Opposed

And Schools’ ResponsibilitiesIntroductionThis document provides a brief overview of gender identity, and it outlines issues commonly faced by public schools with respect to bathroom and locker room access for transgender students, the use of preferred name and gender pronouns, and updating student records. It also includes legal citations, other resources, and references to model policies.Gender Identity and ExpressionA transgender student is a student whose gender identity is different from the student’s assigned sex at birth. Gender identity refers to a person’s genuine, internal, and deeply-rooted gender-related identification.1 Transgender youth may begin to socially transition to living and interacting with others consistent with their gender identity at any age, and this often involves changing their first names, gender pronouns (“he/him” or “she/her”), clothing, and appearance to fully express their gender identity in all aspects of their lives.For many youth, and for all young children, the experience of gender transition involves no medical intervention. Some transgender youth may also choose to complement their social transition with medical intervention, such as hormones, under the care of a physician. The decision about whether and how to undergo gender transition is personal and depends on the unique circumstances of each individual. There is no threshold medical or mental health diagnosis or treatment requirement that any student must meet in order to have his/her/their gender identity recognized and respected by a school.The New York State Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)DASA prohibits discrimination in schools on the basis of actual or perceived gender, gender identity, and gender expression. It also requires schools to take proactive measures to ensure students are not harassed or discriminated against because of their gender identity or expression and to foster a climate of mutual respect and dignity.2 DASA defines harassment to include the creation of a hostile environment that would1 Sexual orientation, on the other hand, refers to a person’s romantic or sexual attraction to people of the other and/or the same gender. Common terms used to describe sexual orientation include “straight,” “lesbian,” “gay,” and “bisexual.” Transgender students may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or straight.2 N.Y. Education Law § 11 (“‘Gender’ shall mean actual or perceived sex and shall include a person's gender identity or expression.”); see also N.Y. Education Law §§ 10-18, 801-a, 2801.The New York Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union | Jonathan Horn, President | Donna Lieberman, Executive Director
substantially interfere with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being.3DASA is aimed at preventing the dangers that result from discriminatory treatment and hostile school environments. These dangers are well-documented. National surveys indicate that most transgender students feel “unsafe or uncomfortable” at school, and, as a result, more than half (53%) skipped school at least once per month, their GPAs dropped precipitously, and many became at-risk for developing depression and suicidal tendencies.4 These realities speak to the importance of school policies that affirm a student’s gender identity, as they provide a necessary foundation for the academic and personal success of transgender youth.Restrooms, Locker Rooms, and Changing FacilitiesA school is required under DASA, Title IX and other civil rights laws, and the New York State and Federal Constitutions, to permit transgender students access to the communal sex-segregated facilities consistent with their gender identity (including restrooms and locker rooms).DASA and Other Laws Require Equal Access to Sex-Segregated Facilities For Transgender StudentsThe failure to allow a transgender student access to communal facilities consistent with their gender identity subjects that student to discrimination and a hostile education environment and clearly undermines the purpose and the implementation of DASA. By barring transgender students from accessing communal restrooms and locker rooms, the school explicitly discriminates on the basis of gender identity. In addition, transgender students may be “outed” by such a policy, may feel depressed or even suicidal because of their lack of equal access, and may limit their use of the restroom, resulting in physical harm.There may be concern on the part of a school district that it could face legal action no matter what policy it adopts, from potential plaintiffs either opposed to or in support of an inclusive policy that permits transgender students to access sex-segregated facilities consistent their gender identity. However, such concerns do not accurately reflect the legal landscape. Across the country—in Maine, Colorado, and California—transgender students have successfully filed complaints against their school districts for access to the facilities consistent with their gender identity under laws that provide the same protections as DASA.5 The Maine and Colorado decisions involved elementary school students, and the two California resolutions3 Id. at § 11(7).4 Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN), National School Climate Survey (2011), available athttp://www.glsen.org/binary-data/GLSEN_ATTACHMENTS/file/000/002/2105-1.pdf.5 See Doe v. Regional School Unit 26, 86 A.3d 600, 607 (Maine 2014) (when “a student's psychological well-being and educational success depend upon being permitted to use the communal bathroom consistent with her gender identity, denying access to the appropriate bathroom” constitutes unlawful discrimination); Mathis v. Fountain-Fort Carson Sch. Dist., Colo. Div. of Civ. Rights Determination (June 17, 2013) (“By not permitting the [student] to use the restroom with which she identifies, as non-transgender students are permitted to do, the [school] treated the [student] less favorably than other students seeking the same service . . . giv[ing] rise to an inference of unlawful discrimination.”); Resolution Agreement Between Arcadia Unified Sch. Dist., the U.S. Dept. of Educ., and the U.S. Dept. of Justice, OCR Case No. 09-12-1020, DOJ Case No. 169-12C-70 (July 24, 2013) (as the result of a Title IX OCR complaint, school must “provide the Student access to sex-specific facilities designated for male students at school consistent with his gender identity” and “treat the Student the same as other male students in all respects in the education programs and activities offered by the District”); Resolution Agreement Between Downey Unified School District and the U.S. Dept. of Education, OCR Case No. 09-12-1095 (October 8, 2014); see also Lusardi v. McHugh et al., E.E.O.C. Appeal No. 0120133395 (April 1, 2015)(same, in the context of employees), available at http://transgenderlawcenter.org/archives/11521.2
involved every grade level.6 By contrast, we are not aware of any lawsuit that has ever been brought against a school on behalf of parents or students who oppose a policy permitting transgender students access to sex- segregated facilities. Certainly none has ever been successful.A policy permitting transgender students access to the facilities consistent with their gender identity is also consistent with well-established legal responsibilities under other statutes and constitutional provisions. Title IX and the Equal Protection Clauses of the Federal and New York State Constitutions prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex.7 In a landmark case, the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the United States Department of Justice investigated Arcadia School District in California for Title IX violations based on the district’s refusal to allow a transgender student to access the sex- segregated facilities consistent with his gender identity, stating unequivocally that “[a]ll students, including transgender students and students who do not conform to sex stereotypes, are protected from sex-based discrimination under Title IX.”8 The resolution of that case mandated that the school “provide the Student access to sex-specific facilities designated for male students at school consistent with his gender identity” and “treat the Student the same as other male students in all respects in the education programs and activities offered by the District.”9Since the Arcadia case, the Department of Education has issued official guidance confirming that “Title IX’s sex discrimination prohibition extends to claims of discrimination based on gender identity or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity”10 and imposed another resolution agreement in October 2014 in a case involving a transgender student mandating “access to sex-designated facilities for female students at school, and at all District-sponsored activities, including overnight events, try-outs and participation in extracurricular activities on and off campus, consistent with her gender identity.”11 By the same reasoning as the above cases, under all federal and state laws that prohibit sex discrimination, schools are legally prohibited from treating transgender students differently from other students by barring access to the appropriate communal restroom and locker room.12 In a federal lawsuit brought by a transgender student6 See id.7 20 U.S.C. § 1681; U.S. Const. amend. XIV; N.Y. Const., art. I, § 11.8 Notification Letter from U.S. Dept. of Educ. and U.S. Dept. of Justice (July 24, 2013), available at http://www.nclrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Arcadia_Notification_Letter_07.24.2013.pdf.9 Resolution Agreement Between Arcadia Unified School District, the U.S. Dept. of Education, and The U.S. Dept. of Justice, OCR Case No. 09-12-1020, DOJ Case No. 169-12C-70 (July 24, 2013), available at http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/edu/documents/arcadiaagree.pdf.10 Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dep’t of Education, Questions and Answers on Title IX and Sexual Violence (April 29, 2014) at 5-6 (“Title IX’s sex discrimination prohibition extends to claims of discrimination based on gender identity or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity.”), available at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/qa-201404-title-ix.pdf.11 Resolution Agreement Between Downey Unified School District and the U.S. Dept. of Education, OCR Case No. 09- 12-1095 (October 8, 2014), available at http://www2.ed.gov/documents/press-releases/downey-school-district- agreement.pdf.12 See supra notes 8-11 (Title IX); note 5 (state anti-discrimination laws); see also Wilson v. Phoenix House, 978 N.Y.S.2d 748 (Sup. Ct. 2013)(discrimination against transgender woman constituted sex discrimination and disability discrimination); Buffong v. Castle on the Hudson, 824 N.Y.S.2d 752 (Sup. Ct. 2005) (same); Maffei v. Kolaeton Indust. Inc., 626 N.Y.S.2d 391, 396 (Sup. Ct. 1995) (discrimination against and harassment of transgender person because of their change of gender is sex discrimination); Richards v. U.S. Tennis Ass’n, 400 N.Y.S.2d 267, 272 (Sup. Ct. 1977) (not allowing transgender woman to play in women’s U.S. Open Tournament constituted prohibited sex discrimination under N.Y. law); Rentos v. Oce-Office Sys., 1996 WL 737215 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 24, 1996) (transgender woman stated viable sex discrimination and sexual3
whose school district was denying him access to the boys’ restrooms and locker rooms, the Department

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And Schools’ Responsibilities
Introduction
This document provides a brief overview of gender identity, and it outlines issues commonly faced by public schools with respect to bathroom and locker room access for transgender students, the use of preferred name and gender pronouns, and updating student records. It also includes legal citations, other resources, and references to model policies.
Gender Identity and Expression
A transgender student is a student whose gender identity is different from the student’s assigned sex at birth. Gender identity refers to a person’s genuine, internal, and deeply-rooted gender-related identification.1 Transgender youth may begin to socially transition to living and interacting with others consistent with their gender identity at any age, and this often involves changing their first names, gender pronouns (“he/him” or “she/her”), clothing, and appearance to fully express their gender identity in all aspects of their lives.
For many youth, and for all young children, the experience of gender transition involves no medical intervention. Some transgender youth may also choose to complement their social transition with medical intervention, such as hormones, under the care of a physician. The decision about whether and how to undergo gender transition is personal and depends on the unique circumstances of each individual. There is no threshold medical or mental health diagnosis or treatment requirement that any student must meet in order to have his/her/their gender identity recognized and respected by a school.
The New York State Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
DASA prohibits discrimination in schools on the basis of actual or perceived gender, gender identity, and gender expression. It also requires schools to take proactive measures to ensure students are not harassed or discriminated against because of their gender identity or expression and to foster a climate of mutual respect and dignity.2 DASA defines harassment to include the creation of a hostile environment that would
1 Sexual orientation, on the other hand, refers to a person’s romantic or sexual attraction to people of the other and/or the same gender. Common terms used to describe sexual orientation include “straight,” “lesbian,” “gay,” and “bisexual.” Transgender students may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or straight.
2 N.Y. Education Law § 11 (“‘Gender’ shall mean actual or perceived sex and shall include a person's gender identity or expression.”); see also N.Y. Education Law §§ 10-18, 801-a, 2801.
The New York Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union | Jonathan Horn, President | Donna Lieberman, Executive Director

substantially interfere with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being.3
DASA is aimed at preventing the dangers that result from discriminatory treatment and hostile school environments. These dangers are well-documented. National surveys indicate that most transgender students feel “unsafe or uncomfortable” at school, and, as a result, more than half (53%) skipped school at least once per month, their GPAs dropped precipitously, and many became at-risk for developing depression and suicidal tendencies.4 These realities speak to the importance of school policies that affirm a student’s gender identity, as they provide a necessary foundation for the academic and personal success of transgender youth.
Restrooms, Locker Rooms, and Changing Facilities
A school is required under DASA, Title IX and other civil rights laws, and the New York State and Federal Constitutions, to permit transgender students access to the communal sex-segregated facilities consistent with their gender identity (including restrooms and locker rooms).
DASA and Other Laws Require Equal Access to Sex-Segregated Facilities For Transgender Students
The failure to allow a transgender student access to communal facilities consistent with their gender identity subjects that student to discrimination and a hostile education environment and clearly undermines the purpose and the implementation of DASA. By barring transgender students from accessing communal restrooms and locker rooms, the school explicitly discriminates on the basis of gender identity. In addition, transgender students may be “outed” by such a policy, may feel depressed or even suicidal because of their lack of equal access, and may limit their use of the restroom, resulting in physical harm.
There may be concern on the part of a school district that it could face legal action no matter what policy it adopts, from potential plaintiffs either opposed to or in support of an inclusive policy that permits transgender students to access sex-segregated facilities consistent their gender identity. However, such concerns do not accurately reflect the legal landscape. Across the country—in Maine, Colorado, and California—transgender students have successfully filed complaints against their school districts for access to the facilities consistent with their gender identity under laws that provide the same protections as DASA.5 The Maine and Colorado decisions involved elementary school students, and the two California resolutions
3 Id. at § 11(7).
4 Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN), National School Climate Survey (2011), available at
http://www.glsen.org/binary-data/GLSEN_ATTACHMENTS/file/000/002/2105-1.pdf.
5 See Doe v. Regional School Unit 26, 86 A.3d 600, 607 (Maine 2014) (when “a student's psychological well-being and educational success depend upon being permitted to use the communal bathroom consistent with her gender identity, denying access to the appropriate bathroom” constitutes unlawful discrimination); Mathis v. Fountain-Fort Carson Sch. Dist., Colo. Div. of Civ. Rights Determination (June 17, 2013) (“By not permitting the [student] to use the restroom with which she identifies, as non-transgender students are permitted to do, the [school] treated the [student] less favorably than other students seeking the same service . . . giv[ing] rise to an inference of unlawful discrimination.”); Resolution Agreement Between Arcadia Unified Sch. Dist., the U.S. Dept. of Educ., and the U.S. Dept. of Justice, OCR Case No. 09-12-1020, DOJ Case No. 169-12C-70 (July 24, 2013) (as the result of a Title IX OCR complaint, school must “provide the Student access to sex-specific facilities designated for male students at school consistent with his gender identity” and “treat the Student the same as other male students in all respects in the education programs and activities offered by the District”); Resolution Agreement Between Downey Unified School District and the U.S. Dept. of Education, OCR Case No. 09-12-1095 (October 8, 2014); see also Lusardi v. McHugh et al., E.E.O.C. Appeal No. 0120133395 (April 1, 2015)(same, in the context of employees), available at http://transgenderlawcenter.org/archives/11521.
2

involved every grade level.6 By contrast, we are not aware of any lawsuit that has ever been brought against a school on behalf of parents or students who oppose a policy permitting transgender students access to sex- segregated facilities. Certainly none has ever been successful.
A policy permitting transgender students access to the facilities consistent with their gender identity is also consistent with well-established legal responsibilities under other statutes and constitutional provisions. Title IX and the Equal Protection Clauses of the Federal and New York State Constitutions prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex.7 In a landmark case, the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the United States Department of Justice investigated Arcadia School District in California for Title IX violations based on the district’s refusal to allow a transgender student to access the sex- segregated facilities consistent with his gender identity, stating unequivocally that “[a]ll students, including transgender students and students who do not conform to sex stereotypes, are protected from sex-based discrimination under Title IX.”8 The resolution of that case mandated that the school “provide the Student access to sex-specific facilities designated for male students at school consistent with his gender identity” and “treat the Student the same as other male students in all respects in the education programs and activities offered by the District.”9
Since the Arcadia case, the Department of Education has issued official guidance confirming that “Title IX’s sex discrimination prohibition extends to claims of discrimination based on gender identity or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity”10 and imposed another resolution agreement in October 2014 in a case involving a transgender student mandating “access to sex-designated facilities for female students at school, and at all District-sponsored activities, including overnight events, try-outs and participation in extracurricular activities on and off campus, consistent with her gender identity.”11 By the same reasoning as the above cases, under all federal and state laws that prohibit sex discrimination, schools are legally prohibited from treating transgender students differently from other students by barring access to the appropriate communal restroom and locker room.12 In a federal lawsuit brought by a transgender student
6 See id.
7 20 U.S.C. § 1681; U.S. Const. amend. XIV; N.Y. Const., art. I, § 11.
8 Notification Letter from U.S. Dept. of Educ. and U.S. Dept. of Justice (July 24, 2013), available at http://www.nclrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Arcadia_Notification_Letter_07.24.2013.pdf.
9 Resolution Agreement Between Arcadia Unified School District, the U.S. Dept. of Education, and The U.S. Dept. of Justice, OCR Case No. 09-12-1020, DOJ Case No. 169-12C-70 (July 24, 2013), available at http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/edu/documents/arcadiaagree.pdf.
10 Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dep’t of Education, Questions and Answers on Title IX and Sexual Violence (April 29, 2014) at 5-6 (“Title IX’s sex discrimination prohibition extends to claims of discrimination based on gender identity or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity.”), available at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/qa-201404-title-ix.pdf.
11 Resolution Agreement Between Downey Unified School District and the U.S. Dept. of Education, OCR Case No. 09- 12-1095 (October 8, 2014), available at http://www2.ed.gov/documents/press-releases/downey-school-district- agreement.pdf.
12 See supra notes 8-11 (Title IX); note 5 (state anti-discrimination laws); see also Wilson v. Phoenix House, 978 N.Y.S.2d 748 (Sup. Ct. 2013)(discrimination against transgender woman constituted sex discrimination and disability discrimination); Buffong v. Castle on the Hudson, 824 N.Y.S.2d 752 (Sup. Ct. 2005) (same); Maffei v. Kolaeton Indust. Inc., 626 N.Y.S.2d 391, 396 (Sup. Ct. 1995) (discrimination against and harassment of transgender person because of their change of gender is sex discrimination); Richards v. U.S. Tennis Ass’n, 400 N.Y.S.2d 267, 272 (Sup. Ct. 1977) (not allowing transgender woman to play in women’s U.S. Open Tournament constituted prohibited sex discrimination under N.Y. law); Rentos v. Oce-Office Sys., 1996 WL 737215 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 24, 1996) (transgender woman stated viable sex discrimination and sexual
3

whose school district was denying him access to the boys’ restrooms and locker rooms, the Department


Support Youngkin

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<p>As residents since 1980, we fully support the governor's proposal. Please stop the insanity. </p>


Support Youngkin propoed changes

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I support Gov. Youngkin's proposed changes "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public School". The schools particularly Fairfax County are going off the rails with what their job entails. Just teach the kids. Clearly that isn't being done. community college and universities are for the most part now an extension of what they should have learned in high school and did not as a result of secondary agendas by the school systems.


Agree With not normalizing multiple personality disorder

I do not know why this is even a question.  I know people like to keep secrets.  Particularly Democrats do not like you bringing up their hypocrisy.  We need to normalize Mental Health problems and bring back Insane Asylums.  Give threats to society and those that do not live in reality a place to live.  Trans people are not living in reality and should be allowed to live in a place that is safe for their mentality.PS.  over 50% of the trans people that get the surgery to change their sex regret it.  25% try to commit suicide.

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I do not know why this is even a question.  I know people like to keep secrets.  Particularly Democrats do not like you bringing up their hypocrisy.
We need to normalize Mental Health problems and bring back Insane Asylums.  Give threats to society and those that do not live in reality a place to live.
Trans people are not living in reality and should be allowed to live in a place that is safe for their mentality.
PS.  over 50% of the trans people that get the surgery to change their sex regret it.  25% try to commit suicide.


https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid =pfbid0RKNBCZ3KM8rME98v5QAcZaSrSBa7MY3tuKN3YwXggJUdxAfK9

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Please research the Ada guidelines and what other states have implemented for their schools based on disabilities! https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0RKNBCZ3KM8rME98v5QAcZaSrSBa7MY3tuKN3YwXggJUdxAfK9VjJmnUWqVuHcvvSl&id=1485033250

 Virginia needs to catch up for the rights of these students! Hello!

This is a right!


Strongly Agree

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<p>Our Family consist of 2 girls aged 13 and 8 we STRONGLY AGREE with the change. We are faced with so many other issues we should not have to be worried about who my daughters are sharing a bathroom with in a public school, the big question that everyone keeps missing is WHAT ABOUT MY DAUGHTERS RIGHTS, FEELINGS AND SECURITYS? Just make this stop! We live in a VERY small district and even our schools have made arrangements for trans that dont feel comfortable using there assigned bathroom, quit calling your own self out!  </p>


I have mixed feelings

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Kids should be allowed love whoever they want and be allowed to be themselves. Period.

That has nothing to do with me. Don't force me to change the english language. I'm not learning all your pronouns. Call each other in your clubs whatever makes you happy but don't expect me to do it.

Boys should not be allowed in girl's locker rooms. That should be common sense.


Parents want schools to treat Trans students with compassion

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This policy change is intentionally divisive and targets an already vulnerable population.  As a parent, I am distressed that Virginia Schools could further legitimize harassment and stigmatization of Trans kids as protected free speech.  That is bullying, plain and simple.

Kids should be able to have school settings where their basic need of safety is met.  They neet to be able to trust the adults they are with all day.  Inserting more "religious" bigotry into Public Schools will lead to an even greater exodous of students and staff from our schools, and further burden an already overtaxed mental healh system.  It will lead to more self-harm and suicide for an already vulnerable population.

No, no, no to the proposed change.  Support all students, and allow school staff and parents to support their kids.


Children are not property

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Children are not property. They must be allowed to be educated and learn about the world around them. Republicans/Conservatives are ignoring years of research and data that shows that we need things like critical race theory and to allow for our children to be who they are. Gender/Sex are fluid and not some black/white thing. Stop treating children like they are property to do what they want with. Parents are not experts and we are should allow the real experts (not some guy who read a wikipedia) to do the job. Stop being a bigot, protect our youth.


Support Youngkin. Transgenderism is a lie. Teach our children God's truth.

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We all become, (in this case our precious children, and our future), what we hear, see, and read. God's word is absolutely pure truth. Anything contrary to His Word is a lie. Period. No debate. No argument. The Marxist left doctrines of the Democratic party are all dedicated to Lucifer by the author himself, Karl Marx, a luciferin, a devil worshipper. They hate God and Christians. They confessed this boldly in their 2012 National Convention, chanting "No more God" repeatedly for about 5 minutes and throughout the rest of the convention and proceeded to start persecuting Christians for their faith and beliefs throughout Obama's 2nd term as hate crimes. To them God's Word is a hate crime.

This is a step in the right direction. Great legislation, Gov. Glenn Youngkin.


Strongly Opposed

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Support all human’s rights and stop making this a political platform. Virginia deserves better!


Strongly Oppose, support trans youth!

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<p>The Document that would give parents back the right to abuse their children. Support trans youth. </p>


Congratulations to RPS for rejecting this phobic policy

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Good for Richmond Public Schools for enacting protections for transgender students.


LOL- Not allowing people with male genitalia into shower facilities with little girls isn't new.

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Perhaps these entitled liberal raised kids have never been told no before and it is new to them.  Throughout all of mankind, people with male genitalia have never been allowed into shower facilities in schools with little girls. Sorry. Perhaps homeshooling would be better for these liberal raised families.


Transsexuals regret transitioning!

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There are many testimonials coming out from people who transitioned into the opposite gender they were born as. And then, after irreversible surgery and hormone treatments, they realize it was a big lie and regret those decisions. Many have or want to transition back and even become activists AGAINST children transitioning. These are voices that need to be taken seriously!


I oppose Gov. Youngkin's policy. Protect transgender kids - a vulnerable population.

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I oppose Governor Youngkin's policy regarding transgender students. This is a vulnerable population. If there are issues with the previous policy, they can be addressed on an individual basis. Some transgender children risk being unhoused, subjected to abuse, or not being supported for college if they are outed to their parents.  This is not a perfect world of supportive and understanding parents. There are parents who will not support their children being transgender or gay, due to various reasons. There are parents who emotionally and physically abuse their children.  Children will be hurt by this policy. I can recall a politician in Germany in the 1930's who used a vulnerable population to help advance his political agenda. Please do not repeat this (minus ovens and camps for now).


Support - How about we make everyone safe.

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<p>I fully support treating transgender students (and everyone) with respect and dignity, however as with everyone, their rights end where another begins.  My daughter has a right to not have a biological male enter and use her bathroom or her locker room.  Laws that give freedoms and rights to some at the expense of others are unconstitutional.  There are accommodations that can be make to make all students comfortable.  How about we work together and put aside these ridiculous party lines and make everyone safe.  As a parent, I strongly oppose the idea of a school that actively hides information about my child from me.  It's my job to be the parent, not yours.  </p>


Strongly support Youngkin proposal!

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<p>As a parent, I'm very concerned about the physical safety and mental health of my children. Indoctrination of unscientific ideologies that boys can become girls and vice versa is dangerous and has only hurt those struggling with their identity. There is no scientific or biological evidence to show that gender is different from your birth sex. I've watched gender affirming presentations to understand where this view is coming from and the "credible expert presenter" even said it's not based on science. But she then listed a handful of unknown religions in the world that elude to gender being fluid, as precedence for this belief. Which is really pointing towards the gender fluid ideology being more similar to a religious idea than based on science. I don't want my children subjected to this false belief that could confuse their own identity as who and what they were born as biologically. The evidence and statistics also show more harm is done mentally to a child who decides to transition. Also there are numerous testimonies of individuals who regret transitioning and are exposing the ugly truth of this movement. </p>


Reject this hateful policy

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This new policy helps absolutely no one and is for no one. It only exists to make reactionary people feel better about their closeminded views of things that have nothing to do with them.  My hope is that people who actually work with kids in VA schools will continue to treat each child with the respect that every human being deserves and to ensure the safety of every child, rather than just the children that fit someone else's view of normal.

Imagine if this were about other children who differ from the "norm": those with physical limitations or intellectual disabilities. It happened in the past and now is rightly seen as disgusting. This is the same thing-- a disgusting policy that will be looked back on with shame. All to placate... whoever these hateful people are that think some children are less worthy of acceptance than others. Discriminating against children is a wild thing to be invested in, and it hasn't been a good look in the past. Those who support this policy will be looked on the same way as white adults screaming in the faces of black children as schools were integrated. Good luck with that look. The rest of us will be here to love and support all children and make sure they feel safe and accepted in every way.


Gov Youngkin Model Policy for K - 12

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<p>Totally support the governor's plan.  </p>


Strongly oppose, support trans youth

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I strongly oppose Governor Youngkin's proposed policies. I believe they will create a hostile and dangerous environment for trans youth in our school systems. All youth, including trans students, deserve the right to a safe learning environment where they can fully be themselves.


Celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of every person

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These policies are a form of bullying by the state!

I strongly call on you to celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  Affirm the diversity of gender and work to create communities where people of all/no genders are free to be themselves. Recognize that transgender and non-binary youth have particular needs.

I call for transgender-affirming actions. Trans, non-binary, and intersex people are a cherished part of our community. Affirm that living one's identity, in terms of gender identity/expression, sex characteristics, and affectional/sexual orientation, is part of our free exercise of life or religion.

Were I a young student now I would even be affected because I have always gone by a nick name.  My parents would have to provide some sort of legal documentation for me to be called by the name I have been called my entire life.  Now 70 years old I have always identified as a hetero, cis gender white male not even targeted by these harmful policies!

These policies are wrong.  Reject them!


I support Governor Youngkin's policy of parental rights.

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Parents must have the right to be involved in their children's  livesnn school. K


Support

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The task of raising children is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding endeavors. When they are school-aged, we are constantly teaching, guiding, supporting. It is our responsibility to walk alongside our children through challenges and whatever is concerning them. Thank you for this new policy, restoring the right of the parents to be aware of issues concerning our children so that we can do our job to the best of our ability.


Fully Support

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<p>Finally something that makes sense scientifically and on a common sense level! Thank you Youngkin!  </p>


100% support keeping boys out of girl’s showers, locker rooms, and bathrooms.

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<p>Support policy to protect our youth from the shocking culture running through society. </p>


1,680,000 homeless LGBTQ teens

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Parents don't always treat their own children with love. 1,680,000 LGBTQ teens are homeless because living at home was too dangerous or too painful. Giving all power to biased and science denying parents, teachers, and administrators will only serve to increase that number by adding vulnerable Virginian kids. Schools must protect kids - ALL kids- whether you, Governor, or teachers, or even parents approve of who those kids are. These changes will do nothing but sanction bullying and mental abuse and violates LGBTQ kids' their rights to equality in education and as people.

Protect children and say NO to these changes.


Playing to his Base and putting the lives of trans children at risk in a misguided fervor

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I write to object to the Governor's proposed transgender policy in schools:  Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.

There are naturally occurring biological variations in sex and gender, which is not as simple as some propose this science to be; and, the Governor's new policy ignores those variations.  There are six components of sex:  Chromosomes, Genes, Hormones, Gonads, Internal Reproductive Organs, and External Genitalia.  They are not always in alignment.  There are people with ambiguous genitalia and who are intersex; XY individuals who develop with female anatomy and XX individuals who develop with male anatomy; there are those who bodies cannot process androgen or estrogen; those with both male and female characteristics.  Additionally, the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST) of the brain is related to gender identity, with transwomen's brains being more similar to genetic females than males; and, similar for transmen with males.  These are the components of "biological sex/gender," not simply one's external genitalia (which is what is almost exclusively used to identify one's sex on a birth certificate).  Relying solely upon one's external genitalia to determine one's sex/gender and sexual orientation is literally "judging a book by its cover."

This proposal puts the lives of those outside the simple binary of male or female at risk while ignoring the science and medicine utilized by trained professionals who follow the standards of care of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), which calls for appropriate treatment of transgender, transexual, and gender nonconforming individuals.

It is not possible to "legislate" science and nature; rather, we must acknowledge and accept that there are ranges of sex and gender; not simply a binary determination of male or female, boy or girl; just as we now accept that sexual orientation is more complex than simply heterosexual.

The proposed policy also ignores the reality of the lives of gender variant children who may be unable to discuss these deeply personal issues with their parents/caregivers.  It presumes a reality that simply does not exist.  I know.  As a transgender individual myself, I know the struggles of trying to understand the innate nature of my very being that is inconsistent with my physical body in a society that attempts to limit nature. I am biologically a transgender individual; I did not choose this; I was born this way; I am THIS child of God.  God makes no mistakes and I am no mistake.  I was made this way.

I am not transgender because I read a book (there were no books on this when I was a young child and new innately my very being); I am not transgender because I was groomed (if you want to talk about grooming, let's talk about Catholic Priests, Baptist Preachers, Boy Scout Leaders, coaches and physicians in women's sports...).

People confuse gender identity with sexual attraction/activity.  Sex and gender are two different things just as sexual orientation and gender identity are two different things. This proposed policy targeting, marginalizing, and bringing danger to the lives of those who are transgender violates every aspect of Equal Protection under the Law guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution of Virginia, and existing Virginia Law; the Baptismal Covenant of The Episcopal Church wherein we pledge to respect the dignity and worth of every individual; of the words of Jesus Christ who proclaimed that the most important Commandment is to love God with our very being; and, that the second is its equal, to love our neighbor as ourselves.

This proposed policy violates every aspect of dignity and respect of every individual; it is misguided; and, it will cost lives.

Donna Price

CAPT, JAGC, USN (Retired)

Adjunct Law School Professor (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law)

Chair, Board of Supervisors in a Virginia County

Transgender Woman


Transgender policy in Virginia Schoold

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I am and have always been a resident of the state of Virginia. I have worked in two school divisions in administrative support positions. I firmly believe that this policy will greatly affect the students in a negative way. In rural parts f our state, there are many parents who are not accepting of transgender students and bias is prevalent. I know of situations that kids would be pushed out of their home with no concern by their parents. This policy should not be changed. The governor is pushing his and some parents agenda in the Bible Belt that he feels will promote his goals. I believe Youngkin  is using Virginia as a brief stepping stone to become a candidate for president. He is knee deep in former Trump.


Support for current policy protecting transgender students

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I learned from Del. Ken Plum that students statewide staged a walk-out recently to protest Gov. Youngkin's threatened revision to the current policy protecting transgender students.  I support such students and their allies who care about the well-being of young Virginians, and oppose the political game that the governor is playing to undermine their interests and rights.


Protect trans kids.

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<p>Protect trans kids. </p>


Support of Youngkin's Transgender Policies

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I STRONGLY SUPPORT GOVERNOR YOUNGKIN'S TRANGENDER POLICIES AND PARENTAL RIGHTS.


Support parents- not crooked teacher’s unions

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Parents have their children’s best interest at heart. I support any policy to protect parents rights.


Fully Support

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<p>I fully support this and thank you for the support of parents in our education system. </p>


Treatment of Transgender Students

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Oppose hateful fear mongering and bigotry


Fully support Gov Youngkin new policy

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<p>Thank you Governor Youngkin for keeping your promises and putting school boards back in their place and putting students and parents first. </p>


Oppose

Trans students deserve equal treatment in public schools.Gender identity is real. Please leave the current policies in place.

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Trans students deserve equal treatment in public schools.
Gender identity is real. Please leave the current policies in place.


Strongly oppose new guidelines

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<p>The 2021 guidelines respect the rights of all students, including transgender ones. The proposed changes will hurt trans kids. I strongly oppose the model 2022 guidelines and urge the preservation of existing ones. </p>


Oppose

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I do not support this  proposal. It places undue burden on students, schools, and teachers. This is a policing policy not an education policy. Let educators do their job of providing academic and intellectual growth and the  socioemotional support required for students to access their education. Trust teachers do their job. This policy layers on more responsibility for teachers, requiring time spent in communications that they don't have during the school day and with paltry pay. This policy will create dilemmas in teachers that will create stress and quite possibly impact the teaching process in a negative way. Parents can make a choice to opt out of public education if they are not satisfied with their child's free education. For students who are "outed" there is currently insufficient support and parent education to handle the possible fallout. Who is going to provide that support?


Governors new policy

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Strongly support the new policy!


100 percent support this policy

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Time for schools in this country get back to teaching the basics!


Acceptance

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<p>It is so sad that outsiders, people who never talk to these children judge them. Talk to them. Believe them. They know who they are.  None of us are like anyone else. Diversity is given to us by our DNA, our genes. We cannot change our genes. Be open.  Be accepting.  Be kind. Stop making these prejudices arbitrary laws. </p>


FULLY SUPPORT

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I fully support Governor Youngkin’s 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia Schools.
Thank you for supporting parents fundamental rights, keeping parents informed, and protecting our First Amendment rights!


Hate youngkin and republicans but fully support this bill

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We have gotten off track lately. Don’t mess parent’s kids. I 100% support LGBTQ community but it doesn’t make sense to mix boys and girls in locker rooms. Stand back and think about that for a moment. Let’s get back on track.


100% in support of the guideline

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<p>Schools do not raise children, parents do. Stop trying to influence societal change and stick to fundamental instruction. Indoctrination of children in public schools is disgusting. </p>


100% support

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I totally support this new model policy.


I oppose


AGREE with Gov Youngkin

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<p>No boy male should be in a girls female bathroom and vice versa!!! The intention that some will have is evil. Look what happened in Loundon county Virginia and other places across the nation. Absolutely agree with Gov. Youngkin this needs changed now, and never should of been enforced! </p>


Support Governor Youngkin’s policy

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We need something that will help students, protect teachers, and support families.  I believe this presents a good start in those areas.  We should be able to help students without division between the school and students’ guardians.


A start in the right direction

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They current climate for all involved in addressing transgender students at school is laced with landmines. On which side will teachers, non-trans students, parents, and administrators err? Protecting the mental health of trans students, once labeled as having a mental condition that needed psychological intervention, and today judged to be needing protection of students with disabilities by the Fourth Circuit? Or recognize the fundamental, First Amendment right of individuals not to engage in compelled speech to support an ideology that opposes their deeply-held, religious beliefs?  Will schools threaten this latter group with the label of bullies out of fear of repercussions? It seems that inherent incompatibility exists in protecting the rights of all parties.


100% SUPPORT- boys don’t need to be in bathrooms with my daughters

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Thankfully someone is fighting against these teacher’s unions pushing this nonsense.


Harmful Policy

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Conservatives have long stated that there was too much big liberal government regulating our schools.  The solution to that should not be too much big conservative government regulating our schools, it should be less government in our schools.  Let local districts and their teachers serve their particular communities.

No right is unlimited.  I cannot use my freedom of speech to incite violence, for example.  Parent Rights also have limits.  If a young person is old enough to make decisions regarding their gender identity, then their right to do so, and feel safe for at least a few hours each day in school, surely supersedes the rights of the parent.

The governor is making a big name for himself by playing on people's hate and intolerance.  That might be an expedient way to garner support in this moment, but in the long run he will be seen as having been on the wrong side of history.  Politicians who oppose progress on freedom and human rights are not celebrated a generation later when those freedoms have become a normal part of society.  Think, for example, of those who opposed integrating schools, interracial marriage, etc.  They aren't the heroes in our story of America.


Fully Support


Opposed

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<p>Harming some children in the name of "parental rights' is ridiculous. I'm  a parent and oppose Younkin's proposed law. </p>


STOP THE MUTILIZATION OF OUR KIDS

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STOP THE MUTILIZATION OF OUR KIDS


opposed. youngkin endangering children's lives


Protect ALL children, including Trans children!

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<p>Gov. Youngkin is overstepping his political authority with this act. He is not the morality police. We are not Iran, nor do we want to be. These children need our love and support. A safe place to be themselves if they are not fully accepted in their own home. Teen suicide is high enough, why would he want to do something that would only make it worse? You are not a child development expert, you are a politician. Stay out of this and focus on things that really matter like affordable housing in Virginia. </p>


Transgender equality

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<p>I urge the Governor Youngkin to rescind the policy proposed on gender equality. Young people are already in a serious mental health crisis. Please don't make matters worse for them. </p>


Less government doesn’t mean a free for all in children’s bathrooms and locker rooms

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Yes less government would be a great thing. Not at the expense of children. Adults can’t sit idly by and watch lefty perverts sexualize our children.


Support the policy (which is the traditional policy - not new)

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Parents are assigned, by nature and law as the primary guardians and caretakers of their children.

These regulations are not new laws but a confirmation of principles that have existed as long as there have been public schools. Requirements for legal paperwork for name changes also have a long history. I see nothing in these policies that puts any child in danger and instead protects children from falling victim to those who change their lives forever by taking advantage of their youth and inexperience.


Respect children

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I oppose this bill. I strongly agree that parents are integral part of children's lifestyle. But, let's join together and respect and help children as they discover themselves.  Provide them a safe school environment and help teach others to understand others and show respect and appreciate diversity.  We all the same and very different! Let's honor these children as they embrace their differences..but let's remember. They are children and need all of us. Home school partnership is very important!! Stop pitting one against the other.


Support

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<p>Governor Youngkin is a blessing to our state. </p>


Common sense policy

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Common sense to have separate facilities for children of different sexes. The left is so out of touch with reality.


Strongly oppose. ALL kids have rights to safety and dignity

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Teachers are there to teach, not to use their misinformed biases to pass judgement on kids or to force their personal beliefs onto them. Teachers and/or administrators do not have the right use their bigotry as an excuse to mentally abuse kids and neither do parents or Governors. The Governor's, teachers', or parents' personal biases must not be used to "groom" kids into preconceived molds, and they must not be used to disrespect, or denigrate kids for who they are or how they feel. Schools are supposed to be safe, supportive places for kids, not a place to be bullied and to face further abuse.

These changes are wrong and abusive and must not pass.


What happened to less government as the Republican platform?

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Republicans have always been against more government in our lives. But, all the current efforts by the Republican Party has been more oppressive, intrusive and hurtful for everyone but mostly those in the LGBTQIA community and women. We should all be accepting of each other. I don’t understand those who say they are Christian but don’t follow the Golden Rule, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. . . .”


OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WOULD AGREE

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<p>Thank you for these proposed changes! </p>


Strongly opposed


Fully Supportive

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<p>I am in full support of the proposed changes by Governor Youngkin to enforce free speech with the Transgender Policies for students, parents, administration, and the Dept of Education for VA. Thank you for governing our state the way our Founding Fathers would have. </p>


I support this policy

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<p>I am a Chesterfield public school parent of a daughter. I support this policy. </p>


Support ALL of our kids!

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Stop trying to fit our children into a mold and let them evolve into who they are meant to be. They all deserve our support and love, not our judgment and restrictive legislation.


Support policy to protect girl’s sports

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Girls have become the left’s punching bag in the name of wokeness. We need to protect their sport’s teams and their right to privacy at school.


Thank you Governor Youngkin

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Thank you for standing up for what’s right. I am behind you 100%.


Support. These comments show many haven’t even read the guidelines.

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<p>These guidelines follow the law passed by the legislature. Political opposition has whipped up their mob into a frenzy, but it is obvious most haven’t even read them. Some people think this is even legislation!? It’s hard to know the amount of actual opposition because they have people all over the U.S. sending in comments, hoping to overload the system and prove some point. The mob is motivated. But online comments from the fringe minority mean nothing really. And we will rid schools of this type of activism which hates parental involvement. </p>


Support Truth

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These guidelines end the lies between schools and parents. Strongly support.


Absolutely disgraceful and cruel

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As a transgender individual, this policy change shocks me to my core. I grew up in Virginia's public schools, and unfortunately due to the times, I was never able to come out and feel safe within the community. Being unable to express myself how I had desired without persecution heavily worsened my gender dysphoria and caused me to feel severely depressed. There were many times I contemplated suicide in this unaccepting environment. I had hoped things were looking up under the previous policy; transgender children able to express themselves and feel safe from potentially unaccepting households, but now this new policy has gone and destroyed that, encouraging transphobic behavior and preventing mere children from being able to have a safe space where they can present how they want without fear of persecution. I have had many transgender friends in unwelcoming communities, such as the one this policy is creating, commit suicide due to the nature of their situation and the severe depression and dysphoria it caused. This policy is essentially promoting the death of children within the state by removing safe, accepting spaces from one of the only facets in their lives they may have had enabled them to express themselves how they need to. The blood will be on the hands of these policymakers. Forcing teachers to out their students can result in kids being sent to conversion therapy, kicked out of home, beaten, abused. Forcing kids to use the restroom that corresponds with their assigned sex at birth despite the length and time of their transition can result in self harm, self hatred, and suicide. It's truly cruel and disheartening to see this in a state I was once proud to live in. I know none of these comments will be looked at, that is just the nature of these horrible people who promote these horrible policies, especially considering Governor Glenn Youngkin created his own church because the one he previously attended was not homophobic enough. The blood, and ensuing years of mental trauma in these children are on your hands for this policy.


Parental rights are human rights

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We all know that the attack on family values is all about advancing the Marxist agenda, and as a nurse, I know how the children are the pawns of sacrifice in the middle of this conflict. This is a sad tragedy in the making. So sad!

Come on now, people, we know the difference between boys and girls, and we know how biological science applies here. It’s not that complicated to simply admit to kids of whatever so-called “dysphoria” they might have that biological facts don’t change, so any sexual interest or idea you’re wanting to suggest to such youth should be tempered by the context of this reality.

And it’s not as if we’re dealing with merely the change of a name or identity, this leads to hormone blockers and boosters, medical malpractice in the guise of “gender reassignment” surgeries and double mastectomies ON CHILDREN and the retail neutering of CHILDREN!

The consequences could not be more severe, as some advocating for the other side have said. But instead of a brief surf-by title-and-comment scream to accumulate automated numbers on the issue, how about real commentary including actual responses?

These children do deserve better.

And better is to be able to pronounce the complete truth at issue: children and every human being however old is the biological sex, the biological gender, that as a human being they are because they have a male or female reproductive system, or the mutilated remains of such, and they never, ever in a million years ever will have the opposite sexual reproductive system.

Our children must be taught the truth.

In my observation, these measures fall short of going far enough to affirm the critical mandate to orient correctly and completely our children to full awareness of biology and biological science facts regarding the human reproductive system and the science of procreation.


A Violation of Our Founder's Beliefs

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In the Declaration of Independence our founders wrote, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [human beings] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Youngkin's model policies violate this belief. First of all, transgender students may (and usually do) suffer from Gender Dysphoria, which may become easier to manage when one is referred to using their preferred pronouns. Secondly, the LGBTQIA+ minority is already more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts (and suicide itself). In a way, this new policy could also be taking the right of Life away from transgender students (who already suffer from a high suicide rates). Clearly, Youngkin does not hold these truths to be self-evident.


Leave trans kids alone

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Trans and non binary kids need our support. These guidelines unfairly punish them and subject them to harassment. Leave kids alone and stop using them as political pawns. The governor should be ashamed!


My Comment on Gov. Youngkin's New Policy on Transgenderism.

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Gov. Youngkin,

I 100% agree with your new Transgender Policy for schools. Thank-you for promulgating it and restoring sanity to the Virginia schools on this subject.

If a person can gender identify as the opposite sex they can gender identify as a cow, a dog, a bird or anything. This is illogical thinking. It is destructive to gaslight sane normal people to accept this thinking as normal or acceptable.

Keep up the great and awesome work Governor!

Respectfully,

Lee H. Smith

ETC(SW) USN

Retired


a violation of human rights

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The first clause in the Bill of Rights states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” this legislator is violating the bill of rights by trying to mix church and state. seccound, many peer reveiwed studies show that accepting lgbtq+ children reduces suicide rate by 90%. This law is increasing suicide rate by 90%. NINTEY WHOLE PERCENT. is it worth it? if yes then the bloods on your hands.


Anti-trans policy

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Why is Youngkin getting involved with what is in-between people's legs?


Parents are responsible for children...I thank the Governor

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As a mother of five, and Kindergarten teacher, I support this administration's efforts with all of my being.  Without parents, children fail.  Parents are the first and primary teachers.

On another note, there is an absolute guide to life called the Bible.  God created a man and a woman. We are weary of this assault on the family unit.    Pushing alternate strains of gender on children is criminal.


Strongly oppose the proposed 2022 model policies

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I fully support the ACLU’s submitted comment on this matter and repeat its main points here. I am a voting and tax paying resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia with children in public schools, and I oppose 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”). These Model Policies are contrary to state law and their adoption will result in violations of the rights of students, parents, and school personnel, and will inflict serious harm on transgender and nonbinary students. The 2022 Model Policies violate Virginia Code §22.1- 23.3. The 2022 Model Policies mandate practices that will harm transgender and nonbinary students in Virginia’s public schools. The 2022 Model Policies will result in practices that violate Grimm v. Gloucester Co. School Board. The 2022 Model Policies impermissible infringe on school districts’ Constitutional authority to prohibit discrimination. THE VDOE exceeds its statutory authority to promulgate model policies. The administration must retract the 2022 Model Policies.


Governor Is Unleashing Trouble

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The governor is hoisting himself UP the political ladder by inciting hate and bullying.  Imagine that you are totally female and there is no question about it.  Now, imagine a stranger telling you that you are NOT female anymore.  How would that feel?  Pretty horrible and potentially dangerous if you do not comply.  Now, imagine that everybody around you gangs up and also tortures you for being your true female self.  Consider that teachers and allies hands are tied and they cannot get involved.  YOU are ALONE and exposed and vulnerable.

That is what evil misguided and ambitious hack politicians are hoping will get them attention, donors, and votes.

DON'T BUY THIS PACK OF DANGEROUS LIES.  RESPECT THE DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENCES THAT GOD CREATED.


A Policy That Harms Students

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Students come in every possible description and Youngkin is gaining political altitude by treating some in potentially dangerous ways simply for their unique and God-given qualities.  It is very hard to walk in another's shoes, but consider that there have always been LGBT people (and many animal species); some societies have embraced and included LGBT members while others have demonized and destroyed them.  High School students must be prepared for the complexities of the real world  - and their classmates.  Instead, this policy will terrorize and harm, without regard for medical and psychological expert guidance.

The fact is, a tiny percentage of students are LGBT but Youngkin wants you to buy into the idea that this is a constant, growing, and overwhelming phenomena.

FACT: It isn't.

Have some compassion and respect science.  End the stigmatization of LGBT students and respect the capacity of all others to be compassionate and decent.


Opposed

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<p>Trans students already have enough to deal with in high school without their government bullying them. Don't do this. </p>


Oppose - Parent in Opposition

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This proposed policy's goals as presented to the public by the governor's office are to enable parents rights and create safe and equitable environment for students in schools.  In the policy's formal summary it states: "All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. The Department supports efforts to protect and encourage respect for all students. Thus, we have a collective responsibility to address topics such as the treatment of transgender students with necessary compassion and respect for all students."

This policy fails to deliver on all of these fronts, and is a huge overstep by the government.  This policy directly inserts the government in what should be a direct relationship between the parent and the child, by placing the burden on educators.  LGBTQ students should not be forcibly outed by the government without their permission.  Many parents will respond abusively to their children in these circumstances.  Schools should be a safe place for these children. Educators should not be burdened with being responsible for these situations, and it is the parent's responsibility to establish a relationship of trust with their child to address these items.

The policy's Appendix 1 Section III. Model Policies, C. Maintenance of student records:, 2. (name policy) is the culminating example of the failures and cynical hypocrisy of this policy.  The default policy is to deadname and misgender transgender students, even in situations where a supposedly empowered parent approves of the use of a new name and/or pronouns, unless legal documents showing a legal name change are produced.  This prohibits WPATH guidelines for letting children try smaller social steps before more drastic and costly steps such as a legal name change.  Not only will some parents lack the financial resources to do so, this also forces the government directly interfere with any plans created by a child's parents and/or medical and mental health providers.  This by itself already cynically fails the goal stated in Section I. Purpose, "...address topics such as the treatment of transgender students with necessary compassion and respect for all students." This policy has almost non-existent compassion and respect for transgender students who are students affected by this policy.

To further demonstrate the lack of compassion and respect LGBTQ students; the previous 2021 policy explicitly includes discrimination as including both sexual orientation and gender identity.  This proposed policy has eliminated both of these terms in all of its definitions of discrimination.  How does this policy better protect them when it does not even acknowledge sexual orientation or gender identity as something that should receive protection from discrimination.

There are numerous other examples of discriminatory issues and language in this policy, which this forum of public comment is inadequate to address, including blatant disregard for transgender student physical safety and mental wellbeing, a cynically unachievable "separate but equal" bathroom bill style proposal, and complete disregard for the spirit of the legislation passed by the previous general assembly, among other items.

The above demonstrates this proposed policy is objectively state sponsored discrimination against LGBTQ and should rightly be opposed.  I therefore, in good conscience, dissent to the adoption of this proposed policy.


DOE Model Policy on Treatment of Transgender Students

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I STRONGLY support the DOE’s new model policy on the treatment of transgender students in public schools!


Transgender policy endangers out children

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This policy should not be enacted!


I support Gov. Youngkin's changes

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Repealing and replacing the previous administraion's "model policy" is a good start!


Proposal seriously fails transgender students

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This document is driven neither by law nor logic but by ideology with the aim of disappearing LGBTQ+ students to the greatest degree possible.

The document speaks of treating transgender students with "compassion and respect" but offers little of either - or, rather, offers them to a particular subset of students.

For example, Sec. IV(B)3 defines "transgender student" as "a public school student whose parent has requested in writing, due to their child’s persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs with his or her sex, that their child be so identified while at school."

That is, only those transgender students who are out to a parent, a parent who in turn is actively supportive, are to be defined as such. Others need not apply.

Meanwhile, Sec. II(A)2 gives the student no voice in determining how they are addressed or their gender expression at school or their access to counseling at school and Sec. II(A)3 effectively requires school officials to out any transgender or indeed any LGBTQ+ student to their parent.

The net effect of these provisions is that those transgender students who are most in need of protection are those to who the least protection is given; indeed, they are given no protection at all.

There was a time - I expect many of the people who wrote these proposals can recall it; it wasn't that long ago - when schools were thought of as safe spaces and teachers were trusted people to who students could go to look for help with issues they did not feel free to discuss with their parent or guardian.

It appears the state of Virginia wishes to do away with that idea - at least for transgender students.


I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION.

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Parents are the first educators of their children, and their rights supersede any dictates of a school or school system.  Bravo, Governor Younkin, for standing up for parents.


Strongly oppose this Guidance

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This new policy will stigmatize trans youth and remove school as the one safe place they can be who they are. Many parents of children who don't identify with the sex of their birth reject  rather than seek to understand and support them.  Allowing kids to be who they are will not ruin their lives - delaying development is reversible.  Denying kids their identity, belittling them, often leads to depression. and sadly suicide.

If parents are worried about kids being assaulted in school bathrooms, make the stall doors longer and remove the doors to the hallway. This would end all kinds of bullying in the bathroom.

The policies introduced by the last administration reflect best practice and are in accord with guidance from the VA General Assembly.


This is a quality safety compromise for all, not just some

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See http://www.statsforgender.org to get accurate information about transgender issues. Parents must be included. We cannot accommodate an infinite number of subjective identities and hence must lean on reality. Can we also reasonably accommodate subjective identities regarding age, race, height, weight, etc.? Of course not. Judge comments on quality, not quantity.


Strongly Opposed to the proposed transgender policy

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I am strongly opposed to the proposed transgender policy for Virginia schools.  The 2021 policy was meant to protect transgender students so they would feel safer and more comfortable in school, but this document is removing these protections under the guise of protecting the rights of parents and treating all students equally.

I have two transgender members of my extended family and a couple of friends with transgender children, so I feel like I have some familiarity with the struggles of transgender youth.  These young people are not trying to undermine family values or corrupt others.  They are simply trying to find their way through a life that is much more difficult that most of ours.  They feel like they are trapped in a body that conflicts with their feelings, they are often teased, bullied or ignored by other people and they are often lonely, depressed and even suicidal.  They are struggling to find their identity and because their feelings go against the accepted norms, they don’t know who they can trust to even talk about their situation.

I once asked my nephew, formerly my niece, when he knew that he didn’t feel like a girl.  He thought for a minute and said, “I think I always knew, as far back as I can remember.  It’s just that everyone else kept telling me differently.”  They are well-aware of traditional roles and they know they don’t fit in.  They don’t need to be shoved back into these traditional roles or shamed.  Instead, they need our compassion, acceptance and respect as they mature.  To me, this would include allowing them to choose their own names and pronouns and to dress as they choose, with special arrangements for bathrooms and locker rooms.

The concept parental rights is a touchy one, because most parents want to know what is going on with their children, even though they must become more independent as they grow.  But, for some of the most personal issues like sex, teenagers often feel more comfortable talking to someone other than parents first.  Most parents would be shocked if their child came to them and told them they wanted to change their gender and would probably not react very well at first.  Because of the strong emotional ties, this is a very difficult issue to deal with between parent and child.  Some parents never accept their transgender child and that is one of the reasons why a child would hesitate to approach them with it.  But most parents come around to realize that they still love their child and want to support their journey, as difficult as it may be.  Please try to put yourself in the shoes of these transgender youth and their families before you judge them harshly.


Strongly oppose.  Shame on Youngkin for hurting vulnerable children for politics.  NOT leadership.

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Very disappointed to see Youngkin continue to focus on harming marginalized communities to score political points.  Riling up a lynch mob is not leadership.  Disappointed in Virginia for continuing this tradition in 2022


just say "no" to woke

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My husband, two young children and I moved here in the midst of a blistering cold winter this past year all the way from toasty California to be in this state because Governor Youngkin gave us this hope that we could raise our children with our beliefs and not have others beliefs forced upon us. Living here for 7 months has been such a relief from the way California has been heading for the past several years. I completely applaud the Governor and his administration for this new policy as it takes a lot of courage to stand up to the woke people and it really gives me hope for the future. Every person deserves to be treated equally and with respect but that does not give certain groups the right to demand special treatment. There is absolutely no way I would be comfortable with my child using a bathroom/lockerroom with a child of the opposite sex. I homeschooled my child in CA because of many, many factors and concerns but once we moved here I put my child in public school and she is very happy. However, I will immediately remove her and go back to homeschooling her if the old policy is reinstated and will homeschool my younger child as well when he is old enough. There have always been a lot of emotions/issues for young people to go through and overcome and even more so nowadays but denying reality is not the answer. It boggles my mind how they say kids know what gender they are when kids don't even know what foods are good to eat or why they have to brush their teeth or why they can't get a tattoo like me? Adults don't know everything and kids know even less. Please Governor Youngkin, do not give in to the woke mob!


Support 2022

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In support of parental rights!!


I support parental rights

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Thank you for doing the right thing governor!


This will not help trans kids

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What happened to all the science based proof that when trans kids are respected and supported, suicide rates among these people will go down? What happened to the fact that school can be a safe space for kids in oppressive households? Yes, parents should have a say over how there kids are treated and educated, but why should it come at the expense of the kids safety? Children in transphobic or suppressive households can be subject to severe physical, mental, and even sexual abuse, which can lead to mental health challenges. Kids who have to go through this policy will be at a higher risk of suicide and self harm than their peers. Even if this isn't the case, why should a child's human rights and right to privacy be sacrificed? Even if they are minors, children are humans too. They should be subject to the same right of privacy and safety their elders are granted. Please, heavily consider this when you make your decision. It can lead to a generation of traumatized and abused children.


I support Youngkin and his bill as a student in high school

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I would personally like to thank Governor Youngkin for looking into this issue. As a female student this bill has been a sigh of relief. A biological boy has been coming into the female restroom at my school and I have been put in a very uncomfortable situation. It is a concern about being raped or assaulted in my own bathroom ever since this started. Loudon County is a prime example of what we females fear might happen to us. The truth is biological males are stronger than the average female and a set of pronouns can't change science. Even though it is argued that being raped in a bathroom by a male can happen in general, the idea of letting a male that identifies as a female takes away social norms and just opens more doors and makes it easier. Also, a high school boy is going through hormonal changes, developing sexually interest; and it makes it even more complicated when you're messing with hormone levels. Originally, I switched to a private bathroom because how uncomfortable I was, but I began to feel isolated. It hit me that I was the one born with the XX chromosomes and I had a right to be in the bathroom that had belonged to me since birth. I switched back, but that didn't take away the unsafety aspect from it. The truth is the biological male using the females' bathroom in my school doesn't even use it as a bathroom. They use it as a place to talk to all their "girlfriends", which the policy beforehand stated that they can only use it to use the bathroom and nothing else. I decided I was simple going to walk out if the biological male was in the bathroom because I didn't feel safe. Multiple times this resulted in me waiting to change pads. There were even times they would walk in when I was using the bathroom, they still had their distinctive male voice, when I was on my period. I became very self conscious because I was in the middle of a pad change. It's hard enough to change knowing there is another girl in the restroom, imagine a biological male who doesn't know or understand what I as a biological female goes through. This side is not talked about a lot, biological boys can't experience periods. They don't bleed for a week and they don't have to worry about bleeding through their pants, and so on. Why on earth should they be in the stall next to a girl experiencing that? Why should I, and other uncomfortable females, be put in a situation like that? I want to make it clear that I do believe that all humans have their own rights, but by not passing this bill my rights are being taken away as a biological female. I understand if a kid is feeling uncomfortable, but that's why we have the private restroom; and a biological kid shouldn't feel forced to use that because of a kid who is choosing to change their identity, because they actually feel that way or because it's a trend. Also, when you're in high school you're testing things out trying to figure out who you are, there's a strong chance that these kids might not feel the same way and go back to their original sex by the end of the school year; I have personally seen this. How many other students were made to feel uncomfortable or threatened during that time? A female shouldn't feel that she had to isolate herself because of a biological male who is taking away her rights. Thank you Governor Youngkin for starting an end to this, please continue on this path for the sake of women and their natural rights.


Parents guide children , not the State!

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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.

The original policy had language that created a wedge between parents and their child, at a time when they need to have more communication—and I support the new update that removes this barrier.

I support the updated language that acknowledges students and teachers can’t be forced into compelled speech that violates their constitutional rights, including First Amendment and religious freedom protections.

I support the updated language that empowers schools to make their own decisions on how to best protect kids—especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable students in a state of undress in locker rooms or overnight sleeping quarters for school field trips.

Middle and High School years can be very challenging, so I’m glad we already have comprehensive bullying policies to ensure a safe environment, while still respecting the rights of all students. That’s why it’s important schools have the freedom—as this updated policy allows— to address bathroom/privacy issues on a case by case basis with parents—and not through a one-size-fits-all pressure tool that treats all districts/communities the same.

Please finalize these updated 2022 model policies as written without removing any of the key protections to restore parental involvement in the process and protect children’s privacy and safety rights.

Respectfully,

Father of two in Loudoun


If you want to pee in the bathroom of your choice then homeschool

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Simple solution. No rules at home. Do as you please


Opposed to hate based fear mongering policy in schools

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I feel as a nurse who was raised Christian and have been practicing until recently (after seeing all the hate coming from the church i have stroped back). We are in 2022 not the 1900s there are many different ways to live your life and raise your children. My children go to public school to learn about the real world not what hateful Glen and Hateful Susie think they should learn. All children should feel safe and have a safe person to talk to. Not all parents are kind loving parents and Glen should know this with how many children are in foster care so of a teacher, nurse, guidance counselor, etc listen and accept a child for who they are so be it. Listening and talking to children is not indoctrination. Do not let the Maga crowd make you fear public school that is their tactic! If you want your child raised on YOUR values then put them in private school. Work two or three jobs to afford it.


TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

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<p>The title says it all. Trans students SHOULD NOT be punished just for existing. </p>


Strongly oppose! Protect trans children.

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As a born and raised Virginian, I strongly oppose the proposed policies. We will fight for the rights of trans youth and will not allow Virginia to become a place where we only respect and uphold the dignity of some children and not others. These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Protect trans and nonbinary kids.


Support Governor Youngkin’s policy 100%

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I support you 100% Governor Youngkin…like you support the parents of OUR children. Thank you!!


This policy is illegal and does the exact opposite of protecting students

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The 2022 Model Policy discriminates on the basis of gender and is illegal both from federal and state laws. It discriminates against any students in schools who portray themselves as a gender that does not align with their biological sex. That is illegal. It takes away the rights of those kids and makes them feel horrible inside. Taking away the right for someone to use their preferred pronouns increases the rates of suicide by a lot. According to the Trevor Project, if a genderqueer, genderfluid, nonbinary, transgender, etc. child has one adult in their lives who uses their correct pronouns, it can decrease the likelihood of suicide by up to 40%, which is nearly half. If teachers aren’t allowed to use a student's preferred pronouns, then that will mean that more people will die from self-inflicted harm. Another thing is that sometimes students will only feel safe to be themselves at school, which could mean that they are openly transgender at school, but aren’t at home. This could be for a variety of reasons; the child’s parents may not be accepting, may be violent, rude, never around, etc. If a child would like school staff to use different pronouns but their parents won’t sign for one of the reasons stated above or others, then that’s unfair for the child. Also, if one of the parents of the child is gone and not in touch anymore, that would mean that the child would not be able to use different pronouns, which is totally unfair. Outing a transgender child to their parents could cause a situation where it ends in suicide. With this policy, suicide rates will go up, and isn’t that what we’re trying to avoid? Last I checked, suicide is a bad thing, and I doubt that has changed in the past two weeks. Please consider this when you decide whether to make this official or not. Thank you, Kinsley.


Support

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<p style="padding-left: 40px;">I strongly support the guidelines and feel that there is a way to respect youth while still  respecting parents. </p>


Parent's Rights

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I support Governor Youngkin's defense of parent's rights.  Parents should be informed of all that is happening at school and other places with their children.  Parents are the child's first educators.


OPPOSE


Support Gov Youngkin, it’s common sense!

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School personnel should never keep sexual secrets from parents, EVER!


Strongly opposed

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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, trans and non binary youth have markedly higher rates of suicide ideation, suicide attempts and death by suicide than their cis peers. To combat the grim reality of these statistics, best practices must be implemented that create a safe environment in the classroom especially if their home environment is not supportive.

Requiring parental permission to address children by their chosen name and pronouns puts the lives of trans kids unnecessarily at risk. I firmly oppose this proposed policy.


Fully support Governor Youngkin!

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No boys in girls bathrooms!


Fully support no boys in girls bathrooms!


100% support


Strongly Oppose!

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<p>Governor Youngkin has no more right to tell my children who they are than I do.  I'm their parent, but THEY get to decide who they are.  This is a change being forced through by a governor only elected by a fluke of covid and the timing of Virginia elections, and who is clearly out of step with the majority of Virginians (and Americans!) on this topic.  He should recognize that the policy JUST enacted by the previous administration is in line with the majority of this state, and will be seen by our grown up children to have been on the right side of history.  THIS policy will be judged by our children long after Youngkin is out of office as discriminatory and on the WRONG side of history.  </p>


Transgender treatment in Va schools

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In what civilized world would adults keep sexual secret discussions with children from parents?


Support

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No more pronoun changes. That is silly.


Proposed plan eliminates dignity and respect for students

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The Governor's proposed plan does not promote privacy, respect or dignity for students. In reality, it violates the privacy of LGBTQ students and disrespects them. As a Virginia parent, I fully support preservation of Fairfax County Public Schools Policy 1450 to protect students, educators, and other staff from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Empowering our children to succeed in school requires support from parents, schools, and governments. This support should protect and respect students, their privacy, and their dignity. The proposed plan does the opposite, while promoting discrimination and the potential for endangerment of LGBTQ students.


Strongly oppose this! Trans rights are human rights!

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<p>I support trans youth. It is a disgrace to treat trans children like this and erase them from existence. Trans rights matter. </p>


Support keeping boys off girl’s sports teams

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Females deserve fair competition and access to scholarships. Men have enough advantages  in our society. They don’t need female sports as well.


Thanks for putting parents back in control

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It goes without saying that the parents of a child are responsible for that child.  When I received my driver license the judge handed my license to my parents and told them if I was responsible it was their choice whether or not to allow me possession of the license.  Why, because it has always been accepted that a parent is responsible for their children.  For our educational departments to usurp that right of the parent, encourage or endorse behavior that the parents would not endorse and hide these facts from the parents.  The decisions made by a child to embrace transgender lifestyle is a permanent and often disruptive and sometimes disasterous decision for the family, parents, child, grandparents, many who love that child and want the best for the Child.

Parents are responsible for their children, not the schools.  Only in severe situations where the child is being endangered by family should the school in corporation with law enforcement intervene.

Samuel Wenger


Strongly support

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Strongly support Gov. Youngkin’s proposed changes.


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Support! Thank you for protecting our kids!


Support this legislation

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I strongly support this legislation


Support Trans Kids!

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These proposed changes put trans youth at risk and will do so much harm. To help and protect our youth we need to affirm their identities and support them unconditionally. When teachers, parents, and community members respect and affirm trans and gender non conforming youth, they can grow and flourish!


I support this legislation

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Parents deserve to be involved. This legislation is much needed.


Oppose this policy

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These policies lack respect and protection for students whose parents/teachers/peers may not be accepting of their gender identification. This can seriously endanger their mental health and jeopardize their healthy development. School personnel should refer to the students by their preferred pronouns and allow students to use restrooms of their gender identification, and discuss these choices with parents only with the student's consent, particularly when the student is middle school age or older. There is general scientific agreement that biologic sex is NOT the same as gender identification.


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

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<p>I believe EVERY student should feel safe when they enter school. I SUPPORT the Governor’s changes to the model policies. Schools Boards  are trying to interfere with the parent- child relationship. </p>


No to endangering trans kids

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The proposed policy will lead to misery for young trans people. These are people who want others to accept their identities. The proposed policy will create terrible unsafety and amounts to torture.


oppose

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We are already losing the best and brightest educators because many are so fed up with the drama.  I will quit my job before I treat a trans student poorly because the government wants to use children as political pawns.  I was hired to educate students because I THOUGHT I was valued as an expert in my field - probably because of my coursework in my core subject, educational philosophy, pedagogy, child and adolescent psychology, sociology, policy, etc.  I see students every day whose family values are much different from mine, and I treat each one with respect because it's not my job to judge them.  It shoudn't be yours either.


Thank you governor for saving the kids of LCPS

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Our school board is in desperate need of oversight. Thank you for rescuing our children!


Oppose

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<p>Our trans students have the right to be protected.  </p>


Gov. Youngkin's changes to education directives

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I support every effort that Governor Youngkin and the elected officials implement that will restore common sense education in the classroom. Measures that make the instructional materials and teachers reflect the parent's ideals. Measures that will restore the parent / teacher cooperation and unity that was evident in our history. Measures that will revive the Parent Teacher Association and reflect the desires of the parents who have the God-given responsibility to raise and educate their children. No law, directive, person or organization has the right to usurp that responsibility. Parents delegate that educational responsibility to the teaching profession, but that profession must be totally transparent and faithful to the parent's desires .


I support this 100%

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Let’s back back to basics- math and science. There is no place in schools for the radical left agenda.


Oppose

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<p>Parents have every right to parent their own kids.  But another parent's rights are no more or less important than mine.  The role of the school is to educate children to be responsible, intelligent, open-minded citizens who can contribute to society.  Sometimes this means examining issues from multiple points of view.  It doesn't mean you have to agree; it simply means you look at things from many different viewpoints.  I want my children (I have three public school children) to have access to information and I trust the teachers to be professionals and to be experts in their field.  I would never tell a brain surgeon how to do his/her job.  Nor would I want a brain surgeon who didn't keep up to date with new research.    Society is changing.  Kids are exposed to SO much right now and we can't pretend they're not just because we're frightened by what's out there.  We need to be responsible adults who teach students to examine information on their own, because parents are not going to hold their hands forever.  We need to embrace a lot of different kids of people.  Refusing to use preferred pronouns is the ultimate disprespect.  Your name and your pronouns are WHO YOU ARE.  You don't have to like it.  Just respect it an move on.  The public schools serve the public . . . all the public.  Not just people on the way left or the way right. I want my own children to have access to as much information as possible, good and bad.  As a family, we will decide how to value such information.  PLEASE trust professionals.  Not everyone is an educator just because everyone went to school.  Not even politicians.  </p>


This policy is fair and balanced and inherently designed to offer protection for ALL students.

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<p>I represent over 500. </p>


I support Gov Youngkin


Trans children deserve support!

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Strongly oppose state mandated harassment of trans children in schools (i.e. these model policies). The only purpose of these guidelines is to create even more hostile conditions for trans and gender nonconforming youth, eroding the social support they may be able to find in educational environments. Shame on the state of Virginia for attacking vulnerable LGBT youth in schools.


Proposed changes are extremely harmful

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<p>I am a trans person who recently graduated high school. It was hard enough as is, but if I had had to hear my birthname and be referred to as a girl every day in what was supposed to be a safe learning environment, I would have been a risk to myself. I cannot even imagine how much worse it would be to be outed to unsupportive parents. Trans children are going to hurt themselves, kill themselves, and drop out of school if these policies are enacted. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This proposed policy is rooted transphobia, seeks to erase trans and nonbinary students from the classroom, would require teachers/faculty to forcibly 'out' students to their parents against their will, prohibits teachers/faculty from supporting trans and nonbinary students, and creates bathroom/sports policies that go against a student's gender identity. This proposed policy not only places students at risk for emotional and physical harm and violence but it is also illegal. Federal court decisions have upheld protections for transgender people and Virginia also has a Human Rights Act that bars discrimination in schools based on gender. </p>


I oppose this hateful cruel bill

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I strongly oppose this cruel and hateful bill.


Strongly Support

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<p>Strongly support.  Parental rights are utmost and we need to get back to Biblical values.  </p>