EXIST. Parents are not always caring or loving. They do not get to decide who their kids are. Only an individual can do that. Open a ing science textbook for the love of god!!!


I strongly appose this policy

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<p>I STRONGLY appose this policy! To deny a student’s identity is to deny them a safe environment to learn, and all children have a right to an education. </p>


STAND, SQUAT OR HOME SCHOOL!

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YES! This policy will PREVENT rape, body shaming, molestation and many other life-threatening events from happening to innocent boys and girls.  Some want to be a boy one day and a girl the next just to have access to the innocent.  I'm not referring to LGBTQ+ individuals.  I am referring to rapists and perverts disguising themselves as LGBTQ+ since that would allow them to have an open door to stand or squat in any bathroom, locker room, etc. of their choice without this policy.   Picture this, a substitute teacher, (not even a student) a 40-year-old man or woman who is NOT LGBTQ+ but plays the part to grant themself access to the child of their choice (gender wise).   Without this policy, individuals (school employees and students) who are being or have been raped and/or molested will see the LGBTQ+ having the right to choose a bathroom (or locker room, sports competition) as confirmation that it is ok to be abused and to keep your mouth shut so you don't offend a person who doesn't know whether to stand or squat to !  LGBTQ+ individuals should have a separate bathroom/locker room so they won't embarrass or offend my child!  I have heard recommendations of a child finding another bathroom if seeing a LGBTQ+ makes them uncomfortable.  HELL NO.  We now homeschool to prevent this BS.  My tax paying dollar should NOT support this school non sense.  Home schoolers should not have to pay a percentage of taxes since they love their children enough to avoid the school politics.  Please make things safe for ALL children not just LGBTQ+ people.


Disgraceful, embarrassing model policies!

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Don’t tell us how much you love all babies, then tell us how much you hate gay people as these policies imply.

Stop trying to use coercion to steer us back to your hypocritical sense of “Christianity.”

You ran on lies and deception. Pray for your soul. You are the worst governor ever!


Protect Trans Kids

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Similarly to how "my right to swing my fist ends at another's face," parental rights to their ideological beliefs should end when those beliefs cause harm to their children. The evidence is clear that the best outcomes for trans children come about when they are supported in their gender identity by those around them. Unsupported trans children have astronomically high rates of suicide and I personally don't believe those lives should be sacrificed on an altar to the "freedom" to be a bigot.


Parents can be the problem

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<p>Strongly oppose! Unfortunately parents who do not support kids who are struggling with these issues can be the problem. Allowing caring support from professionals can really help these kids. </p>


Let's keep students safe

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<p>I speak from the perspective of a college teacher and now administrator with almost 40 years of experience in the classroom.  I have had transgender students for virtually my entire career, and I have seen the positive psychological, social, and pedagogical effects that occur when students are supported in life choices that affirm their sense of gender identity. This is not a fad, not a new phenomenon, not a political choice or a rebellion against the status quo; this is a deeply personal experience that deserves support, protection, and, when the circumstances require it, confidentiality. It is almost always a difficult realization and decision, and should be given the time, space, and safe environment to work itself out. I strongly believe that the proposed policy -- as written -- will result in specific harm to young people, without advancing parental rights or the smooth functioning of our schools. I urge all Virginians to learn more about the individual impacts on actual young people before implementing this policy.  Thank you for the opportunity to comment. </p>


Religion is like a pair of shoes.Find one that fits for you, but don't make me wear your shoes. GC.

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Quit forcing your “Christian” views on all of us!

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward." Matthew 6: 5


Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students in Virginia's Public Schools

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<p>I support Governor Youngkin's change in Governor Northam's extreme, anti-family, anti-parent guidance policy. We used to warn children against adults who kept secrets from parents concerning their own children. Now teachers and administrators take it upon themselves to keep such secrets? Parents have the right and responsibility for the education, health, welfare and religious training of their children. The Soviet Union thought differently.  We in Virginia should side with parents against the State. </p>


TRANS RIGHT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

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<p>TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS </p>


Proposed school policy for LGBTQ students

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I oppose this proposal for addressing  LGBTQ in public schools. Having taught middle school and undergraduate college students for over 35 years, I have seen too many young people left homeless and in supported by parents who could not even listen enough to try to understand what their child is going through. The school is their only safe place at that point. Protect the child. Ll


Strongly Oppose

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<p>As a former teacher, I know firsthand the role schools and their personnel play in providing students with a safe and supportive environment. We must protect and respect all our kids, including our trans kids. For many, it is the only place they can be themselves without risk to their mental and emotional health. </p>


Trans rights are human rights

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Trans rights are human rights - we should protect them


Strongly Oppose

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Stop forcing yourself into the business of kids you will never meet. Someone being transgender has literally nothing to do with anyone but themselves. Stop harming these kids and stop your transphobic policies.


Reject this abhorrent policy

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Biology sex is a not a binary. Babies are born with both, neither, or a mixture of male and sexual organs all the time. All hormones occur in all genders, and cannot be a measure of sex, either. This policy would necessitate schools to delve deep into a child’s sex assigned at birth and medical history, which would be a gigantic overstep and invasion of privacy.

Parents who support this measure are exactly the kind of parents that LGBTQ+ youth do not feel safe with. They are the reason they stay closeted at home and only feel safe with teachers. Parents who truly support and love their children unconditionally would make the reasoning behind this policy null and void.

Please reject this policy, for the good of our students, families, and schools.


I support new pro-parent policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education

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


PWCS graduate strongly supports new Model Policies

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<p>I support the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools. As a graduate from PWCS, I can see that the schools have changed, and not for the better. When I was a student just a little over years ago, there were students who identified as LGBTQ+, and that was a personal matter between them and their families. It wasn't taught in the classroom. Students used the bathrooms and locker rooms assigned to their biological sex. This has changed dramatically, and the changes violate the rights of parents to teach their children about these matters and they violate the safety of students. Teaching LGBTQ+ ideology also violates religious freedom of the families whose children attend the schools, and not just Christians. The schools are required to serve ALL students and their families, not to favor some at the expense of others. My husband and I don't even have children yet and we are already strongly considering private school for our future children, which would put undue financial pressure on our family. It is unjust that we feel we cannot send our future children to schools that our tax dollars already pay for. Additionally, in everyone's desire for a more equitable society, how is it fair that only the parents who can afford private school get to have reassusance that their children aren't learning values that they disagree with? I'm sure there are parents who do not want their children learning these values but who cannot afford private school. Please enact these new model policies and improve our public schools for all Virginians. </p>


This wont help.

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Kids need to have at least one safe space and for a fair amount of kids that is school. Why are we trying to take away a place where kids can be there own amazing people, all this will do is force people into little boxes causing more mental health issues let alone raising the chance of child abuse from non approving parents of LGBTQ+ kids.


Concerned parent opposed to the changes

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<p>I am concerned by the proposed changes for public schools in Virginia, specifically those requiring school counselors to inform parents of any sexual/gender concerns. The proposed policy change does not follow best practices advised by pediatricians or mental health experts. It may deny students the only adult support they have for a difficult period in their lives. These changes will likely increase the rate of suicidality among sexual and gender nonconforming students. Policies should be based on what is best for students, not political culture war BS. Do not implement these changes. </p>


Support the Governor!

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I support the Governor's proposal. The government is overstepping its bounds when it takes on the role of parent over our children. Parenting is a sacred role reserved to parents and inappropriate for government involvement. Let's support Governor's. Youngkin and avoid becoming a godless, pagan nation that creates a morally corrupt society under the guise of democracy and justice. The idea that sexual identity is a choics sad and ludicrous. God created us male and female for the obvious purpose of perpetuating the human race. To deny His design is absurd and nonsensical. The state has no right to interfere with the religious moral teaching of children which is the sacred role and right of parents. If such issues are not nipped in the bud we will not only lose our children but will ultimately lose our representative form of government with its protection for minorities and which guarantees religious freedom. I support Governor Youngkin!


Support trans kids

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Support policies like these and suicide/self-harm rates of trans kids will JUMP. Let it be on your head.


Strongly Oppose & support LGBTQ+ Kids

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As a parent, let kids be kids and be safe at school to focus on learning. Period.


Support!


Oppose

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I am a parent of a transgender son who is a product of Fairfax County Public Schools. I am grateful that my son attended safe and inclusive schools where he was able to feel free to be himself.  I am also a Fairfax County Public School educator.  I take my personal experience with me to work each day.  My transgender son has opened my eyes to the impact using preferred pronouns, names and identities has on others.  I am inclusive and value inclusivity and equality.  I am against Governor Younkin's "model policies" on transgender youth.

Youngkin's “model policies” on transgender youth are in direct violation of several laws already in place to protect transgender people.  I'd challenge that they go against the current interpretations of Title IX and contradict FERPA, which states that educators are fully within their rights to use names and pronouns that differ from legal ones and are in fact protected from sharing that information unless explicitly asked.  Below I have referred to several recent federal court decisions that have upheld protections for transgender people.  Youngkin's "model policies" are illegal and in direct violation of these laws and policies.

A 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision determined that civil rights law barring sex discrimination covers transgender people.

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

The Virginia Human Rights Act bars discrimination in schools based on gender identity.

All Virginia public high schools are members of the Virginia High School League (VHSL), which has had its own trans-inclusive policy since 2014 and is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that does not answer to the governor’s office and the state legislature.

Lastly and most importantly, Youngkin's proposed "model policies" are harmful to LGBTQ+ youth who are already at high risk of self-hate and self-harm.  (In the United States, at least one young person who identifies as LGBTQ attempts suicide every 45 seconds and 1.8 million seriously consider it each year-Trevor Project).  School is meant to be a safe place where children can feel free to be themselves allowing them to focus on their studies and pursue their passions.


Glen Yonkin is a whiney evil mcsniffleface who deserves to be AMOGUSed into the core of the sun.


Transgender People's right to freedom and safety.

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I strongly oppose the Governor's policy recommendations regarding transgender people.

Transgender people have a fundamental right to safety and freedom from discrimination everywhere, including our schools. These proposed policies threaten that right.

People need to be educated regarding Transgender issues.

I support education rather than discrimination and suppression.

Thank you,

Susan Joyce


Putinkins Folly. Virginia is NOT a backwards fascist state. Evangelical ignorance as policy

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This is a mean spirited policy just to create a solution to a problem that does not exist. This policy is to appease ill educated and informed, fearful Evangelicals and the state GOP is whipping their ignorance because they have no real policies for all Virginians. If this is implemented, the blood of every Transgenger or questioning child that commits suicide is now on your collective hateful, ignorant hands.


This policy, if enacted, will result in the death of children.

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This is the type of "othering" and within the same vein of hatred for people that are different or hold different beliefs than the norm that occurred during the period in which the Third Reich came to power. It went unchallenged and we know the result. America has given its silent consent over the dead bodies of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender men, women, and children for too long, and now Virginia wants to run headfirst into this atrocity with this misguided and violently dangerous new "guideline" that is direct from the playbook of evangelicals with their projections of grooming. Did this Commonwealth learn nothing with the IGNORANCE that caused Gloucester County to become a mockery nationwide during its battle to keep a boy from going to the bathroom? I was born in Virginia and educated in Virginia's Public School System but left upon graduation from W&M because of this kind of vitriol and hatred towards our LGBT+ community. Upon my return decades later, I see that Youngkin is making hatred a "family value" once again, and it's all just a little bit of history repeating. This policy if enacted, will be responsible for the death of children at the hands of their own parents. I know it because I lived it, right here in Virginia. Does the Department of Education want to be responsible for killing our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender children? Does Youngkin want to be the face of the one who implemented a policy that attributes to a rise in gay, lesbian, and transgender suicides across our state's school systems? It would seem that they do.


Strongly oppose proposal for violation of students and parents rights

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The proposal by Governor Glenn Youngkin violates parents fundamental rights granted by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children and the Code of Virginia which reaffirms the rights of parents to determine how their children will be raised and educated.  Instead, it enables a subset of parents and children that are not willing to accept the personal circumstance and choices of other parents and children to bully them into submission. Just as nobody has the right to deny me or my children to choose freely which religion we are practicing, nobody has the right to enforce their opinion upon us about what the preferred pronouns of my child are.  Governmental entities are prohibited from requiring individuals to adhere to or adopt a particular ideological beliefs.  The 2021 Model Policies were a significant step forward in implementing this fundamental constitutional right of parents and children in school. The 2022 model policies denigrate and violate the privacy, dignity, and respect for all students and parents in Virginia public schools.  Instead they impose the beliefs of a subset of children and parents upon all children and parents, permitting bullying and causing substantial harm and pain to an extraordinarily vulnerable minority of children and parents.  All this for no apparent reason other than pure spite.


Concerned about wording and school involvement in family matters

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Sec II-A-2

School does not need to be in the position to be the middle man between a student and a parent if the student does not have a relationship with the parents and they are not supportive of the student. Also what about students that wish to go by a name or nickname that has nothing to do with gender? What about a student named Katherine that wishes to go by Kate - does school personnel have to get permission from parents to call that student Kate? What about students where English is not the first language and the student wishes to shorten or go by a different name? Is parent permission required for that? I feel like governing all of this will be more of a burden for school personnel than is necessary.

Sec II-A-3

I am concerned about this wording has it pertains to students that have thought about transitioning to another gender. As a parent and former teacher, I would encourage the student to reach out to their parents but if that is not a healthy environment the child may not. I do NOT see it's the school personnel's duty of contacting the parents as long as the child is not mentally suffering. I hope there is not a duty to rat out a child to parents where the students does not want the parent to know.


Guidance Document (Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Sch

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<p>Strongly opposed </p>


Protect Trans Rights

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Requiring parents to consent to the use of their child's choice of gender pronouns and preferred name in schools is downright dangerous.  Why are we allowing the government to make decisions about how people live their lives if it's not affecting anyone else?  Students who are trans may not have support at home and school is often their only safe space.  If this change is implemented, we are removing safe spaces and putting our trans youth's lives at risk.  Students will be negatively impacted without the simple freedom to go by a name or pronoun they feel truly reflects who they are.  Mental health will suffer, academic performance will suffer, and children will not be successful.  Trans rights are human rights and we need to continue to allow schools to be safe spaces for our trans youth when they do not have support at home.  This is not an issue of indoctrination, this is an issue of safety regarding identity.


Sex/gender “reassignment” is child abuse

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Interesting how those who shout “Follow the science!” seldom do.  I work with young people    whose lives have been severely damaged by this politically motivated evil agenda.  No one should tamper with or attempt to alter the body given to them by their Creator.  No one!

The suicide rate AFTER these evil “transformations” goes through the roof.  The average male’s brain is not fully developed until the age of 25.  The average female’s brain is fully developed only slightly earlier than the male’s brain.  The state has no legal or moral right to advise, encourage or mandate any “therapy” for developing young children.

STOP state sponsored perversion!


Strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy


Support Trans and Non-Binary Kids

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<p>Life is difficult enough to navigate.  Imagine being trans or non-binary and having to navigate that long with the rest of life’s trials and tribulations.  Please support these kids as they try to find their way. </p>


Protect our trans and non-binary youth

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<p>These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Protect trans and nonbinary kids. RESCIND these model policies. </p>


strongly oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy.


Support fully common sense

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<p>Support fully the end of this stupidity. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Kids need to be able to express themselves. And this is transphobic. </p>


I don't normally quote prominent transphobes, but....

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NOT MY DAUGHTER YOU BITCH!!!!!!


Strongly oppose. Protect trans youth.


These policies only hurt children

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These proposed policies will only harm children. Most importantly, outing trans or nonbinary children to their parents completely disregards children living with abusive parents or guardians. Schools should be safe havens for kids so they can get the help they need when their homes aren't places of safety. LGBT+ children who are not supported by their parents are more likely to experience abuse, homelessness, and suicidal thoughts. Any school that supports outing children to their parents is complicit in that abuse. Finally, these policies will only increase bullying among the student body, and not just of trans or nonbinary children. This will result in policing the gender presentation of all children; cisgender, transgender, and non-binary. Any child that veers too far outside strict gender norms will be questioned about their gender. These policies will only hurt kids, not protect them.


Strongly Oppose

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I am a transgender teen living in Virginia Beach. While my parents and school are supportive of my gender identity, this unfortunately cannot be said for all trans people.

This policy, by forcibly outing transgender individuals, will without a doubt cause harm. Transgender people experience a much higher homelessness rate than their cisgender peers, with the main reason for this being family rejection (https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12466 ). Transgender people are at a much higher risk of being abused and assaulted than their cisgender peers. If a transgender kid or teen hasn't told their parents, there is a reason. By removing this control from them, you are putting them at a much higher risk of harm.

Frankly, I find the use of my community in order to gain political points quite appalling. You do not know us or our struggles, and it does not seem that you care to learn. I can only hope that these policies do not get passed for the good of my community.


Human

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OPPOSE.  The fact that you all think this will make kids life better is beyond absurd. This will lead to higher suicide rates (look up the science), higher rates of bullying, and kids will not be able to learn as well at school due to their stress from identity  erasure. You’re not going to get rid of trans kids (again look up the science), they are going to come back and stronger than ever. Best of luck in the future ;)


Support for Publication of Proposed Model Policy

Cory Brewer, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty

To Whom it May Concern:
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) is a non-profit public-interest law and policy organization dedicated to the rule of law, individual liberty, constitutional government, and a robust civil society. We are writing in support of the Virginia Department of Education’s recent publication of the Model Policy titled “2022 Model Policies on The Privacy, Dignity, And Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools,” and the Virginia Department of Education’s withdrawal of the 2021 Model Policy titled “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.”
The previous Model Policy lacked any reference whatsoever to the decades of U.S. Supreme Court precedent that parental rights are a fundamental right, and it also failed to reference Virginia’s fundamental parental rights statute, codified at Va. Code Ann. § 1-240.1 (“A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.”)
All parents have the right to direct the upbringing of their children, including their education. The new Model Policy recognizes that parental rights are fundamental and reflects U.S. Supreme Court precedent. See Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510 (1925) (recognizing the right of parents “to direct the upbringing and education of children under their control” and that “[t]he child is not the mere creature of the State”); Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205 (1972) (holding that “the history and culture of Western civilization reflect a strong tradition of parental concern for the nurture and upbringing of their children” and that the “primary role of the parents in the upbringing of their children is now established beyond debate as an enduring American tradition”); Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur, 414 U.S. 632 (1974) (recognizing that “freedom of personal choice in matters of . . . family life is one of the liberties protected by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment”); Parham v. J.R., 442 U.S. 584 (1979) (recognizing “the family as a unit with broad parental authority over minor children” and that “parents possess what a child lacks in maturity, experience, and capacity for judgment required for making life's difficult decisions”); Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745 (1982) (holding that “freedom of personal choice in matters of family life is a fundamental liberty interest protected by the Fourteenth Amendment”); Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000) (holding that “[t]he liberty interest at issue in this case -- the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children -- is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.”).
WILL has been litigating harmful policies in school districts across Wisconsin. Policies such the “2022 Model Policies on The Privacy, Dignity, And Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools” protect parents’ rights where many policies in Wisconsin do not. One of our clients experienced the impact firsthand, when her child’s school wanted to affirm her daughter’s interest in transitioning without the parent’s consent. But our client, after researching issues related to gender dysphoria and realizing her daughter did not meet the medical definition of that disorder, asked the school to refer to her child by her biological sex and corresponding pronouns while arranging for supportive mental health care for the child. The district refused and the parent removed her child. With medical assistance and family support, our client’s daughter eventually decided that she did not want to transition.
Research shows that students are impacted by people of authority in their life, including their teachers and school administrations. Allowing these “individuals of authority” to affirm a child’s gender identity, without input from medical professionals and their parents, creates a greater risk of harm to that child. The proposed Virginia Model Policies contribute to protecting against that risk. School administrators and teachers are not trained medical professionals and cannot assess a child’s mental state or medical needs, and they cannot determine the best way to serve students with gender dysphoria.
As an organization that works to ensure that parental rights are respected, WILL strongly supports the new Model Policies.
Sincerely,
WISCONSIN INSTITUTE FOR LAW & LIBERTY, INC.

Cory J. Brewer
Associate Counsel

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To Whom it May Concern:

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) is a non-profit public-interest law and policy organization dedicated to the rule of law, individual liberty, constitutional government, and a robust civil society. We are writing in support of the Virginia Department of Education’s recent publication of the Model Policy titled “2022 Model Policies on The Privacy, Dignity, And Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools,” and the Virginia Department of Education’s withdrawal of the 2021 Model Policy titled “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.”

The previous Model Policy lacked any reference whatsoever to the decades of U.S. Supreme Court precedent that parental rights are a fundamental right, and it also failed to reference Virginia’s fundamental parental rights statute, codified at Va. Code Ann. § 1-240.1 (“A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.”)

All parents have the right to direct the upbringing of their children, including their education. The new Model Policy recognizes that parental rights are fundamental and reflects U.S. Supreme Court precedent. See Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510 (1925) (recognizing the right of parents “to direct the upbringing and education of children under their control” and that “[t]he child is not the mere creature of the State”); Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205 (1972) (holding that “the history and culture of Western civilization reflect a strong tradition of parental concern for the nurture and upbringing of their children” and that the “primary role of the parents in the upbringing of their children is now established beyond debate as an enduring American tradition”); Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur, 414 U.S. 632 (1974) (recognizing that “freedom of personal choice in matters of . . . family life is one of the liberties protected by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment”); Parham v. J.R., 442 U.S. 584 (1979) (recognizing “the family as a unit with broad parental authority over minor children” and that “parents possess what a child lacks in maturity, experience, and capacity for judgment required for making life's difficult decisions”); Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745 (1982) (holding that “freedom of personal choice in matters of family life is a fundamental liberty interest protected by the Fourteenth Amendment”); Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000) (holding that “[t]he liberty interest at issue in this case -- the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children -- is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.”).

WILL has been litigating harmful policies in school districts across Wisconsin. Policies such the “2022 Model Policies on The Privacy, Dignity, And Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools” protect parents’ rights where many policies in Wisconsin do not. One of our clients experienced the impact firsthand, when her child’s school wanted to affirm her daughter’s interest in transitioning without the parent’s consent. But our client, after researching issues related to gender dysphoria and realizing her daughter did not meet the medical definition of that disorder, asked the school to refer to her child by her biological sex and corresponding pronouns while arranging for supportive mental health care for the child. The district refused and the parent removed her child. With medical assistance and family support, our client’s daughter eventually decided that she did not want to transition.

Research shows that students are impacted by people of authority in their life, including their teachers and school administrations. Allowing these “individuals of authority” to affirm a child’s gender identity, without input from medical professionals and their parents, creates a greater risk of harm to that child. The proposed Virginia Model Policies contribute to protecting against that risk. School administrators and teachers are not trained medical professionals and cannot assess a child’s mental state or medical needs, and they cannot determine the best way to serve students with gender dysphoria.

As an organization that works to ensure that parental rights are respected, WILL strongly supports the new Model Policies.

Sincerely,

WISCONSIN INSTITUTE FOR LAW & LIBERTY, INC.

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" width="158"/>

Cory J. Brewer

Associate Counsel


STRONGLY OPPOSE


Oppose 2022 model policy

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I am deeply concerned about the impact of the Governor’s proposed new model policy targeting our LGBTQ+ youth. We should be committed to having public schools in Virginia provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, especially transgender students.

Sadly, LGBTQ+ students are much more likely than their peers not to earn a high school diploma—an unacceptable outcome for a school system. The drivers for that outcome include conditions that we work to mitigate for every other student, including homelessness, bullying, hostile environments, and lack of support. All of our students benefit from policies and practices that firmly counteract bullying and harassment and promote dignity and a strong sense of belonging.

LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk for considering or attempting suicide. It is critical that our community come together in support of their mental and emotional health. Policies such as that proposed by the Virginia Governor are in direct opposition to providing that support. I believe strongly that all students in our system should feel safe, valued, and respected.

Bethany Zecher Sutton

Arlington, VA


Absolutely not

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This policy is not best for children and puts some of our most vulnerable students at even higher risk of being harmed or unsafe.

of


I support Trans kids!!

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Youngkin's policy is dangerous and derogatory. I do not support him or his agenda in any way.


Oppose proposed changes

The proposed changes in the model policy seem ill-advised, and would imperil students who are at risk of bullying and discriminatory treatment.
The policies established in 2021 allow trans and non-binary youth to be safer from bulllying, harassment, and discrimination at the hands of their peers, teachers, and school staff and administrators and guarantees that supports are in place to allow all youth, including trans and non-binary youth, to have access to an equal educational experience.
In contrast, the proposed changes are rooted in transphobia and seek to further harm trans and nonbinary kids. They create a hostile & potentially dangerous school environment,require teachers and school staff to forcibly “out” students to their parents against their will in some circumstances, such as where a student seeks counseling.The proposed changes would prohibit teachers and school staff from supporting trans & nonbinary students, such as using a student’s affirming name & pronouns, and would ceate bathroom and sports policies that prohibit access and/or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity.

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The proposed changes in the model policy seem ill-advised, and would imperil students who are at risk of bullying and discriminatory treatment.

The policies established in 2021 allow trans and non-binary youth to be safer from bulllying, harassment, and discrimination at the hands of their peers, teachers, and school staff and administrators and guarantees that supports are in place to allow all youth, including trans and non-binary youth, to have access to an equal educational experience.

In contrast, the proposed changes are rooted in transphobia and seek to further harm trans and nonbinary kids. They create a hostile & potentially dangerous school environment,
require teachers and school staff to forcibly “out” students to their parents against their will in some circumstances, such as where a student seeks counseling.
The proposed changes would prohibit teachers and school staff from supporting trans & nonbinary students, such as using a student’s affirming name & pronouns, and would ceate bathroom and sports policies that prohibit access and/or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity.


Policy seems appropriate

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The document reads well and a lot of thought seems to have gone into it.  The parts about single-use facilities and athletics participation are important .  Also, make sure leaders lead, meaning incidents&issues get addressed and handled, including police involvement if appropriate.


Opposed to the Guidance Document

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I am a parent of two transgender children who are now adults. Trans affirming school policy is necessary for the mental and physical health of all trans and non-binary students and their parents who love and support them. All kids have the most healthy outcomes when both parents *and* school systems support them and treat them as people who deserve affirmation and respect; this will help learn the most and be able to grow into well adjusted people.

However, some parents are opposed to the medical, mental health, and other support accomodations for trans and non-binary youth. They have been told in error that these youth are part of an "ideology" that is somehow in opposition to wholesome religious beliefs. Trans kids deserve to have their gender identities affirmed and supported as any other child.

Only defining transgender kids as such when a parent gives permission to do so doesn't allow for many trans kids to have their identities affirmed and to not repeatedly be misgendered or appropriately acknowledged.

I firmly oppose the 2022 model guidance draft policy and want Virginia Department of Education to not implement the new guidance.


SUPPORT INCLUSIVE POLICY

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It is NOT the place of the school to parent my children.  I have no say in who my children have as teachers.  I don't vote for them or hire them and I certainly don't know what their morals are.  Teachers have know my child for a limited time period and they have no clue as to the person my chid is.  Parents should absolutely be brought into ANY conversation that pertains to the well being of the child.  Teaching a child that it is ok to keep secrets from or exclude their parent is wrong.  Thank you for bringing some common sense back into the VA schools.


Opposed to these policies

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The policies outlined in this guidance document fail to protect innocent transgender youth. Instead, these youth would be targeted by these measures. An inordinate amount of  pressure already is taking a toll on these young people, who are being villainized. Transgender youth are at risk from the abusive nature of these policies. Supportive parents are also being targeted. Extensive documentation is being required just to allow a transgender child to be able to use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity. Can you imagine what a child who identifies as female feels when forced to use a boys' bathroom? Can you begin to imagine what bullying and even assault such a child might experience in the boys' bathroom? The people who created this guidance document are miserably failing in their duties to protect all children, including trans children.


Agree ??

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<p>I support Gov Youngkin’s policies. Keep transgender indoctrination away from my child. </p>


Please reject Governor Youngkin's draft policy on trans youth in the schools

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<p>As the parent of two now-adult trans individuals, I strongly oppose the governor's draft policy which removes and replaces the 2021 VDOE guidelines on treatment of transgender youth in the school system. The new policy would directly harm children solely based on their gender identification; it is bigoted, will lead to increased bullying of trans children by students  and teachers/other adults in the schools. This policy requires teachers to out trans children to what frequently will be unsupportive parents and will undoubtedly put those children at risk of child abuse. There is no valid justification for a change in the commonwealth's policy supporting the rights and fair treatment of trans children in the schools. </p>


so tired of hypocrisy

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Gotta notice that everyone who's supporting this bill says something about how the only ones opposing it are a "'woke' minority". I find that the actual minority is people who thing this horrific bill is going to help anything. And their comments aren't really arguments for why, but rather statements that don't factor in the reality of abusive/unaccepting parents. Meanwhile those opposed to this bill (who, looking through comments, are not in fact in minority here) give you actual facts and personal insight. Trust trans people to know what's best for trans people.


Strongly Opposed

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If a trans child is outed to unsupportive parents, they are put at risk of abuse. This policy will either expose children to those risks or take away their ability to present their true selves at school.


Why do we even have to do this…

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Trans rights are human rights (obv)


Trans/binary children

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I oppose this plan.  Please protect and support trans and binary children (people).  They can be a target for hate crimes and they are productive, valuable people to our society.


Protect Trans Kids

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<p>As an educator, I very strongly oppose this policy. It is extremely harmful and truly dangerous to students of all ages in Virginia. Our job as educators to create a safe space for all students to learn and this policy will greatly hinder us in doing so. </p>


Protect our teens

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<p>If this policy goes in effect the State will be responsible for increased non protection of already marginalized students.   LGBTQ students who have not come out to their families will no longer seek refuge in the schools with trusted adults.  This will isolate them even more and result in increased mental health issues.  Families do not always support their child’s sexuality and can be a source of increased anguish for LGBTQ students.   Finding trusting counselors and adults to support them will no longer be an option.   This is a terrible policy and is not in support of some of our most vulnerable students. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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hey, as a student, I have several friends that would be really hurt by this policy. some other students who would be really hurt could go so far as to hurt or even kill themselves. please reconsider what you're doing. and thank your lucky stars I'm being nice about this.


I am completely opposed.

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I am completely opposed.


Protect trans kids

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy. These are issues which have no business being governed and decided by lawmakers. We need to protect and support  these kids as they navigate challenges in figuring out who they are, not make  it more difficult. </p>


Take Human Rights = Civil War!

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Take away Human rights, & your starting a Civil War! Guaranteed!!!

The Government is to work for the people, not control them! When the people don’t agree w the Government, they will take control over the Government!
It still stands strong! It’s the constitution People!!! The Government was supposed to uphold the Law through the Constitution! Why isn’t it being upheld anymore!? I ask you, all!?!


Protect Trans Kids

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<p>As a future elementary teacher in a Master of Teaching program currently, I aim to teach and love ALL children, therefore, I strongly OPPOSE this policy. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose. These kids need love and support. Don’t give trans kids more obstacles. Let them be who they are. </p>


Importance of Identity

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Every human has an identity that is made up of and influenced by several factors. Some stay the same over the course of their development, and some change or evolve over time. Many students try on aspects of an identity that they later decide doesn’t suit them. Other students know exactly who they are from the moment they are first aware of their own personalities.

Students deserve a place where their identity is affirmed and acknowledged. Many students have home lives that mirror and affirm their identities, but wear a mask at school to conform to external expectations or perceptions. Other students feel safe in their identities at school surrounded by the diversity of their classmates and school staff, but wear a mask at home to uphold familial expectations or perceptions.

Schools respond to the needs of their many students, whatever those needs may be. Policies that limit the response a school may have to a student with needs related to their gender identity are harmful, restrictive, and discriminatory. We cannot claim to understand the needs of every student and every family, but we can do our best to let students know that we are here for them regardless of who they are, where they’re from, or what they may be going through.

I strongly oppose these model policies.


Strongly Oppose - Cherish ALL God's creation

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<p>I strongly oppose this proposal.  Schools need to be a safe place for ALL students to grow into adulthood.  Grave danger of suicide when our youngsters do not feel welcomed.  </p>


Protect trans youth

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<p>Keep schools safe for all the kids. </p>


Include Parents through the process 100%

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My wife and I support parent involvement 100%.


I oppose the 2022 Model Policy proposed

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I oppose the 2022 Model Policy because the rights of a transgender student will be severely compromised while the rights of a non-transgender student will continue to be protected, and all students deserve equal protection, and have this right under the law. As an educator I have taught students who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who specifically identify as transgender. While many transgender students have supportive families, there are many who do not, and a teacher or school should not be forced to disclose such information if the student is not comfortable with that disclosure. I will ask the student if they want to speak to a school counselor to receive guidance on navigating this terrain. I know for a transgender student, their personal safety is more at risk for suicide and bullying than for a non-transgender student. Parents are part of the process and discussion, but this does not need to be mandated by a policy that can create situations that put the child at risk. Many transgender students avoid using bathrooms at school because they are uncomfortable choosing a bathroom that does not correspond with their gender identity. Rather than try to specify bathroom assignment, invest in gender neutral bathrooms. The safety and protection of a transgender student is the number one priority and by protecting their privacy, using the pronouns a person is most comfortable with, and supporting someone who is transgender will uplift all students at a school. Acceptance should be promoted and encouraged by the school's teachers and staff members. Education for parents and families on what it means to be transgender should be part of any policy. What harm is there in referring to a student by the pronoun of their choice. I want a student to engage in their learning, but a student cannot do that if their social and emotional health is not taken care of first. I believe that the current Model Policy supports transgender students and their families and should continue to be the policy. There are several statistics cited in the current policy that directly point to how a lack of family support and a lack of privacy protections endanger transgender students while the proposed policy does not include any data on how the new policy would better protect transgender students or support families. Please keep the current  Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools. Thank you.


Oppose

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I oppose the draft policy.


I oppose this policy

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Please protect trans students! This policy will harm our students and further hate for the most vulnerable people in our communities. We don’t want these provisions that force schools to out LGBTQIA+ students, deny students access to school counselors, forcibly misgender transgender students, and ban transgender students from using the correct bathroom. No! We can do better.


Strongly oppose

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<p>As an educator, I strongly oppose this policy. It’s dangerous and hateful and has no place in Virginia. </p>


OPPOSE. Proposed policy is unsafe.

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The proposed guidelines supposedly empower parents, but in doing so, they endanger transgender kids whose parents are unwilling to accept their gender identity. Not all parents are safe people. Transgender kids risk being kicked out of the home, forced into "conversion therapy", or other forms of abuse.  Virginia must respect students' right to make their own decisions about coming out to their parents.

The proposed policy is also potentially unsafe for trans kids who are forced to use locker rooms and bathrooms inconsistent with their gender identity.

P.S. The proposed policy is also unworkable in places where it strictly limits accommodations of trans kids to the accommodations required by law.  School personnel are not lawyers, and they aren't qualified to ascertain the minimum accommodations that a court would require. (Even lawyers can't always predict that.) I realize the exception for accommodations required by law is a way to weasel out of claims that the guidelines themselves violate the law.  But you are putting school personnel and students in a very uncertain and confusing position, NOT providing anyone with usable guidance.  That is no way to run a governmental agency.


Balance Transgender student  policies in consideration of  first Ammendment rights of other students

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All students have the right to feel and be safe based on their humanity and not necessarily based on gender or sexuality. I support policies that will protect the 1st ammendment rights of students and families who object based on religious beliefs having to share public school restrooms with other students and families who believe the opposite. I strongly support all students being treated humanely and not bullied or harassed but prevention shouldnt be equated with transgender students being permitted to compete athletically with those students who don't idenshare their gender identity.  There should be a middle ground. There should be gender neutral restrooms that any student can go in.


Strongly oppose

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<p>This is nothing more than an effort by Republicans to score a political win and motivate their base by picking on a group of people they think they can bully. Disgusting and just awful. Trans people have been around as there have been people. It’s not the VA education’s job to tell them who they are, where they can use the restroom, or what sport’s team they have to play on. </p>


I Oppose

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I’m Gretchen, a former Virginia public school student. I’m writing in opposition of the 2022 Model Policies.

The 2021 Model Policies allowed school staff to “consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their gender identity,” a protection that the 2022 Proposed Model Policies remove. While schools are indeed required to comply with FERPA, and parents do have a recognized right to their children’s educational information, those rights are not absolute when they endanger those children’s wellbeing. Further, the 2021 Model Policies permitted disclosure of a student’s gender identity only to other school personnel when there was a legitimate educational interest. The 2022 Model Policies require outing trans students to their parents along with school staff with a legitimate educational interest.

As the 2021 Model Policies acknowledged, disclosing a transgender student's gender identity to an unsupportive family “can pose imminent safety risks, such as losing family support or housing.” A recent study by the Trevor Project reported that 38% of transgender girls, 39% of transgender boys, and 35% of nonbinary youth surveyed had experienced homelessness and housing instability at some point in their lives. ( Homelessness and Housing Instability Among LGBTQ Youth, The Trevor Project, https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/homelessness-and-housing-instability-among-lgbtq-youth-feb-2022/.) These rates are disproportionately greater for non-white LGBTQ+ youth. Id. 16% of LGBTQ+ youth reported running away because of fears of abuse, 14% reported that they were kicked out or abandoned by parents or caregivers. Id.

The United States Supreme Court has found that “a State's interest in safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of a minor is compelling,” and as a result has “sustained legislation aimed at protecting the physical and emotional well-being of youth even when the laws have operated in the sensitive area of constitutionally protected rights.” New York v. Ferber, 458 U.S. 747, 756 (1982).

The new policy could be read to force disclosure of a student’s gender identity even when that disclosure endangers the student.

This is wrong because revealing a student’s gender identity to their parents can put them in serious danger, and thereby it shouldn’t be required for school staff to out a student to their parents. If a student is kicked out by their family and made homeless, it then would be the government’s total responsibility for creating this legislation. This legislation is cruel and unfair, and puts the lives of so many children at risk.

All students deserve to feel safe at school. All students should have the right to discuss their gender identity with a counselor without fear of being outed. All students deserve to be referred to by their correct name and pronouns that they identify by. All teachers should have the ability to honor their students’ requests to go by a different name or pronouns, regardless of their parent putting it in writing.

The 2022 Model Policies also prohibit students from making their own decision about which bathroom to use. This takes rights away from the student. These policies are written in a way that discriminatorily strips transgender students of their rights.

This affects my friends who would be attending public school under these laws. It affects members of my community, my neighborhood, my hometown, and the city that I’m currently living in. It will affect so, so many innocent kids who deserve so much better.

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


No to new trans rules

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<p>I’m strongly opposed. Stop fear mongering, PLEASE. </p>


trans rights are human rights

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<p>I strongly oppose this model policy </p>


Retired teacher STRONGLY OPPOSES

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Your proposed policies in NO WAY provide privacy, dignity, and respect for all students and parents in Virginia's public schools.  The 2021 model policies were developed with the LGBTQ+ community, the Virginia Department of Education, and the public to protect the rights of ALL students and parents.

Your proposed policy will make schools LESS SAFE for all students but particularly for LGBTQ+ youth.  It will lead to higher levels of discrimination, greater depressive symptoms, and a decreased sense of belonging.

ALL students deserve to feel safe but your policies will lead to transgender youth being physically threatened or harmed at a much greater rate than other student groups.  It will lead to greater bullying and a decreased sense of belonging.  Ultimately, suicide rates may increase with this clear discrimination.

Please revert to the 2021 policies for the LIVES of all students.


People suffering in east Africa and this is the hill you want to die on? Support

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Get back to the basics. People dying in Kenya and you all want to talk about what is between kids legs. Leave it outside of the classroom. None of your business. It’s the family’s business.


Trans Rights

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Pure evil at play here.


off yonugkin

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you look like you're trying to make trans kids kill themselves. think about this for a second. and if you don't feel guilt then go  yourself.


Trans rights are human rights

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Trans rights are human rights. Period. Everyone in the world deserves to have basic liberties and rights.

Just because you may not agree with their lifestyle or decision to be WHO THEY ARE, it doesn’t mean that their life affects you directly. You can choose to let people live how they want to live without infringing on their basic rights.

These students deserve support from adults. And as adults, we should provide students a safe space to figure out what they like, who they like, and who they are. Sexuality and gender is not up to the adult to decide, it should be up to the student to decide. Not providing students with this basic opportunity proves to be disastrous for the student's physical and mental development.


I Oppose This Legislation

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<p>I don't see why we care so much about kids using toilets. We are running out of teachers, the world is overheating, and all of you are talking about how kids feel. But wait. You aren't even doing that. You are trying to stuff them into this mold you made yourselves, not knowing that they won't fit. Or maybe you do know. Trying to force them in will male them drop the important parts behind. Like, I don't know, maybe their will to live? They will suffocate in that box. Let them be free. 82% of trans kids consider suicide. 40% attempt. If you want to protect your children, don't take this risk. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose these changes. Transgender people already face significantly higher risks of suicide compared to the general United States population. These changes will not help children and will only cause more harm to an already vulnerable community.


No

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Just don’t like come on-


Model for the treatment of transgender students

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I oppose the proposed policy and support transgender youth and their parents to make decisions , not the government.


Strongly Oppose

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This policy will result in terrible consequences for transgender students. If they're outed to their parents, and their parents are transphobic, the children could be severely abused, forced to go through conversion therapy, or even kicked out of the house. This is something to be taken seriously. Youngkin: Stop listening to what will get you more votes and start thinking about what will actually help people and what will actually hurt them. Maybe then I'd consider you a good governor. Everyone else: please please PLEASE think about how trans students might react. Think of how horrible you'd feel if this bill were passed and it's your fault that CHILDREN are being hurt.


Protect trans kids

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<p>Trans kids need to be protected- sometimes from their own parents. Schools need to be a safe space. </p>


Support ALL youth! Strongly OPPOSE this proposed policy change

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<p>Please accept and love and respect all kids…all humans. The proposed policy change is harmful, dangerous, and divisive. It offers nothing to protect students or families. It does nothing to give parents power…it only takes away the power of parents who support their trans kids. It takes nothing except kindness to show respect for others, even if they’re different from you. Just accept them and support them like you would anyone else. </p>


This policy is hateful and will cost lives.

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I oppose this policy for the reasons stated above.  Scared children will kill themselves.


Anti-trans legislation goes against science and evidenced-based best practices

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<p>Anti-trans legislation is harmful policy rooted in ignorance. What kind of Christian bullies trans kids? </p>


Respect Parents' Rghts.

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I am a Virginia Public school teacher.   I hear first-hand how parents are purposely kept in the dark about their child's gender "preferences".   It is mind blowing to me that any responsible adult in education would promote keeping parents in the dark about their child's change of gender identity.

It is also not widely known that there are adult educators promoting kids to be loud and proud at school but to live a secret double life by keeping it secret from their parents.

Parents love their children.   It's not a right of educators to keep parents from knowing their child wants to identify as a different gender at school.  Most of us as students did not know who we were either when we were growing up.   I am thankful that I grew up "then" and not now.   I would have missed out on marriage, (man & wife) and birthing my husband's child, all because I may have likely identified more with the boys than I did the girls at that time in my life.  Voices saying "you're transgender" didn't exist back then.   I am thankful.

Love and support these children as educators but don't try to alienate the people who have the best interest of their children at heart, which is, and can only be the parents.  It is not up to educators to ever promote someone to become transgender or give their approval.   That is not what public school was ever to be about.  But, promoting alternative gender looms large and is very pervasive in public schools.

And by the way, I have the best interest of these children AND their parents in mind.

Thank you, Governor Youngkin for taking a stand for the family unit.


Trans and non-trans students will  benefit if opposed. Both will suffer if it passes.

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Hello,

I am sure you all are reading how this bill will help young girls and keep them safe. It won't. It will harm them. As a young woman and a former girl, and share this research with you by Schuyler Bailar:

"I’ll also remind you that protecting children means protecting ALL children. Which includes trans children. Trans girls are girls. Protecting young girls means protecting all girls which means protecting trans girls, too...

TRANS ATHLETE BANS DO NOT ONLY AFFECT TRANS GIRLS. THEY AFFECTS ALL GIRLS.

Many who argue for the exclusion of trans women in women’s sport function do so under the guise of “protecting women’s sport.” While often asserting that they are not transphobic, that they truly just care about fairness in women’s sport, they argue that allowing “biological males” to compete with and against women will “destroy women’s sport.”

Let’s break this down.

Trans women are women. If you’re truly not transphobic, you will call trans women what they are: women. I understand there are differences between trans and cis women and we must have words to describe these differences, but we do not need to do so in a transphobic nature. If you need to discuss trans and cis women, say that: trans and cis women. If you need to talk about folks with higher levels of testosterone, say that. If you need to talk about folks with penises, say that.

In order to exclude transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports, there must be a method of checking or verifying if someone is or is not transgender through genital exams, genotyping, and hormone evaluations. There are two ways to enforce this: 1) Check every single athlete who participates, and 2) Accusation based testing, which means that when someone is accused of being transgender, they are subject to testing. The first is logistically and financially impossible, nor would every parent consent to having their minor child’s genitals examined. And the second not only demonizes and weaponizes transness, but also endangers all girls and women. Keep reading…

Allowing the government to “check” women to see if they are transgender (through the aforementioned genital exams, genotyping, and hormone evaluations) means that ANY girl accused of being transgender can be checked. Read that again. ANY GIRL, regardless of whether or not she is actually transgender, could be checked if she is accused of being transgender.

Not only is this incredibly invasive (genital exams are wholly unnecessary—having or not having a penis has no effect on performance in sport), but such practices are degrading to women. At what point is a girl good enough that she will then be accused of being transgender? How masculine can a girl be or look before she is accused of being transgender?

This proposed gender verification not only systemically enforces the policing of ALL—cisgender, included—women’s bodies, but also does so by demonizing transness. This is unacceptable."

Please keep us all safe and well. Listen to the children, the trans people, the research.

A former girl who loves sports and cares about the safety of all girls and children.


Strongly opposed

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I am strongly opposed to the policies that seek to erase transgender and nonbinary youth from schools, creating a hostile and potentially dangerous environment.

These policies are wrong, dangerous, and irresponsible.


This is Sick: Strongly Oppose

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The teens in this country have already gone through so much. A law like this will only serve to increase the depression rates. I can’t emphasize how much I’m begging you, don’t do this. PEOPLE WILL DIE. CHILDREN WILL DIE. DO YOU HEAR ME. Please, please don’t let this happen.


Support children, oppose this nonsense.

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<p>Support children by hearing them, respecting them and affirming who they are. Quit wasting time and precious resources on this incredibly harmful political ploy. It’s disgusting. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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This policy will result in horrible consequences for transgender students. If they're outed to their parents, and their parents are transphobic, the children could be severely abused, forced to go through conversion therapy, or even kicked out of the house. This isn't lighthearted stuff. Youngkin: Stop listening to what will get you more votes and start thinking about what will actually help people and what will actually hurt them. Maybe then I'd consider you a good governor.


Stop Grooming and debasement agenda pushing NOW!

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<p>The push to convince children to mutilate themselves and abuse one another is both grotesque and suspicious and needs to end NOW! Genders are a BIOLOGICAL fact. Boys and girls should be using segregated bathrooms, and be playing separate sports. If they want to change their genders or pronouns, they should do so at 18 when they are legal adults and can choose how to live their life differently. Puberty is a tough and confusing time for everyone, stop this agenda that preaches modification and debasement as a cure-all for teen angst and confusion! </p>


Parents for Trans Rights

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I strongly oppose this attack on lgbtqia+ youth, specifically trans kids. Please let kids be kids. They have so much to deal with growing up, we can’t have the government be the next bully. Trans kids are already so much more likely to attempt to harm themselves, don’t be responsible for their deaths.

I strongly, strongly oppose!


Oppose this bill

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<p>Don’t do this to these children. Protect their right to be happy and healthy. Don’t you have better things to govern over than making kids feel unsupported. </p>


Strongly oppose

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I oppose these policies.


Trans rights are human rights. Leave the kids alone.

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For a party supposedly trying to save society from sexual deviance and deviants, you sure are preoccupied with what’s in kids’ pants. It’s not for you to decide who and what your child should be, much less other children. Your job is to prepare them as best you can for the world around them. That includes self discovery. Life is hard enough for LGBTQ youth. Don’t add to it by making them even more scared of who they are. Shame on all of you.


All children need a safe environment to thrive

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<p>If a goal of our school system is to protect our children, why would you implement a policy that will likely result in tragic suicides caused by despair?  What is your real intent?  Do you really believe you will make our children more secure, or are you simply trying to score political points with an inflexible faction of the electorate?  How do you intend to justify your actions to your deity when the tragedies occur?  Remember, you believe that your deity can see inside your soul. </p>


Gov. Youngkin's  proposed guidelines on school transgender policy

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<p>I oppose this proposal.  ALL our students need to feel safe in school, which is their home-away-from-home.  Suicide rates are very high for students who do not feel welcomed as they are, be they different races or ethnicities, with disabilities, or different sexual orientation or gender.  ALL God's creation is beloved.  </p>


I think kids should have a day in their own life

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I’m all for keeping parents and other schools staff informed about kids choices but i don’t think that parents should have the final decision on what the child chooses to be called as in pronouns or names. I believe that the school system should respect kids decisions and not need parent approval. I know this is short but I don’t really have anything more to say.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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Trans rights are human rights, and this policy is everything but human.


Protect trans kids

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Strongly opposed to this policy.  All good evidence shows that trans kids are happier and healthier when they can transition.  They transition with the support of their doctors and other professionals- kids don't just decide to be trans, it's a medical condition.

This administration, and the people supporting this policy, will be remembered in the same way the doctors who refused to treat the Tuskegee Airmen with penicillin are remembered- as a shameful stain on our nation's history.  Stop withholding lifesaving care from kids just to push your political agenda.


and you call us the perverts

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really we are creepy? oh come on who are the ones forcing kids to consider suicide because oh they aren't normal


Pre-service teacher strongly opposed to this policy

Mary Miller, UVA School of Education and Human Development

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<p>I am a pre-service teacher at UVA who has also worked as an Instructional Assistant in Virginia public elementary schools. In my capacity as a student teacher, and formerly as a paraprofessional, I have personally witnessed the importance of transgender and gender expansive students being able to live as their true selves at school. I am a proud and loving educator of a trans child who has socially transitioned at school and exudes joy every day. Public schools are critical spaces for young people to learn, grow, and experience safety and belonging. These experiences at school are perhaps most important for children who are not accepted for who they are in their homes. For children all over the state of Virginia, school is and should always be a safe harbor no matter what else is going on in their homes and lives. Further, transgender youth are at increased risk of suicide and depression––this increased risk, however, is mitigated by the presence of supportive adults in their lives. On a personal note, as a queer woman with a transgender partner, I do not feel comfortable working in schools that are not welcoming environments for the LGBTQ+ community. I want to be able to live and work as a teacher in Virginia, and remain supportive of every single one of my students no matter their gender identity. As a student teacher in Charlottesville, it is enormously helpful to work in a context with affirmative policies regarding transgender students. These policies should be able to remain in place in Charlottesville, and should be enacted at the state level. Please, protect all young people in the state of Virginia by rejecting this horrific model policy. </p>


Trans rights


No more trans or alphabet soup. School for academics. I support this 2022 model.

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Anti trans doesn’t mean I am anti human. But give it a break already. So sick of it all being all about you “advocates” and your social justice issues.


Transgender rights

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Trans rights are human rights


Support change

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I support, but with reservations.  First, I object to the intense polarization of the issue of transgender. I don’t like the seeming dismissive attitude toward each other. I’d like the us vs them to be dialed back and to have a sincere attempt to find out what is going on.

I can’t believe teachers and school officials are “grooming” kids to adopt other sex identities.

I sincerely question how widespread/common transgender issues are. Has it become a fad? Should our country’s attention be so dominated by what is really an ultra minority situation?

I support LBTGQ rights, and I know it’s unpopular with the LGBTQ community, but I think sports teams should be based on biological sex. Boys and girls differ even prior to puberty. To allow a boy to play on girls’ teams defeats the protection of Title IX.


oppose


Strongly support

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<p>Parents have a right to be made aware, and schools should not be allowed to hide or withhold this information.  That’s all that this bill is about.  Anyone claiming otherwise is being either disingenuous as best or deceitful at worst.  </p>


We Applaud You Governor Youngkin

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Thank you for all you do


Support Gov policy!

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<p>These transgender policies are permanently harming our children! Children barely can ID their favorite color and we are using an agenda to sexually groom minors. This has to stop. Allow children to be children and stop with the barbaric surgeries. Wait until they can choose themselves. Girls can be tomboys and boys can be effeminate without either being transgender. I do not understand when it became okay to treat children like Guinea pigs? What happens when these children grow up, realize they are sterile and cannot have families and they didn’t have a choice? Sounds a lot like what Hitler did to those unworthy of producing offspring. Truly evil. </p>


Non trans lives matter too. I support this for my school.

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I wish we didn’t have to spend so much attention in this especially m junior year when I need to focus on the SAT and colleges.


As a parent of school-aged children in Virginia, I oppose the 2022 model policies.

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I submit this comment in strong opposition to the proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools (the “2022 Model Policies”).

The reasons I oppose the 2022 Model Policies are comprehensively stated in the ACLU of Virginia's comment: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/viewcomments.cfm?commentid=180425.

Please restore the Model Policies previously in place, which respect the rights and interests of transgender students. Please stop targeting transgender students; they deserve the same rights and freedoms as every other student. Please stop appealing to parents who oppose their children's right to express their own identity. Please stop trying to limit the rights of parents who support their children in expressing their identity. Please use science and evidence-based best practices when making policies.

Please stop inflicting harm to the mental well-being of transgender youth in Virginia. They have enough on their plate! Honestly, they just want to be kids. Please have policies that keep them safe in Virginia schools.

I urge you to protect the well-being of Virginia’s transgender youth and honor their legal rights by withdrawing the new 2022 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.


this is not a phase

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we are normal

and my submissions letters are bs

good

because thats what this is


Protect Trans Kids

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My name is Ellie. I am a Virginia resident, a graduate student at the University of Virginia, and a former teacher. I am writing to ask you to repeal the 2022 Model Policies.

The 2022 Model Policies will harm trans and nonbinary students in Virginia. The policies will require teachers to 'out' students to their parents, and will irreparably damage relationships between trans- and nonbinary students and their teachers. The policies likewise prohibits trans- and nonbinary students from engaging in sports or going to the bathroom that they feel most consistent with their gender identity. In short, Youngkin's model policies will make trans and nonbinary students feel unsafe at school, and will make them feel irreparably unsupported by their teachers.

As a former teacher, I know the importance of creating a classroom environment where students feel empowered to be themselves. School is a crucial time for students to develop their identities, to formulate an understanding of their values, and to determine how they want to move through the world. The model policies will only quash this. The policies will completely alter how trans and nonbinary kids choose to express themselves, and they will make students afraid to develop relationships with teachers and staff at their schools.

In New York v. Ferber, the US Supreme Court articulated that states have a compelling and clear "interest in safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of a minor." In this, the Court “sustained legislation aimed at protecting the physical and emotional well-being of youth even when the laws have operated in the sensitive area of constitutionally protected rights.” New York v. Ferber, 458 U.S. 747, 756 (1982).

The model policies actively contravene the sentiments of the Court. In order to protect trans- and nonbinary students of Virginia, to ensure their emotional and physical wellbeing, their complete flourishing and individuals and students, I urge you to oppose the 2022 proposed model policies.


i oppose