I OPPOSE this anti-trans policy change

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<p>I am a cis-gendered, queer woman with lived mental health experiences. While I struggled with my mental health in school, I never had to worry about my gender or sexuality being questioned by my peers or administrators. I have many trans and non-binary friends who also struggle with their mental health as well. For them, this experience is compounded by the added burden of people in positions of power denying their personhood and excluding them from society. It's something they have to worry about on a daily basis, and I will never fully understand that. We know that nationwide, mental health is a top concern for LGBTQ+ students. When these students have to spend their time at school worrying about things like  misgendering, bullying, and forced assimilation, they are not able to focus on the basic things every young person should be able to experience: learning, connecting, and growing. Instead, it has drastic, negative effects on their mental health and overall wellbeing. Young people are the experts in their own lives--let's listen to them. </p>


Parents rights

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<p>Thank you Gov Youngkin for working hard to bring common sense back to our education system. Parents have rights and our kids are being totally confused with all this wokest agenda. </p>


I strongly oppose these harmful, divisive policies that will impact trans and nonbinary youth.

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<p>All young people deserve a safe and welcome learning environment that affirms and supports their mental health, gender identity, and overall well-being. Treating transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary students consistent with their gender identity is critical. These proposed revisions to the model policies affect the treatment and autonomy of LGBTQ+ students. At a time when mental health needs are increasing for LGBTQ+ youth, adding regulations that increase barriers and burdens on students and their families will further strain the well-being of students, our education system, and mental health supports. These policies can threaten the social-emotional and academic trajectory of students and should be examined for their intent to help young people succeed in school and in life. I strongly encourage the VBOE to reconsider passing these harmful policies. </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>My child was assigned female at birth but has said he's a boy practically since he could speak. This policy would single him out of his classmates, who all consider him a boy, and make him use a unisex bathroom, which probably no one else in the school uses. This is discriminatory and thus, illegal. The Grimm vs Gloucester case that is cited in this new policy line about bathrooms--the transgender student won! The court said he should have been able to use the bathroom of his preferred and presenting gender! This policy doesn't even make sense! I strongly oppose. </p>


Support

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<p>100% support this proposal </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>As both a nurse who works for the Virginia Department of Health, and as a parent, I strongly oppose this legislation. Our schools should be working to affirm and lift up our youth, no matter who they are or how they identify. School should be a place where every child and person feels safe and free to be themselves. Enacting such policies encourage the spread of hatred and bullying for a population who may already feel different. Let’s please teach our children to be kind and accepting of everybody. </p>


Messing with fire if you try to change who God made us to be.

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I am thankful that Youngkin is following through on his campaign promises and is putting common sense back into our schools. Students need to use the bathrooms and locker rooms according to their birth gender. Students should be able to compete in sports with those who have the same biological make up. They do not need to be concerned about what might happen to them when trying to use facilities. Schools should only be referring students to their parents and medical/mental health professionals when dealing with gender issues. Schools have no business making policy that persuades any of the students to be anything other than what God made them to be. Culture is messing with fire if they think they can change that!


Useless public commenting

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The Board, the Governor, the Superintendent, and anyone else bothering to look really can't give much credence to public comments obtained through this sort of 'town hall' portal, accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world, whether or not a Virginia resident, whether or not a duplicate of his own prior comment, etc.

To make matters worse, at least one organization (Equality Virginia) established its own portal to obtain comments and submit them to this portal, with no apparent way to distinguish where they originated, whether duplicative, whether created by EV's own staff, and so on. They even admitted they would not forward comments in support of the policy. No doubt, they would do the same thing to general elections if they could.

My recommendation is that those officials considering these portal comments pro and con should basically disregard all of them as lacking adequate legitimacy, unless the Info Tech staff can use various processes to 'thin the herd' and consider only those that most likely originated from Virginia residents, one per resident, and not coming through outside comment collection portals.


Hateful policies

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<p>The only parental rights supported are the far righters. These policies turn back the clock and put transgendered youth at risk. Shame on you to use such a vulnerable population as political pawns! </p>


Oppose

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<p>No child should be shamed, ridiculed, or made to feel less for being who they are, it's their human right.  If parents have an issue, they should seek guidance from mental health professionals, not politicians.  </p>


New VDOE model policies restore role of parents

Jeff Caruso, Virginia Catholic Conference

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The Virginia Catholic Conference (hereafter “we/our”), the public policy agency representing Virginia’s Catholic bishops and their two dioceses, offers the following comments regarding the new VDOE model policies.

Principles and Background

Each person is created by God in his image and therefore has immeasurable dignity. Our bodies are good and part of our identity. Sexual identity is biological and God-given.

Situations involving gender dysphoria must always be addressed with charity and compassion rooted in truth. Any unjust discrimination or insensitivity in addressing such situations must be avoided and/or corrected.

Parents are the first teachers of their children and have an irreplaceable role in guiding their children and ensuring their well-being.

These principles led us to oppose HB 145 and SB 161 in the 2020 Virginia General Assembly session as well as the subsequent Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students issued by the Northam Administration. As detailed in our January 7, 2021 comments, the result of those policies was to cut parents out of the process – leaving children struggling with gender dysphoria in the vulnerable position of making life-altering and potentially irreversible decisions alone.

New Model Policies Restore Parental Rights and Uphold Other Important Values

The same principles that led us to oppose the 2020 legislation and 2021 policies lead us to affirm and strongly support the essential reforms made in the new policies. We commend Governor Youngkin and the Department of Education for issuing the new Model Policies because they uphold parents’ God-given and constitutional right to guide their child’s development. The new policies honor the sacred role of parents in the care of their child – to include school, athletics and other activities. They also align with Virginia’s presumption of parental autonomy that protects every parent’s right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education and care of his or her child. (Va. Code Sec. 1-240.1)

Parents know their child’s needs better than anyone. If children find themselves struggling with gender dysphoria, they need guidance and emotional support from parents.

The new Model Policies make clear that school officials must keep parents fully informed, and require schools to enforce existing laws, regulations and student policies to prohibit and deter bullying or harassment.

Among many positive reforms, we are especially pleased that the new policies provide that:

No student shall be required to participate in any counseling program to which the student’s parents object. Parents must be informed and given an opportunity to object before counseling services pertaining to gender are given.

[The School Division] shall not compel its personnel or students to address or refer to students in any manner that would violate their constitutionally protected rights, including First Amendment and religious freedom protections. (No one can be compelled to speak or not speak against his or her deeply held beliefs.)

No policy, guidance, training or other written material issued by the School Division may encourage or instruct teachers to conceal material information about a student from the student’s parent, including information related to gender.

Student participation in sex-specific athletics, school activities and events shall be determined by sex. This includes overnight travel accommodations, locker rooms and other intimate spaces used for school activities and events.

Students shall use the bathrooms that correspond to their sex, except to the extent that federal law otherwise requires. Single-user bathrooms and facilities should be made available in accessible areas and provided with appropriate signage, indicating accessibility for all students.

In sum, we believe that the new policies restore the role of parents in education while reaffirming the bodily privacy, dignity and respect for all students necessary to achieve a safe learning environment. They also protect the fundamental religious liberty interests of personnel and students. Accordingly, we applaud and strongly endorse the many positive reforms included therein.


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

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I firmly support the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  I especially value the policy that requires parental involvement in any counseling or presentation of material to students concerning transgender issues.  Parents must be in control of the decisions made concerning their children's education and the attendant social and emotional issues.

I also applaud the specific provisions that preclude secrecy regarding school policies and the treatment of students that could exclude parents from even knowing what was happening with their children.

Moreover, I would like the policies to include specific requirements that no minor student may present themselves as any gender other than their genetic sex for any official purpose.  And, I assert that the age of independent transgender activity should be 21 in alignment with the ability to self-harm by purchasing and using tobacco products.


Guidance Document

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There is really no such thing as a "trans" person. If you have a Y chromosome, you are male. If you do not, you are female. End of subject. What you may "identify" as is irrelevant, and entertaining the fantasies of children that they are somehow otherwise than their biological gender is child abuse. Concomitantly, using plural pronouns to refer to singular people leads only to incomprehensible syntax. I support the proposed guidance.


I OPPOSE

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Children deserve to be themselves and treated as such, with their own autonomy. They deserve to feel safe in school and supported by those around them and those who teach me.


HAVE YOU EVEN READ THE PROPOSAL??

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The new proposal states:  "All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying."

What's the problem with that?

The new proposal also allows parents back into the conversation, giving them a voice in regard to their child's education.  That's a good thing.

Support the new proposal.


Youngkin  school policies on bathroom use per gender

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<p>I strongly agree with Governor Youngkin's policy. All I gave to say is "Would you want a teen male student in the bathroom with your daughter"? That's insane. </p>


I support Parents Rights

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It is parents who have the right to raise their children, not government bureaucrats.  If a child makes an irreversible mistake that they will regret later, school bureaucrats don't care, but parents will always care.


Difference between a male and a female.

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It sickens me that people are so stupid that they can't tell the difference between a male and a female.  The WOKE thinkers are destroying the fabric of this country!  I pray the message we send in November is clear and it stops WOKE in it's foot print!


Thank You

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Thank you for restoring some common sense parents right and religious liberty to this issue in the state of Virginia


Strongly support

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Minors do not have the wherewithal for such radical irreversable surgery.


Fully Support Governor Youngkin!

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Absolutely no boys in girls bathrooms or pick rooms!!!


Finally, intelligent people commented!  Fully Support!!!


Support Youngkin's Policies

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<p>I am a parent of three daughters and I have a firm grasp on reality regarding biology.  I want to see people doing whatever they can to help parents regain control and safety for their children - especially when the government is responsible for student's safety as they control every aspect of public education.  If anything, Youngkin's adjustments have not gone far enough (yet) to re-establish sanity and safety for our students.   </p>


SUPPORT!

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PARENTS protect children. And in America citizens have protected rights against government over reach.

We support the Governor in trying to take on this complex mess harming children.


Support Our Kids! Protect Every Child! Support Gov. Youngkin!

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Parents love their kids and know what is best for them!


If you think boys should be allowed in girl’s bathrooms then your pronoun should be moron

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Anyone who believes in mixed bathrooms obviously doesn’t not have little girls.


WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO WOMEN'S RIGHTS??

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Women fought long and hard to get from under male domination - and here we are again.

This isn't progression- this is regression.

Keep women's bathrooms, locker rooms and teams -- penis free zones.

Support the new proposal.


Transgender Policiy

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I do not support the Governor's policies regarding transgender children.  These children receive much discrimination and abuse and should be supported.  Being transgender is not a choice, it is a reality of nature.


Protect Traditional Values in Public Schools

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<p>Thank you Governor Youngkin for supporting children and their right to be protected- especially girls!  </p>


Support Transgender Youth

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NO to the proposals regarding transgender youth in schools. Implementing those proposals will only increase the already high transgender youth suicide rate. Department of Education, stop trying to put your personal biases into education policy. Virginia needs to value and support ALL of its youth.


WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO WOMEN'S RIGHTS??


Fully Support Yongkin's policies

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Even a two-year old knows the difference between boys and girls. Now because  2% of the population are transgenders or other types of genders, the remaining  98% has to be fooled that they don't know which gender they are. This is sick. This is some adult's agenda. Don't ruin our kids!

Transgenders need to be protected. The rest of us also need to be protected. I will not feel safe if a boy who claims he is a girl goes to the same bathroom and locker room with my daughter.


Support

Gender dysphoria is RARE. Most of the kids pushed through transition do not need medication or surgery.  They need therapy and time to grow up naturally.  Some aspects of transition are irreversible and many who did transition regret it.
Human brains aren't fully developed until age 23, give or take. Children do not have enough wisdom to make permanent decisions on behalf of their future selves. That's why we don't let them sign contracts, drive cars, consume alchohol, get tattoos, have sex with adults, and so many other things.  Think about your childhood.  Were you smart back then?
When your son takes an interest in his sister's Barbies does not mean he was born in the wrong body.  Your daughter's interest in boyish sports might wear off in a few years.  Making your daughter share a lockeroom with a boy costs her something. As does making her run in a race against a boy.  We have separated the sexes for a reason.  Generally, for the protection of girls.It is NOT appropriate for teachers and school administrators to raise our children.  They are teachers.  NOT parents.  Teachers and administrators should see to it that GeNdEr ExPanSIvE children are not bullied and that they get a good education.  It's not their job to coach them into changing their sex or sexuality. Teacher should also keep their sexualities and kinks to themselves.

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Gender dysphoria is RARE. Most of the kids pushed through transition do not need medication or surgery.  They need therapy and time to grow up naturally.  Some aspects of transition are irreversible and many who did transition regret it.

Human brains aren't fully developed until age 23, give or take. Children do not have enough wisdom to make permanent decisions on behalf of their future selves. That's why we don't let them sign contracts, drive cars, consume alchohol, get tattoos, have sex with adults, and so many other things.  Think about your childhood.  Were you smart back then?

When your son takes an interest in his sister's Barbies does not mean he was born in the wrong body.  Your daughter's interest in boyish sports might wear off in a few years.  Making your daughter share a lockeroom with a boy costs her something. As does making her run in a race against a boy.  We have separated the sexes for a reason.  Generally, for the protection of girls.

It is NOT appropriate for teachers and school administrators to raise our children.  They are teachers.  NOT parents.  Teachers and administrators should see to it that GeNdEr ExPanSIvE children are not bullied and that they get a good education.  It's not their job to coach them into changing their sex or sexuality. Teacher should also keep their sexualities and kinks to themselves.


Strongly Support 2022 Model Policies

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Parents are responsible for instilling the values in their children

Parents are responsible for ensuring safety for children to grow their mind, body, and spirt

Parents are the primary decision maker regarding the welfare of their children.

The 2022 model policies reinforce these core parental principles and properly align a culture for female and male prosperity.

Our family fully endorses the draft 2022 Model Policies

-- An Albemarle County Family


Respectfully but Vigorously disagree

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Please reconsider, the proposed policy will leave precious and vulnerable kids open to harm.


I OPPOSE this policy

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As the mother of a current 9th grader in a VA public school, I am strongly opposed to this policy. At school, kids should feel safe and able to express themselves. Please do not pass this legislation.


Full support


Transgender Policies

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I strongly support this policy.


Dear Youngkin, Kiss My Grits!

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I am trans, and this is harmful to me and many of my trans friends. I would appreciate it if my bestie didn't get beaten at home because they wanted to talk to an adult they trust at school. Please do not let this pass.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!

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I am thankful that Youngkin is following through on his campaign promises and is putting common sense back into our schools. Students need to use the bathrooms and locker rooms according to their birth gender.


strongly oppose, Kids have the needs to feel safe.

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<p>to add another level of uncertanty and shame to kids already suffering from depression and what not, is not helping kids at all. if you want solutions aloud kids to be themselves and stop the hate and discrimination. </p>


I strongly oppose this policy.

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I strongly oppose this policy. Let transgender kids thrive.


FULL SUPPORT!

God is waiting for us to do the right thing.

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I fully support this policy! It’s about time our schools stopped being used for activism!


Oppose guidance: parents' rights do not trump protecting children

Mary Jo, a concerned parent of a nonbinary child

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The rights of parents do not trump the rights of children to be protected from harm. This proposed policy, however, puts parents first and "doesn't give a d**n" about the detrimental impact it will have on trans and non-binary children in school and in their homes. It sanctions treatment for these youth that is devoid of compassion and care.

All too often children suffer due to some perceived superior right of parents. We see it tragically in how we approach child abuse & neglect by parents, opting to keep children in bad familial situations to "protect" parental rights. This proposed guidance similarly cares more about parents than children. If parents are supportive of their trans and non-binary children, they will already be aware of their children's identities and do not need school interference into their family life. But for trans and non-binary youth whose parents aren't supported, this forced school interference can, and will in many cases, cause severe harm to these students: parental rejection and ridicule, physical harm by their parents and being kicked out of their homes resulting in homelessness. According to the Trevor Project, nearly 30% of LGBTQ youth reported being homeless at some point; for trans youth, that number increases to 40%.  For these teens homelessness is generally the result of family rejection.

What should be the goal of raising and educating our children?  Shouldn't it be to encourage and support strong, healthy, vibrant, thoughtful and secure young adults? Childhood and school life is hard enough with all its other challenges - we do not need to add this additional level of hardship on trans and non-binary youth who are sincerely trying to live their lives as who they are, just like all the other students. We should celebrate these children who have the courage and self-awareness to want to live openly true to their identities and not have to hide in fear of backlash either from their parents or those charged with protecting them at school. This policy sets a tone that these children are not valued for who they are, it seeks to point them out as different, and that signals to others in the schools (staff and students alike) that treating them as lesser is okay.

My child is non-binary and I am a strong and informed LGBTQ supporter.  When my child first told me about being non-binary it was one of the hardest things they had to do (they were visible shaky) because of the highly personal nature of this evolving discovery of themself that they had struggled with for some time. They knew I would be 100% supportive, but it was still hard.  I am so proud of my child. But, can you imagine having a parent who is not supportive?  You can bet they would not feel proud of their child.

Please do not adopt this policy.


sexuality agenda in schools

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people need to follow TRUE commons sense, obvious science, not create such nonsensical confusion in children.  children are not mature enough to know what they are doing, and many on internet news are regretting others push them into this.  when they find out the truth, it's too late to undo all the damage it does to their minds and physical bodies in wanting to be what nature (and God) made them to be.  God bless Gov Youngkin for correcting these experimental atrocities on children.


Stop trying to go back to "the good old days"

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<p>Our wish is that people would stop being afraid of other people. The more people entrench themselves, the more ridiculous this becomes. We are far more alike than different, and if kids are learning at school, who cares their name? Seriously, there's so much more to be concerned and protective of, before you know it they're grown ups, and you're probably misguided if you think these stupid rules will change anything. Stop wasting our time, and take care of each other the way we all should. Love wins. </p>


In support

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<p>These policies are reasonable. They protect the right of parents to know what is happening in their child’s life. It protects women’s sports and the achievements of our young women. </p>


Transgender treatment

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As an uncle of a transgender ,I believe everyone  should be treated the way they want.

With respect.

Thank you.

LGBTQ supporter


Reconsider!

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If adopted, this policy will cause harm to our students.  Transgender, non-binary, and intersex students deserve to be treated with respect in their school community. They should be valued. Demonstrating that respect means recognizing their right to express their identity in various appropriate ways. Appreciating that is critical. Not accepting that expression can be devastating to the school community and to the families who love them.


100% Agree wtih this policy

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The direction that VA schools are heading by allowing male students to be present in bathrooms or locker rooms that females are using is not acceptable. This policy will bring an end to the ability of a male student to just determine on a feeling that should now be allowed to be in female private areas. Our female daughters need to be protected from having the stress and stigma of changing in front of a male student or having to see a nude male student. This needs to be implemented immediately before another female is assaulted as happened in Loudoun County schools when they allowed a male student to use female bath rooms and he assaulted females in two different schools while they were in the bathrooms.


Fully supporting Governor Youngkin's revised policy

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As for me & my house, we fully support Governor Youngkin's revised policy protecting kids by keeping parents informed.


Transgender policy

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Children choosing to be other than what God intended is unnatural.

We have two genders Male and Female.  Children under the age of 18 are not considered adults.  They do not get their rights until they are 18.  Voting, smoking, drinking, etc....why are there age restrictions?  They are considered to not be responsible/mature enough to make those decision .  Therefore they should have to wait until they are legal adults to make this decision that will affect them their whole life.


Ridiculous

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<p>I'm a School Counselor and a Clinical Therapist. This new policy will drive up suicide rates, drug use and abuse, medical bills and most importantly family conflicts. A child who is in the developmental  stages of learning about themselves has to go though self exploration. If a child cannot talk to a trusted adult at school, than who can help that child. Who will stop them from attempting suicide?  Children already feel lonely and isolated from adults. It's safer for a child to talk about how they feel and not have fear about being "outted" by a school staff member. </p>


Strongly oppose Youngkin's discriminatory policies.

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I imagine that folks supporting these heinous discriminatory policies do not personally know any transgender youth.  These policies are heinous and offer zero protections to students who are at high risk of suicide.

I pray these policies are never enacted.  To actually go after professionals doing their jobs to treat these youth is as heinous as it gets! Youngkin is a wealthy investment oligarch and is not an educational nor a healthcare professional by any stretch of the imagination!


Protect Trans Students

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I am a middle school science teacher with a masters degree in Molecular Genetics and I strongly oppose the VDOE draft policy that discriminates against trans and nonbinary students. VDOE policy should be research based and serve to protect all students from discrimination. Trans youth are a marginalized population and policy regarding how to treat them should follow what medical science at this time recommends. American Medical Association supports using pronouns and names that align with gender identity. If you look into the genetics of sex and gender, you will find that neither is straightforward. Not everyone has XX or XY chromosomal makeup. Please do not implement this draft policy that goes against everything that medical science shows on the subject. Support trans students, please!


Opposed to these polices

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<p>I totally disagree with these policies. Allow transgender students to be themselves.  They do not need to be made to feel less than their peers or weird. There’s enough hatefulness, we don’t need to encourage more divisions and prejudice </p>


Strongly disagree with this policy.

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Not only will this proposal lead to the harm of students identifying as trans and non-binary, it also is a waste of time. For example, many students have nicknames that they have gone by forever. Therefore, under this policy, the parents of students with nicknames, who are trans, and who are non-binary would have to be contacted. It seems as if resources and energy should instead be used elsewhere, such as improving the education of Virginia students. Also, what about the rights of these transgender and non-binary students? What about their safety?


In opposition (from a teacher and her students)

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The language in this document is purposefully deceptive.  Putting trans children directly into harm's way by outing them against their will/when they are not ready, is not in their best interest.  It is crucial to the social-emotional sense of safety of students that they be allowed to explore things as simple as names and pronouns in the school environment.

Davis et. al found in 2014 that Gay-Straight Alliance groups (safe spaces for students to express themselves with a trusted adult and kind peers around) mitigated suicide risk in gay teens.  Loverno et al confirmed in 2016 that GSAs improve the sense of safety of LGBT+ students.  These policies if passed would mean that the "trusted" adult being forced to immediately out such students to their potentially homophobic/transphobic parents.  This would render a GSA effectively unsafe and useless.

These guidelines remove the ability of a student to confide in a teacher with any expectation of confidentiality.  While this is reasonable for risks like suicide, abuse, etc., this is absolutely absurd in the case of a child simply wanting to use a different name, wear a different piece of clothing, or be referred to by different pronouns.

These guidelines seem to see forced conformity to gender norms as a path to safety.  In fact, making these variations in expression a huge, reportable issue, is putting them on a pedestal and putting children under more pressure with regards to gender.  If you want children not to be obsessed with gender identity or expression, consider calming down about it.  Students in a safe environment may ebb and flow in experimentation with clothing, names, pronouns, and eventually find their true identity without much conflict or intensity ever coming up.  Feeling that that experimentation must be in secret creates a sense of urgency that might actually create more obsession and intensity around gender for students.

Gender expression isn't dangerous.  Allow students to express themselves at school without worry of being reported to their parents and having huge conflicts initiated in the home over something that poses harm to no-one.


Please leave trans kids alone.

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<p>These kids are trying their best to get through a school day just like any other kid. No need to make it harder for them. Why should we legislate how each child (and their parents) choose to call themselves or dress themselves? What ever happened to smaller government? My trans kid knows she is safe  and loved at home, I need to make sure she is safe in school too!! Thank you. </p>


2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s

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I fully support the new Governor's policy, and so should the Albemarle Public School board, a pack of Democrat ideologues that are determined to jam down ill-conceived policies based on flawed social engineering approaches in education that need to be discarded. As Covid has revealed, "data-driven science"--social science especially--is a loaded term, and a lot depends on how and what "data" gets driven into the "science." Children's minds should be molded largely by their parents and families, not public school bureaucrats and educators who believe falsely that the human "psyche" is a machine that can be programmed.


STRONGLY OPPOSE -- will increase suicides by trans youth.  Let's try loving our neighbor instead.

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Policies that force trans students from using the bathroom they're comfortable with hurt the mental health of these students and lead to increased suicides.

I'm a person of faith, and my religion calls on me to love my neighbor.  Hurting kids to the extent that they attempt to kill themselves is inconsistent with my religious faith and my underlying values.  I urge the governor to examine his own faith tradition and see whether such a policy is consistent with his religion.  My Methodist congregation has been open to all types of sexual orientation for over 20 years and it feels like the loving and caring thing to do.  All people are children of God and deserving of respect.  They don't deserve to be used for political gain.

Being a trans kid must be a very difficult thing to live with.  We need to support them as much as possible.

Thank you,

Jennie Elliott


I support the Governor’s policy

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<p>The current Governor’s policy is a common sense approach to supporting students. Parents are the primary care givers and are responsible for the raising of their children. Schools should work to support families in every way, not to tear them apart. Thank you. </p>


Strongly agree with the 2022 Model

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In reference to the 2021 Model Policies to the Treatment of Transgender Students and the 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity and Respect of All Students and Parents in Virginia's Public Schools.

As a parent and a grandparent (and one of my grandchildren is gender confused); I strongly agree with parental rights for the guidance and educational guidelines for our children. They are not capable, nor is the school system in authority to make choices about the gender of a child. It serves no purpose to encourage further confusion. There are issues related to safety and comfort that can indeed be addressed in behavior; and positive activities, friends, and connections that make all the difference; as well as involving parents to participate at every level possible. Drawing folks together not separating them into confusion is a better solution to these issues as they arise.

Drawing on the collective guidance as it arises in parents and grandparents in the care of children; is wisdom not to be ignored; or dismissed, as their love and concern is a lifelong commitment to the child. Let us all work together, in this concern, to raise these wonderful people to love each other, their teachers, their parents and themselves. Thank you!


Strongly support Gov Youngkin!

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<p>As a parent of two children in Virginia public schools. I applaud Governor Youngkin efforts and supporting parents involvement. Parents have the right to know and be actively involved in a child’s transitioning and schools cannot keep that information from parents. Thank You Governor Youngkin! </p>


Fully Support this Policy!!!

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Totally support Governor Youngkin’s new policy!


NO BOYS in girls bathrooms & locker rooms! Support!!!


You all should be concerned about BOYS in girls bathrooms & locker rooms! Support!!!


Strongly Oppose - THIS WILL FURTHER HARM OUR CHILDREN

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A quote from the Trever Project website, "LGBTQ youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. " This bill will further mistreat and stigmatize our LGBTQ youth.

If enacted the suicide attempt rate for LGBTQ kids will soar well beyond the now 40%. This will do nothing to protect the kids. It will only protect the parents. Not all transgender or LGBTQ children are supported. Many aren't. Homeless rates will soar. Think about what you're doing. Try and think beyond yourself. Think beyond your personal beliefs. Think beyond your political beliefs. Look at the bigger picture. Have some empathy. These children, these people do not CHOOSE this.


Fully support - conforms to existing law and established legal precedents

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<p>The proposed guidance is well reasoned, logical, and conforms to Federal/State laws and established court precedents. Parents have the right to direct their children’s upbringing including their socio-ideological and mental health well being. Parents have the right to instill in their children values that conform to the parent’s core beliefs and the school system does not have the right to countermand those beliefs. The previous guidance (having actually read it) was heavily focused on imposing a particular ideology while undermining the rights of parents. The proposed guidance balances protecting the transgender child while respecting the rights of other students and parents. Research indicates 85-90% of children with gender dysphoria will become comfortable/conform to their sex by 18 years old. Therefore it is important that parents be involved so there is a reasoned, rational, logical approach so the child has time to mature and make sound decisions based on life experience and not merely conform to the latest trend in vogue. These students  who claim they are not comfortable with their birth-assigned sex have not lived long enough to truly understand what it means to be a man or woman. That is why parent’s involvement is so critical, to have mature and experienced individuals help guide their children through the uncertainty of the life until they are mature enough to make good decisions. I applaud Governor Youngkin and the Department of Education in their work. </p>


Transgender 2022 policy

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I am in favor of the proposed new policy regarding treatment of transgender students in our public schools.  We have moved too far in the wrong direction by instituting rules and regulations to favor the few students targeted by this policy and have disenfranchised the vast majority of students who are not "targets" of this policy yet are denied their own fundamental rights to safety and privacy by having to be exposed to the presence of students who claim to be transgender in "private" situations.  Making single use bathrooms available to all students allows any student, whether transgender or not, the promise of safety and privacy in such situations.  As a specific example, many teen and pre-teen girls experience a life change that affects their presence and comfort in the schools as they adjust to this new maturation they are experiencing (I know; I went through it myself, and it was very embarrassing at times!).  Throughout life, there will always be individuals who do not fit the "norm", and it is one of life's challenges to be willing to accept that sometimes we are "different" and we simply must accept it, without demanding that we discomfit everyone else just to suit ourselves.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Oppose. Kids, especially teens, have a tremendous amount of anxiety and depression these days and are trying to find their way. Once they do find the courage to self-id, why are we putting up roadblocks for them to be their true selves. </p>


I support the governors proposal

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Our family disagrees with the school


I vehemently oppose this policy


No Child is Born in the Wrong Body so we should not teach that lie in schools. Include parents!

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<p>This ideology is harmful and has overtaken our schools. Our nation will look back at this transgender movement with shame that we allowed so many young people  to get swept up in its illusory net. And to deceive and exclude parents is a criminal act and greatly exceeds and abuses the power of the government! </p>


Sacrifice safety, sports, comfort, consideration for 98% of kids to promote the confused few

This will all fade away and we can get back to teaching in schools


Learning should not be dependent upon gender identity - this is discrimination

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I oppose the “model” policies; the only thing they model is discrimination and they are illegal.

Just as it would be shocking, outrageous and discriminatory to selectively impose harmful policies based on race, ethnicity, or religion, it is equally shocking, outrageous and discriminatory to apply these harmful, shameful, discriminatory policies to transgender students.

I strongly suspect that anyone is support of these policies does not truly know a transgender person or student. The transgender student whom I know before his transition was a straight A and gifted student, played baseball, was on the crew in every school play and musical production, and astounded his art teachers with his self-taught skills. And after his transition? The SAME. He is the same kid. The same student. Downright amazing in every which way. His learning environment should not be dependent upon his gender. His relationship to teachers and school administrators should not be dependent upon his gender. And teachers and school administrators should never do anything that would jeopardize the safety of a student.

This student had the full support of his family and still faced barriers, having to work with his school to ensure his bodily autonomy like all other students - access to a bathroom and changing area for gym. I can’t imagine what it is like for transgender students who don’t have that support at home or at school.

Yet that is what these policies would do. They create a hostile environment that upends learning - the core purpose of school. They endanger students by outing them to their family and in classrooms over and over and over again. They say that transgender students are “other” and not deserving of equal treatment under the law.

And the stakes could not be higher. The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half (53%) of transgender and nonbinary youth. Nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide. However, LGBTQ youth who had access to an LGBTQ-affirming school reported lower rates of attempting suicide than those who did not. Additionally, learning about LGBTQ people or issues was associated with significantly lower odds (23%) of a past-year suicide attempt in LGBTQ students.

I have lived in Virginia more than half of my life. This is the only time I have been embarrassed to live here and embarrassed by my Governor. Maybe the political calculation was that he could get away with pandering to a Republican base while considering a Presidential bid because transgender individuals comprise a small fraction, 5%, of the population. But he hasn’t considered the enormous network of friends, family members, students, teachers, school administrators and allies that stand with transgender students. If only the governor, state government and state education system would do the same.

I urge you to rescind these discriminatory policies.


STRONGLY OPPOSED. THIS IS DISCRIMINATION

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<p>don’t do this to trans kids. many trans kids aren’t accepted at home or by their friends, and school is supposed to be a safe place where trans kids can at LEAST get support from their staff and teachers. they shouldn’t have to take so many extra steps in order to express themselves the way cisgender kids do, and should NOT have to worry about the people they should be able to trust at school outing them to their families. you’re just giving us more obstacles to face, more things to be worried about, and making it harder to be ourselves even though there is nothing wrong with us. do not make it easier for unloving parents to discover how their trans kids identify and do not make it easier for unloving parents to disapprove of their kid and limit their expression at school. this will negatively impact the mental health of so many kids, and school was supposed to be good for them </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE. THESE KIDS NEED SUPPORT AND PROTECTION.

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STOP using children as your political pawns. A July 2020 study quoted by the CDC states 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth.  "Intervenable risk factors" include interpersonal and environmental microaggressions, internalized self-stigma, and adverse childhood experiences. "Protective factors" include school belonging, family support, and peer support.

NOT ALL TRANSGENDER CHILDREN HAVE FAMILY SUPPORT. Many families ostracize the child, or even kick the child out of the home. Please do not draw teachers into an argument in the home; these students need to know they have safe spaces at school. For some, it's the only safe space.


My Entire Family Fully Supports the Governor’s New Education Policy

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<p>Thanks to Virginia’s current leaders for their efforts to return Virginia to some normalcy.  </p>


Shame on you Albemarle County Public Schols

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First of all, thank you Gov Youngkin for protecting our children and parental rights. I strongly support the new policy. Secondly, shame on Albemarle County Public Schools for trying to resist everything the Governor proposes. The ACPS leadership and school board are more concerned about imposing liberalism on our kids than they are about teaching our kids (see recent test results). The new policy makes perfect sense. My daughter shouldn't have to use the bathroom or locker room or play sports with a boy that claims to be a girl.  People seem to have forgotten why Gov Youngkin got elected.  Parents don't want school systems trying to take away their parental rights.


Dangerous proposal

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I oppose to this proposal that will endanger the lives of so many kids if it is put into effect.


Strongly Oppose this Policy Which Erases Students' Identities and Subjects Them to Discrimination

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<p>Our children, regardless of how they identify, deserve the same respect and recognition. Policies should aim to foster the education of all the children in Virginia, not sow division between and create unsafe environments for select groups of our children. </p>


Great Job!

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<p>I fully support this initiative Governor Youngkin! </p>


Fully support the Governor and updated guidelines

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We have gone off the deep end with people being able to choose whatever sound they want for a pronoun and being able to claim discrimination when someone else fails to use it.  A student should not be able to simply say they identify as another sex and be allowed full access to that other sex's bathrooms and locker rooms.  Has everyone lost their common sense?  Or are those opposed in favor of just having mixed bathrooms and locker rooms everywhere regardless of sex/identity?


TRANS STUDENTS ARE NOT THREATS

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A transgender student who identifies as a boy/man should have the same opportunities as a cis student who also identifies as a boy/man, and vice versa. Transgender people are just like you, they want to feel comfortable and safe just like you. Transgender people are not malicious. Malicious people are malicious. Transgender people are just people and if you let a cis woman use the same restroom as other cis woman without complaint but not a transwoman even though there is risk for sexual misconduct either way then you inherently discriminating against transwomen because of personal bias that they have malicious intentions. communal places should not be segregated period.


Protect trans kids

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What governor youngkin has proposed will be detrimental to any trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, or any student who identifies with the lgbtq+ community. School is supposed to be a place where a student feels safe and an environment that nurtures growth, both physically and mentally, and if this preposterous legislation goes into effect it will literally kill kids. Innocent children who are just trying to express themselves. This legislation was written to please the white, straight, cis parents of students in the public school system of Virginia. I can ensure you that no child in their right minds would ever approve of this legislation going into place. We are made to say the pledge of allegiance every day before school, a direct quote from that is “liberty and justice for all”. Do you really mean “for all” or just anyone that fits into your white, Christian narrative. Something that many government officials have failed to take into consideration is that not everybody follows their religion. There are thousands of religions in the world with all different beliefs. Just because the homophobic 1950’s era translation of the Christian bible says that lgbtq+ is bad, doesn’t mean that you have the right to force those beliefs on the entire 8 million plus population of Virginia. If governor youngkin had a single ounce of respect or morals this legislation will not be passed. And if this disgusting legislation is to pass, just know that gen-z is almost to voting age and the election results will end up being much different than you would expect.


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The Albemarle Public School Board are a pack of ideologues that are determined to jam through radical Democrat social engineering policies that are likely to inflict a great deal of unintentional harm on children. They need to abide by the will of the people expressed in the election of Governor Youngkin, which in itself was a repudiation of their efforts to impose their unbalanced policies over the past couple of years, and comply with the Governor's new policies in every way.


Support fully

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Very much support this - parents need to be involved in all aspects of their minor child's life.


Governor's new state policy

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<p>I strongly oppose the new policy. This isn't about parents' rights. It's about taking rights from others. </p>


Oppose these misguided policies

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Focusing the transgender and gender diverse student support policies on the rights of parents who may not support those students seems to be the opposite of what is intended by the law. Forcing teachers to be yet another unsafe adult for unsupported trans and gender diverse students is damaging to both the students and the teachers. None of what is here is “evidence based” as required by the law. The entire medical community supports allowing trans kids to be themselves. Not letting them transition causes the child harm. These policies are harmful to trans kids and other LGBTQIA+ kids. How can you not love children enough to let them be who they are. How can you be so cruel to target already scared and vulnerable children with this tactic.


PROTECT GIRLS SPORTS. This is ridiculous.

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There is no reason that biological males should be competing with us and taking away our records and scholarships. Please help.


Support new model policies

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I am in favor of this or any policy that avoids extremes and recognizes the dangers of bullying for all children (whether based on gender dysphoria, religion, skin color, or whatever). If a child is at risk of suicide, they need help, and caring parents are part of the solution. If parents are not caring but abusive or neglectful then the child needs caring adults to be part of the solution through CPS, if necessary. I and my teen daughters (one of whom is in public school) prefer single-sex facilities. However, if single-sex facilities are not provided then accessible options for private (single-person) toileting and changing spaces need to be.


Proposal endangers children!

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This is a terrible proposal which endangers Virginia's most precious asset--our children!! As a devout Christian and retired ethics professor, I am happy and proud that my kids have grown up accepting people of various races, creeds, genders, and sexualities. Children need to be able to explore their own identities in an atmosphere of safety--not in constant peril of being "outed." Please, Governor, shred this proposal and use the scraps for compost!


I’m am a trans girl and will never get the state record if I can’t dominate on the girls sports team

Oppose- this will ruin my chances to be a star athlete

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<p>How can I destroy the girls sports team if I’m only aloud to play on my assigned birth gender team. NOT FAIR. </p>


FULLY SUPPORT!!

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<p>Thank you so much Governor for giving parents their rights and voices back!  We are proud that you have taken a stand for us and for our children!  This is why you were elected!  We will support this!  </p>


I support our Governor!! Thank you!

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Thank you for this policy Governor!


Fully support the new policy

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Our children are being indoctrinated and groomed by some very misguided people and the governors new policy provides protection for our most innocent and vulnerable and for parental rights.  The schools have done an abysmal job teaching the basics and preparing our kids for life because they have focused on all the wrong things.  They have created sexual issues where there were none; they have created racism where it didn't exist and all the while our kids can't properly read or do math!  The state of our schools is appalling, and that the school board members think they are above the law and can run rough shod over the policies of the governor elected by the people of Virginia is incredible.  Their attitude speaks for itself.


Fully support these changes

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What a pleasant change to see a sane policy that promises to respect all children and honor the sanctity of a parents rights and the constitution of the great nation.

Wonderful work!


This is discrimination

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<p>This policy is hurtful and hateful. If the governor and the Virginia Department of Education truly want to protect children, they would not enforce this archaic treatment of transgender students. "All students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying."  </p>


Parental Rights Do Not Supersede Children's Right to Safety

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<p>Every child has a right to be safe, especially in school. Unfortunately, many trans children are unsupported at home, and school may be their only place to be safe from verbal (sometimes physical) abuse and feel accepted. If we take away a child to be addressed by their actual gender and tell parents who will reject their child, then are we not saying children are their parents' possession, that their own agency and safety means nothing? Is that really a society we wish to live in?  </p>


As a transgender parent of a Virginia student I oppose

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Everyone involved with the marginalization of trans kids should be ashamed of themselves. Trans kids often face discrimination and violence over their identity at home. Adding the "parents right" here makes their life with bigotry even harder and contributes to discrimination, marginalization, and trauma from the abuse that they've experienced.

Schools should be centering themselves on being free from discrimination and focus on the ideals that America is supposed to embody: the freedom to live, learn, and have the liberty to pursue ones life without hateful people trying to destroy them. Parents absolutely do not have a say in their childs identity, that is theirs alone, and catering to bigotry will create a generation of children who grow up and see how the system and their own parents treated them. As a parent of a Virginia student, a victim of transphobia, and an educator myself, I cannot fathom how a measure like this can even be debated. It's shameful and should be wiped from the books. Shame on the "conservatives" here who cannot see how their bigotry harms children.


We Need to Support Our Students

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It is essential that we continue to support the rights of our trans students.  The governor's proposal lacks empathy and will have negative mental health impacts on our students.  It is sad to see politics put ahead of student rights.


SUPPORT!

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Rights for transgender students do NOT trump the rights for biological sex students! Instead of changing everything to help support a very small amount of students, let's think of better ways to support ALL students! There are ways to help support transgender students without making students who identify with the sex they were born a lesser priority. We build ramps and adaptive equipment for people with physical disabilities, along with stairs. We do not make everyone use a ramp, just because some people need it, but we do provide support and modifications for those who do need it. Transgender students should not be allowed to participate in sports against students who identify with the sex they were born with... there are physical attributes that do not ever fully transition. We worked so hard to achieve woman's rights and Title IX, and allowing transgender women to play on women's sports teams puts students born as females at a disadvantage.

When it comes to OUR children, their rights should be left up to their parents/families/caregivers, NOT the schools!!


PROTECT TRANS KIDS.

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I am a student at a high school in Hampton Virginia. There are students who are bullied, including myself because I was bullied for almost a full year because i simply wanted to be called a different name. If this bill goes through it will be damaging and hurting the lives of so many kids who come to school to feel safe. School is a safe space for the kids who do not have an outlet at home to be themselves and be the way that they are. do not take this away from kids like myself, please.


In full support of the Governor!!

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I am in full support of the Governor.

I am a resident of Albemarle County and DO NOT SUPPORT the School Board remarks on this subject.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!

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I STRONGLY oppose this proposal. Transgender and gender-diverse youth already face increased risk of depression, anxiety and suicidality due to the stress, discrimination and lack of acceptance by our society. Studies have shown the need for gender-affirming services and support in order to reduce the mental health burden in this population. By not supporting these youth at school and ignoring their human right to be who they are is in effect killing these children. In our family, we teach our kids that all people are the same – we may look different on the outside, talk differently, dress differently, believe in different things, but we are all the same – we are all human and every human deserves to be treated the same and with respect. Why are you and everyone who supports this policy, so afraid of people who appear “different” from you? By creating such a divisive environment, you are fueling more bullying, violence and hate. Instead of cultivating this fear of things or people who may seem “different”, let’s try acceptance and understanding. That is the way to achieve an educational environment (and world) where all students/people thrive.


Christian Strongly Opposing Trans Discrimination

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As a faithful Christian who attends Clarendon Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Virginia every Sunday, I strongly oppose this change because our faith teaches us that God created all of us in God's own image in all of the expressions of gender identity. Standing for the God of all creation, all people and all love means you must stand for safe, inclusive and supportive environments for all students, especially transgender and non-binary students. Furthermore, supporting "parents' choice" means supporting the choices of loving parents who support their transgender and non-binary offspring, not sacrificing them for Governor Youngkin's 2024 Presidential ambitions!


Strongly support new guidelines

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These common-sense guidelines invite parents to the table. I do not feel comfortable hiding information from parents such as a child's school name or pronouns. Parents have rights that I don't have.


In support of the Governor


Protect Trans Kids - STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Trans kids in Virginia need support, not more obstacles.


Oppose the new guidelines - they reduce  protections for students who are already vulnerable

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I am a parent of three children in Virginia schools and a genetic counselor who has worked with families who are learning of their child’s differences in sex development, some detected via ultrasound, some by chromosomal testing, and others upon medical examination. It can be upsetting to parents when their child’s identity in regards to sexuality and gender changes without the parent’s consent. The role of the public school system is education, so it seems a good point in time to focus work on educating parents, faculty, staff, students and administrators about gender expansiveness, identity, and the value of school being a safe space for people of all sexual and gender identities.  Let’s work to replace the parents’ fear and denial with support and understanding. Gender expansive people fellow humans just like you and me. They are our neighbors, our friends, our family, even strangers we pass on the street.

 Youngkin’s proposed guidelines seek to reduce protections for students who are already vulnerable. You can do better than this for Virginia’s students, Governor Youngkin


Full Support

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As a father to a child in the public school system, I am glad the Governor has made this change in favor of protecting our youth.

As far as I am concerned there is a civil suit waiting to happen when a female or male will be sexual assaulted on school property by another student or faculty, on taxpayer property.

Here's some common sense

All schools take one bathroom and make it for the lbgt community so they have their own safe space. Everyone should have a safe space, even those that do not participate in that community deserve the same level of fairness.


Take care of all children in Virginia; don't single out LGBTQ students for discrimination

Voter and taxpayer thinking about moving to Virginia

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I'm considering a move to Virginia.  Policies like the proposed one have me looking elsewhere.  This is a terrible, unkind, backward and un-Christian way to take care of those who most need our support:  all children.  No child should be singled out for discriminatory, punitive actions like those proposed.  I support all children on their paths to adulthood, and I trust their parents to negotiate what is best for their child, based on their knowledge of the child and not on what I think I know about the so-called natural order of things (which, by the way, includes LGBTQ people).


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

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Don’t force your hate onto Virginians. Virginia is for lovers not haters! Everyone isn’t the same, nor should we be. This is America. Freedom from religion if we choose. Instead of inserting yourself into our human rights how about you insert yourself into helping our vets, helping those who are mentally ill and want to hurt themselves and/or others. Help cap insulin prices, help stop anti bullying and antilynching. The list goes on. Forcing kids to “stop saying gay” and “outing them” will only create a bigger problem. Teen suicides will skyrocket for one. Also, cutting them off won’t do any good either. Nor will taking books etc. THERE’S A THING CALLED THE INTERNET! Just like with CRT-let’s accept it, learn from it and do better. Not that hard. Gay and trans kids/people are no different than straight people. You just haven’t opened your heart to see they are in fact people too.


Transgender rights

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Why would anyone want to reduce protections for some of the most vulnerable people of out population?  Transgender kids are in the midst of just trying to figure out life in the middle of hormones and social interactions.
Allowing other people to be jerks to them doesn’t sound like a policy we would want for ANY of our children regardless of race, economic standing, gender.  Department of Education folks wouldn’t want rights removed from their children. The Governor wouldn’t want it for his kids. We shouldn’t want these tights taken away from any people.
And transgender kids are just that-people.


Governor Youngkin wants students to die

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


Support Gov Youngkins policies for parental rights

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<p>We need to recognize the rights of all students and parents. </p>


Oppose

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<p>I don't know what you think you're accomplishing regulating trans kid's rights. We should be paying more attention to what this is doing to children and less what we imagine is wrong with it. </p>


You Will Be Killing Kids!

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

Not only does this revision contradict Title IX prewritten law and the gender equality law of 2020, but it will increase the threat of abuse to children, mental health issues, suicidality in children, and a higher risk for homelessness. Passing this policy only serves as fear-mongering as it contradicts prior law and will cause distrust between the state government and VA residents. If you propose this policy, children will die!


Vehemently Oppose this Attack on Human Rights for Political Purposes

Andrea Foley: Parent, Taxpayer, Human Rights Supporter

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I vehemently OPPOSE this directive.  These policies are simply a direct attack on Transgender individuals' human rights.  This is strictly a political maneuver by Youngkin to gain visibility & position himself among other politicians who are scrambling to promote anti-LGBTQ policies that especially target the basic rights of Trans youth.  Why? To gain political support by pandering to a religious faction of voters who wish to violate not just human rights, but also the constitution's first amendment requiring the separation of church & state.

--This directive which is a way to codify discrimination toward Trans youth, clearly violates the Virginia Human Rights Act, as well as Federal Law.  If implemented, it will and must be immediately be challenged in the courts.  As a 37 year Virginia taxpayer, I would vehemently oppose the use of any taxpayer money to defend these illegal policies.  A sad outcome of this policy would require that taxpayer money be spent to increase Virginia mental health services for LGTQ youth at a time when studies show that there is a current mental health crisis for ALL youth.

--History proves that Transgender individuals and gender fluidity have been a part of every society since the dawn of time.  With scientific research & activism, the US has been steadily coming out of the dark ages & making progress to ensure the equal rights of ALL citizens.  This directive is a GIANT LEAP BACKWARDS for EQUAL RIGHTS at the expense of the very lives of vulnerable school children & adolescents, their parents who want to support them & the school systems who want to do the right thing.

--This despicable policy literally trades children's lives for votes & political ambition.  Youngkin appears to be ignorant of any facts concerning Transgenderism (more likely chooses to appear ignorant for political reasons).  Youngkin needs to sit down with experts & study the disastrous consequences of such policies to the mental health & suicide rate of Trans youth.  He needs to publicly acknowledge the mental health & suicide ramifications of this directive & that such policies are guaranteed to fuel bullying, violence & hate against all Trans persons in Virginia & the US.

--ALL Virginia youth must be granted equal rights and protection in state-funded schools.  Only a fraction of 1% of Virginia students (@ 4,000) identify as Transgender; already one of the smallest, most abused & ostracized groups.  I vehemently oppose stripping these vulnerable youth their human rights protection under Virginia law!


Support this change

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I support this change. Thank you Gov Younkin.


Oppose this measure -- we should INSTEAD protect transgender children

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Being transgender is difficult in our current society.  Children struggling with this life situation need protection and to feel safe.  We would like to think that parents know what is best for their children, but, unfortunately, not all parents are able to create a safe space for their childrens' needs.

Schools should take a neutral stance by allowing children to select their gender pronouns without having to ask for the parents' permission.

Our schools should foster a learning space that is safe and accepting of all students, including transgender students.  Allowing students to be themselves, to select their gender pronouns in school, is one step in the direction of creating this space.

It also benefits the non-transgender students by creating a model for empathy and acceptance of all people, without discrimination or hate.


Allowing transgender children to express themselves

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<p>The Commonwealth is in the wrong when it says that parents of transgender children and transgender children themselves are harming other students.  All children present to the world differently.  Most all will become adult sexual beings.  It is unrealistic, if this makes binary children and parents "uncomfortable," to think that the state can legislate differences away.  Allow all children to be who they are; be kind and respectful of all races, genders and gender issues.  Put emphasis on safe schools and all attaining the education necessary to communicate and compete in a diverse adult world.   This is just an updated version of stamping out differences - at one time, girls couldn't play 5-person basketball, Blacks couldn't date whites, Blacks couldn't access a proper education as that would have given them the skills to communicate and compete.  It is easy enough to have a separate bathroom, such as a teachers' bathroom, become the bathroom for transgender students.  Put the majority of teachers' and administrators' time on providing safe, evidence-based attainment of educational goals.  </p>


Discrimination Of Trans Children, Unacceptable

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These proposals are dangerous and unnecessary. Discrimination against transgender children is likely to end in physical and/or verbal violence. Children that are victims of this type of abuse are more likely to commit suicide. Inclusion and confidentiality are ways to help keep our children safe.


SUPPORT - If you didn't want to parent, you should have exercised your sacred "right" to choose.

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Parents should be fully informed and involved in their children's struggle with mental health.  Only in a pedo-groomer's wildest dreams could a government entity eliminate parents from an equation involving a child's battle with his/her (no other options) sexuality so they can eventually be trafficked by an equally disillusioned "activist" to the nearest children's hospital for irreversible chemical castration and/or genital mutilation. While an argument could be made that society would benefit from the mentally ill eliminating their genes (along with the genes of their failed parents) from future generations, it is wrong to write off the future potential of our children at such a young age.

These "protections" that some so avidly want to protect have only been in effect for a little over a year, and were promoted by an extremist governor on his way out the door (because he was fired by the people of VA). Support Governor Younkin in his effort to put parents back in the driver's seat of their own children's lives.


I support the change!


Support

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Until a child is 18, their parents should absolutely be involved in helping guide them. Schools making policies saying what students can and can't do without parent approval is crazy. Thank you Youngkin!!


Thank you for recognizing parental rights

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Governor, thank you for recognizing the rights of Virginia parents as the ultimate authority in their children's lives and our choice to raise them without the influences of state sponsored porn being pushed on them by special interest groups that have invaded school boards and school systems.


Support Younkin’s parental rights policy

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For the protection of our children and minors, I support what governor Younkin has passed regarding transgender issues in schools. Nothing should be done without parents knowledge and consent, teachers and transgender associations need to stop their predatory behavior toward minors and leave them alone.


Very Opposed - this will hurt kids

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I refuse to support a measure that'll suppress kids' identities and put them at risk for mental health crises.  We can do better


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<p>We fully support the new policies to protect parental rights and our children.  Please continue to protect our families. </p>


Oppose - protect transgender and gender expansive students

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<p>I very much oppose and do no support the proposed policy that would reduce protections for transgender and gender expansive students.  I cannot believe that after all of the hard work that students, families, teachers etc. have put in to make sure that these students have access to what they need and fair treatment that this could be undone.  This would be devastating for families and kids everywhere.  </p>


Totally support Younkin’s bill

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Enough is enough.  Teachers and schools should focus on education.  Personal choice issues should not be the responsibility of school systems.


Liberty and justice for all

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Everyone in this country make the pledge of allegiance many times in their life. But sometimes it just stays in words because not all are given the liberty to live a life in pursuit of their happiness when they're not harming anyone. And that seems far from justice.

I would like to see more restrictions on hate crimes, more restrictions on gun policies, there are many much greater and deep problems in this society than gender identity.


Wholly opposed to the rewrite

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School is a safe haven for many youth. Forcing teachers to refuse use of their chosen names at school shows a complete lack of sympathy for the children involved. Using trans kids chosen names decreases depressive symptoms by 71%, and a 65% decrease in the chance of suicide attempts (https://news.utexas.edu/2018/03/30/name-use-matters-for-transgender-youths-mental-health/). This proposal will kill children.


I support trans kids

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<p>I support transgender students throughout Virginia, and their right tomake their iwn choices about gender idenity, thei dress and their preferred pronouns. I also condem Governor Youngkin’s attempt to sacrifice transgender youth to further hus political ambitions. </p>


Fully support Youngkin’s policies not school board

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This is exactly what our schools need to keep liberal policies out of our children’s lives.
Keep same sex kids in their respective locker rooms, and in their biological sports.
And keep these kids dressing up as animals home!
Sogned, a parent with kids in these schools that already know the school board is a bunch of liberals woke nuts.


Agree!!

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<p>It’s not closed minded - it’s letting ALL KIDS figure out who they are without influence of agendas. </p>


Most people are gay and trans. They just haven’t been encouraged  as kids to start drugs and surgery

If we start early enough everyone can be trans and we can have one bathroom

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<p>Oppose make all kids trans </p>


Strongly Oppose

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Honestly terrible. Trans kids with unsupportive parents already go through a lot. Forcing teachers to refuse use of their chosen names at school shows a complete lack of sympathy for the children involved. Using trans kids chosen names decreases depressive symptoms by 71%, and a 65% decrease in the chance of suicide attempts (https://news.utexas.edu/2018/03/30/name-use-matters-for-transgender-youths-mental-health/). This proposal will kill children.


Thank you for trusting parents

Jason, parent of student in Albemarle County

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<p>I never thought we would be engaged in this debate, but here we go. I fully support this change to policy. Parents are ultimately the best source of guidance for their children. Nowhere in this new guidance does it propose diminishing the health of trans students. Those opposed to this policy either don’t have children in the school system, are seeking political points, or haven’t read the policy. </p>


Support Gov Youngkin's rewrite

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Thank you for restoring parental rights and that parents are no longer cut out of the process concerning their children, especially in life changing/altering positions.  Parents are parents for a reason.  It is not the  school system's place to be steering children in areas they have no business (sexual orientation; abortion).  What happened to teachers actually teaching "reading, writing and arithmetic".  Schools need to stop the social engineering!


Support- there are rare gender dysphoria cases. But this is a fad and misguidance of confused youth

If this was real there would be a normal distribution among all populations

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This is a fake United States social fad. Wow kids are awkward and uncomfortable and confused. How about some healthy support instead of encouraging a fake reality. Of course you get what you encourage.


this isn’t ok.

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this isn’t ok.

this will only raise suicide rates for trans kids. you say you will prioritize safety, and then make laws like these. i’m disappointed in you.


this isn’t ok.


VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE THIS ATTEMPT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST CHILDREN!

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Discrimination against transgender people of any age is thinly veiled HATE, FEAR, and TRANSPHOBIA.  There's no transgender boogeyman gonna eat you or your child in the dark!

God created EVERYONE, not just those you're comfortable with.   It's not that difficult to leave children alone and keep your opinions about their "rightness" or "wrongness" to yourself.  Let them be kids and feel safe simply by keeping them safe. Don't let our government rule children based on unfounded, unconscious FEAR!

Humans were created to EVOLVE - not DEVOLVE.  You can't put the toothpaste back in the tube and you can't convince transgender children that they're not!  Exposing children to the pain of discrimination and HATE is unconscionable!  Leave the kids alone!


Discriminatory policies targeting children

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<p>Publicly commenting that I am seeing and noticing Virginia about to enact discriminatory policies targeting trans children. It’s immoral, despicable, and illegal when it comes to federal law. I hope people will work to bring the policy down quickly, and I hope those responsible will be held accountable. In the meantime, I will be supporting any economic efforts to direct financial resources away from your state. </p>


Reject proposal

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This policy is a disgrace to the rights of all Virginians. Governor Youngkin’s hypocrisy of putting forth a proposal such as this, while at the same time attempting to limit a woman’s right to choose whether or not she is a mother is astounding.  Research shows that discriminating against transgender teens and children increases the risk for suicide and death by a very large percent. Why are you OK with increasing their death rate but you claim to be “pro life” through your limiting of access to reproductive healthcare for the women of Virginia.  I urge the state representatives to strongly denounce and reject this proposal.


Misguided and Dangerous

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<p>This "model" policy is ill-informed, regressive, and dangerous, using policy to further discriminate against populations that are already vulnerable. It speaks to the fear and mongering of elected officials who are willing to make a boogeyman out of anything that will win more votes. We can do better and develop a policy that benefits and protects ALL students, not just those you deem important. </p>


Strongly support this new guidance/policies

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This new set of policies is exactly what we need for these liberal run school boards that are out of touch, and out of control.  I strongly support this guidance document and hope these public school systems can open their eyes to what parents truly want for their kids and expect from their local public school system.


We Support the AC School board’s full statement.

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<p>As a lifelong Virginian and resident of Albemarle County, we MUST not move backward and MUST continue to respect the dignity our all our students.   Our family stands with the Albemarle County School board's vigorous disagreement with the proposal by the Virginia Dept. of Education. </p>


Support new proposed 2022 Model Polices

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I support the proposed model policies mainly because it appreciates and respects that parents must be involved in all aspects of their child's care including education and what happens at school (since not all that happens at school is necessarily specifically education ie sports, social, etc). The state, through the BOE, and local schools should not come between  the parent and child. We should not be putting the educators and administrators in the position of harming a family unit by encouraging secrecy. This would be unhealthy to the parent child relationship, parent - school relationship and the child to school relationship.

In my humble opinion, I believe this policy document provides protections for all students and provides opportunities to the individual student. Meeting the needs of a particular student by providing and option for parents to consent to a transitioning/transitioned child having their preferred name, pronouns, and gender recognized by the school legally.

If anything could be better about this new document, I would suggest providing more professional assistance to families struggling with any type of bullying, discrimination or mental health issues. I think I somewhat understand the main opposition to this policy has to do with children not feeling safe to address their feelings or preferences to their family. Maybe having a safe place, with their family, to express themselves while receiving professional guidance would help.

I specifically appreciate this update as a parent of a high schooler.


Approve

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<p>I fully support the update to the policy.  Parents are responsible for their children and should be included in all aspects of their lives. We need to put more focus on education and inclusivity can be part of that, but please let's stop focusing our energy into areas that keep the distraction from learning. </p>


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<p>Really oppose this bill - mass shootings in schools are far more scary than trans kids!!! </p>


OPPOSE -- PROTECT TRANS CHILDREN!

Parent (Multiple Children Currently in VA Public School)

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We should be creating more inclusive policies, protections, and classroom teaching at all levels of our public schools to teach our children--all of our children, in all of their beautiful diversity--to feel included, supported, and cherished by all Virginians. Transphobic legislation like this proposal will only intensify an atmosphere of hatred, inequality, and discrimination in our schools and state. And we already know that trans children are struggling with self-harm and suicide in our current atmosphere in schools and in the state. So why make conditions in our schools and state worse by adding even more hateful policy to our school systems?


Strongly Support

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<p>I strongly support this! It protects kids’ and parental rights. </p>


I strongly support protections for transgender and gender-expansive students

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I thank the Albemarle County school board for vigorously standing on the side of all students including transgender and gender-expansive students.


All children deserve safety, not just the cis ones

Statistically, trans people are more likely to be the victim of an assault, rather than the perpetrator, so all of you who are worried that someone just wants into a particular bathroom for nefarious purposes should calm down.It’s really awful to see the fear and hatred with which adults react not only to other adults, but ESPECIALLY to children who are not like them.This proposed change will make trans kids less safe; it will also have the chilling effect of making any other kid who is different (gay, neurodivergent, or just outside of what is considered “normal”) less safe.
The fight that we’re seeing for trans rights is reminiscent of the civil rights battles that were fought for BIPOC folks in the 50s, 60s, and 70s- and which are still being fought today.
Some folks act like being gay or transgender is a new thing that was created by “the liberals” and it’s ridiculous. Gay/pan/trans people have been around as long as humanity itself, and their lives are just as valuable and worthy as those of straight/cis people. They have just as much right to be safe and themselves as straight and cis children do.

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Statistically, trans people are more likely to be the victim of an assault, rather than the perpetrator, so all of you who are worried that someone just wants into a particular bathroom for nefarious purposes should calm down.

It’s really awful to see the fear and hatred with which adults react not only to other adults, but ESPECIALLY to children who are not like them.

This proposed change will make trans kids less safe; it will also have the chilling effect of making any other kid who is different (gay, neurodivergent, or just outside of what is considered “normal”) less safe.

The fight that we’re seeing for trans rights is reminiscent of the civil rights battles that were fought for BIPOC folks in the 50s, 60s, and 70s- and which are still being fought today.

Some folks act like being gay or transgender is a new thing that was created by “the liberals” and it’s ridiculous. Gay/pan/trans people have been around as long as humanity itself, and their lives are just as valuable and worthy as those of straight/cis people. They have just as much right to be safe and themselves as straight and cis children do.


strongly oppose

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If you do not know or love a transgender child, it is almost impossible to understand their perspective. If these policies are passed, it will lead to more suicide, more anxiety, and less understanding across differences. Why not involve transgender people and students in the forming of policies so that those with differing perspectives can come together?

It is not legal or ethical to twist policies that exist into the complete opposite of their original intent. That is what has been done here.

If you have never taught in a classroom, it can also be almost impossible to understand how extreme and cruel it would be to have a student ask to be called by a name that a teacher might be forced to deny. Imagine an abusive home, where a child is named for a parent who has abandoned or attacked them, to have a student deny that name, and then, as a teacher, to be legally obligated to call them by that name.

Nearly all parents have their children's best interests at heart. Others are still learning or are even unwilling to learn about their own children. Don't punish children for the faults of their parents.


Stop killing us because of your ignorance and refusal to accept anything outside of your views

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If you honestly support this, have you ever thought to take a step back and look at your own ideology? You're a reactionary because you don't understand. You don't have the knowledge needed to make an informed decision. You don't take a stance against or for anything other than what someone else parrots, because you can't.
Just let people live their lives. Respect our existence or expect our resistance.


I support the proposal

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As a father of two teens, I am tired of the mental and emotional turmoil the LGBTQ community is constantly putting on my non-LGBTQ kids. LGBTQ teens are constantly preying on them and trying to get them to be LGBTQ as well, as if not being LGBTQ is no longer normal. I raise my kids to be confident in who they are and to be able to be comfortable in their own skin. I find it ironic how militant and intolerant the LGBTQ community is, especially when the offender MUST be Christians and anyone not on board with their ideology. I support the LGBTQ community to be who they are, but why should it be ok for them to not support non-LGBTQ?


Thank you Governor Youngkin for putting the children and Families first

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<p>Albemarle County Public schools has again gone against putting the family and parental rights as a priority.  The county feels that they can jump back in and put their woke agenda ahead of what is important and that is the parental rights when it comes to their children in school.  The school system does not have the right to make decisions for my children over my decisions in matters such as these and I am very grateful that we finally have a governor who does value the family/parental roll. </p>


VA Teacher

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<p>I strongly oppose the proposed policy.  As a teacher, I know firsthand that the VAST majority of students are unaffected by the trans-inclusive policy.  First, the idea that an educator or administrator would be required to out a student is incredibly dangerous for children who do not live in accepting home environments.  It is a violation of the child's trust and research indicates that the potential effects for students later in life can be catastrophic.  In addition, teachers are not "teaching" gender theory in schools, they are simply accommodating all students by allowing them to use a single use restroom, using the student's preferred pronouns and names, and generally being supportive.  The claim that schools are not  teaching reading, writing, and math and instead teaching "woke" gender politics is a fiction.  School is the same as it has always been, only now we are providing a safe space for all students.  </p>


Support common sense

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Gender Dysphoria is the only mental disorder society has decided (recently) to lean into. Despite disasterous results in joining the delusional stance, and I say delusional because it is divorced from facts and reality. Children specifically are prone to confusion, and this has become a social contagion. Does anyone remember one day in the 80s when we woke up and it seemed like everyone had an eating disorder? It wasnt something in the water... it was an attention producing social contagion. Only we treated body dismorphia correctly. We didnt tell them they are right... they are fat and thats ok. End this nonsense for your childrens sake.


Complete support of the bill!

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Parents need to be involved in their children's lives and be an active participant in the decisions of young children and adults.  Thank you for giving parents a voice.


Strongly Disagree

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My family is fortunate to live in Albemarle County and have an excellent School Board that far more eloquently expressed my opinion on this ridiculous proposal than I can. I link to their statement here: https://www.k12albemarle.org/school-board/school-board-statement-october-5-2022


Support the rights of all students, not just transgender students.

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<p>Opposing this is accepting that transgender students rights trump biological sex students rights.  Single use bathrooms are fine.  Students who identify with the sex they were born with should not have to feel uncomfortable or unsafe when a transgender student uses their bathroom.  Students who identify with the sex they were born with should not have to compete against a transgender student in sports because lets face it, a full transformation is never really made.    Biological men will always be born with certain traits as will women.  </p>
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Strongly Opposed to these "policies"

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<p>I am opposed in the strongest terms possible these "policies" which are not based in reality, but in politics. As a long-time educator, in a family of educator, and as the parent of a child in public high school,  I know that bullying is a real and serious problem in our schools. LGBT kids already face tremendous obstacles  and lack needed support. Schools are sometimes the only place where these students can find the support they need. To do anything to diminish this support is cruel and unnecessary. Stop playing politics with real people's lives, and do what you are supposed to do, support all students, meeting them where they are and supporting them as much as possible. </p>


Stop pushing supposed Christian beliefs on us all.

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<p>It may be a surprise to some but many students (and their families) are not Christian. They should not be pushed into a way of life simply because it aligns with the beliefs of a select few. This interpretation of Christianity is incredibly restrictive and there are many of the Christian faith who believe that laws such as this in fact go against the Christian faith. This should not be a matter of religion, but instead a matter of humanity and humility. Our trans children should be treated with just as much respect, care and love as everyone else. </p>


Support

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I fully support the update to the policy.  Parents are the final say in their children's lives.  I am amazed at the hate that is being posted by the "opponents" to the bill.  So sad that these folks think parents have no say in their child's education.


Approve

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<p>It is very important for parents to be kept informed about their children and what is happening at our schools.  All children are very vulnerable at being formed into something they think is right for them, but not always the right thing that will last their life time.  </p>


STOP ATTACKING THE NUCLEAR CHRISTIAN FAMILY UNIT

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<p>I am so sick of being bombarded by ACPS about the ‘treatment’ of trans students and students identifying within the LGBTQIA community. These are kids!!! Stop creating problems where there are none! Over it. Thank you governor for your thoughts on the fact that ALL students need to be EQUALLY respected, and one particular group should not be treated any differently, which is steward happening. </p>


Oppose - Dangerous Step Backward

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Governor Youngkin, you do not represent most Virginians.  Trans children in restrictive/unsupportive households will suffer greatly from this new policy.  This is a wrongful step backward.


support bill

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<p>I support parents rights to have control of children under 18. This is why we have laws for miners that do not know what is best for themselves yet. </p>


Leave trans kids alone!

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This is insanity. Leave these kids alone - there's no harm in calling anyone by their preferred pronoun and if it keeps even one transgender from hurting themselves (already at high risk even with accomodation) then its worth it.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I STRONGLY OPPOSE this state-level mandate.

Trans rights are human rights.