Strongly oppose this policy

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<p>As mental health provider, I strongly oppose the suggested policy changes. Trans-children deserve to be respected and treated with dignity. They are one of our most vulnerable populations and need to be protected. We are not to erase them from our world by pretending they are something they are not. Policy should be enacted to promote inclusion rather than more divisiveness. I urge this administration to reconsider. The lives of so many are in their hands. </p>


If you want to kill children, this policy is exactly how you do it.

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This is some of the most transparently arrogant, insensitive, harmful spew I have ever seen being disguised as a "policy" to advocate for parents.  This helps no one. None at all. By forcing teachers to disclose any information they hear or suspect about a student's gender, you are taking control of a child's life, a child's own safety, out of their hands.

There are plenty of children who live in households where they are loved and cherished regardless of their identities. However, many children do not get that luxury. For many students, if their parents found out about their identity, they would face a nasty confrontation shortly after. Conversion "therapy" (also known as electrocute the snot out of your kid until they become a Good Normal Christian), abandonment, shunning, guilt-tripping, gaslighting, manipulation...the list of tactics that parents who disapprove of their LGBTQ+ child can implement is both extensive and cruel.

Driving kids into those confrontations before they are ready, unhousing literal children because of how family will react, is quite literally going to kill kids. This is textbook bigotry at its finest, with no root in reality except for fearmongering and hatred for "the other." Studies have consistently shown that students whose identities are treated with dignity and respect in the school setting experience more positive mental health outcomes. LGBTQ+ students are predisposed to experience more depression, anxiety, and self-harm than other demographics in school, especially when they feel that they must hide themselves away in fear of judgement or reprisal.

Outing parents to their kids means that the child in question either: A) MUST keep a part of themselves secret, worsening their own mental health at the cost of preventing their parents from judging them for their identity. Or B) Cause parents to confront their children, and potentially bring them direct or indirect harm, just because they were born different.  Either case leads to the same direction in most cases of an unaccepting family: Suicide. You're going to drive kids to suicide with this. Maybe that's your goal? "Prove" that being transgender leads to suicide by forcing the statistics to reflect that.

Being transgender, being gay, being aromantic, or asexual, or bisexual, pansexual, nonbinary, or so many other things that fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella is something that a person is born with. It's immutable, unchangeable. Policy that exists as a direct way to "punish" those students for existing is sick. It's twisted. It's wrong.

If you have any, and I do mean ANY sense of decency, you cannot allow this policy to go into effect. Kids need the chance to grow and experiment. Schools are supposed to be about learning. Learning about Science, History, Math, sure, but also about yourself. Who am I? What do I want to be? What do I want to do? That's what kids should be able to think about in these walls. Children need an environment to embrace that exploration, to be themselves and learn who they are. Kids do not need one of their only safe places to be stripped away from them by people who are not experts in this field, have no firsthand experience with this topic, and, quite frankly, are politically or religiously motivated to make decisions contrary of the current research on this topic. If you won't listen to reason, listen to this:

You are going to kill children. That blood will be on your hands. And, no matter what you believe in, the afterlife will not let you forget your sin.


Leave Trans kids alone you bigots

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<p>If you're obsessed with a child's genitals get off my planet. Identities are meant to be respected and the only ones being creeps here are the transphobes. </p>


Opposed - This Policy Will Harm Students

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<p>This proposed policy is a hateful attack on our transgender students and an insult to all students' agency. Students must have the right to assert their identity in school and elsewhere in life. Denying transgender students the ability to live as the gender they identify with will have serious consequences on their mental health and well being. Focusing on which name a student goes by or which bathroom they use should not affect anyone but that student themselves. The time and energy put into this transphobic legislation would be much better spent on how to ensure all LGBTQ+ students experience a safe and equitable learning environment. </p>


Stop abusing non-trans kids! Support this return to common sense.

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We syhould not be excluding parents from knowing what happens at school. We should not force kids uncomfortable with trans kids' choices to embrace and support and enable trans kids only to "be their best."  ALL should have the opporrunity to be their best and that includes the non-trans kids who are nice but simply don't want to compete with or get naked with boys who WANT TO be girls.  We all want things but we don't all get all that we want all of the time.  The only way to benefit the most is to support Gov Youngkin's common sense change and do what we can for trans kids on a case by case basis.


We are evolving backwards

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<p style="text-align: center;">Seriously? It is 2022 and we are debating if we should protect trans kids? Transgender youth are more likely to commit suicide than cisgender youth. 30-50% of trans kids have attempted suicide (ACLU). By putting this bill into place, you are not only stripping away rights, but you are KILLING kids. If you are a parent and agree with this law, don't have more kids. I hope your children stay far away from you. If you wake up one day with your child dead on the floor, do not blame it on social media, do not blame it on anything but yourself and this law being put into place. Country of freedom? We are world power but are still crying over AFAB going by he/him pronouns. Grow up, because this law will kill kids. </p>


Putting children in danger

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This new policy will hurt many youths in so many different ways. They'll be put in danger by their teachers, families, and other students. There's no reason for this policy to be enforced it's only taking away the hopes of trans and nonbinary children.


Support NOW b/c ten years is a long, slow regret

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<p>Amsterdam Cohort of Gender  Dysphoria Study (1972-2015): Trends in Prevalence, Treatment AND REGRETS - the number of kids being referred has rapidly increased and causes concern. Average # being assessed per year in 1980 was 34.  In 2015 it was 686: that is a 20-fold increase.  The regret/desire to detransition is only a low % when it's ADULTS who transition. So to suggest we leave parents out of the conversation if they don't agree with their kid (!) or to hide the information so child can begin permanent medical and surgical changes without parents knowing is dangerous.  Why the rush?  Don't let so-called caring school administrators and psychologists brainwash your confused child: support this policy! </p>


Stop Abusing and Scapegoating Trans Children

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Trans students are already subject to horrific bullying and abuse and Youngkin wishes to codify this cruelty? This monstrous policy will get children killed under the auspices of "parents' rights" while stripping supportive parents of the right to support their children as they grow up and discover themselves. When kids tell you that they're hurting, it's your responsibility as an educator/parent/human being to listen to them.

You're endangering trans students by sending them into the wrong bathroom and excusing this revolting behavior by framing the student as the threat? Shameful. Trans kids are just kids like any other, and stigmatizing them is just pointless cruelty that demeans everyone for being part of it.


strongly support

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<p>I will support any mom trying to walk through gender confusion with her child.  I will not support her son in my daughter's bathroom or on her sports team. And this policy ensures the sports/bathroom issues are kept in the light, the policy keeps parents updated and informed.  </p>


Research debunks claim trans-ID youth's mental health improves with 'affirming" care

Someone who reads Leor Sapir, Manhattan Institute Fellow

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Claims specifically by ACTIVIST "researcher" Jack Turban are twisted untruths, used to further his cause/opinion.  They are not scientifically based, they are not scientifically supported.  Trans kids do NOT improve simply by being affirmed and God forbid the ones who later want to detransition - they are back to square one, feeling more friendless b/c their trans-affirming friends abandon them.  Readers, don't assume that "results in" are factual and true.  Do a little digging of your own.  The people screaming for affirming care are the same ones who seem to hate birth parents who disagree ... and later abandon any trans kid who has second thoughts.  Anyone who is an activist has a cause they're fighting for and their cause is not our kids.  If they aren't prioritizing our kids, we should not be quick to listen to their opinions - I mean, their "research."


It is my business when your child is throwing a pronoun temper tantrum


Strongly Support

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Under former Govenor Northam the fundamental rights of parents were disregarded for the  care and upbringing of their children including those children who considered themselves as transgendered. I am so grateful to you, Governor Youngkin, for leading the way back to restoring the nurturing and decision making to parents in our school systems throughout this great state of Virginia.


It is my business when my daughter goes into her locker room and has to look at penis and balls.


It is my business when your boy is taking a roster spot on my daughter’s basketball team.


OPPOSED

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If you actually care about children, you will not ignore the studies that show that supporting trans youth decreases suicide rates and increases overall happiness among youth. It is not that difficult to use someones chosen name and pronouns and I promise you it is impossible, especially among children to inherently know someone's correct gender and pronouns "just from looking". Let children have the freedom to express themselves and not be terrified of their teachers and peers.


Guidance document

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In 2020 there were almost 34,000 reports of child abuse, with 136 deaths. The majority of these were at the hands of family members, including parents. Your proposed policy (and administrations obsession) places the parent above all else, when your own statistics show that is not always the safest outcome for the child. A more-balanced policy that supports an objective assessment of the child would better protect children.


Strongly oppose


If you think boys should be allowed in girls bathrooms then your pronouns should be moron.


I strongly opposed this hateful policy

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If your LGBT kid is afraid to come out to you, that's not their fault, the school's fault, or the media's fault. It's your fault, and yours alone. It's every parent's responsibility to love and support their kids unconditionally. Bigotry is stupid. Love your kids.


OPPOSED

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<p>As an educator completely baffled about why Virginia would ever consider going after some of our most vulnerable students.  This proposal is completely alarming and harmful.  </p>


Strongly oppose this hateful policy

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<p>All the evidence points to how these types of policies put kids' lives at risk. Trans kids, like ALL kids, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and have the right to feel safe at school and in their community. I thought we all agreed like 30 years ago that bullying is bad? Stop trying to drag us back to the dark ages with these so-called "parental rights" policies. </p>


OPPOSE THIS HATEFUL AND HARMFUL POLICY

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Even with current protections in place gender non-conforming students continue to be at higher risk of physical violence, depression, suicidal ideation/attempts, and substance abuse. Rolling back student’s rights policies for gender diverse youth will, without a doubt, increase these harmful outcomes and bring more pain and suffering to Virginia families.  Please do not institute this harmful policy.


Strongly disagree with changes

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These changes are wrong legally and morally. These are based on tropes, falsehoods and worst of all fear mongering. Trans kids are innocent and deserve equal rights and protections Nader the law. Period.


Grand parent of a trans teenager in Virginia

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As a teacher and the grandparent of a trans teen, I am very concerned about the governor's guidance. This is an issue of child safety, not an issue of personal preference of staff or parents.

Teens dealing with sexual dysphoria is already a challenge. Lack of acceptance by peers and trusted adults is one of the things that can be very helpful. Professional trusted adults like those in the school system are second only to family in importance. A student with a non-supportive family very much needs support from others in their life. The governor's guidance can ban teachers from providing this needed acknowledgment or the student self understanding.

These students have disproportional incidents of self harm. The governors guidance can exacerbate the likelihood of self harm and suicide. This is exactly the opposite of what the school system should be doing.

Loving and caring for our students is what school systems should be doing. Failing to provide it is likely child abuse under other statutes.


SUPPORT - Common Sense Balance that Supports ALL Students and Parents

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This policy will go a long way to restoring parental rights in these issues while also supporting students. It will support trans students in ways their parents approve of. It will support non-trans student right to privacy in the facilities. And it will restore the parents' right to raise their children under the umbrella of their belief system.

Going forward, we need to dive further. If we believe this is an issue that won't resolve itself and continue thru multiple administrations, we need a mandate that public schools no longer be built with community bathrooms. Toilet facilities and changing spaces need to become single-stall spaces with handwashing facilities placed in the common space/hallway. Voila, no more bathroom/locker room issues.


Oppose this hateful policy

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<p>I oppose this policy and believe it will make mental health struggles and bullying worse for some of our most vulnerable kids.  It breeds hate and will empower kids to look down on transgender students as if something wrong with them.  It causes more judging and nastiness in our schools which are already sad and mean places for so many children, especially one who is different than others in any way. This policy being created and having any support just proves why we have so much hate in our schools and problems, because they learned it from the adults in their lives.  You can pretty much guess which kids have adults supporting this bill pretty accurately because they are always the bullies in our schools. </p>


Support the Guidance Doc

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<p>I'm grateful for this common sense, collaborative approach involving parents, educators & students.  Parents and schools (environments, policies, & educators)  CAN all work together to provide safe, and inspiring opportunities through which all our children can learn and grow.  </p>


This will KILL CHILDREN

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Transgender people are already at higher risk for suicide. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, 40% of transgender-identifying people have attempted suicide in their lifetimes, which is nearly nine times the attempted suicide rate for the overall U.S. population, 4.6%. Students who are forcibly outed to their parents risk losing their safety, their homes, and their lives. One in ten (10%) respondents to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey who were out to their immediate family reported that a family member was violent towards them because they were transgender, and 8% (one in 12) respondents who were out to their immediate family were kicked out of the house, and one in ten (10%) ran away from home because they weren't safe. If the Department of Education passes this legislation, they will have blood on their hands. No leftist or trans or gay person wants to make children gay or trans against their will. What we do want is for children to be happy, to be safe, and to be alive. The Department of Education is trying to fight against an enemy that does not exist.


Support!! I am irate that small children can't use the bathroom in privacy. Shame on the schools!

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Our society has really lost touched with reality.  Allowing children to use the restroom without the opposite sex is not a change.  The only thing that has changed is that the opposition has become more blatantly obnoxious in their demands from the rest of society.


Strongly Oppose This Change

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Public schools have the duty to protect and support all children, especially those in minority groups, including LGBTQIA+ students.  The LGBTQIA+ population in particular are an especially vulnerable in a time that is so crucial to development and mental well being.  The number of suicides in this group far outweighs that in any other population.  Many of these children do not have support from their parents or families, so they need it from a source where they spend the majority of their waking time.  Ensuring their rights are protected, welcomed and giving them every chance to succeed is our duty as Virginians and parents.  Protecting their rights and letting people be true to themselves, within the law, does not harm anyone else, it makes us all better humans and diversity should be embraced and encouraged.


Students will be hurt

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bruh i oppose this and ima students.


Absolutely SUPPORT 2022 Model Policies

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I absolutely SUPPORT the proposed 2022 Model Policies that concern the transgender phenomenon as it affects public schools.

I absolutely support the principles that are promoted in the proposed policies, namely:

1) Parents have the right to make decisions with respect to their children.  Schools shall respect the parents' values and beliefs.

2) Schools shall serve the needs of all students, and partner with parents in the parents' responsibility to educate their child.

3) Schools can protect students from bullying without reinforcing ideas and practices that are harmful such as "fluid" gender, puberty blockers, and body-altering surgeries.

4) Parents must be informed of any and all "counseling" that their child receives from a teacher or any other school staff person. No school policy shall subvert the parent-child relationship or communication between parent and child.

These are wise and just common sense principles that Western culture has held for millennia. It is not time to encourage the dangerous inventions of a small minority.


Transgender students deserve respect

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<p> Virginia's transgender students are a vital part of the educational community, and they need to be treated fairly and not singled out. The proposed rule likely violates the Virginia Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Please reverse this proposed rule and instead work on the very real harms that transgender students face, such as bullying. Our transgender students deserve more, and an equal and loving educational community will benefit all students (including both cisgender and transgender students) and teaches them how to be the kind and loving adults that we want in Virginia. Hate has no home in Virginia. </p>


Governor, can you please not let the teachers let boys into our locker room when we shower.

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Governor, my soccer team has to practice every Tuesday and Thursday before school. Showering is mandatory. Can you please not let the teachers let boys into the locker room when we shower and change before school? It is really awkward and it is not fair for our team. Thank you. Amy.


Protect Emotionally Vulnerable Children and Parental Rights!

Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Leslie Gregg
1530 Washington Ave
Mukilteo, WA 98275

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Leslie Gregg
<br />1530 Washington Ave<br />Mukilteo, WA 98275<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148285231" width="1" height="1" />


Strongly Oppose

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This policy moves the needle in the wrong direction - we should be doing much more than we currently do to protect and affirm trans kids. Uphold the previous and legal guidelines in place that do just that, rather than trying to implement a highly problematic and illegal new position.


Support this policy and protect children from ultra left wing nut agendas.

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Governor, please protect our children.


Strongly Oppose - Protect Transgender Children from Parental and Governmental Abuse

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The 2022 Model Policies as written and issued for comment by the Virginia Department of Education are designed to facilitate physical and psychological abuse of transgender children attending Virginia's Public Schools in violation of the United States Constitution and in opposition to the religious beliefs of the vast majority of Virginians who regard abuse of ANY child as fundamentally wrong. As a parent, taxpayer, citizen, and resident who shares these religious beliefs opposing child abuse, I direct and demand that the 2022 Model Policies be rejected so the fundamental human rights of children to be free of abuse is protected.

As I am sure you are aware, parents can and do physically, sexually, and verbally abuse their own children. A girl in my own extended family was sexually abused by her biological father as a child. In Virginia, there are cases of fathers who have physically abused their own children when they learn their child identifies as transgender. Despite the undeniable existence of child abuse, the Model Policies as written compel teachers, counselors, and even children - regardless of their religious beliefs that facilitating child abuse is fundamentally wrong - to inform potentially abusive parents of their child's transgender identification and beliefs. A department of the Virginia state government compelling such speech facilitating child abuse in opposition to the religious beliefs of most individuals is a brazen violation of First Amendment constitutional rights as extended to state governments by the Fourteenth Amendment - as well as human rights abuse.

Bullying and verbal abuse are major factors in suicides of children, and those who are transgender are at a much higher risk of suicide because they are often targeted for bullying and verbal abuse. Bullying and verbal abuse also leads to physical abuse. Studies have shown that those who are transgender are in fact about four times more likely to be subjected to severe physical abuse (assault, murder, etc.) than the general population. Despite this, the 2022 Model Policies permit teachers to refer to a child using pronouns and names contrary to the transgender child's request. Teachers serve in a public role - a government role - and in a role of authority. Consequently such grossly disrespectful behavior constitutes government-sanctioned bullying. Those who serve in government roles are obligated to respect the religious beliefs of all including the belief that one is transgender. If anyone objects to doing that for personal religious reasons, they should not serve in a government role. Once again, the 2022 Model Policies as written are designed to facitilate physical and psychological abuse of transgender children attending Virginia's Public Schools in violation of the United States Constitution and in opposition to the religious beliefs of the vast majority of Virginians who regard abuse of ANY child as fundamentally wrong.

Finally, the 2022 Model Policies attempt to deny the existence of transgender students through the Terminology section of the document in opposition to the facts, knowledge, and religious beliefs of many parents, taxpayers, citizens, and residents who know transgender identitity is real. One of my own children is transgender and clearly identifies and expresses herself as female despite being born with male sex chromosomes. The Department of Education can hardly be ignorant that the definition of transgender they have inserted into the Model Policies does not correspond to the dictionary definition of transgender, but rather is an attempt to create an unconstitutional government approval system that exposes transgender children to potential abuse by parents, teachers, and other students. The religious belief that one is transgender is not subject to government approval. The human right to be free of abuse is not subject to government approval. Once again the Model Policies trample the human rights, Constitutional rights, and religious freedom of Virginians.

I am well aware that there are those whose religious beliefs include abuse of members of the LGBTQ community up to and including murder. However like the religious beliefs of those who murder 'infidels' by flying airplanes into buildings, these abusive religious beliefs have no place in the laws or policies of any government that respects the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness declared by the Declaration of Independence, protected by the US Constitution, and reinforced by any serious declaration of human rights.


Quit forcing Christian nationalism on all of us!

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From WAPO:

Contrary to statements that suggest otherwise, the 2022 model policies do impose a specific ideology. Christian nationalism is not relegated to churches, extremist groups or religious-political leaders; it exerts control and fosters political violence through public policies and institutions that seek to exterminate non-White, non-Christian, and non-heteropatriarchal thought from the nation.


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Terry Lucado
5160 Crestview Dr
Pulaski, VA 24301

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Terry Lucado
<br />5160 Crestview Dr<br />Pulaski, VA 24301<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148284658" width="1" height="1" />


Vehemently oppose! Hateful policies.


Support trans children

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Transgender children already have one of the highest suicide attempt rates as a demographic. This legislation would cause more harm to an already extremely vulnerable group. The legislation is being pushed not for child welfare but as part of an ideological culture war battle. I would rather see legislators focused on doing their jobs and working to improve the lives of Virginians instead of pushing personal agendas.


Theorats? uh no. Just moms and dads that don't want your little boy in our daughter's locker room.


Where did the Republicans go? There's only Christian theocrats now

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Viewpoints which are aligned to religious ideals do not belong in a commonplace which is diverse and does not apply across the board. Additionally, this is an outright attack on trans, and frankly human, rights. I find it impossible to vote "Red" when the only topic of discussion is Christian theocracy and how they can push their views on the general public versus talking about the economy and financial allocation. Why the hell is this the hill y'all are trying to die on? You are alienating fiscally conservative folks into voting Democrat.

TLDR; I am not married to voting "Blue" but moving the focus from fiscal conservatism and economic issues to these anti-human rights issues is pushing me further and further away from voting "Red". DO BETTER!


Taking away students' rights

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The Fourteenth Amendment had nothing to do with parental rights. But it does guarantee all people civil rights, and these model policies aim to take them away from students. Hatred of trans individuals is what drives these changes, which likely violate both state and federal laws. Youngkin is trying to skirt the legislative and judicial branches. If this policy goes into effect, lawsuits will surely follow.


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Jane Picardi
8632 Redwood Dr
Vienna, VA 22180

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Jane Picardi
<br />8632 Redwood Dr<br />Vienna, VA 22180<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148283128" width="1" height="1" />


Support these Common Sense Guidelines

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Governor Youngkin was elected on a platform of ensuring parents not government had the final authority on their children when it comes to education. The new guidelines are not as conservative as some approaches and even allow transgender students to switch bathrooms provided they have parental and medical support for doing so. The idea that educators should shut parents out of the conversation is radical and supports radical notion that children belong to the state. This policy represents a minimum of standards for gender-dsyphoric kids and youth to switch their bathrooms and pronouns.

Furthermore, the first amendment prevents forced speech and forcing anyone to speak a certain way or use certain words violates this principle. This free speech issue would apply to any requirements for educators to adjust gender language.


Strongly OPPOSE

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<p>Absolutely oppose.  Their needs to be a solution that could make everyone happy. To make Trans Youth have a more difficult time in school by forcing them into an uncomfortable environment while they are already struggling while figuring out their place in the world is detrimental to their mental health.  Their must be some sort of compromise that keeps ALL FAMILIES feeling happy, safe, healthy and included.  Everyone is created unique and special and we need to accommodate ALL of our youth not just the ones that fit into a “cookie cutter” mold that the current school system has in place.  It is almost 2023! This proposal is not one that reflects equality. </p>


WILL INCREASE YOUTH BULLYING & SUICIDE RATES

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<p>Strongly oppose these proposed policies. These children need a safe place and Youngkin and countless other political representatives are allowing hate and discrimination to influence their administrations and sadly these proposals will claim the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. Lead with love not with hate. </p>


Transgender students

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<p>Humans have physical and spiritual sides. Most of the time they line up. However, in some cases the spiritual side overpowers the physical side. No parent seeks to make their baby boy/girl into a girl/boy. The child arrives at this conclusion driven by forces not completely understood. They know that their friendships are likely to be limited and life for them will be difficult. These children deserve sympathy, understanding, and protection especially in the public school environment. I'm opposed to any policy that would mistreat these children or deny them the actions described above.  </p>


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Portia Albrecht
111 Hull St
Richmond, VA 23224

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Portia Albrecht
<br />111 Hull St<br />Richmond, VA 23224<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148282371" width="1" height="1" />


Genocide of Queer Children

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It is disgusting and disturbing to me to see that this type of law is even being considered. Many queer people can only be out in certain places for safety reasons. Sometimes, the home is not safe. You can be abused for being who you are. Not every child has a safe home to return to, as heartbreaking as it is, we have to face this reality. They take solace in getting respect where they can, usually by their friends at school and the supportive adults they find elsewhere. For me, coming out to my friends was leagues easier than coming out to my parents. We'd had many open conversations about our orientations and, worse come worse, they could reject me as a friend, but they couldn't throw me out or disown me as a child. Luckily, my parents were very supportive of me, but had I not had their support, I often wonder how I would've coped with the toxicity of an homophobic environment.

It's no secret that trans suicide rates increase when they are misgendered. Putting trans children in these constantly distressing circumstances feels intentional, like an attempt at the violent removal of queer children.

We are not going to stop existing because you don't want us too.


Strongly Support Parents Right to Parent

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Parents have a right to be involved in all aspects of their children's lives. It's a shame that the woke cultists care more about politics than parent's rights or children's well being. On every other issue parents make decisions for children. Why should this be different?  Just so one side can push their politics on our kids? If you are over 18 and king, you can force everyone else to claim you have clothes on, even though you do not.  But being under 18 and not king, you need to have your parents involved.


Oppose! This is not in the best interest of ALL Students.

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Policies like this that directly target Trans students affect all students. Schools and environments that teach tolerance and are inclusive of all students are safer places. Stop creating harmful policies that breed intolerance and hate.


Opposed, stop being snowflakes

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This kind of behavior is going to get children killed. These policies have left gay kids homeless, what do you think it's gonna to to trans kids? The fact that you fail to grasp the simple concept of gender dysphoria and actively refuse to follow the medical consensus guidelines show you want trans kids to off themselves. Stop being so triggered by the existence of trans people, they ask for basic respect and you clearly with policies like this wish them dead. It's pathetic and embarrassing.


The first rule of indoctrinating students is not to tell anyone that you are indoctrinating students

Andrea Wesikopf quote from twitter- LCPS latin teacher

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Why do teachers object to parents finding out what is going on at school? hmmmm.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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To all the people who think this would be a good idea: that is idiotic! This will cause children to feel like who they are has no place in school, and they will feel like they cannot be who they are. Do you know what that is like? Do you know what it is to be forced to be someone else, someone you are not? Of course not! Maybe try that. Try being put in the situations these children are being forced into because of what they look like vs who they are. It is ridiculous that we have come to a point where people think it is okay to decide what a child should be called based on what is under their clothes! I think that how people express themselves is their business, not the government’s! Stay out of these children’s personal life!


Strongly Oppose


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I strongly oppose the draft model policy for the following reasons:

- It is rooted in prejudice, specifically transphobia, and thus would create further harm to an already marginalized group of kids.

- It seeks to erase kids' identities, and will also create a hostile & potentially dangerous school environment for transgender and non-binary kids.

- Requires teachers and school staff to forcibly “out” students to their parents against their will in some circumstances, such as where a student seeks counseling. This is also potentially harmful to kids, as they may not be safe in that situation.

- Prohibits teachers and school staff from supporting trans & nonbinary students, such as using a student’s affirming name & pronouns.

- Creates bathroom and sports policies that prohibit access and/or participation in activities consistent with their gender identity.


Not every home is a happy home, for some this bill will make school an unhappy place as well

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Not every home is a happy home and for now, some students can find balance and support at school, when it is not at home. The ability school teachers and counselors have to comfort and support students does not take away the role of parents but it helps students who feel unsupported at home to confide in other figures. Sometimes, personal and/ or religious beliefs make parents opposed to their kids life choice and we know, especially for LGBTQ+ teens that the suicide rate is very high, especially when not supported at home. Do we think that by preventing students to openly talk about their issues when they are unsupported at home will help reduce that suicide rate? Where will all students who need to talk will now go? This law would require school staff to let parents know what is going on whith their child, how will that prevent more moral (or sometimes physical) abuse at home if students are now ratted out. Where will they go for counseling? Who will they be able to trust for support? At their age, they have nowhere else to turn to.

The model policy mentions in the guiding principles paragraph B and D that "each student's individual needs should be taken into consideration" and that "no student is discriminated against or harrassed on the basis of their sex". Well that policy is exactly doing this. It does not give students the choice to be recognized as who they feel they are and does discriminates against their beliefs. Their personalities are not being respected. That will make them feel more isolated, more depressed, less suported. Why do we want to put them through this? This bill actually takes away the respect of LGBTQ+ students.


yes I support these guidelines

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The few trans kids who need extra support should receive it on a case-by-case basis.  It should not be something whitewashed over the entire school, entire state, entire country.  Withholding the majority of parents rights in order to protect a few is damaging and dangerous to too many nowadays.  It is costing the young generation too much.


Youngkin is killing kids with this bill. Oppose.

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What does a child’s gender vs biological sex have to do with you? Why do you care what is under a child’s pants? What are you planning to do? Is there any political purpose of this policy? Anything that doesn’t have to do with your beliefs or thoughts? If not, then why did you bother us with this and start stripping away children’s rights because of the decisions they make about their own lives? How about you try doing something that actually involves politics? Rather than going after innocent people who are just trying to live their lives, of which you are destroying, thank you very much (that was complete and total sarcasm, if you didn’t pick it up). Stop focusing on your own agenda and focus on the state’s and people’s agendas to make Virginia a better place, rather than a place that everyone has departed from because of you. If this policy passes, I’ll let you know right now that there will be many people committing suicide, or attempting it at the very least, all because of you. Their lives and their blood will be on your hands, governor. Do you want that? No you don’t. You don’t want it, either. You just don’t care, is what you’re telling everyone. You don’t care how many young children you stripped of their lives, after you took away their rights. You don’t care about their family and friends who will mourn them forever. You don’t care about the tears cried or the helpless thoughts running through their heads. You don’t care about the well of grief that they will most surely feel. You don’t care how much you will ruin their lives. You don’t care. You don’t care. You don’t care about anyone but yourself. Think about this, day and night, as you go through your life. Every action you make, think about this. Ponder this. Whenever you pass a bill into a law, or when you put out a new policy, think: is this going to be right for Virginia? Will this keep everyone happy in their own lives or will it destroy them bit by bit until there’s nothing left? Think, governor, just think. Then once you come to the right decision, the decision that benefits the state, not just yourself, make that right decision. Make it after you’ve thought about every life in Virginia and how you will affect them. Make the right decision.


Youngkin, you will be responsible for the lives of the children taken because of this bill. STRONGLY

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<p>This is probably one of the worst decisions you could make. If this bill passes, I cannot even start to fathom the amount of damage it will cause. The TREVORProject conducted a research, and the data found that if one adult uses a child’s preferred pronouns (meaning what the student feels they are and therefor is correct to them), it could reduce the child’s chance of attempting suicide by up to 40%. That is almost half. This is not supporting parents, or girls rights or women’s rights. This is stripping trans rights away. This is not giving rights to anyone, it is the complete oposite. How do you think this alleged pro-parent bill will make the parents of dead children feel? Children that committed suicide because of this. Children that are being bullied for being who they are. This is completely and utterly insane. Do not pass this bill. Do not be the cause for dead children. </p>


We hurt kids when we leave parents in the dark.  Don't hurt kids: let parents be parents!

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We hurt kids when we leave parents int he dark.  Don't hurt kids: let parents be parents!


I strongly oppose these guidelines

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These guidelines will undo policies that have been shown to protect the well-being of trans children. If enacted, these guidelines will harm children. Do not pass them.


I support Youngkin 100%

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Thank you Youngkin and all who are fighting this insane mob of bizarre gender ideology.


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

THANK YOU! Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Christine Koach
1019 N Madison St
Arlington, VA 22205

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />THANK YOU! Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Christine Koach
<br />1019 N Madison St<br />Arlington, VA 22205<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148281040" width="1" height="1" />


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Diane Zyats
9690 Fringe Tree Rd
Great Falls, VA 22066

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Diane Zyats
<br />9690 Fringe Tree Rd<br />Great Falls, VA 22066<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148280970" width="1" height="1" />


Strongly oppose

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<p>Outing trans students and refusing to respect their identities has, is, and will get kids killed. </p>


Support- Woke Libs are willing to crush girl's athletics in at attempt to promote their latest fad.

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<p>Wake up people. </p>


Strongly Opposed, Hurts Kids' Wellbeing

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<p>I OPPOSE the guidance. Having worked with young queer youth, I know the importance of a strong support system that validates their identity and provides them a safe space. Affirming educational and family spaces have been proven to reduce suicide and self-harm rates among trans youth. Prohibiting teachers and school staff from supporting trans & nonbinary students, (such as using a student’s affirming name & pronouns) causes so much harm to students. We have a responsibility as a community to support and protect transgender and non-binary youth!! </p>


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Debbie Wachell
2733 E Warm Springs Ave
Boise, ID 83712

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Debbie Wachell
<br />2733 E Warm Springs Ave<br />Boise, ID 83712<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148280864" width="1" height="1" />


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Trans children are already far more vulnerable to anxiety and depression than their peers. Parents can't "decide" their child's gender identity by preference or values.  Please keep school a safe environment for children by allowing them to share gender identity with their families on their own terms. </p>


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Debbie Wachtell
2733 E Warm Springs Ave
Boise, ID 83712

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Debbie Wachtell
<br />2733 E Warm Springs Ave<br />Boise, ID 83712<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148280824" width="1" height="1" />


If it were up to liberals, girls wouldn't have any "rights"

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Give girls back their rights. I fully support this bill. Girls deserve their own sports teams, bathrooms, and locker rooms. Liberals would eat their own in an effort to push their latest agendas.


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

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This policy ignores the safety of children and uses them as political pawns.  Requiring a student to come out to a parent that might reject their identity, physically and/or emotional abuse them, or kick them out of the house is the opposite of caring for our youth.  It's mean and a form of bullying, which this policy claims to reject.

If a student doesn't feel safe coming out at home, often with good reason, then we force kids to deny their identify and not reach out for what could be life-saving support.

Policies should be prioritizing the wellbeing of kids. And that should be based on peer-reviewed research.

Shame on Youngkin and the people pushing this agenda that bullies kids and puts them at risk.


Strongly Oppose

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Quit using trans and LGBTQ kids as pawns to score political points with your base. This is a harmful policy.


Trans Policy

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The policy is cruel and not a parental rights policy.  It should not be implemented.


Strongly oppose

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America is just turning more and more like a very flat, anything but free pot that froze over yesteryear. Not only do we have the worlds biggest imprisonment rate but now we have rights just being ripped away?!?

I’ve written a short story explaining the immediate problems that come out of this, please understand and stop being so homophobic, if you think it’s parent choice your going for, trust me, it’s student harassment and suicide. Please enjoy.

     Otto had been out for years at his school, it was only to a few select people but those people where fully supportive and protective of him. 5 years ago he had came out as trans to his favorite teacher and best friend. They had both fully supported him and helped him feel so much better about himself!

     This year something was different though. His favorite teacher had been fired due to them not following the new start law. Otto knew that if he came out to anyone else that his parents would find out, and to say the least, the medical bills would be through the roof. He felt so wrong, “is there something wrong with me? Am I not ok? Has my gender identity failed me as a person?” Where all thought flying through his head. Even his best friend didn’t go to school anymore, the one person who he could count on left school because she had to move last year.

     Now he had other friends, like Emma, Jacob, and Susan. But he didn’t know them well enough to come out to them yet. “They still call me by my dead name,” he thought to himself, shivering at the prospect.

     “You know, you don’t have to be so secretive about your gender Otto,” his best friends words still filled his head. “If only that where still true,” he managed so smile. He was so, so glad he hadn’t listened to that advice, if he had came out to more people, especially teachers, then who knows what could of happened to him. Someone who he knew Who I had came out to him and a few teachers had been abused by there parents and later committed suicide due to it.

     As he thought he didn’t even realize the that his science teacher had called on him.

     “Hey, Lexi, are you here? Helloooooooo,” his science teacher clapped in his face.

     “Call me Otto,” he muttered under his breath.

     “What did you say?” His science teacher spat in his face. His science teacher was, if not the most homophobic in the school. He was nothing compared to his parents though. When he had brought his best friend over 3 years ago when she had been wearing a love is love shirt and his parents had screamed at her, “Amy get out right NOW and never come back!” They then proceeded to throw a chair at her.

    Let’s just say, she didn’t come back after that. He had had to meet with her in secret, not letting his parents ever know that she was still a part of his life. It sucked, it always did, but that’s just how it had to be. “And now she lives in California,” he thought to himself. “California, from what I’ve read, it's a very supportive place…. Hm, I wonder if I could go there and live with Amy instead of this awful place?” He thought to himself.

    He remembered his science teacher was still waiting for an answer so he grudgingly replied, “never mind mr. Richered.”

    “Never mind?!? In this class we only answer in full and complete sentences!” He spat in his face.

    Whipping the spit from his face he replied, “I don’t know mr. Richard.”

    “Of course you don’t, you never do! How about I call your parents and tell them how much of a failure you are?” He mocked him. Otto’s head shot up, fear split his face, “my parents?!? You can’t call them! Please, please don’t call them!”

    He begged that mr. Richard would be forgiving, but he never was. He walked over to his desk and dialed his parents phone number. After a moment of waiting he lifted the phone to his ear and said, “yes mrs. Lilly, your daughter is clearly not paying attention in class, she keeps mucking about in her dream world and not paying attention to class.” He paused, as if his mom were talking. “O no o no o no, guess I’m gonna have to sleep over at Emma’s house for a while,” Otto thought to himself, shivering in fear.

    “Ok, thank you mrs. Lilly, I’ll make sure myself that this won't happen again,” Mr. Richard hung up the phone and looked at Otto, “Lexi, I want you to see me after school, in private.” He smiled at Otto and he knew that he was going to be in a lot of pain after it. He slumped down in his seat, listening to the snickers and side looks of the other students in the classroom.

    Later that day in English, his teacher assigned him a group project. Thankfully he shared the class with Jacob and Susan so he partnered with them. It was a simple jamboard, nothing special.

    After school he wherily went to Mr. Richard’s class and knocked on the door.

    “Come in!” He heard Mr. Richard’s muffled yell and entered the room, trying as hard as he could not to cry. He walked inside and was going to sit down in his normal seat before Mr. Richard called him over to the “special” chair.

    “Now I know you muttered something different today under your breath,” he said. “I want you to tell me what you actually said and why, and then I’ll let you go.” His smile said everything, he already had guessed exactly what Otto had said and was simply confirming it.

    “Um, uh, I-I said, um,” he muttered, his heart beating out of his chest.

    “O JUST SPEAK ALREADY!” Mr. Richard shouted.

    He looked up from the “special” seat, tears began streaming down his face, “I’m, I’m, I’m trans.” He got up and wran for the door, he already knew what was going to come and wanted to get out of here.

    “GET BACK HERE YOUNG MAM!” He shouted from the back of the classroom. Before Otto could get to the door it slammed shut and locked. He froze and slowly turned around to Mr. Richard.

    He smiled that awful, awful smile of his and said in an oily smooth voice, “I’m going to call your parents and tell them all about this.” He slowly turned around, picked up the phone, and what after seemed like an eternity and a half passed he said, “Hello again mrs. Lilly. It’s about your daughter.”

    After that was over he left the room, tears pouring from his eyes. “How will I be able to go home now?” He asked himself. “I’ll almost definitely be killed…”

    He wished he was joking when he had said that, if only it was like the movies where people had kind, supportive families. His would actually kill him, or at least leave him in the hospital bed for weeks.

    He checked the time, 3:34. “They’ll be home at roughly 5:00, unless they come home early to deal with me.” He thought to himself. If he got home before they did, he could grab as much cash as he could find, and take a train to California.

    He quickly dialed Amy over the land line. He wasn’t allowed to have a phone so his only method of communication between anyone was over one of these ancient pieces of technology.

    “Hello?” Amy said.

    “Amy! I need to come live with you, my parents found out, I don’t have much time. I’m going to come to you by train. It will take a few days but I don’t think I’ll be able to wrack enough cash together for a plain trip.” He said quickly, feeling the time tick by.

    “Wo wo wo slow down!” Amy said.”What do you mean they found out?”

    “My parents! They found out I’m trans! And now I need to live with you because nowhere in Virginia is safe.” He said, ticking through all the things he would need to bring.

    “Ok, I’ll ask my mom quick, I’ll call you back when I get an answer.” She said, understanding immediately.

    “Ok,” Otto said. He hung up and emptied everything out of his backpack and went straight to his parent’s secret money stash they tried to hide from him. He took all of it and threw it in his purse he had gotten for his 10th birthday. It wasn’t anything special, closer to a lump of cloth than a purse, but it worked.

    He wran to the kitchen and tried to decide what food he should bring with him. Just as he finished stuffing a loaf or bread into his backpack he heard the phone ring again.

    Picking up he said, “is it a clear?”

    “Yep, get on that train, and at the other end grab a phone and call up, our mom will drive us from there and we’ll pick you up.” Amy said. A flood of relief found over him, he may make it! Just as long his parents didn’t get home before he left.

    Just as he finished packing everything he thought he might need, (and his 1 and only toy) he started trying to zip up his backpack. Just as he was about to leave the door burst open, and his parents walked in.


Strongly oppose

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Please continue to protect all students, including trans kids.


Opposition to policy

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I strongly oppose these proposed policies—they discriminate on the basis of gender identity under the guise of protecting freedom of speech and parental rights. The proposed policies violate the Virginia Human Rights Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.

It is a well supported fact that trans youth are at a significantly higher rate of suicide and self-harm when they are unsupported by adults. Trans students already experience a significantly higher risk of houselessness, self-harm, and sucide. By stripping students of their autonomy, denying them mental health care, outing them, failing to protect against gender-based discrimination, and refusing to use their correct names and pronouns, you are knowingly and intentionally putting them at higher risk. Children are not the property of their parents or the state, stop treating them as such! Enacting these policies will inevitably kill trans students. I demand that they be withdrawn.


One bathroom is the answer- then it don’t matter if u hav a peepee or a vageegee, and kids can party

It’s time for one gender the American gender! All inclusive hell yeah

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Let’s all have one gender one sex w lots of freaky stuff then we all the sam


Strongly in Favor of this Policy

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<p>Strongly agree with Gov Youngkin's policy </p>


Adamantly oppose - unethical, inappropriate, dangerous for families

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LGBTQ+ policies have worked just fine - except with religion-based extremist political ideologues seeking fear-funding and votes from medically unsubstantiated and, in fact, disproven & dangerous disinformation campaigns.

Kids are not your pawns, nor are they voiceless “property” of the school system or even their parents. Kids are whole individuals with protected rights, including the rights of freedom of expression, speech and privacy.

Second-guessing well-documented, tried and proven, educational, psychological and medical practices for cheap, biased and fear-based policies are damaging to young lives trying to find their way, particularly kids who may feel different or rejected because of their feelings and identity.

Politicians don’t belong in bedrooms, private doctor relationships, or anyone else’s pants and heads. Get your head out of the political trash bin and leave such matters to those trained to handle them - namely licensed teachers, counselors and medical professionals!

Get out of peoples’ pants. These proposals are nothing more than inappropriate, dangerous and yes, perverse political fodder.


100% support the protection of women's rights


Protect little girl's safe places and support this bill

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Girl's have a right to privacy even when they are at school.


Protect Emotionally Vulnerable Children and Parental Rights!

Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
D Bochonok
24 Bridgeport Cir
Stafford, VA 22554

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />D Bochonok
<br />24 Bridgeport Cir<br />Stafford, VA 22554<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148279167" width="1" height="1" />


Strongly Oppose

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<p>This policy endangers trans students and makes them vulnerable to abuse by their peers, teachers, and potentially parents. Studies have demonstrated that there is a direct correlation between social acceptance and declining rates of suicide in trans kids. If children are outed to their parents without their consent, that could place them in danger of physical and emotional abuse. If children are referred to by the wrong pronouns or name, which may contradict their gender expression, that also places them in danger of bullying by their peers. What harm does it do to use someone's preferred pronouns? None. Who does it protect to police these kids' gender identity? Schools haven't stopped sexual harassment between cisgender, straight kids. Schools haven't prevented young girls from being bullied or sexually harassed by cis boys (or by their male teachers). Stop hiding discrimination behind "think of the children" rhetoric when you've never thought about your children beyond them being people you can control. If you care about kids, you'll listen to the ones who tell you how they identify and how you can keep them safe. </p>


A Good Beginning…Government Schools Should Classically Educate--Not Indoctrinate and Propagandize

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T

Thank you for updating these policies to restore protections for parental rights.

I especially support the removal of language encouraging school officials to deceive parents and the updated language that acknowledges students and teachers cannot be forced into compelled speech that violates their constitutional rights, including First Amendment and religious freedom protections.

As a former government school teacher, I perceived the groundwork being laid--decades ago--to propagandize generations of children.  Students should be taught a classical education including the truth about American history, our civics and the worldview upon which our Nation is founded.  Children and adults should be taught how to reason and discern--not WHAT to think.  However, this is quite difficult when teachers and supervisors have been trained and indoctrinated by the same failed system

 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.


Protect the rights of all students to freedom of expression

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If the new guidance policies went into effect, my friends would be devastated. VDOE is considering changes that would constitute a massive overreach of students' rights to privacy and freedom of expression. Using the correct pronouns and gendering students correctly is not only a minuscule amount of effort on the part of teachers and administrators, but it has been shown to have a massively positive effect on student mental health. Trans students are much, much more likely than their peers to attempt suicide. Studies have shown that having even one adult in their life who makes a trans student feel seen and accepted can dramatically decrease their risk of suicide. School is not a place to enforce or fight against personal political agendas; it is a place for students to learn, and in order for that to happen they must feel safe. Transgender students are far more likely to be the victims of violent crime than the perpetrators. Allowing them to express themselves as who they truly are and use the facilities that correspond to their identities doesn't cause problems for other students--in fact, for students like me who are not trans but are allies, it gives us peace of mind to know that our friends are not being put in imminent danger by adults who are supposed to protect them. VDOE: please do not implement this new, more harmful policy, because those it affects most do NOT support this change.


Strongly Oppose

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I am opposed to this new policy. It is extremely bigoted and will harm more students than help. This kind of surveillance is unethical and worrying. Please do not allow this anti-LGBTQIA+ policy to stand.


I support Governor Youngkin

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<p>PARENTS  MATTER! Their children! Their voice! Governor Youngkin Thank you for standing up for our  Children and their parents! SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS MATTER! VOTE ACCORDINGLY! </p>


Strongly support

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<p>Strongly support </p>


Strongly oppose

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Why are people so afraid of LGBTQ people who just want to be themselves and live in safety? They don't choose to be gay anymore than they choose their eye color or who their parents are. Mental health is already at crisis proportions - shoving gay and trans people back into silence is cruel.


Strongly oppose

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Please continue to protect all students, including trans kids.  When we support and protect trans youth, we protect them from very real risk of suicide.  The effect of this proposed policy is that trans kids who have unsupportive home environments, whose parents don't condone/acknowledge or accept their identity, may be threatened by continued lack of acknowledgement in the school environment, and contribute to spiraling mental health deterioration.  Don't do it.


Ageee with the Govenor

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I believe that we are moving in the right direction with the Gov. Youngkin's direction


Dear Virginia Dept of Education,

Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.

The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians."

I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.

Sincerely,
Lynn King
22425 York Ct
Richton Park, IL 60471

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Dear Virginia Dept of Education,<br /><br />Schools should never secretly socially transition students and keep the child's new name, pronouns and gender identities from parents. I am pleased and relieved that the Virginia Department of Education's revised model policies support parental rights and ensure that school employees don't cut parents out of critical decisions for their children. <br /><br />The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issued "model policies" in 2021 that encouraged every school district in Virginia to hide a child's new gender identity from parents who choose to affirm the child's biological sex. Under Governor Youngkin's leadership, the VDOE's revised policies make it clear that all children should be valued and parents' rights and beliefs should be respected. The 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for all Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools keep parents involved in major decisions in their children's lives.<br /><br />The 2021 VDOE "model policies" encouraged schools to create "a plan (that) may include addressing the student at school with their name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity while using the legal name and pronoun associated with the sex assigned at birth when communicating with parents or guardians." <br /><br />I strongly support the revised policies that end this practice. Virginia schools should not drive a wedge between parents and their emotionally vulnerable children. Virginia school districts, including those who have already communicated their plans to ignore the 2022 revised model policies, should put an end to secret Gender Support Plans now.<br /><br />Sincerely,
<br />Lynn King
<br />22425 York Ct<br />Richton Park, IL 60471<br /><img src="http://admin.phone2action.com/email/open/leg/657523/148278353" width="1" height="1" />


Oppose policy

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Right now, there are kids like mine who go to school looking like a certain gender, which may not be what they were assigned at birth. It is completely unfair to force them to use a different restroom than everyone else. My kid is known to all his classmates as a boy, and uses the boys restroom. No one besides his homeroom teacher knows his transgender status, but if he were all of a sudden the only kid using a universal restroom, his classmates would notice and probably ask questions that would embarrass him!

VDOE, pay attention to the case YOU quoted in the line about universal or single user restroom use-Grimm vs Gloucester County. The transgender student WON the case and the school had to pay damages for barring him from using the boys restroom! And it was upheld upon two appeals! Singling out a trans student in this way is discrimination based on gender or gender identity!