Stop this cruel and illegal effort to stigmatize transgender children

Elizabeth Ransom, strongly opposed Loudoun County parent

As the parent of a 17-year-old attending public school in Loudoun County, I’m dismayed and distressed that the Virginia governor would consider overturning important protections for some of our most vulnerable students. It makes me ashamed for our county, our state, and our nation to witness this blatantly political, calculated, and cruel effort to further marginalize transgender students.

How ironic to put in the title that the proposed new policy relates to the “privacy, dignity, and respect for all students and parents in Virginia public schools,” when it instead aims to denigrate and undermine transgender students, young people who represent a tiny minority of our population—estimated to be .6% to 1.6%—yet who experience an outsize proportion of discrimination.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that between 19% and 27% of trans and non-binary children suffered assaults. According to NIH and the Center for Suicide Prevention, a third of transgender youth attempt suicide due to gender-based victimization.

This attempt to manipulate parents into thinking their rights have been violated is purely political and harkens back to tactics used in Virginia during the Massive Resistance, when lawmakers refused to enact Civil Rights laws to protect Black Americans and turned citizens against the vulnerable children who were first in line to integrate schools.

Strangely, parts of the proposed guidance actually take parents’ rights away. See page 16, D.5 “The legal name and sex of a student shall not be changed, even upon the written instruction of a parent or eligible student, except as specified in section (C)(2).”

It’s particularly irksome that this new guidance attempts to couch the proposed changes in the language of human rights and respect, but clearly uses mocking language to describe transgender people, saying they are “students with distinctive needs, including any student with a persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs from his or her sex.” Later, it indicates that “many Virginians reject” what they term “the ideological belief that gender is a matter of personal choice or subjective experience, not sex.”

Instead of rolling back rights for transgender children, grant them the rights that we all deserve, and which are expressed in the title of this proposed new guidance--“privacy, dignity, and respect.”

Thank you for the opportunity to express our views. I hope you will listen to the voices of empathy, compassion, and love.

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As the parent of a 17-year-old attending public school in Loudoun County, I’m dismayed and distressed that the Virginia governor would consider overturning important protections for some of our most vulnerable students. It makes me ashamed for our county, our state, and our nation to witness this blatantly political, calculated, and cruel effort to further marginalize transgender students.

How ironic to put in the title that the proposed new policy relates to the “privacy, dignity, and respect for all students and parents in Virginia public schools,” when it instead aims to denigrate and undermine transgender students, young people who represent a tiny minority of our population—estimated to be .6% to 1.6%—yet who experience an outsize proportion of discrimination.

A study by<a contenteditable="false" rel="nofollow" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank" title="Original URL:
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https://click.ngpvan.com/k/51419915/369280460/-930523634?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9OR1AvTkdQMTIvMS85MjY3MiIsDQogICJEaXN0cmlidXRpb25VbmlxdWVJZCI6ICI2YTdjYmE1OC02OTNlLWVkMTEtYTI3Yy0yODE4NzhiODNkOGEiLA0KICAiRW1haWxBZGRyZXN" x="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclick.ngpvan.com%2Fk%2F51419915%2F369280460%2F-930523634%3Fnvep%3Dew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9OR1AvTkdQMTIvMS85MjY3MiIsDQogICJEaXN0cmlidXRpb25VbmlxdWVJZCI6ICI2YTdjYmE1OC02OTNlLWVkMTEtYTI3Yy0yODE4NzhiODNkOGEiLA0KICAiRW1haWxBZGRyZXNzIjogImVsaXphYmV0aHJhbnNvbUBtc24uY29tIg0KfQ%253D%253D%26hmac%3D3n8Aylno1ty9vV4AGYjlNTtrRJLimSqzoCJyH12h_Z0%3D%26emci%3D90e9ac3f-633e-ed11-a27c-281878b83d8a%26emdi%3D6a7cba58-693e-ed11-a27c-281878b83d8a%26ceid%3D10714007&data=05%7C01%7C%7C7ced26a7bd1f45889c1608daa08d4a3c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637998825946167210%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DDxSjEE4WQhDq4eFbeQdZoaU96cdDcxkDRhCQy2a%2FDo%3D&reserved=0"> NIH and the<a contenteditable="false" rel="nofollow" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank" title="Original URL:
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This attempt to manipulate parents into thinking their rights have been violated is purely political and harkens back to tactics used in Virginia during the Massive Resistance, when lawmakers refused to enact Civil Rights laws to protect Black Americans and turned citizens against the vulnerable children who were first in line to integrate schools.

Strangely, parts of the proposed guidance actually take parents’ rights away. See page 16, D.5 “The legal name and sex of a student shall not be changed, even upon the written instruction of a parent or eligible student, except as specified in section (C)(2).”

It’s particularly irksome that this new guidance attempts to couch the proposed changes in the language of human rights and respect, but clearly uses mocking language to describe transgender people, saying they are “students with distinctive needs, including any student with a persistent and sincere belief that his or her gender differs from his or her sex.” Later, it indicates that “many Virginians reject” what they term “the ideological belief that gender is a matter of personal choice or subjective experience, not sex.”

Instead of rolling back rights for transgender children, grant them the rights that we all deserve, and which are expressed in the title of this proposed new guidance--“privacy, dignity, and respect.”

Thank you for the opportunity to express our views. I hope you will listen to the voices of empathy, compassion, and love.


Oppose this policy

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<p>I STRONGLY oppose this set of policies. This does not align with giving trans students in our schools their full personhood. </p>


Strongly Support this Policy that Provides Guidance for Student Safety

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This new guidance is desperately needed.  The desires of a small group of trans students should not be a justification to deprive all other students of the privacy and safety that they have a right to.  We have already seen how Loudoun County Public School administrators and school board members put their desire to implement their ideology in the schools above the safety of students.  This policy is a good start at moving away from a radical agenda and back towards the center.


Gov. Youngkin's policy protects our children

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<p>These common sense regulations reinstate parents rights to decide how to influence their children's value system rather than those outside propagandist.  Parents who disagree with the Governor's policy have ways to have their children accommodated.   </p>


Parents should be notified

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Parents should be told what is going on with their children. School is for learning math, reading, writing, science, history and the basics of living in this world.


Full Support!

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Empowering parents -YES!


I 100% support this!

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<p> Protect our children from this sexually nonsense!  </p>


proposed model policy

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I think the governor's suggestions are reasonable.


Strongly OPPOSE! ??????

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<p>Treat Trans kids with the respect they deserve to flourish! ????? </p>


Strongly oppose

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Stop using children as pawns. Shame on you.


Model policies concerning transgender policies - Support

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<p>I understand that there are some parents who are controlling, and do not have their children's' best interest at heart.  However, most parents that I know are loving, devoted caregivers who know their children better than anyone. Who has cared for them when they're sick, comforted them when they are bullied or have a broken heart, listened to them whenever they have had a problem? We guide them when they are making any number of decisions every day - so why would we not try to help them when they are considering life altering, gender decisions? I don't argue that there are a few bad apples who might try to mold their children to their own ideologies. But in my experience as a retired teacher, most parents want what is BEST and SAFEST for their children. They (we) might get a bit bossy at times, but by and large we are our children's biggest advocates. Deceiving us, and keeping us in the dark is draconian and senseless. Children, especially middle schoolers and early teens do not have the experience or even brain development to make these crucial decisions without the guidance of parents who truly know and love them. Please do not lock us out. </p>


School policies

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I support Governor Glenn Youngkin new school policies protecting students and parents!!


Oppose this!

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<p>The proposed changes will directly harm trans and non-binary youth. Gov. Younkin and the VDOE be responsible for all the harm that will come to precious kids. Good parents love and support their children NO matter what. </p>


Grandma supports


I support these new policies COMPLETELY!

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<p> I believe schools should be concerned about educating our students in English</p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE


100% support

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<p>I agree completely that all students should use restrooms/locker rooms etc that align with their biological sex. I also think it’s extremely important to involve parents in any talks that impact their child. One of the biggest issues with our society is our schools/government is quick to tear down the family, diminishing the importance of parents and it shows in the decline of our country. </p>


Support Gov. Younkin Policy

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<p>It is my job as the parent to protect and help my child through any situation.  It is a teachers job to teach my children reading, writing, history, arithmetic, science, thats it. No more hiding information about our children! </p>


Strongly oppose

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Transgender youths are already far more likely than their non-transgender peers to consider (82%) or attempt (40%) suicide. One in five transgender persons has been homeless. Why do the rights of the transgender youths of Virginia take a backseat to the rights of their parents when we know many parents will be heartless towards their children for who they are? To out a child to a family that is unsupportive - and this will happen - is cruel and may be tantamount to a death sentence for some of Virginia's transgender youth. We must do better for the most vulnerable youths in our commonwealth.


Strongly Oppose - as a parent and as a human

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<p>This cruel policy is a transparent attempt for Youngkin and his administration to use transgender and non-binary children as political pawns. While it claims to honor parents it only honors parents who want to not only control how their own children are treated but how other people's children are treated. Transgender rights are human rights because transgender people are human. This is obvious and it is appalling that it has to be stated over and over again for those who are too scared and close minded to allow other people to live freely. Transgender students have the same rights to non-discrimination as cis students and to try to take away their rights to be honest with their schools and the world about who they are is cruel and discriminatory. If Governor Youngkin and his adminstration are this terrified of a world in which people are allowed to be themselves then they can be free to talk about that among themselves but they are not allowed to try to legislate away the rights of others. To prioritize what a doctor thought about a baby at birth over what that person themselves tells us about themselves is ignorant, cruel, and dangerous. As a parent of school aged children in Virginia I want my child to have the freedom to be able to be honest about who they are and have that be safe. I want that for their friends and fellow students. I want that for every human being. Stop trying to embed discrimination into legislation and policies. Stop hiding your cruelty and bigotry behind "parental rights". I can handle my own parental rights thank you very much. It is the rights of the children that need to be defended. </p>


Support the parents

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<p>  and stop socially experimenting on our kids that leads to medicalization.</p>


FULLY SUPPORT THE NEW K-12 MODEL POLICIES

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<p>Our family fully supports Virginia’s new K-12 model policies.  Children of all ages are very impressionable and it is very sad that this agenda that is being imposed upon young hearts and minds has even been tolerated to the point where we have to set it in stone that just because you may be confused, does not mean you need to confuse children or perpetuate or indulge the agenda.  Children are too quickly becoming victims of twisted minds who seem to possess little to no sound morals.   The confused should not be allowed to confuse the unconfused. That’s predatory.  We pray that this model is only the beginning of getting people’s minds back on the right track—for the sake of the children.  </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE, protect innocent children!!

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<p>This is for Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. Do NOT force teachers to out students. Students who live with adults who oppose transgender rights will be at risk of being kicked out, beaten, or abused. Virginia cannot afford to have any increase in child welfare investigations, or placement into foster care. This is a reckless policy change motivated by hateful politics, not compassion or the best interest of the taxpayer’s money. </p>


OPPOSE.

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This hurts more people than it helps and cisgender kids won't be immune from any residual harm. Oppose oppose oppose.


Transgender people are not political pawns

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When I was 15, I came out as transgender to my family and at school. I was incredibly lucky to have the support of my friends and family, a privilege that not all transgender people have, and I was extraordinarily lucky that my teachers and my high school’s administrators were willing to work with me to help me feel safe and welcomed—a duty all teachers and administrators have, from preschool to university. I was at a crucial stage in my emotional development, and the support I received while I was in high school was incredibly important in helping me come into my own as a young adult. I am 21 now and planning to graduate from the University of Virginia in the spring—something that, before I came out, I did not believe was possible.

I am writing this because I want others to understand the importance of allowing students to express themselves freely without being at risk of bullying or abuse—or even physical harm. Transgender people are no different from any other person, and as such, they should receive the same protections under the law as any other person. Transgender children should not have to suffer in silence or to be isolated from their peers because they are struggling to make sense of their own senses of self. Like any student, they should be accepted and welcomed into their schools’ communities. This issue is not one that should be decided on political lines; it is an issue of treating all children like human beings. I hope sincerely that Governor Youngkin will realize that it is not only the parents that matter, but their children as well.


New school proposal

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I totally agree with this updated proposal for our school children.

thank you to Gov Youngkin for standing up for parents and for protecting our children.  Praying for the important bill to pass!


Strongly OPPOSED

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This proposed policy is first an act of intolerance of anyone that doesn't fall into hetero norms. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it presents a major issue for young people who are not in safe homes and do not have parents they can trust. The issue of parental control has gone too far. We all know that schools are the front lines for identifying issues with young people, remove that and many more young people will be placed at risk. Weigh up the lives of young people against an outdated belief of only two genders.

Don't do this to our young people. They walked out today because they want their voices to be heard and recognized - hear them!


Fully support

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<p> Thank you Governor!  </p>


If you are trying to increase suicide and homelessness amongst trans youth, this is perfect.

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Gov. Youngkin,

I am assuming this policy came from a caring place. Wanting to increase engagement between parents and schools is a lofty goal. This policy, however, looks right past the reality of the situation. Parents who have created open lines of communication with their children, and have demonstrated their unconditional acceptance, generally already know their child is trans or soon will, because the child is preparing to come out to them.

Your model policy only affects trans students who are for some reason afraid to come out to their parents. Some just need more time to come out on their own terms, please give them that dignity  others are genuinely afraid of being kicked out of their home if their truth is revealed  some are so afraid the consequences of outing them would lead to their suicide.

Please, for our students’ mental and physical health as well as their safety, rescind this short sighted, harmful policy


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!

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This legislation does nothing but harm trans kids. This will result in dead children and children with life long psychological struggles. There is no upside to this except for an opportunity to score cheap political points at the expense of the lives and safety of very real children. Everyone involved in suggesting/supporting this should be ashamed of themselves!!!! Jesus wouldn’t even recognize you!


Strongly oppose

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


transgender proposal

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strongly oppose...transgender persons are uncomfortable in their biological sex due to hormone imbalances when they were developing in the womb that affected their entire physical and mental development...they deserve to be treated humanely so they can reach their full potential


I support the newly written policies

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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.

The new policy is needed to strengthen parents' rights and protect students concerning gender identity and bathroom/privacy issues.  Parental involvement is essential to protecting children’s privacy and safety rights.


Support

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<p> It is a parents right to know what is happening with their child and the child's right to have their parents support them. Taking a position that all parents are not supportive of their own child is evil but does point out how the current public education system views parents roles in THEIR kids lives. Where will these public school employees be for the kids when they graduateandove to another school</p>


Vehemently OPPOSED to this horrific anti-trans, anti-nonbinary draft policy

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Trans and non-binary kids need validation and affirmation the same as any person. This policy proposal is all about pure denial and erasure of their very real identities - government-sanctioned gaslighting, basically.  you Glenn Youngkin for even entertaining this in our state, let alone in our schooling system where this kind of support is needed most.


I Oppose the Proposed Changes

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I strongly oppose these changes. Let people be who they ARE! Just because it may make you uncomfortable doesn't mean it's wrong. It's hard enough to exist in this world and children and teenagers have it even tougher just generally speaking. Social media, peer pressure, and self-discovery are proving to be a very challenging mix just on their own. If a person identifies differently than what the 'norms' are-so what? Let's not go back in time but move forward with acceptance for all.  We are all HUMAN despite color of skin, who we love, or who we see ourselves as. Humans. Why is government creeping into our personal lives? -I oppose the proposal of these changes.


Opposed


Oppose

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I oppose this wholeheartedly!


OPPOSE, protect Trans kids

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<p>Trans kids should be able to use whatever bathroom they feel comfortable in. Teachers should protect all students and use the pronouns they identify with. It's a very simple yet important concept to treat everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve especially as they're in the most formative years. </p>


This proposal is goofy, disapprove

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My thoughts on the proposal is that it seems like it's not honest about its true intentions. It's extremely clear to me that the policies proposed will do more harm than good when it comes to LGBTQ students. For one, a lot of students affected by this bill are in households which will potentially kick them out if they were ever outed to them, or worse. School is not just for academics. It's the only other place for students to converse with one another, as well as the fact that school is also about discovering yourself. If schools were only for academics, then why do we have pep rallies? Or after school clubs? Those don't seem academic to me. If a student can figure out their career path, college, and their entire future with school, then they should be allowed to figure out their identity.


I support the governor new policy.

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<p> I support the Governor proposed policy.   </p>


I support this-- parents need to be involved....

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Children can't make these decisions by themselves. Parents who are responsible for the wellbeing of their children have to make these decisions.


Disturbing policy that will only further impact kid's mental health

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Policies like this from a government office makes me thankful that I do not have kids in the school system. This policy is rolling back any type of progress for kids to feel safe to be themselves in school. This will only further perpetuate the mental health crisis that exists. This is so heartbreaking for VA kids and our communities.


Best Governor

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<p>This is such an important step to keep all children safe. Thank you. Strongly support </p>


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Strongly oppose Youngkin's transgender student policy! It is harmful to a group of students who are already at high risk of harassment and suicide.


Transgender Rights Restrictions are unacceptable

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It is absolutely ridiculous that the biggest priority for the governor of this state is making LGTBQ youths uncomfortable for the sake of winning political points. This helps nobody. It hurts a bunch of kids who already have it hard enough. Pushing this agenda can't possibly be worth the number of lives hurt or worse.


Oppose the Proposed Models for Transgender Youth in Virginia Public Schools

Cultivate Charlottesville, Jeanette Abi-Nader & Richard Morris,

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At Cultivate Charlottesville we work with Charlottesville City School youth through hands-on engagement in one of our eight schoolyard gardens. Our City Schoolyard Garden program staff of seven works daily with students from pre-K to high school. We also host a summer paid internship and leadership program for high school students. The garden is not only a place to engage youth in experiential learning about how their food is grown, nutrition, and healthy eating. It is also a space to be themselves, explore friendships, learn in tangible ways that reinforce their academics. Growing into their identity is a core aspect of growing up.

We oppose the recent Guidance Document on Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools put forth by Governor Youngkin. Policies recommended her take agency away from students in growing and exploring who they are. We encourage Virginia public schools to allow students to identify their name and pronouns, to use non gendered bathrooms, and be protected to express themselves freely. We believe this is imperative so that our youth can become fully realized adults, whatever their gender, who serve in the public and private sectors, work in the sciences and humanities, and hold elected office in the service of all our citizens.


Trans rights are human rights

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<p>We must protect trans kids not out them! Protecting all kids should be our goal and that means protecting who they are. LGBTQIA+ students deserve our support and care. It’s been proven as life saving! </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose these policies. Gender (or any other element of identity) is not up to the state to define, limit, or control, and it should not affect a child’s access to safe public education.


Strongly suggest

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<p> I fully support the update of these policies. Parents should have the right to know and stop any indoctrination to their kids in VA schools.</p>


Strongly support saving children


YOU SAY ALL LIVES MATTER THEN HURT THE LIVES OF OUR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

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<p>Since the this regressive was elected, VA has been passing legislation that course more harm than good. Protect our trans youth. </p>


Oppose discrimination

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I oppose limiting the freedoms and rights of young, school-age transsexuals in Virginia who under the U.S. Constitution should enjoy the same freedoms and rights of all Americans. Although Governor Youngkin, his administration, and some parents do not understand or try to understand why Heaven has made them different from others, that in no way abrogates their right to determine what is natural for them. They deserve our respect and love the same as any child in our Commonwealth. To treat them differently than everyone else is blatant discrimination couched in ignorance and intolerance. “Judge not lest ye be judged!”


WE FULLY SUPPORT THE NEW K-12 MODEL POLICIES

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<p>Our family fully supports Virginia’s new K-12 model policies.  Children of all ages are very impressionable and it is very sad that this agenda that is being imposed upon young hearts and minds has even been tolerated to the point where we have to set it in stone that just because you may be confused, does not mean you need to confuse children or perpetuate or indulge the agenda.  Children are too quickly becoming victims of twisted minds who seem to possess little to no sound morals.   The confused should not be allowed to confuse the unconfused. That’s predatory.  We pray that this model is only the beginning of getting people’s minds back on the right track—for the sake of the children.  </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Protect transgender students! Student safety is the most important priority. Don’t cave in to extremist parents.  </p>


Opposed to VA Governor Youngkin's Proposed Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students

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No one should hide behind bigoted and intolerant religious values which dehumanize anyone.  It is shameful and unacceptable that a government official representing all Virginians should create polices that would be so cruel and harmful to anyone, especially children.


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose Governor Youngkin's proposed policy regarding transgender students. Do not roll back rights they've gained!


I oppose

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I am opposed to the Governor’s revised guidance regarding trans students.  I retired from teaching after 35 years.  When students are fearful at home, they need advocates in the schools. Please don’t tie the hands of teachers, counselors, and administrators who want to protect children from abusive parents


I strongly oppose Gov. Youngkin’s guidance document

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I am completely against this draft guidance document. This guidance document will make schools less safe for transgender and nonbinary students — particularly those whose parents are not supportive of their lived gender identity — and to make it extremely difficult for students to socially transition at school where they spend a majority of their time.

This revised draft guidance document will only hurt students in a time when students are facing unparalleled mental health challenges, and it is a cruel attempt to politicize the existence of LGBTQ+ students for political gain.  I call for the VDOE to revoke its draft revisions and for school boards to affirm their commitment to protect all students by rejecting these bigoted proposed guidelines.

The Youngkin proposal is an about-face from the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools, adopted in early 2021 and created by the Northam administration after the General Assembly directed the education department to develop guidance on how schools should treat transgender students.

The 2021 policies directed schools to affirm transgender and nonbinary students’ gender identity, prevent bullying and harassment, and generally “minimize social stigmatization for such students and maximize opportunities for social integration so that all students have an equal opportunity to attend school, be engaged, and achieve academic success,” the 2021 version states. Schools were required to adopt policies that affirmed a student’s right to participate in class and activities according to their gender identity, and they were also expected protect transgender students’ rights to privacy and confidentiality, particularly in cases where they could experience bullying, harrassment, or other consequences if their identity was made public at school or to unsupportive family members.

School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their gender identity, and schools should address this on a case-by-case basis. If a student is not ready or able to safely share with their family about their gender identity, this should be respected.

The original law passed by the General Assembly — which resulted in the 2021 model policy document — required that school divisions adopt their own versions of gender-inclusive policies. The education department’s new 2022 proposal also includes language suggesting that school divisions will again be expected to develop their own policies in-line with the new state model.

In Virginia, we have a law that says our schools will protect transgender and gender expansive students. That’s what the law says. Governor Youngkin can’t just decide he doesn’t like the law and put out some new guidelines to reverse the law.


Strongly OPPOSE!


I support this policy this family-friendly policy

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<p> Our family is very much in favor of this proposed model policy from the VA DOE on the privacy</p>


Parents should be part of their kids education in and outside public schools

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Removing or preventing parents from full access to their children's education in order to promote the LGBT agenda or any other agenda is wrong and has no place in the public school system.


Parental Rights Policy


FULLY OPPOSE

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These are extremely harmful policies for trans students who are already a more vulnerable population. Stop attacking trans youth!


OPPOSE!!!

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As a parent in Virginia, I strongly oppose this bill which won't accomplish anything other than punishing trans kids who are already incredibly vulnerable and the parents who love them.

Youngkin ran on a platform of giving more power to parents and letting them have more say in their children's education. Yet with this bill, he is basically saying parents don't have a right to make decisions that impact their children. This is government overreach, cruel, and nothing more than a political stunt. Youngkin hopes it will buoy his changes for President. It won't.


Support

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


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>“It has nothing to do with protecting parental rights or protecting anyone, for that matter of fact. It’s another hateful way of discriminating against the LGBTQ+ community.” - Tanya Dubey</p>


Strongly Oppose - this policy will kill

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This policy will lead to the suicides of trans kids. No parental "rights" are worth the state-sanctioned abuse of children by transphobic parents. Youngkin will have blood on his hands by the end of this.


OPPOSE!


Strongly support

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<p> I strongly support this change that protects parental rights and allows them to keep informed of all aspects of their children’s health and wellness.  </p>


new Transgender students policy

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Strongly oppose Gov. Youngkin's new transgender student guidelines! These kids are bullied enough already without the Gov. of Virginia piling on.


Support Parents have the right to protect their children

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What is wrong with these insane adults and educators that think its ok to groom and advocate sexual promiscuity in the classroom without parental consent? Children need to be protected from the likes of you.

Defund public education..

Linda

Williamsburg VA


SUPPORT Transgender-new model policies

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I am writing to express my support for the the New Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public Schools. Thank you for doing this!


I support

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<p> I support this.  </p>


I wholeheartedly oppose this change in guidance

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<p>As the father of three children who attend public schools in Hanover county I can't tell you know enough how much I oppose this change to the guidance involving trans-youth. First, I'm not sure it's legal as the way that Virginia code 22.1-23.3 states that any changes in guidance have to be made in accordance to evidence-based best practices. As of yet, no evidence-based data or expertise has been offered by the Youngkin administration. In face, almost all data would tell you that this change of guidance is dangerous and risks the health and safety of trans and non-binary children in our public schools. While providing no additional safety or benefit to cis-gendered students.   </p>


Transgender kids in VA

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<p>I oppose this proposal to take away the rights of transgender youth in Virginia.  These policies  are unkind and unnecessary. They are punishing to the students  being targeted and are causing distress to their fellow students.  </p>


Transgender kids in VA


I strongly support this new policy.

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I support 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.

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. Thank you Gov. Youngkin for your concern for the safety and well being of our children.


Support for Parents to be in charge of their Kids

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<p> This bill gives parents back the rights they should always have regarding their own kids. It is disturbing that the school systems think they can hide anything about the kids from their legal guardians or make any decisions related to their welfare. Schools need to stick to academic instruction on assigned courses only.thank you Gov.  </p>


I oppose proposed policies. Show respect to all children

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<p>Governor Younkins, please withdraw this proposed policy which will result in bullying and pain to those who you deem “different”.   Love one another  -  There is that of God in every person  what more can one say.  </p>


Stop intentionally hurting kids as a political platform

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When you pass guidelines, if your only intention is cruelty against people rather than considering how you might actually help people, you should question your own ethics.


Transgender legislation

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Transgender Americans are human beings and deserve the same level of respect and humanity as any other group of Americans. Transgender kids deserve to treated like any other kids whether in school, sport, or anywhere else. History will judge us for how our gov’t treats the most vulnerable amongst us.


Great job! I support!

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Thank you for protecting children against this evil!


Strongly Oppose

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Strongly oppose.  What a misguided way of showing love and compassion for these kids.


I support Youngkins policy


Hope you kys :D

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You are literally willing to kill abunch of kids to make you feel good like kids are dying and your one thing was to tell homophobic and transphobic parents that their kid is a gay or trans that stuff gets people beat and killed and if you are willing to stand with that you are a sick and horrible individual and I hope you rot in the fire pit they call heel you nasty as cracker :)


Mind Your own Business.

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This is a personal issue, not a public one.  The decision should rest with that person, regardless of their age.  It should not be up for school board, governor, state, or public debate.  At most its a discussion between an underage person and their legal guardian.  In the long run, when that person reaches 18, you will have to address them by their chosen name.  In the mean time ... everybody else needs to mind their own business.


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I strongly support the proposed 2022 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students. It should be adopted as written without alteration.

The current current "transgender" policies  (adopted in 2021) are harmful to students.  The new policy is needed to strengthen parents' rights and protect students concerning gender identity and bathroom/privacy issues.  Parental involvement is essential to protecting children’s privacy and safety rights. School officials should not be allowed to deceive parents when their children are making potentially life-altering decisions regarding their gender identity.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>Trans kids should be able to use whatever bathroom they feel most comfortable I'm without harrassment from any entity. Period. </p>


Youngkin’s Policies

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I strongly object to the Youngkin policies.  Don’t the students have enough problems without the government adding more?


Support Kids and Their Family Support System

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<p> Kids are just that</p>


Strongly disagree

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Having worked in the victim services field for over 20 years, I know the impacts youth face on the basis of their identity, including harassment and physical and sexual violence. This policy endangers youth by forcing them to be someone they are not. Many youth are not able to be out to their parents because of potential abuse and neglect. Please reconsider the move to change this model policy.


Strongly OPPOSE

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<p>Strongly OPPOSE </p>


Stop the abuse of children support this policy


Strongly Support

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<p>It is not up to the state or the school to raise our children. Such decisions should be in the parents hands until the child turns 18. If I child is too young to decide if they should drink, smoke, or to serve their country, it is ridiculous to think that they can make life altering decisions at such a tender age. </p>


Support

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<p>I unequivocally support this! Gender social transition is a powerful psychosocial therapeutic tool that experts agree should only be undertaken under the guidance of a medical professional. Schools have no business promoting the social transition of a child, especially without consent and input from parents. Parents have long been acknowledged as having rights related to the upbringing of their children. Additionally, sex-based rights of students must be acknowledged and maintained over the pseudoscientific, quasi-religious notion of ‘gender.’ </p>


This is horrible, taking away rights of children has never and will never be ok.

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We need to protect our trans youth and stepping away our right is only putting us at risk. Yall need to state helping us not harm. I'm sick of it!


OPPOSE. PROTECT OUR TRANS KIDS!

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Trans rights are human rights!


Oppose

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<p>Please let kids be who they wanna be, and pee where they want to pee. Don't let big government legislate where students need to use the bathroom. I don't care how you identify or what bathroom you use. School is about learning, and government shouldn't be about wasting our time debating non-issues. </p>


Strongly support governor Youngkin

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Strongly support governor Youngkin

governor Youngkin recognizes that parents do not want schools to make choices for their children pertaining to gender issues.  protect your students and keep boys and boys locker rooms and girls and girls locker rooms and bathrooms!


Everyone deserves respect; not just white Christians

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<p>Why should anyone respect you, if you don’t respect them? </p>


Strongly Oppose this

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<p>This type of policy will only cause these young people unnecessary pain and suffering. </p>


Oppose!!!


Strongly oppose


Don't Use Children as Political Pawns

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<p>As a parent, I am continually dismayed at what our governor is doing to our public schools. Younkin's proposal creates an unsafe and hostile environment for children in schools.  We should be working on ways to help children thrive, not to make their lives more difficult. Transgender children exist, they have always existed and they deserve to be who they are without shame or harassment. </p>


Agree

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The schools our children attend should not be required to adhere to social desires of certain groups over the safety and wishes of another group. I could care less what you or your child believes they are, what they identify as, or what sex they are attracted to.  There are two biological sexes in humans, male and female. Biological males should have no access to female restrooms or locker rooms, doesn’t matter what they believe they are or what they feel like. Females should have no access to male restrooms or locker rooms, no matter what they believe they are or feel like. If these few students do not feel comfortable using their biological bathroom then they should ask to use a unisex administration bathroom.  Schools should not make the majority of females or males feel uncomfortable because a handful of people feel like they are a different sex.  Males should not be allowed to participate in female sports.  Females can not physically compete with males on even playing fields and it will put the female athletes at risk of injury.

Entire generations of females have fought for the right of females in government, sports, and life and now we are supposed to turn all that over to a boy that wants to be a girl.


Support mental well being of our students

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<p> this does the opposite</p>


Strongly Against

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<p>Schools need to be a safe place for transgender kids, especially for those who may not have support at home.  I fear that these policies will only make life worse for our most vulnerable children, far too many of whom are already at risk of self harm.  </p>


Protec

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<p>Instate/reinstate protections for children with non-binary identities. </p>


Strongly Opposed

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<p>I am strongly opposed to this policy. Transgender youth already constantly experience discrimination and prejudice in their lives. Schools are supposed to be a safe space for all, and this new model policy clearly doesn't reflect that. I worry about the harmful effects this policy will have on trans children. LGBT youth already experience significantly higher rates of depression and suicide. Why can't people just be kind and respect others? Every child has a right to be respected and to be called the name and pronouns they wish, especially in public schools. </p>


Parental Rights Policy

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<p>I am in agreement this policy as it honors and protects both the parents and the students. </p>


OPPOSE

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<p>Strongly oppose! </p>


Support this stomgly


Trans rights are human rights

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As someone who has many friends that are non-binary and trans women/men, I will do anything to fight for their rights. Trans people are not monsters, they are humans who feel uncomfortable in the body that they were born with. Imagine that. Being born as a beautiful young man/woman, growing up thinking the way you feel is normal and that you’re supposed to feel uncomfortable in your body because of puberty, but in reality you’d feel more comfortable in the opposite gender or just no gender at all. How confusing would that be for someone with an uneducated family or a family that doesn’t support being human? Emotions are human, your body is human. Education should matter most, not what is in a student’s pants. By belittling a student’s rights and their everyday human life, you’re actively failing the people of your country that you promised to help by being our governor. The governor does not have a right to judge when he doesn’t understand the feelings of these students. They have a human body just like we do, who are you to judge what they decide to change for themselves and their mentality?

Thank you.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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All children should be able to go to school in peace and be recognized for who they are.  When I realized I was gay in the early 1990s, I couldn't talk to anybody at home because my family was religious and I couldn't talk to anybody at school because it was a religious school.  It was incredibly harmful to my development.

This kind of policy has no place anywhere...least of all in non-religious public schools where children from ALL walks of life go together.


i disapprove of this

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this takes away the rights of adolescents of feeling safe in school


Approve the new guidance

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These policies are a step in the right direction. Thank you for updating 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.


OPPOSE!!!!!!!!. WE NEED TO PROTECT TRANS KIDS


STRONGLY OPPOSED to Virginia DOE hateful attack on transgender and non-binary children

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This hateful attack by Gov. Youngkin and Virginia DOE is an extension of this administration's policy of dehumanizing transgender and non-binary children. Harming, not helping, children. Taking away a person's human rights, not protecting them.  Cruelty to others, not assistance. Hate instead of love and support.  That's this administration's platform.

Right up there with the administration's hateful desire to deny women their human right to be the sole decider in their reproductive healthcare decisions (translation - only each individual person has the right to decide what happens to their pregnancy - no one has the right to decide what happens to another person's pregnancy).

I can't wait to vote you out of office!!!!!!!


Strongly Oppose

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Please stop forcing your religious beliefs on others.  It is not your right to impose your sense of gender on others.  In addition it is rude not to to call people what they ask.  Children are people, too - sometimes they ask to be called silly things sometimes the requests are more serious.   It is not OK for you to require parental consent to request to be called something else - parents can be abusive.  And it is down right silly, actually.  Are you going to request all Johns get permission to be called Johnny?  Unless you are, this law is discriminitory.   Will you ask all students with long hair to prove they are female/male?  My child gets mistaken for a different gender ALL THE TIME.  When he/she corrects you are you going to ask him/her to pull his/her pants down to prove it?  When he/she heads for the bathroom are you going to make him/her prove he/she is going to the "correct" one?  Will you freak out because you think they are going to the "wrong" bathroom?  What if I'm not there to ask?  Will you believe my child?  Or will you humiliate them?


Oppose this !

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Don't let  like this pass and make this country even worse than it already is. You're taking away rights we have just earned and only taking away more. Oppose this . Don't ignore it.


Totally support our governor


Our trans students deserve support. not demonization

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Trans people have always existed, and will continue to exist, regardless of what policy a school board passes. What a "debate" like this does is create an environment where trans people feel marginalized, attacked and threatened. Trans people are already at an increased risk of suicidality. Our love and support is needed, not our judgement and targetting.

Finding a trusted adult is key to survival. Denying children and teens the ability to share their authentic selves with an adult they trust is cruel and heartless. As a parent myself, I understand that teens always have things they are not ready to share with their parents yet, and I am thankful that there are adults in my teen's school who he does trust in those situations.

I trust trans people in their knowledge of who is safe and who is not. Denying them the opportunity to decide for themselves who to share with is unconscionable.


Strongly oppose anti-trans policies

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<p> Strongly oppose anti trans policies</p>


Virginia Regulatory Town Hall

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Be proud of the gender God gave you and pray for all. Parents follow the law of the Lord.


OPPOSE!!!


Fully Support

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<p> I fully support the update of these policies that rebalance the education system in the State of Virginia. The current push of transgenderism by teachers</p>


Oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy, outing trans kids could be putting them in dangerous situations in their families. Some kids would be kicked out if their parenrs found out they were gay or trans, or they might attempt to put them through some program to "fix" them. Its just going to harm the kids.


Transgender children and adolescents should not be bullied by Commonwealth

American Psychiatric Association Website

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The model policy appears designed to facilitate child stigmatization, discrimination and victimization, to harm public education, and to increase child suicide. After reading malicious comments from folks seeking explicit harm on children by insisting this policy on all and on all families, please consider this information from American Psychiatric Association's website in your review and in your program performance metrics.

Family and societal rejection of gender identity are some of the strongest predictors of mental health difficulties among people who are transgender According to the American Psychiatric Association.  Parents of children and adolescents who are transgender may benefit from support groups. Peer support groups for transgender people themselves are often helpful for validating and sharing experiences.

Transgender people suffer from high levels of stigmatization, discrimination and victimization, contributing to negative self-image and increased rates of other mental health disorders. Transgender individuals are at higher risk of victimization and hate crimes than the general public. Suicide rates among transgender people are markedly higher than the general population.

Transgender children and adolescents are often victims of bullying and discrimination at school, which can contribute to serious adverse mental health outcomes. Interventions are often needed to create safe and affirming school environments.

Support for people with gender dysphoria may include open-ended exploration of their feelings and experiences of gender identity and expression, without the therapist having any pre-defined gender identity or expression outcome defined as preferable to another. Psychological attempts to force a transgender person to be cisgender (sometimes referred to as gender identity conversion efforts or so-called “gender identity conversion therapy”) are considered unethical and have been linked to adverse mental health outcomes.

Support may also include affirmation in various domains. Social affirmation may include an individual adopting pronouns, names, and various aspects of gender expression that match their gender identity.  Legal affirmation may involve changing name and gender markers on various forms of government identification.

The term “transgender” refers to a person whose sex assigned at birth (i.e. the sex assigned at birth, usually based on external genitalia) does not align their gender identity (i.e., one’s psychological sense of their gender). Some people who are transgender will experience “gender dysphoria,” which refers to psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one’s sex assigned at birth and one’s gender identity. Though gender dysphoria often begins in childhood, some people may not experience it until after puberty or much later….

https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoria


I OPPOSE

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Inclusivity is for all everyone deserve rights


This Has Already Been Litigated

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This issue has already been litigated in Grimm v. Gloucester. Do not waste taxpayer dollars on future lawsuits.

Also, bullying trans students is morally wrong, but since you don’t care about the morality of the law, then put your money where your “fiscally conservative” mouths are and do not waste taxpayer dollars.


Strongly oppose


Let kids pee! As long as they wash their hands.

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<p>Forcing children to use a bathroom that they don’t feel comfortable in under the guise of “parents’ rights” is absurd. What about the students’ rights? How many LGBTQ children will be bullied and harassed or even assaulted more when they’re forced to go to a bathroom that doesn’t suit their gender? A haircut can be the difference between many kids “presenting” as biological male or female. What happens when a child is forced to enter a bathroom that doesn’t align with their biological birth sex, but others see that child as entering the wrong one? How many cases of “mistaken identity” assaults or harassment will there be? During the school day, most kids have 5 minutes to make it to their next class and use the bathroom. Running in to a stall then emerging into the common bathroom area to wash their hands before dashing out seems an innocuous thing. It’s unnecessary and cruel to force a child or any person who genuinely identifies as a certain gender to use a bathroom that differs from that identity. Just let the kids go pee and then get back to learning. I’m so tired of the politicization of the day to day activities of people just trying to live their lives. Go read a book and touch some grass instead. Live your life and stop worrying about who stands and who sits to pee. </p>


Oppose!


youngkin transgender rights


Strongly SUPPORT

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<p>Children are not fully developed human beings. They lack the cognitive thinking skills needed for agreeing to social transition which is a train ride to medicalizing FOREVER. Exploring every angle of deep therapy to get at the root cause of distress or dysphoria is what is needed. No one knows or loves a child more than their parents. Parents should absolutely be involved in all aspects of their child’s life. </p>


Support Gov. Youngkin

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<p>As a father of four, I would never want the Government to use social engineering methods upon my children, be it Federal or State. Parents alone have the responsibility and obligation to raise their children. School is supposed to be for education, not indoctrination. The quality of education in Virginia's schools has dropped significantly relative to the introduction of social engineering coupled with keeping parents in the dark regarding these changes. </p>


Model policies for schools

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I’m writing in support of the new Virginia model policies for transgender students in schools. As a public school educator, I disagreed with my district’s policy of keeping student gender decisions secret from parents. Fairfax County Public Schools previous policy was harmful and dangerous for children. Schools should never keep important information secret from parents, who must be supported. It is educational best practice around the world to keep parents informed of all aspects of their child’s life and education and to involve parents in decisions regarding their children.

Sincerely,

Krystyn Carey


Support

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


Have you noticed the Robo Posts?

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Has anyone noticed that the posts that STRONGLY OPPOSE are Anonymous and the same posts are out multiple times?  Most of the post that agree have a name listed.

I support a parents right to know.


I Oppose


I oppose


Stop attacking students for political gain

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I am opposed to this measure and continue to be disappointed by Glenn Youngkin as he continues his attacks on the students and educators of Virginia. This is yet another GOP attempt at villainizing these youths and continuing to attack them for simply wanting to exist and be most comfortable with themselves. There is no good reason to rollback policies that protected transgender students, and these policies put these children in danger. Not all students have home lives that are accepting of their identities, with some students seeking to keep this information from abusive parents. School is not just a place of education, but a pillar of community where children grow. It is a place where they should feel safe and welcomed, regardless of identity. This policy is antithetical to this, and I strongly oppose any implementation of it.


Youngkin Model Policies regarding transgender students Grades K-12

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FULLY SUPPORT Youngkin’s policies


Oppose this policy

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Today I am inspired by the thousands of Virginia students who are walking out of school in protest of the Governor's proposal to remove trans protections enacted by the previous administration, and require parental request for trans student bathroom and pronoun use. I write in strong opposition to these policies that will harm Virginia's young people. This proposal is based on hate and fear, and has no place in Virginia public schools, which instead should be a place of acceptance and inclusion. Our schools should be a safe space for all students. This policy would be inhumane and dangerous for some of our most vulnerable students.


Strongly agree

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I strongly agree with Governor Younkin policy on transgenders in our school system.


A policy to endanger students

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This misguided policy, rooted in fear and bigotry, will endanger LGBTQ students. First, if students must disclose to their parents, those students with intolerant parents (of whom there are many, given the comments here) will likely suffer from parental anger, alienation, or abuse. Second, an anti-LGBTQ policy is state-sanctioned bigotry. How can schools be safe places for queer students when the school itself--and the state that sponsors it--does not recognize the needs of and dangers to these children? Gov. Youngkin is catering to the worst instincts of his base, bigoted, intolerant people who fear change; he was elected by catering to them. Now he is continuing to spread his ugliness in ways that will lead to suicides and runaways. As a Republican, I thought Youngkin claimed to be pro-life. Then why is he endangering the lives of these children?


AGREEMENT

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I am definately  in AGREEMENT with the new proposed policy guidance.

I would love to see us strengthen parents' rights and protect students on this issue.

Thank you.


Oppose


OPPOSE

The proposed policy is fear based rhetoric from a non-existent leader in VA.Focus on ALL OF the people of Virginia that you were elected to represent.  I stand with the trans people in my life and strongly oppose this.

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The proposed policy is fear based rhetoric from a non-existent leader in VA.
Focus on ALL OF the people of Virginia that you were elected to represent.

I stand with the trans people in my life and strongly oppose this.


Oppose

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The proposed change seems inhumane and cruel.  Why don't you concentrate on teaching children and not this silliness.  Let the person decide what they want to be called, why is that so hard?  You are supposed to represent all Virginians.


Strongly oppose


I strongly support

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<p> The family unit is the fundamental organizing principle of our society. No government has the right to break up the family unit except under the most extraordinary circumstances. Schools that set themselves up as “substitute parents” are grossly out of bounds. Schools have no right to transition students’ gender without parental consent. They cannot give students Tylenol without parental consent! This policy also protects young women and girls from biological boys with serious mental health problems and preserves women’s right to fair and equitable completion in sports. Thank you to the Youngkin administration for protecting girls and families from the craziness of the trans movement!  </p>


Strongly OPPOSE the new proposed guidelines!!!

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<p>All students deserve to feel safe and valued at school, including transgender and gender non-conforming students. Repressive religious and political beliefs about gender norms related to biological sex have no place in creating a safe school environment for all. </p>


Parental rights of minors

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<p>I am very pleased that parents will retain the rights to educate and protect their children in sensitive areas.  </p>


STRONGLY oppose

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Acknowledging people's identities is far cry from pushing an agenda. Focus on your own kids and their wellbeing and stop trying to mask your transphobia with feined concern for children


Oppose this policy. Save lives.

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“A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health demonstrates the power of affirming transgender youth’s identities: For each additional context (i.e., at home, school, work, or with friends) in which a transgender youth’s chosen name is used, their risk of suicidal behavior is reduced by more than half.” All students deserve to feel welcomed in schools. This policy is lethal. Protect trans youth. Oppose this policy!


Oppose

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<p style="text-align: left;">As a teacher of 45 years i feel that any legislation that targets Trans students and youth is exceptionally cruel  for both them and their parents . Our Government is supposed to protect its citizens …..all citizens . </p>


Strongly support!!!! Thank you Youngkin!

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<p> Strongly support Youngkin’s updated policy.  </p>


OPPOSE ANTI-TRANS POLICIES

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We should be wanting to support ALL children regardless of our own personal values. A right to privacy, decency, and respect should have no strings attached. Support transgender students instead of singling them out or shuning themfrom public life.


Thanks Youngkin for supporting the LGBTQ community.

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this new policy is great.  Thanks!


oppose oppose oppose

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the proposed policy is dangerous. it would do nothing but harm trans children and result in deaths. trans children deserve an safe environment free from discrimination


Absolutely against this.

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This is cruel and inhumane. Maybe that's the point--you don't want people seeing trans kids as human because then it's easier to make them seem "sick" or "in need of guidance." There's nothing wrong with trans kids and this legislation is simply punching down at the most marginalized people in our communities. It's political bull during a time when those kids need more help than ever. I absolutely oppose this, and anyone who claims to be supporting our kids should actually go ahead and do that instead of going after them.


Support

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<p> Though we need to find a solution for Trans Rights</p>


Support Trans Kids

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<p>This policy sucks! </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose these changes and feel we must protect all children no matter how they identify.  </p>


Fully support! CHILDREN need their parents.

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<p> This is not about adults</p>


Totally oppose.

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Many children who know they are not straight and/or know they are in the “wrong body” know their parents will not be understanding and/or accepting. Forcing them to try to talk to their parents can lead to them being kicked out of the house, ridiculed, or to suicide. Look at chromosomal “abnormalities” rather than your religion for the facts. Give kids help, not hell.


OPPOSE - Here’s why

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We need more inclusion and more love in this world.  We will not become the Trump dictatorship that Youghkin is in favor for- galavanting around other states supporting his “Big Lie”

I am proud to be in a southern state that has everyone’s best interests at hand. Not one that takes away trans and women’s rights.

This is an assault on humanity, and the youth of this state and all the states in America deserve more.


Oppose oppose oppose

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<p>Oppose this strongly </p>


Strongly Support

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Parents Support Governor Youngkin!


I support all children and want all children to be and feel safe!

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<p> To whom it may concern:  I feel that this proposed legislation that references the rights to privacy and protection for Transgender youth is highly dangerous and discriminatory. Transgender youth are the most likely proportionally to have ideations of self-harm or suicide</p>


Amended school policy

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Governor Youngkin is the voice of reason.  People who are opposed to this are obviously leftists whose sole intent is to destroy the family unit by usurping God-given rights to parents to oversee the welfare of their children.

I work in the school system and every student who brings up this woke idiocy thinks it’s “stupid”. These are students who have trans, non-binary, gay etc siblings.

I am willing to bet the majority of students who walked out today have no concept of the issue, just another excuse to get out of the classroom.

I fully support Governor Youngkin and hope he continues down this path to restore reason to our state.

God bless you Governor!!!


Strongly support

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<p> You are doing the good thing  </p>


Cruel and unnecessary policy

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Have some grace and care for our children and don’t enact this cruel policy


Virginia Dept of Ed doc on transgender policies

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I am pleased and in agreement with the Virginia Department of Education releasing a document containing new guidance for school districts that would realign current harmful "transgender" policies to instead strengthen parents' rights and protect students on this issue. I am in favor of this step, and pray that it will pass any opposition.


Trans democrat and I stand with Youngkin.

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<p>Great job Youngkin.  As a non binary trans human I 100% support this new policy.  Thanks Youngkin for protecting all children.  </p>


Transgenderism takeover of schools and education

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I oppose the introduction of a third sex into the schools.I  think bathrooms and programs should be based on biological sex rather than other psychological classifications such as queer or bisexual.


Support

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<p> I support the Governor of VA in his stance on parental rights. Govt was not formed to dictate to parents how they should raise their children</p>


Oppose

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<p>This will cause harm to children. As a mental health therapist,oppose this legislation. </p>


VA new K-12 model policies

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I am in full AGREEMENT with Virginia's new K-12 model policies!


Educator who supports this policy

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<p> Parents should always be informed when something involves their child… always  </p>


Support LBGTQ youth!

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<p>Is this really what we need to be spending our time on, hating on LGBTQ youth?? Come on, Virginia, we are better than this! </p>


VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE. THIS POLICY WILL KILL

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I only graduated high school last year, and I came out as transgender to my teachers my senior year. School was a safe haven for me, as my mother was incredibly emotionally and physically abusive and kicked me out just after graduating because of my identity. If this policy were in place when I was in school, I would have been barred access to the kindness that got me through that year. I was suicidal and didn't see myself living past 18, but I had the support of teachers who wanted me to thrive and make it out alive. I still have the birthday card my science teacher gave me just after coming out, because its the first gift I ever got that had my name on it. I plan on cherishing it forever. I truly don't see how I could have gotten through the school year alive without teachers who listened to me when I told them who I was. Multiple other trans friends of mine have been beaten and sexually assaulted for using the bathroom that "aligns with their sex at birth;" a bathroom ban will not reduce the chance of rape; it will only cause more. I am terrified for those growing up just after I did, and I want to be hopeful for kids of the future, not terrified for their wellbeing. I am begging anyone to believe us when we tell them who we are, because we will never stop shouting it from the rooftops. Why should we have to suffer when we don't happen to turn out the way our parents wanted us to?


I strongly support

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To Whom it May Concern,

I'm just writing to tell you that as a parent, I am in complete agreement with this bill. I want for all girls and young ladies to be protected, as we have seen from Loudoun County how the needs of young ladies weren't taking into consideration and outright ignored by allowing a male who identifies as female access to female spaces. It is important to continue to have and set boundaries. We seem to have none anymore. Please support parental rights in keeping us privy to the goings on in our public schools with OUR children. We all know that there are many folks posing as Virginians in this forum. Listen to the actual residents and parents. We voted for Governor Youngkin, Lt. Governor Sears, and AG Miyares for a reason. It was to keep Virginia sane. Let us not bend to the woke mob and give the power back into the hands of the citizens. Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

KSJ


Governor's Transgender Student Policies

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Strongly oppose.  What a misguided way of showing love and compassion for these kids.


Thank you Gov Youngkin.

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The real abuse is done by the teachers that encourage this trans fabrication.  These people are causing horrible damage to a generation.  The future will look back at this time in shock and disbelief.  Not so long ago society viewed the Muslim practice of female genital butchery in horror, we scorned the practice.  Today we have select few that think butchering our kids is now ok.


Why are the “parental rights” more important than a child’s right to be happy?

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<p>This policy is incredibly transphobic. Parents shouldn’t have to provide specific documents just for their child to be addressed correctly. Teachers shouldn’t have their jobs at risk for addressing students as their chosen name. Students shouldn’t be made to have their mental health ruined by being addressed by a name/pronouns that don’t align with who they are. What harm could possibly arise by letting people be who they are? They aren’t hurting anyone, they are preaching love and acceptance (“love thy neighbor”). Furthermore, not every parent has their child’s well-being at heart. Forcing their child t one called by pronouns or a name that goes against their very being will cause a huge increase in depression and anxiety in students. I have friends who have been kicked out of their homes and been blocked by all their family on social media after coming out to their family. Rejecting your child isn’t “tough love” to teach them how the world is, how some people will view them, etc. Rejecting your child creates an unsafe environment of homelessness, mental health issues, fear to reach out to authorities when they are in danger, and in fact motivates them to skip school more to avoid an environment where they are not given basic human respect. This will result in depressed, homeless, uneducated children and teachers terrified to reach out to help in the fear that they will lose their job. The right to be called the name and pronouns that you please should be entirely up to the person who it affects. If parents’ egos and love is so fragile that it gets shaken by something as simple as accepting and loving their child no matter what, then perhaps they shouldn’t be parents. I hope the outpouring of messages will change your mind, for if this proposed policy is approved, our kids will just be put into additional danger. </p>


United States Constitution

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Regardless of the policies set by the State, there are no provisions in the United States Constitution that empower the federal government to have any control over the state's rights to administer education as each state sees fit. We used to call people who concentrated on children about sexual matters as "pedophiles." Now, we call them educators and this must change in order to protect the children as well as state's rights. This problem of getting children involed in transexual matters will continue as long as there is an (unauthorized) Education Department as well as any agency or department that ignores Article I., Section 1 of our Constitution. It seems that everybody but Congress is making the rules, which are tantamount to laws, and that is the major problem, not only in our schools but throughout the United States. Educating very young children in sexual matters is the job of parents and not a group of people who seem a little too anxous to get involved in these sensitive matters.


Support for changes to transgender policies

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<p>I really appreciate the thoughtful, important changes the Youngkin education department has made to these policies. As the family is the bedrock of our human civilization, it is vital that parents and children are not pulled apart concerning such crucial, lifelong decisions as these, but are instead encouraged to talk and work through issues together as a family. Thank you for respecting and defending our most basic relationships. Thank you also for defending with these changes our right to not be forced with into compelled speech that violates our first amendment or religious freedom. And finally, thank you for empowering schools to make their own decisions on how to protect all the kids in their schools, including LGBTQ+ students, especially in situations of vulnerability in locker rooms and overnight trips. Please don't change a word of it--it's great!! </p>


Oppose Oppose Oppose

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As a native Virginian I am appalled (but not shocked) at this proposed legislation. Trans people are people, period. Like all people they deserve to be treated with respect. This backwards legislation does not accomplish that.


Great policy

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I support all policies that focus and emphasize sex over gender identity which is unobservable and subjective. I have yet to see any evidence that is objective and is not based on stereotypes. Ignore the activitists and make this law. Our kids deserve to not be reduced to a role based of constructs over the natural world. We are our bodies and no science surgeries or meds can truly change them.


Youngkin can’t control us.

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Youngkin is trying to control us. He won’t. We will not let some guy control our names, pronouns, genders, or anything else. My identity is mine. Only I can say who I am. Youngkin, you can’t tell me who I am. I know who I am. No, my name isn’t what’s on the roster, nor are my pronouns, but it’s still my name and pronouns. It’s MY identity.  You can’t control that.


No secrets from parents

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<p>I support Governor Younkin's guidance.  The government has no right to step in between parents and their children. These students are the responsibility of their parents. Full stop. If their is a major issue with the parents then a judge can step in to rule. </p>


Support of Governor Yougkin's Policy

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I am grandparent who supports Gov. Youngkin's attempt to protect all children and parents' voice in the process.


Opposed to this discrimination

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I'm very disappointed that this is happening. Transgender students and members of the LGBTQ+ community should have policies that respect their gender and sexual identities and their right to privacy. Barring transgender students from athletic activities or any other school sponsored activities is discriminatory and perpetuates stereotypes that ARE NOT true. I hope to see these proposed policies eliminated and all LGBTQ+ students' rights protected. Fostering a diverse and inclusive school system should be of utmost importance.


I absolutely SUPPORT and agree with this policy

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<p> As a 'birthing parent'</p>


I oppose this legislation

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<p>I strongly oppose this legislation. </p>


I oppose this legislation


Absolutely not!

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Of all the things to focus on regarding education, this is not one!! It is our job to be inclusive and supportive of all students, regardless of gender identity. Maybe focus your energy on problems that actually need to be addressed like competitive pay for teachers, classroom supplies, intellectual freedom, and yes—support for transgender students. This is unthinkable.


DO NOT DO THIS

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I strongly OPPOSE this proposal. This policy is disgraceful, harmful, and nothing short of cruel. Glenn Youngkin, you should be ashamed for putting your own political agendas above the safety and well-being of an already vulnerable group of kids.

I’ve taught LGBTQ teens, and witnessed what happens when they lose support. For example, one point outlined in this proposal is that students need to disclose their gender identities to their parents/guardians. Are you prepared for the possible ramifications of that? Because if a kid is not in a safe, affirming home, there’s a high chance that they will be kicked out. Did you know a majority of homeless youth are LGBTQ? What will you do to support them?

Or how about teachers not to use the correct pronouns or names for students, as another point outlined in your proposal? This only puts a target on their backs, especially if they choose not to disclose their gender identity to their fellow students. What added protections will you put in place against bullying, as required by Title IX?

I urge you to please not pass this bill – you’re only hurting the kids that need the most support and care. Kids need to feel safe at school, and this bill would do anything but that.


Do not support

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OPPOSE, it is not harming anyone by asking for a different name/pronoun. They/Them pronouns aren’t going to hurt anyone. What will harm students is when you force parents to know and the children get kicked out, abused, etc. All because you outed them. It is not your place and not your job to tell the parent, you do not know their family situation. The child will let the parent know when they are ready. Unless there is an actual factor of danger to the student or someone else this is completely unnecessary and is a given right taken away from students whether they are queer or not.


I oppose this

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<p>This guidance is backwards and dehumanizing. It is rooted in fear and hatred. Trans kids should be respected in their names and pronouns. Calling them by their preferred name reduces the risk of them dying by suicide. How on earth could you suggest guidance that would actually harm children? </p>


Oppose strongly

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<p>Strongly against the proposed changes to the school's lgbtq policies. Not only would this endanger our lgbtq students but it would also make it harder for other students who wish to go by a nickname that is not associated with their birth name. Parents are parents, not owners. They do not have a right to do things that harm their children. I'm a teacher of teenagers and a parent of two high schoolers. </p>


Strongly oppose! Protect our Youth!

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<p>I strongly oppose. These proposed policies will take lives. We need to protect transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students. </p>


Stop abusing people for political reasons

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I oppose the new policies regarding transgender students in Virginia. Do not pass them.

And I also see the cynical use, and abuse, of children for political reasons in these policies. This is horrific. These kids are not hurting anyone. For the most part, they are struggling with enormous challenges. The suicide rate among transgender kids should speak for itself.

But this is a rallying point of our Governor and the Republican party. They see value in abusing these kids. They see political points to be scored. It is a wedge issue. No matter that there are more cases of Republican lawmakers being caught in illicit sex in public bathrooms than transgender people causing problems in them (is that a crazy stat or what?). It is all about politics. Shameful politics. Disgusting politics.

Do not pass the rules.


Approve/Apruebo

Concerned Fairfax County Parent/ Madre Preocupada

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Parents have the right to be informed of all matters regarding to their children. The Government, including public school staff do not have the right to keep information about children from parents. School staff must not be allowed to indoctrinate children against parents and caregivers. School staff are employed to work for the parents not for their own personal or political interests. As a parent, my children belong to me, and I know what is best for them. This new policy will protect ALL children. As a latina mother, I completely support the policy change.

Los padres y madres tienen el derecho a estar informados en todos lo asuntos relacionados a nuestros hijos e hijas. El Gobierno, incluyendo al personal de escuelas públicas, no tiene el derecho de esconder información relacionada a nuestros hijos e hijas. No se le debe permitir al personal escolar a que indoctrine a nuestros hijos e hijas en contra de sus padres, madres y custodios legales. El personal escolar has sido contratado con el propósito de trabajar para los padres y madres, no para sus intereses personales o politicos. Como madre, mis hijos e hijas me pertenecen por lo tanto yo sé lo que es mejor para ellos. Esta nueva póliza protegerá a todos nuestros niños y niñas. Soy una madre latina y completamente apoyo esta póliza.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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<p>I strongly oppose this guidance and any other that may put queer students at risk of ostracization and enhanced scrutiny in schools. </p>


This is what NOT supporting children looks like

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This policy change is going to have a disastrous effect on the trans students of our "great state." Requiring a child to get "permission" from a parent that is too often not supporting is going to cause the suicide rate in this already high-risk population to drastically increase. Often the student's school life is the first place that they can establish their true identity. You are saying that they have no right to decide what their true identity is. That is no one's place but that student's. The state should have no say in the very core of who someone is.


Strongly oppose

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<p>Strongly Oppose this gross overreach </p>


Oppose- The justification is inept and based entirely out of hate

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<p style="text-align: left;">To even begin to justify the passing of this policy, one has to firmly believe in this idea of "parents rights" and how they are more important in the school system than the ideals of freedom. When has the United States ever disregarded individual autonomy in the name of parentalism? This is a dangerous implication that is made entirely to suppress and harm people. Students are their own people and are allowed to express themselves in any way they please. To abuse the First Amendment in the name of this generic "parents rights" completely misconstrues the freedoms it is made to protect, and could be used to hurt anyone who has ever made their own claims about who they are in America. The government has no right to determine how you identify. The government should not be in control of how you dictate yourself. This is horrible, and Americans who try to say they love their freedom and support this bill are going to be feeding into a dangerous, dangerous precedent. </p>


If this policy was put in place while I was in high school I would have likely attempted suicide

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345113/

The above article from the NIH says that 82% of trans youth have considered suicide. I was one of them. At the time, I was living under a family who wholeheartedly disagreed with the possibility of their child being trans, and I was forced to listen to all too many conversations at the dinner table about how trans youths only wanted to be trans because they were being groomed, that it wasn’t natural, that they were so glad I “wasn’t” trans or they would easily disown me.

At school, however, I was able to dress a little more masculine, use the pronouns I preferred, and find others like myself who frequently came from similar situations. Many of them also considered suicide, but thanks ENTIRELY to the support of my friend group and supportive teachers all of us made it to graduation.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5178031/

The above article, also from the NIH, states that 32-50% of trans people ATTEMPT suicide. 40% of trans youth do as well according to the first one I linked. It states that “Gender-based victimization, discrimination, bullying, violence, being rejected by the family, friends, and community; harassment by intimate partner, family members, police and public; discrimination and ill treatment at health-care system are the major risk factors that influence the suicidal behavior among transgender persons.”

The proposed changes to Virginia policy would mean that I would have been outed and rejected by my family, likely putting me on the streets. I would have experienced elevated discrimination by my community, and the general public. My friends would have been denied lifesaving affirmations, and forced into the same small box that students across the nation are doing as well.

This policy change WOULD NOT REDUCE THE NUMBER OF TRANS KIDS BY ANY OTHER MEANS THAN SUICIDE. Calling youths by a gender that they reject is not a way to change how many youths identify as trans.. It is a way to ensure that the percentage of trans youths attempting suicide in Virginia rises. Outing them to their parents will not provide them with support. If they belong to a family who refuses to get them, they may be ostracized or sent to harmful conversion therapy programs. Denying them support from their teachers would not give them a revelation that they were cisgender all along. It would only leave them more vulnerable.

This change to policy can only be described as  evil, and a shameful distraction affecting a small portion of kids while Virginia’s school system suffers. Trans youths have one of the highest risk factors for suicide out of any group, and this policy expressly harms them by outing them to families like mine who would rather see them dead than trans. Focus your energy on improving a child’s experience at school and reject this change or there will be blood on your hands.


i oppose this policy.

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I strongly oppose this policy. Gender expression is human expression. It should not be denied to any student/person. All of our children need our support.

Please educate yourselves about gender expression and sexual orientation. Make educated decisions rather than a decision based on no or misinformation, fear or religious interpretation of doctrine which has no place in policy making.

There is no rational behind this policy. It only saves a very few and very loud group of people from facing irrational, biased based, fears. The truth is that their children will not be harmed by new experiences.

Best


Protect Students - Including from their parents

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School is designed for students.  They need to feel safe and supported regardless of their home lives.  Their school lives are separate.  Students should be able to express their gender identity and the school should be supportive.  Parents can be cruel and damaging.  It does not hurt students that teachers and schools are supportive.  Parents need to back off and let the educators provide that safe environment.

Transgender children are at a high risk for suicide if they don't get support somewhere.  So, no matter what parents feel, student safety should be our number one concern


SUPPORT!! STOP SEXUALIZING CHILDREN!!

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Trust the science!  Stop the steal.  Affirm a persons true identity.  Biology doesn't lie.  Trauma is real and physical mutilation isn't the answer.  Design to divide...designed to distort and destroy.


God doesn't make mistakes

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God loves everyone, why can't you? You're a bigot hiding in Christian clothing. You should be ashamed of yourself.


Horrified and opposed

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I thought it is very basic to have respect for a person a CHILD no less, that they get to request what to be called and one would call them that. There's nothing left to say except I thought my children would be shown respect and their basic needs met but I see this bill wants to question that even. If it's not clear enough, I strongly oppose and hope better for my children. They just want to be who they are and no one else.


This policy is great.

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Every college has mens, womens and gender neutral bathrooms.  There’s no reason for penises in with the girls.  Additionally if you’ve raised a female athlete and seen what they have to go through to not only become a woman but do that while performing at a high level both on and off the field you know what a joke it is to just let some boy who hasn’t had to go through any of that onto the field of play.  Keep biological boys out of womens privates spaces and sports.  This isn’t rocket science.

additionally all the people screaming about how trans kids are going to kill themselves are the same people who had no problem with kids killing themselves when schools were closed.  As they said “the kids are resilient”.  So let the trans kids build a little resiliency as well.


God bless Governor Youngkin.  I am in support!

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Thank you for the revision of the radical transgender policies that oppose parental and student rights!  Thank you for eliminating language encouraging school officials to lie about student gender identity activity and for promoting informed consent for parents when their child is about to receive gender counseling.  Thank you for protecting student privacy where students could be undressed and for protecting  female athletic opportunities.  In addition, thank you for respecting a student’s right to speak truth concerning gender.  It is good to see freedom of speech protected in Virginia.  These revisions are essential for our free society based on Judeo-Christian values.


Transgender legislation

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<p>Strongly OPPOSE this cruel and outdated legislation.  As adults, it is our responsibility to ensure that all children feel welcome and included.  </p>


Oppose

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<p>Youngkin's policy change is cruel, unnecessary, and does nothing positive for the state. </p>


Rolling back the clock

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<p>Whose parental rights are you referring to? The rights of a minority swath of parents that comprises your base. Listen to what the majority of your constituents and parents actually want or at least consult with a psychologist! </p>


STRONGLY AGREE - BRING BACK COMMON SENSE

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Social experiments on our children should never be mandated. Parents should always be the primary arbiter of their childrens' education and well being in general.  These policies bring education back into the realm of success for individual students.


Children are minors and the school system is not their parents.

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It is not the school’s place to interfere with the private lives of families. Curriculum has taken a backseat in school system.


Definitely strongly oppose

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This will definitely get some children hurt by parents. This will also cause a further shortage in teachers, as well as cause children to lose trust in their teachers and peers. It will also cause suicides in these kids because they fear their lives from the actual abuse from religious, hateful parents that will legitimately cause damage to their children if they learn their children are not heterosexual. The real child abuse is outing these kids against their will, not LGBT-accepting parents that are letting their kids being their true, authentic selves. Do better and actually protect ALL kids by not letting this pass. Choose unconditional love, not hate.