Oppose

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<p>Pandering to conservative religious parents is not the same as supporting children. The role of schools is to educate not the individual but society as a whole in way that most benefits society. What our society needs is inclusion, not exclusion. Evidence based practices should be employed at all levels. This new 2022 policy flies in the face of sound, evidence based methods for supporting learning and fostering safe, inclusive environments for our children. In an ideal world parents would always be aware of what their children want to be called. The unfortunate fact is that some parents are neglectful or abusive. If I child does not feel safe at home, outing their concerns to their parents is not doing what is in the child's best interest. To the people insisting that God makes no mistakes and so gender dysphoria is not real, I suggest you do a little research on biology. There are women with XY chromosomes, there are children born appearing female that grow a penis at puberty (5α-reductase deficiency), and many people born intersex. Gender is a social construct, not a biological one. Not only that, but by stating that your beliefs should dictate school policy is a violation of church and state and the right to freedom of religion of others. Finally, what is most disturbing is the stated intent of many religious groups to destroy public education and the appears of the state willing accepting and pandering to these zealots. Public education needs more funding and more support, not less. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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Trans rights are human rights. Protect trans and non-binary youth.


This isn't your hill, Youngkin

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When 1.8% of youth identify as transgender, but this is the hill your Governor wants to die on, you know it's transphobia. Our youth have greater problems that should be much higher on the agenda. Transgender youth experience depression, suicidality, and victimization at much higher rates than their cisgender peers. We should be protecting them, and allowing them equal access to education without needing to fear they will be "outed" to parents or refused to use a chosen name due to a lack of court papers which is ableist and assumed all families have the legal and financial means to file such motions. If it were truly about parent choice, I could indicate my acknowledgement of a child's choice and have the support of school staff-- but instead, Governor, you want to make the choice based on your own transphobic beliefs. Public schools have so many other fish to fry, kindly move TF on.


Strongly support Gov. Youngkin's model policy

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I strongly support Gov. Youngkin's model policy.


Transgender rights

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I oppose the Governor's Guidance Policy concerning what he considers "equality" for all students.  Many LBGTQ students do not have the support of parents or families.  Let's try to truly make ALL children count.


It’s all Spam


Strongly oppose

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<p>This bill is disgusting- trans rights are human rights </p>


the treatment of transgender and non-binary students

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I oppose the proposed policies and an overwhelming number of Virginians oppose these transphobic policies as well.  These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids.


OPPOSE

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I am strongly opposed to the language and intent of this policy. Children have rights and schools should be the one place where those rights are mandated and upheld. Parents are not always the best arbiters of justice when it comes to the health and well-being of their children. This "model" is a recipe for disaster and must not pass.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>Trans teens are at the highest risk of suicide. If you put this backwards bill into action the blood of those children will be on your hands. You, the politician, who is supposed to represent and speak for the people should see the overwhelming response that the people oppose this. This does nothing to help today's youth. It is a similar mindset to conversion camps. By denying their right to autonomy you will be pushing the younger generation further into anarchists and to hate and mistrust the government. </p>


Strongly Opposed-I support Trans kids

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I support trans kids and families.


Educators must support students

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<p>As an educator in the Virginia Community College system, I strongly oppose any policy that would prevent a teacher from doing whatever is necessary to help a student feel comfortable and supported in the classroom.  First and foremost, that entails understanding their perspectives and respecting their individuality.  What on earth is to be gained *from a pedagogical standpoint* by not addressing a student as they prefer to be addressed?  </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has introduced new policies for how school districts treat transgender students, rolling back accommodations sought by the previous administration. The new model policies say school districts should restrict students to programs and bathroom facilities that correspond to their “biological sex.” The new policies would also make it difficult for students to change their names and pronouns in official school records and would bar districts from requiring staff to adhere to those changes.
These policies will put the mental health and well-being of transgender children at risk. It will cause harm to students who identify as other than their gender assigned at birth. As a mental health therapist, I am appalled by the actions of Governor Youngkin. His actions consistently 'other' young people, whether it is a tipline or these new policies he is working to put in place. As adults it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for all students to learn. When we act out of fear of those who appear different from us, everyone loses.

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Gov. Glenn Youngkin has introduced new policies for how school districts treat transgender students, rolling back accommodations sought by the previous administration. The <a data-vars-click-url="https://doe.virginia.gov/support/gender-diversity/2022-model-policies-on-the-privacy-dignity-and-respect-for-all-students-town-hall.pdf" data-vars-content-id="fdcd73e5-c5e6-4876-8938-564f022fbfc3" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-headline="Youngkin’s new transgender student policy" data-vars-item="in_content_link" data-vars-link-text="new model policies" data-vars-sub-category="story" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" x="https://doe.virginia.gov/support/gender-diversity/2022-model-policies-on-the-privacy-dignity-and-respect-for-all-students-town-hall.pdf">new model policies say school districts should restrict students to programs and bathroom facilities that correspond to their “biological sex.” The new policies would also make it difficult for students to change their names and pronouns in official school records and would bar districts from requiring staff to adhere to those changes.

These policies will put the mental health and well-being of transgender children at risk. It will cause harm to students who identify as other than their gender assigned at birth. As a mental health therapist, I am appalled by the actions of Governor Youngkin. His actions consistently 'other' young people, whether it is a tipline or these new policies he is working to put in place. As adults it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for all students to learn. When we act out of fear of those who appear different from us, everyone loses.


This policy is disgusting and a massive step back for human rights.

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Mass walkouts are being held in schools across Virginia, and thousands of comments are denouncing this policy. Something reviled to this extent should be instantly revoked and looked back on as a travesty, yet a ghoulish, hateful minority is clinging desperately to this revolting restriction of human rights. Transgender children are being directly attacked, and it is our duty as citizens to stand up against everything this policy is for.

Multiple studies have shown that gender affirming healthcare for transgender people reduces their depression rates by over 40%, which is a similar percentage to an antidepressant's effects. Depression can easily cause serious injury to a person, and any guardian who refuses to care for a child's health is guilty of a Class 4 felony. Despite this, the new Virginia transgender policy protects and affirms these parent’s decision to prevent a child from doing something as easily reversible as social transition, which usually consists of nothing more than a haircut, new name, and a change in pronouns. Any other name being used, even for cisgender children, requires a parent’s express approval; and even with approval, no trans children are ever allowed to use the bathroom that lines up with their birth gender. This is especially egregious as it paints a large subset of children as inherent sexual predators, despite this bill not truly protecting cisgender children in bathrooms.

Not only are reports of sexual misconduct in women’s bathrooms not any higher for transgender women than anyone else, banning anyone from a bathroom in theory does not prevent them from actually committing crimes in that bathroom. If someone truly wishes to commit a sex crime in a “sex-protected space,” they can just walk in. Being allowed to go in doesn’t usually affect their decision to do so, as they are committing a crime already. It would be unprecedented to constantly monitor bathrooms to make sure they are single-sex, especially in places as young as an elementary school where most are prepubescent children.

In conclusion, the new transgender policy for schools in Virginia is useless and unprecedented and will hopefully soon be revoked. Most high schoolers are against it, as well as most parents. There are protests and rallies trying to get it revoked, and legal action being taken. Schools cannot be truly equal or protected until this law is overturned, and anyone in support of it supports medical neglect and endangering children.

Sincerely,

A High School Student


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose Younkin's "model" policy that is contrary to SB161 and HB145 and the policy developed in 2021. As I review the comments, it strikes me that many of us commenting choose to be anonymous. The GOP has turned into a fear based regime. ALL Students should feel safe and supported not just those the evangelicals support, the white, the male, the straight. Trans kids need support not derision because they are different from you. Interesting to say that this policy supports privacy, dignity, respect for all when it clearly does not. The 'policy' even talks about enforcement of sex based dress code. What does that mean? Who determines sex based dress code? We do not want to go back to the early and mid-1900s. This policy seems like just the beginning of reeling back others' rights and protections. We need to protect our transgender and non-binary students from harm to include self-harm, suicide and abuse. </p>


This policy will be harmful to the mental health and well-being of LGBT youth

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<p>In all studies done to date there is a direct causality between family and school acceptance of the identities of transgender and non-gender-conforming youth and suicidiality.  This hateful policy change would have the net effect of killing children in order to advance Christian ideology.  It gives license to exclude and isolate children who are already struggling emotionally and sometimes physically in dealing with the consequences of puberty and alienation.  It empowers bullies both among their peers and in school faculty and administration.  </p>


Support Totally. Parental Rights Forever

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Do not allow any person other than the child's parents to make any decision to alter in any way a child. Studies show that some 95% of kids who are confused about their gender will later on find out their gender is what they were born with. What we have are sick people who think they know better and will transition kids to be something else and it is irreversible. Allow kids to be kids and stop teaching them about sexuality till they are in their teens and in an appropriate setting. And do not let anyone but the parents make medical decisions for their kids.


PFY


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>I am a Virginian and oppose these transphobic policies. These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. Protect Trans Children. </p>


LGBTQ Youth

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The Constitution and human decency demand that our LGBTQ kids be treated with respect and dignity in a safe and healthy learning environment.

LGBTQ youth are more likely than non-LGBTQ youth to experience bias-motivated violence that involves weapons during childhood and adolescence. HRC’s analysis of public-use data from the Youth Risk Behavior System found that while 5% of non-LGBTQ youth have been threatened with a weapon on school property, 17% of gay and lesbian youth, 9% of bisexual youth, and 21% of transgender youth have been threatened with a weapon on school property.

Studies show that LGBTQ people, especially LGBTQ youth, are at a higher risk of attempting suicide. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, 40 percent of transgender people report having attempted suicide in their lifetime, nearly nine times the national average. Furthermore, an HRC Foundation analysis of public-use data from the YRBS found that one in five LGBTQ youth have attempted suicide, compared to 6 percent of non-LGBTQ youth.


Totally support this.

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In total support of the Governor's proposed policy. Thank you for addressing this so quickly and decisively. This has my families 100% support. Thanks!!


strongly oppose

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strongly oppose. trans kids should have just as much freedom and just as many rights as anyone else


Strongly Support  This is the way it should be

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I strongly support the Governor's policy.  Excluding parents from what their children do or don't do is absolutely wrong.  Schools and the government have no role in teaching cultural norms, they should stick to education not indoctrination.  I also believe that parents should be held responsible for their children's welfare and their actions.

Michael Evenson


Oppose

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It is imperative that as residents of this state we seek out what is in the best interest of the well being of all children attending schools here.  I grew up in VA and my education through public schools was exceptional and supportive.  I strongly oppose any of the changes proposed as they threaten the safety, well being and growth of gender non conforming and trans identifying children.  Children deserve to receive an education in spaces that are accepting of who they are.  The proposed changes would threaten their safety by amplifying trans phobic and homophobic language and practices.  It is unacceptable.  We cannot allow the sacred space of public education to be infringed upon by the fear and intolerant perceptions of a small portion of our residents.  Virginia is a state of love.  We need to do better than this.


Support

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I support the governor's new policy on transgender youth.

RIGHT ON!!!


Keep the common sense biological policies.

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<p>We saw what happened without these policies in Loudoun county where teenage boys were assaulting and raping teenage girls in the girls. Governor Younkin's common sense policies is a step in the right direction in protecting our children. </p>


OPPOSE!!! Protect trans kids

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<p>Protect trans kids! Oppose Younkin. </p>


Strongly oppose

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These proposed changes go against current medical recommendations and will lead to student harm.


Opposed - This will endanger trans youth.

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<p>I am completely opposed to this draft policy.  Trans children are entitled to safe learning environments in their public schools.  This policy will harm them, and will lead to higher rates of suicide and self-harm among trans and LGBTQ+ youth.  </p>


Oppose this dangerous attack on student’s safety in school.

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In the words of Equality Virginia: "The proposed policies seek to erase trans and non-binary youth from the classroom and create a hostile and even dangerous school environment. They restrict restroom access and sports participation for transgender and nonbinary students, require faculty and staff to “out” trans and nonbinary students to their parents, and prohibit teachers and staff from supporting trans students in a range of ways, including blocking them from using a student’s affirming name and pronouns."

This is a horrendous attack on young students and their safety at school. We should be supporting students, not adding to the hostility they experience. Trans and non-binary people exist and have always existed and deserve to feel supported, not told they are less than or worthy of discrimination and hatred.

Protect our kids, don’t put them in further danger.


Strong Strong Oppose

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Trans and nonbinary students should have the right to feel comfortable in their identity where possible without having to worry about their safety. No one is “making students trans” those are myths that are dangerously untrue.


Support this

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<p>I support this. </p>


Oppose anti-trans policies


So Oppressive... strongly opposed

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<p>The cognitive dissonance demonstrated with this change is overwhelming and saddening.  Stripping students of their autonomy is extremely detrimental to the growth of our youth and will result in not only repressed confused, and traumatized minds but death of many young bright people. But oh yeah that's exactly what yall want.  That's the main difference between people who support this and people who don't.  The people opposed to this just want to live in harmony with mainstream society: requesting changes to b made to open the door of equality ... while those who support this want trans people to go away, not exist, or actually die. So so sad.  Please stop this madness and have a heart </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE THESE POLICIES

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<p>These policies are extremely transphobic and WILL result in student harm. Please protect our trans and LGBT+ youth and do not put these policies into effect. I strongly oppose these policies. </p>


Gov. Youngkin's model policies.

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I strongly support Gov. Youngkin's model policies on the parental notification issue.


Strongly opposed

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<p>I strongly oppose the changes to the model policy proposed by Governor Youngkin. Trans kids face severe bullying and discrimination in school, and this policy will only promote more aggression. The trans population faces a higher rate of suicide. This policy ignores decades of work to help trans kids thrive in school and in life and will result in a catastrophic step backward. Kids deserve protection while they develop, not discrimination. And it is not the role of a teacher or the school administration to "out" a child to their parents. Not all parents are supportive, knowledgable, or even, kind. Governor Youngkin's ideas are outdated and pander to a minority crowd that willfully refuses to read or understand best practices in governing. It's dangerous, and it shouldn't be allowed to pass. </p>


Terrible Extremist Policy

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<p>This is the worst kind of policy, to go after kids.  I'm a parent too in Virginia.   Let kids grow up to who they want and need to be.   They are not hurting anyone.  The only folks hurting others are the extremists pushing policies like this.  Get over it.  Go back to the shadows.  I mean where did this hatred come from?  Is that all that the Republicans have now to offer - hatred and division?  I remember when there were normal VA Republican officials like John Warner or Bob McDonnell or Jim Gilmour that also looked out for the people of this state and the country.  Now the party is twisted with Trumpism and worse.  This and other cruel policies like it have to go away.  Fight it until they are defeated - period!  </p>


Humane treatment of vulnerable youth

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As both a faith leader and someone who has experienced state-sponsored discrimination, I can in no way support or condone the Governor's new policy as it relates to trans and non-binary youth.  This protocol is in no way designed to help children succeed, but rather is an attempt to vilify and denigrate a vulnerable population in order to score political points.  This action is an affront to anyone who cares for the humane treatment of other human beings.


Strongly oppose. Protect my parental rights.

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If my child is trans, I don’t want them deadnamed or attacked by their teachers in the name of “the first amendment” as I wouldn’t want them called racist or misogynistic names for the same reason.

This is a policy that hurts real kids and real families.  My children are not simply pawns for your 2024 presidential fundraising.  This is grotesque and should be stopped immediately.


Supp ort


Strongly Oppose; Trans Kids have rights

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This is hateful and those who proposed this policy know it.


Strongly Oppose


governor Youngkin’s recently proposed policy on transgender students

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Aside from its breathtaking cruelty, there are other outrageous aspects to this proposal. I will be brief.

-It is illegal under current Virginia human rights law.

-It is completely contrary to guidance from established medical authorities, such as but not limited to the AMA, without explaining how the Governor has more medical credibility than they.

-The timing of the proposal’s release is completely disrespectful to Virginia voters. We’re not going to notice and respond because you released it after the close of the business day?

stop playing politics with the lives of vulnerable children.


Education, Not Indoctrination

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<p>Thank you, Governor Youngkin, for including, focusing on and protecting parental involvement with the revised Guidance Document.  Virginia's public school classrooms must be places for educating our youth with basics:. reading, writing, mathematics, sciences, history, etc.  Teaching these subjects will help students progress into responsible, reliable, well-educated adults who can function while holding well-paying jobs.  Parents don't need permission or validation by liberal activists posing as teachers on how to raise their children who may be attending Virginia's public schools. </p>


I oppose the document,

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I support the right of transgender students to be treated as who they know they are.  If they know they are a female in a male body, then they are a female and should be treated as one.  The same for a male in a female body.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Stop punishing children as a political tactic. It’s bigoted, it’s morally wrong, and it has no place in a democratic republic. </p>


I oppose this policy

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<p>This policy is fundamentally cruel and will lead to tragic consequences. Schools need to welcome children, not shun them for trying to be themselves. </p>


Su port


OPPOSE

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<p>Do not remove the protections for an already targeted and at risk group. These children might not have a strong support system at home and to make them even less safe in a place where they should be protected is appalling. </p>


Strongly Oppose. Trans rights are human rights.

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I strongly oppose this guidance. Every child deserves to have a school environment that is supportive and welcoming. Discrimination has no place in our schools. The mental health of trans children will be negatively impacted by this guidance, and we cannot allow this. Trans rights are human rights. Don’t treat these children as less.


The cruelty you show to children trying only to exist will come back to you in this life & the next

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You aren’t trying to save anyone. You have found an outlet for the darkness in your soul that you think you can get away with. You can’t. It will eat you.


Imagine thinking "trans" children exist to begin with

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Enough of the performative narcissism. It's clearly attention-seeking behavior and literally nothing else.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

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I disagree with the governor in a lot of issues but this is something good he is doing.


Opposed to this political stunt

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<p>You are putting transgender students at risk with this political stunt. Trans students have a much higher rate of suicide than other students, and the possibility of being outed publicly or having to live a life that is not true to their identity will only raise that risk. It is inevitable that a student (possibly many) will take their lives because of this attack on their rights and their very existence. Do you want this blood on your hands? All to score some political points? This law is shameful and lacks compassion and understanding. </p>


This policy WILL result in trans kids’ deaths.

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Over and over again these attacks against trans kids result in death. This is a community that is plagued by suicide and self harm due largely to these repeated pieces of legislation designed to win heartless politicians campaign points and favor with the Republican Party. For the love of god, find it in your heart to care about these children and do the right thing.


S upport


The real danger to children

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Children are not in danger from other’s pronouns. The suicide rate continues to increase because of bullying by other students. All this political focus on transgender and non-binary children is a “cure” looking for a non-problem to solve in order to gain political points.


Parents of Transgender children have rights too

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The proposed changes to Virginia's schools transgender policies does not restore parental rights but rather denies parental rights. Parents of transgender children will be denied having their child identified as their preferred identity and only by the gender assigned at birth. This is denying the child and parental preference. Parents of non-Trans children are being empowered to deny other peoples' children their identity.

The governor is appealing to "religious" minority in the state. I'm tired of his political agenda to gain acceptance in his race for the presidency.

Do not put burdens on transgender children and their families for political ambitions. The most vulnerable children to suicide are put at added risk with this policy.

Bathrooms and locker rooms are not endangered by trans students but rather by bigoted students, who may be incited to attack trans kids.

If this is a true concern than make individual bathrooms and locker rooms, non gender. Full privacy for all.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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Any regulation aimed at forcibly exposing a person, especially a child’s personal choice is a violation of 1A, personal privacy and the sacred trust between a parent and a child. State government has NO business in the relationship. Right now, only the ill funded, understaffed CPS Agencies should have regulated advocacy for the benefit of a child’s rights. Gov Youngkin is overreaching in legislating for the rights of Virginians who are mostly Democratic leaning free thinking people. He misled Virginians to get the job intending to take Virginia back to the days of the past Virginia fought hard to escape. Best thing to do for the children, improve their Foster Care System, sufficiently fund Child Protective Services, make Healthcare available to ALL Va families. Leave rhe LGBTQIA+ community alone. They are citizens just like everyone else! WWJD?


Fully against the model policies targeting transgender students

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These policies are harmful and discriminating to trans students


Thank you

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As an educator in one of the largest schools in the state, I want to say THANK YOU for these changes. Trans kids do need protection and compassion, but so do all students in our state. Students going through transition are vulnerable and their parents NEED to know what is going on. Hiding this information is not protecting anyone. It can cause further confusion and harm for all involved. Give parents a real chance to be there for their kids.


Resist


Absolutely oppose

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This is a cruel measure that will harm vulnerable students just to score political points.


Strongly Oppose

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Our failed Governor is using our most vulnerable youth to advance his personal political agenda. This is immoral and cruel. But that is the point, isn’t it, of his administration?  Thank goodness our children know better. They will support their fellow students with compassion and dignity, ignoring the gaslight political theatre that GY has set his career on.  God Speed to them. They are our future.
I’ve included my email in case the Governor claims those who oppose his hateful agenda are ‘fake’ residents of Virginia. Given his tenure, I wouldn’t be surprised.


Support


Strongly oppose

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If this policy is to protect all students, then you are removing protection for transgender students and their parents in favor of the moral panic of some. As one parent said: If this policy was really about parental rights, a parent of a transgender child and that child would be able to request that the school address the child as ‘they/them’ instead of just male or female. If this policy was really about parental rights, parents would not be required to provide legal documents just to have transgender children addressed by their chosen name at school.

What these standards would do is remove safety from young people who are undergoing a medically recognized condition. The standards are not based on science and data but on prejudice and fear.

These "standards" are part and parcel of the oppressive movement to control people who are different, and to limit the history and life experiences that students can learn about. Real people suffer gender dysphoria and these standards would make it more likely that their suffering will be deepened so that fearful people won't be challenged to open their hearts and find space for grace.

I vehemently oppose these standards and would urge schools districts not to implement them.


Oppose transphobic bill

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<p>Have compassion for children who are expressing their identities rather than punishing and marginalizing them </p>


Support Trans Youth

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I strongly oppose any actions to discriminate against trans individuals and trans youth by requiring teachers and schools to deliberately misgender kids. This hateful and bigoted policy is nothing more than an attempt to ban trans people from existing in society. These kids deserve a safe learning environment and all the love, support, and respect of any other child. Take your misguided view of Christianity you use as a shield for your hate someplace else and leave kids alone.


Strongly Oppose this bigoted document.

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As a current Registered Nurse currently enrolled in Graduate Education for my Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, it sickens me how our current Governor would use this issue for his own political gain instead of fighting for ALL Virginians to give them the dignity and respect they deserve. Look at the number of FOUNDED CPS complaints in Virginia, look at the number of middle school and high school students with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and attempts, substance abuse problems and deaths...it is very obvious that parents are NOT making decisions in the best interest of their children, and it's time Virginia addressed that instead of following suit to the rest of the country's bigoted, polarized views. These kids need education and support, and when they're not getting it from their parents, the educators are there to provide it. Children are not property. Not all parents are worthy of making decisions in their children's best interests. How about we focus on the bigger issues in mental health services and education that actually support the kids in our Commonwealth?


Non-binary and trans children

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Our country has so many real problems. People crippled by medical debt. People unable to get their medications. People without enough food, support, shelter.

But Youngkin is worried that my youngest kid might ask to have their correct pronouns used in school?

This is insane. Protect children, over the comfort of some closed-minded adults, every time.


Support

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I have a 17 year old daughter who believes she can be a boy. Schools cannot take the place of parents, and should not try. They should definitely not override the constitutional rights of parents to raise their children, and should not engage in grooming behaviors like keeping secrets from parents.

Schools need to stay out of the activist business and tell the activists to stuff it, and focus on teaching actual subjects like math and science. When schools transition children behind their parents backs it is detrimental to the child and contributes to the breakdown of families.

Trans kids are confused and need help, they do not need schools bending over backwards to help them in their delusions. They need supportive parents and teachers, not people urging them to leave their families.

Please let parents continue to raise their children.


Parental Rights

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<p>Thank you, Governor Younkin for standing up for parents' rights.  In so doing, you are also helping students who have a right to an education without indoctrination.  Teachers, counselors, and school administrators have no right to usurp the rights of parents by withholding information about a child.  I am thankful to God for you, and I am glad that I voted for you.  </p>


Strongly Agree-Parents should always have a say!

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I strongly agree with Youngkin. Parents should always have a say in there kid's life. Leave these kids alone with all the woke crap and let them study math, English and science. We get dumber as a country every year b/c of this stuff. Let the kids live there life and figure it out on there own without a teacher telling them who they are. Go Youngkin!


Standing in solidarity with students for their right to be who they are.

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This policy is discriminatory, cruel, and un-American. Under the guise of protecting children, the government is once again trying to take away basic human rights. This must stop here, or it will get worse.


Oppose this proposal

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<p>This proposal is cruel and aimed at those who are the most vulnerable. It puts a target on trans kids - or anyone who is deemed "different" by those who lead with hate vs kindness. It is shameful that the Governor is moving forward with a proposal that directly harms children and contradicts multiple studies. Protecting kids is suicide prevention. </p>


This is a terrible policy decision.

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This is a terrible policy decision.


Anti trans legislation

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<p>This legislation is harmful to trans students and youth of Virginia. </p>


Governor Turning Around Education

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All I can say is "THANK YOU!" for having the guts to take on the CRT, transgender stupidity and wokeness that the Democrats would corrupt our children with.  They need real education and not this phone made-up insanity.  The teachers need to remember it is people like me, the tax payer, who pays their salary and they (teachers) are not little gods with their warped perception of education.  Go Governor and the vast majority of Virginians are with you on this.  I read some of the negative comments and know a few of them and all are Democrats which is very interesting, could not find one Republican who said he or she was against this.  Please continue and don't listen to the haters and CRT/transgender fools.


I oppose Governor Youngkin's socalled Privacy, Dignity, and Respect policy

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First of all, this is a direct repudiation of the Virginia Values Act which was approved by the legislature and cannot be overturned by the governor's decree.

This new policy is harmful to the health and safety of trans and non-binary kids. This policy will lead to even more bullying, suicides, and harmful family dynamics. There is nothing in this policy that respects the child, allows him/her dignity or privacy. These kids have taken a very difficult path in life which takes courage and arises from the need to be true to one's self. Leave them be. We should not make their lives harder.


Support

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I support this change.

We have allowed an ideology which tells children they are in the wrong body and creates a special group who have more ‘rights’ than anyone else while taking away the right to dignity, safety and privacy from girls, women and the vulnerable.

It is right to take a step back, to accept that there are two sexes. No one can change sex. It cannot be denied that some males are using the trend of gender ideology to indulge in predatory tendencies. It is time this was stopped.

Calling youngsters by their given name and correctly sexed pronouns is to treat them with respect. Adults are not there to be their friend and to use them to indulge in their own fantasies and ideologies.

Rather than changing the child we should change society to accept gender non conforming as normal, to break down the biases and stereotypes society imposed on each sex. This will allow society to protect women and girls from male violence; instead of pretending a male can be a woman and the violence enact on women is women on women.

This move is heading in the right direction; for all children and youngsters.


T


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Strongly oppose to this - kids have rights to and they should be able to express themselves in how they feel comfortable - </p>


Strongly oppose.

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Strongly oppose. Policy is WRONG!


I support Gov. Youngkin

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I applaud Gov. Youngkin and his plan to protect our children from danger and the end of girl's sports.  Please support his efforts to bring parental rights back and keep girls from being harmed and their sports to end.  Keep Christian values in our ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

No trans kids in girl's sports, locker rooms, or bathrooms...please.


Trans rights are civil rights

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We need laws that protect transgender kids in schools. The rate of self-harm and suicidal ideation is significantly higher for trans kids who have no support. This is why there is consensus among pediatricians that gender affirming care saves lives. Youngkin thinks he knows better than doctors who care for kids? This move is nothing more than a dog-whistle to rile the base, and trans kids are the sacrificial lambs. Youngkin is co-signing bigotry and hatred towards the trans community. Ask yourselves, WWJD? Would He choose more hate and intolerance? Those of you expressing disgust and disdain towards children — children! — trying to figure out their identities ought to be ashamed of yourselves — especially those who do so in Jesus’ name. Go back and read your Bible a little more carefully. Remember, too, how many times in history your faith was used to support agendas of hate.


Couldn't Oppose More

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This is stupid and a waste of time. No one is trying to force kids to transition, they just want to be respectful and open, and create a welcoming, safe environment.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>The proposed policy is harmful to children.  I believe you profess yourself to be against abortion, as you feel a fetus is an unborn child, and the child has rights outside of its mother.  By the same logic, a child has rights once born, correct?  If you are so concerned with protecting unborn children from their parents, you should be equally concerned with protecting children after they are born.  This policy does not do that and is contradictory to other views you hold.  </p>


Oppose


Leave trans kids alone!

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<p>It’s shameful that your institutions are so threatened by the existence of trans children, who only want the dignity and rights given to everyone else. The moment discrimination is openly upheld towards one minority group is the moment that all others are under fire. It’s embarrassing that with all of your power and opportunities to make changes- that you would choose to target and turn into a convenient scapegoat LITERAL children. </p>


KEEP YOUR GAY/TRANS AGENDA OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS. CHILDREN AREN'T YOUR PAWNS!


Agreement

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<p>I strongly agree with this legislation and the protection of our children! </p>


Unacceptable

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The proposed transgender guidelines are not acceptable and very harmful. It is not the job of schools to interfere in family matters and usurp individual rights.


this will kill kids

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Studies show that trans kids without support are far more likely to kill themselves. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32345113

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/transgender-youth-at-risk-for-depression-suicide/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7317390/

https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-suicide-risk-prevent-summary/

Protect children from death, not from feeling content with who they are.


YES to this!  SUPPORT!

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Should be a home and parenting issue, not school/state/politics.

Regardless of politics and personal beliefs, our Governor is doing the right thing.


Strongly Oppose!

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I strongly, vehemently oppose the anti-trans policy put forth by Mr. Youngkin. Transgender children and teenagers cannot be handwaved, ruled, or legislated away and tying to do so will have disastrous effects on them, their peers and classmates and their families. Children know who they are and must be treated as that person, not the person the government wishes they would be. Transgender teenagers are re-learning themselves thanks to the ongoing effects of puberty and discovering that their assigned gender at birth is different than the treality is sometimes part of that journey--they must be met with compassion and understanding, not laws forcing the trusted adults in their lives to hurt and abuse them.

This disastrous policy must be rolled back. The lives of children, teenagers and adult students depend on it.


Why are you so scared?

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<p>What is it about trans kids that scares you so much?  It's not a disease that other kids can catch.  It's not a "choice."  It's not an "experiment."  My own child is trans.  I love him for who he is--not what he is.  He doesn't hurt anyone else.  He's not out to convert other kids.  He's not a sexual predator.  He's a recent Magna Cum Laude college grad.  He is the joy of my life.  Please respect my child and other kids who are trans or questioning their own gender identity.  It's no one else's business.   </p>


Strongly support common sense policy

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<p>Strongly support common sense document to leave children under direction of their parents and not the “state”. </p>


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<p>I am a proud graduate of Fairfax County's Lake Braddock Secondary School, where I learned about equality and human rights. This Fairfax County School System Grad Strongly Opposes Hateful Policies Targeting Trans Youth. Stop with the scapegoating. Stop with the lies about trans folk. As the father of a trans daughter, I know firsthand how cruel anti-trans policies harm vulnerable youth. We need politicians to lead with compassion not hate. I stand with trans youth and their fellow students who are walking out of classes today, September 27, 2022, to have their voices heard. </p>


Proposed policy will negatively impact students and schools

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Please be aware that efforts such as the proposed model policies suppress the individual rights and sense of belonging 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.

Some unfortunately statistics that already exist for LGBTQ youth:

-3x more likely to attempt suicide

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/trauma-and-suicide-risk-among-lgbtq-youth-july-2022/

-Trans youth 4x as likely as cisgender youth to experience substance use disorder

-120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness

https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/LGBTQI

If this administration really cared of the health and wellness of kids like they say they do, they will factor this information into their decisions to deploy this archaic and burdensome policy.


idiotic policy

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this policy can only have been thought up by idiots. so you’re an idiot terrible policy smd<3


Stop hurting our children

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Our LBGTQ children deserve and require for their mental and physical health the opportunity and needs to be able to be true to themselves both in public schools and society.  They require being able to attend school without fear for their safety and ridicule by all others.


Trans rights are human rights

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As a public school teacher and mother, I vehemently oppose the Governor's proposed changes in how schools care for their trans students. Not only will it sabotage our relationships with our students, it will increase bullying and marginalization. I predict trans students will leave school in greater numbers, imposing a hefty cost on society, and lead to higher rates of suicide.

This is a "solution" in search of a problem.

Beyond the inhumanity of the proposal, it's bad for Virginia's economy as well. Who wants to relocate to a state with such backward ideas? Furthermore, we will lose valuable human resources as people move to states with values more in line with their own.


Strongly opposed to this shameful policy

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<p>I am shocked by this horrifying policy being put forth by the state's government. These policies codify harmful discrimination against the students in your state. Shame on you for allowing extremists to guide your policies toward your most vulnerable citizens.  </p>


Strongly Oppose

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As a psychologist and mother, I strongly oppose these guidelines. They will do irreparable harm to transgender students.


Oppose VDOE transgender policy

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<p>I strongly oppose the proposed policy changes regarding transgender and bigender students </p>


Proposed policy with negatively impact students and schools


Support parental influence

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Parents should have the final say in all education, upbringing of their child.


STRONGLY OPPOSE: Surefire way to boost your death toll

A nonbinary adult who just wants to protect trans youth

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I don't understand how anyone could possibly think this was an acceptable item to propose. So many adults are so disgusted with the existence of trans individuals that they would go out of their way to physically harm their children if they interacted with a transgender person, let alone if they found out their child identified as trans. School is often a place children are more comfortable being openly themselves as their parents won't know what goes on.

What you're doing here with this bill is opening a door for abuse to occur (albeit more frequently than it already does). Taking away one of the few safe spaces for most transgender youth is an abhorrent abuse of power and it makes me sick to my stomach thinking about what y'all are planning to do.

Begging y'all to use common sense. Don't put your children at risk of death just because you want control over everybody and everything.


Oppose anti-trans policies

Trans and nonbinary children could face discrimination, bullying, abuse, and even


Strongly Opposed- these policies will kill children

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<p>82% of trans people contemplate suicide. Over 40% actually try to commit. The proposed policies will increase violence around trans kids at one of the only places that should be their safe havens. Transgender students do not always have access to a safe home life. Transgender students are not here to harm you, or other students, they are kids trying to understand their own identities. I strongly oppose the proposed policy changes. </p>


This proposed change is an abomination that will open the door for more persecution.

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<p>Instead of addressing real issues, the Governor spends his time on terribly hurtful legislation that will affect every aspect of children's lives and open the kids with gender dysphoria to bullying that will adversely affect them.  At the same time, it will expose all children to the damage caused by supporting this heartless, bigoted, and ill-considered action.  What's the matter Governor?  You can't find a substantive issue to address?  </p>


Educate them, do not discriminate against them

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Children have enough to contend with in the modern world.  Trans children are children.  Please help them.  The education system is one of the most important influences on their lives and development.  How their peers treat them and feel about them are far too important to be manipulated to their disadvantage.  Please remember your primary mission: help all children learn.


In Solidarity with student walkouts

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This heinous attack on trans students is unethical, cruel, and bigoted. Bravo to the young student leaders who have shown they have more compassion than current “leadership”


Oppose transphobic policy

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<p>Virginia should be supportive of all students </p>


I agree with Gov Youngkin’s changes

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<p>Governor Youngkin, I agree with your changes to the transgender model policies. Protect all children by requiring students to use locker rooms and bathrooms based upon their sex at birth. </p>


LGBT rights

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


What are you so afraid of?

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Why are you so focused on fear and hatred? What is wrong with you that all you can do is be horrible? These children need help and you are making things a universe worse for them. Your bigotry will be forgotten, you will be forgotten, like the vermin you act like.


Oppose Protect Trans Youth

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Protect trans youth and hold

teachers and faculty accountable


Strongly Support

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<p>The school should not be keeping this type of info from parents. It is not the same as keeping a student’s sexuality a secret. A student that is LGB does not do anything to their body.  A trans person will often turn to medicalization which may actually harm the person. Most countries  like Finland, Sweden, and the UK are moving away from medically transitioning people under 18. Also, students should not be able to use the bathroom of the opposite sex for any reason. There should be gender neutral bathrooms where necessary. </p>


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


STRONGLY opposed. Violation of rights.

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These are human rights. These are the rights of children. The rights to their safety, confidentiality, and all else. I honestly am rather confused as to why things seem to be going backwards against all the inclusive progress we as a society have made. I am going to outline to you, with the hopes that you will listen to the younger generation’s voices rather than old lawmakers with preexisting biases, the reasons as to why this bill is completely unacceptable. I sincerely hope you read and maybe even understand a thing or two.

1) The identity of transgender children is NONE of a teacher’s business. If the child does not wish for their teacher to be involved and offer support then the teacher does not and should never be able to out this personal identity, whether to the school or parents. Additionally, allowing parents to call in and request that the school blatantly violates the identity of their child is disgusting. Wrong. All it will do is make thousands upon thousands of trans children feel unwelcome and unsafe at school, and this can lead to even more mental health issues on top of the disproportionately high rates of depression and suicide trans individuals face.

2) Following the previous statement, the outing of trans children to their parents and/or other persons could genuinely lead that child into a dangerous situation. Parents who are transphobic and not supportive and/or unaware of their child’s transgender identity could either A) beat them, or subject them to other forms of physical assault, B) kick them out of the house, send them to foster care, or other forms of expelling them from the house or C) interfering with their transition and therefore forcing their child to deal with dysphonie in the wrong body, which can lead to depression and suicide.

3) As a cisgender female high school student myself, I will be encountering trans women (male to female) students in my bathrooms. I would like to state, for myself and many others I’ve talked to, that we do not feel uncomfortable. If you are to try and use the statistically low rates of this type of assault on cis women as a way to try and excuse your argument, respectfully, you are wrong. I would feel MORE uncomfortable with a trans man (female to male) walking into my bathroom (for he looks like a man) walking into my bathroom solely because we share the same genitalia. Additionally, trans women historically face violence at the hands of transphobic cisgendered men, thus forcing them to go into the men’s bathroom opens up harm to them that could easily be avoided.

I understand. I understand that old folk such as whoever may read this or those in office don’t fully grasp the ideas of transgenderism that have not emerged large-scale until recently. And perhaps even this note would not fulfill you with the complete understanding, either. So then I ask this: listen to us. Listen to the young generation, the high school students, those who understand transgenderism and the very real discrimination that trans individuals face. Listen to us, who are telling you, pleading with you, begging you, to consider the lives of these children, the lives you should swear to protect. Listen to the high school girls, who tell you that we want trans women included in our bathrooms.

I close with this: This bill, the policies outlined in this disgusting violation of rights, will be catastrophic to transgender students. They will be assaulted. They will be disowned. They will die. You will be responsible. I can tell you, with assured confidence, that a large majority of those at my high school, other high schools, and more, agree with the exact statements I’ve listed here. I’ve already told you the reasons and the logic. All I can ask now is please.


Strongly Recommend

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Parents are the most important people in a child’s life. Hiding information and telling kids to lie to their parents is what predators do. Safeguarding requires that we keep parents informed as they are the people best equipped to love and help their child.

Girls and women need single-sex spaces to feel safe when they are using the bathroom, changing feminine hygiene products , or just need a place to escape from male attention. How many girls have to be assaulted by predators before we see that allowing people to “self-id” into a girls space is a horrendous idea?

Women and girls need sex-segregated sports as well. Men and women are different and male bodies have a physical advantage that no amount of hormone therapy can negate. Girls are losing to boys.  They are losing scholarships, awards, records, sponsorships, and self-esteem. Sex matters. Biology matters!  Stop gaslighting girls and women that it doesn’t.


Our family strongly opposes this hateful "policy"

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We don't think the governor actually has disdain for transgendered kids—this is clearly an entirely political move made by someone who doesn't have any regard for the welfare of the citizens of the commonwealth, he just wants to fire up his supporters, here and afar, so he can make a run at higher office; Youngkin just wants more power, ad nauseam. But it's trans kids he and his administration are endangering as well as the rest of us who count them among our community. I truly wish people who said they cared about others actually did and all of this wasn't just a terribly sad, terribly tragic game for these politicians. It's so, so sad, the state of our communities and our relationship with those we elect to represent us.


future teacher, STRONGLY OPPOSE

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This policy is nothing more than a thinly veiled attack on trans individuals and their right to privacy. As a genderqueer person and as a future teacher, I know that this policy will do much more harm than good. Teachers are often sources of immense support and validation for students, especially to LGBTQ+ students. By allowing parents to disrupt that vital relationship, you are putting trans students in unhealthy and/or unsafe situations. Children are not possessions owned by their parents. They are their own people, with their own identities and their own experiences. No one should get to dictate how they live and whether they are allowed to feel comfortable in their own skin. What you are trying to do is only serving to strip away trans students' basic dignity and to create unwelcoming environments for trans students. The mere existence of LGBTQ+ people does not put anyone in danger or impede on anyone's rights. This bill is not about affirming parents' rights; it is about controlling and marginalizing trans people. These types of bills, that infringe on the privacy of trans students and prevent student-teacher confidentiality, increase the rates of suicide, homelessness, mental illness, and bullying for trans students. If you genuinely care about the wellbeing of students, stop implementing legislation that marginalizes trans students and prevents teachers from being able to do their jobs effectively. Instead, help teachers to foster inclusive, welcoming environments that allow all students to prosper academically, socially, and emotionally. Reaffirm the rights of trans students. Support diverse representation and culturally responsive curriculum in classrooms. Actually LISTEN to transgender people when they tell you what they need. One person's discomfort with the existence of LGBTQ+ people does not get to dictate whether LGBTQ+ people are allowed to feel safe and welcome.


Strongly Oppose this Government Overreach

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I strongly oppose this absurd policy. The government should not be dictating what goes on in a classroom or preventing teachers from doing their best to help their students. This is nothing more than an attack on trans people under the guise of "protect the children."

Far more children will be harmed if this policy is passed.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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<p>I strongly oppose to this. Trans kids matter! Every single one of them do! </p>


Strongly Oppose


Harmful policy

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<p>This proposed policy is both unnecessary and extremely harmful. The fact that you are focusing your efforts on targeting a population of youth is shameful. As a mother and an educator, there are no upsides to this policy. It will only harm children and create unsafe spaces in schools. It will also drive more teachers out of the classroom in fear of prosecution. Please turn your attention to real problems such as the hundreds of staff vacancies in every school district, the lack of police officers and subsequent rising crime rates, and rising grocery prices. </p>


OPPOSE--human rights are not up for debate.

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My trans students' human rights are not a matter of debate. Keep your filthy big government projecting hands off of them and their rights. They are entitled to exist and use facilities without your harassment and degradation. We don't defer to abusive parents regarding education, feeding, housing, or clothing kids--nor will we defer to their impaired judgment regarding children's development and expression of identity, which they are free to do without interference. Your petty religious preferences do not override the 1st Amendment's protections; these kids deserve those protections, to be maintained by any means necessary.


Harmful policy


Strongly oppose

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I strongly, strongly oppose this policy and believe that it would be a giant step back in all the progress we've been able to make. People deserve to be able to use the facilities of their preferred gender and to be called their preferred pronouns without parental consent. While we would hope that all parents are loving and supportive, that is not the case. Children should not have to risk disownment or abuse in order to use the bathroom and their correct pronouns. This policy is appalling and the people supporting it have some sense of entitlement that parents should be able to know everything. It is the reality that it is dangerous for some parents to know these things. Children shouldn't have to jump through so many hoops to be who they are.


outrageous policy

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Gov. Youngkin's recent administrative decree eliminating rights for transgender students is a violation of both a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision that determined that civil rights law barring sex discrimination covers transgender people and the Virginia Human Rights Act. It will surely be overturned by the courts and as such is a pointless, politically motivated waste of money and time for an administration that is failing to do anything to actually help the people of Virginia in policy areas like overly high housing costs, a lack of employment opportunities in southside and southwest Virginia. It also is an intrusion into the freedom of families to decide what is best for their children. This administrative action shows the moral and policy bankruptcy of the Youngkin administration and should be withdrawn immediately.

HM Schwartz


Support!!!

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Do not allow any person other than the child's parents to make any decision to alter in any way a child. Studies show that some 95% of kids who are confused about their gender will later on find out their gender is what they were born with. What we have are sick people who think they know better and will transition kids to be something else and it is irreversible. Allow kids to be kids and stop teaching them about sexuality till they are in their teens and in an appropriate setting. And do not let anyone but the parents make medical decisions for their kids.


Vehemently Oppose

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<p>Trans and non-binary kids are Human and deserve the rights granted to everyone else in that category. You are wasting everyone's time attacking vulnerable populations when you could, and should, be working to make life better for all of us. Stop playing into unfounded hysteria. It helps no one and the only possible goal to be achieved by this is dividing the population and actively killing kids who don't fit into tidy little boxes. Trans youth, as well as other LGBTQIA+ youth deserve to be supported as much as any other kid, not punished for being who they are and pushed towards suicide. </p>


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<p>Kids are not items for parents to use as they desire. They have rights just like anyone else and you can't decide what a kid can and cannot identify as. </p>


Strongly Support This

Anonymous Father of  2 Chesterfield students

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Governor,

Thank you for proposing that common sense be brought back into our schools so that parents can be both informed and involved in their child's (yes they are immature children) educational lives.  I hope this succeeds in stopping the proselytization of our children by the overwhelmingly left wing school systems in the Commonwealth.


Vehemently opposed

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To VDOE,

I am vehemently opposed to the proposed policies regarding transgender and nonbinary children. These proposed model policies are contrary to Virginia state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids.

Sincerely,

Laura D.


Why is this a Priority?

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<p>No middle class family actually cares about this topic, so I'm confused as to why this is a priority of the Youngkin Administration. How does prioritizing an issue that effects so few families advance the interest of the general public? As a Father & a Republican, I am disappointed in this political maneuver by Governor Youngkin, when he could focus his efforts on expanding job opportunities, lowering taxes and reducing government spending. </p>


Boundaries needed but be careful with implementation

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<p> I agree with the need to set some boundaries and overall I’m in support of idea of the policy but be very careful with its implementation.  As we’ve found with other policy changes this year, it seems we can’t trust those implementing policy change to not take things to an extreme and do more harm than good.  Overall though it’s sad that we are at a point where we are paying people to monitor who goes in & out of a bathroom.  More important to worry about the education itself and the needs there.</p>


strongly oppose


AGREER

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My family agree with this proposal.  My children agree, and that is most important in my mind


Finally - a common sense approach

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Here in Prince William County the very largest and best attended school board meetings were the ones where parents were in full opposition to the imposition of transgender nonsense into our schools.  Throngs of speakers using their allotted 3 minutes, kept meetings running well past midnight - virtually all in opposition to the ridiculous policy.  The democrat dominated board however pushed through an anti-child, anti-science, and anti-parental rights policy.

Teachers should not want to be in the situation of determining such weighty decisions.  It is wholly a parental prerogative.  Neither a teacher's opinion nor a child's feelings determine their sex - but rather their individual chromosomes.  One ignores that truth at one's peril.

To those that doubt that - I would recommend the very fine and compassionate book on the subject:  "When Harry Become Sally; Responding to the Transgender Movement" by Ryan T. Anderson.  Until you read that - you're just acting on feelings rather than science.


Strongly Oppose

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You cannot erase trans and non-binary youth. They exist and deserve respect and protection, just like all other children. This policy is cruel and unnecessary, and only promotes divisiveness. Requiring teachers and administrators to "out" these kids to their parents is particularly egregious, and silencing teachers from using desired pronouns is petty and a violation of free speech.


Support


All children matter, trans kids matter

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ALL children have the right to a safe place. There’s no debating that.


Very Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose the Guidance Document on the treatment of transgender students in VA public schools. It is morally and ethically WRONG and there is absolutely no valid reason to have such guidance. It is no one's business whether a student is transgender - especially anyone in the public school system. Our teachers are overwhelmed with so many issues and to add this nonsensical requirement for them is abhorrent. No one has the right to enforce their religious beliefs on someone else - no one! You believe what you want - but don't require me or anyone else to follow those beliefs. How dare you! Put this document in the trash and never bring it up again.


oppose


STRONLY OPPOSE

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The law being passed by Governor Youngkin is disgusting and shows the people of Virginia what he truly wants. For children to suffer. That's all this will bring. What good will outing Trans students do? What good will dead naming and mis gendering them do? It brings nothing but mental suffering and anguish, and I've seen situations much like this bring dead to Trans students I attended school with. For someone to have this much hatred in his heart for the people of his state, the children of his state, is a clear indicator of him as a person. Why is it so hard to call someone by their chosen pronouns? Its not a matter of, "Indoctrinating children", Youngkin wants these children to suffer and eventually die. All because he gets uncomfortable at the sight of a Trans child? Disgusting. I strongly apposed this bill and Youngkins administration.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Youngkin’s proposed policies would be horrendous violations of the human rights of Virginia’s children. Disgusting that this is even being considered. Trans rights are human rights and that includes teens who want to go on blockers which have been proven safe time and time again. Youngkin should be ashamed. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

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<p>Transgender kids deserve the same respect all kids do. They are who they are whether Governor Youngkin likes it or not. This blatant discrimination disguised as “protecting parents’ rights” violates the rights of trans kids and their parents. Governor Youngkin is not an expert in the psychology of gender and clearly confuses gender with biological sex. He is not in any way qualified to force his uneducated opinions on trans kids or their parents. </p>


All children matter, trans kids matter


Strongly Oppose


Vehemently Oppose

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Every single bit of reputable, peer reviewed research says the best thing you can do for trans children is to support and allow them to safely explore their gender expression. What this bill does is outright against every bit of medical advice for these children, and is throwing actual children and their lives into a culture war engineered by Fox News.


Divider & Chief

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Youngkill is creating division and fear when there is no problem.    Allow students to be who they are - period.  Perhaps his time would be better spent in improving Georgetown Prep where his son attends/attended to imrove their teaching of Civics/Government so his son won't attempt to cheat at the next election or in life!  Parents currently have rights in terms of their child's education - too much in many instances.  What parents need to is become parents and stop worrying about the next big house or 4th car!


Strongly opposed to discriminatory policies

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These policies will only further harm LGBTQ+ children, drive up suicide rates, and harm families. Stop trying to push the agenda of one religion. It's unconstitutional.


Governor Youngkin is correctly for parents in Education

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While I respect the important role of educators in our present day society.  I take serious issue with teachers and school administrators who illegally attempt to circumvent the role of responsible parenting and who makes the parenting decisions of what is best for a child.

As an independent voter I took my role as a father and now a grandfather very seriously.  I remained involved in the educational process to insure my son was being educated responsibly and am involved with my grand daughter to insure parental rights and educational direction is joint decision.  We have many great educators.  Sadly not all are responsible.

With respect to sexuality, racial history or any curriculim based decision, I am supportive of Governor Youngkin's views and action today that keeps parents as the primary focal point of any action or decision that involves their children.  The point being is that these are "our" children not the states children.  The state could provide resources to aid needed transgender concerns based on a family's requests not the state.

The state must not make make moral or philosophical decisions regarding teaching sexuality or any view regarding a child's sexuality without parental consent.

Thank you Governor Youngkin for respecting and protecting my role as a parent.


Strongly oppose

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Strongly oppose these new policies.


Strongly opposed

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These proposals are harmful and should not be enacted. Protect all students!


Divider & Chief - Youngkill


STRONGLY OPPOSE

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I work with the transgender and the LGBTQ community every week. Unless you take the time to speak to this community, you may be inclined to believe the bunk that comes from fear and the airing of stereotypes that get more TV viewers. Just because another is not a clone of yourself, beliefs or background, does not make them less valuable or important. There is no problem that requires a solution here.


SUPPORT!!!

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Give the kids an education that will make them a productive part of society.
Don’t fill their heads with crap.


Strongly opposed.

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<p>I'm strongly opposed to the governor's action. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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This is a bigoted and harmful policy that targets vulnerable trans children and infringes on their autonomy under the guise of so-called "parental rights." I am ashamed of my state that this is even being considered.


Strongly oppose!

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<p>Let’s support our children and do away with any and all discriminatory policies, old or new. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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As a school nurse every child at my school is under my care. My duty is to support all of my students to and give them the medical and mental health care to be healthy individuals. These proposed policies will directly cause harm to both mental and physical health of my students who are transgendered and non-binary. Public school is a place were all students should be safe and supported. Medical research shows that suicide risk for trans and non-binary students is statistically larger but that risk of suicide decreases dramatically when trans and non-binary student are supported with their gender identify. In order to provide proper care for my students these proposed guideline must not pass. If these measure pass, the deaths of trans and non-binary youths are on your hands.


OPPOSE This Inhumane Action

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This new policy shift is a step backwards away from the progressive of equality in the educational system in the state of Virginia. This policy will endanger students’ lives and put Virginia’s good teachers in the position of policing the private decisions of students and their families. This policy violates human rights and should not be implemented. School is supposed to be a safe space for adolescents to grow and evolve as they transition into full functioning adults. Constricting an adolescent’s ability to express themselves and develop their own introspection into who they are is only magnified under this new policy. Allowing closed-minded parents to hinder their child’s individual psychological development to be something they aren’t only increases risks of depression and suicide in those individuals. School is a place where students should feel free to be who they want to be, and if it is something as simple as using a gender neutral bathroom, then that seems like a simple fix to preventing loss of student life. I strongly oppose this new policy and I promote the equality of students to learn in a safe environment that allows students to be INDIVIDUALS!


Why would you choose to protect a bigoted teacher over a student?  This makes zero sense as a policy

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<p>Protection of children who are struggling with the gender norms placed upon them that make no sense to them should be handled in the same way any other human right protection that exists in our world is handled. Allowing a bigoted teacher to dead name them is cruel and sinister.  This policy is backwards and serves no purpose other than to cause harm to a fragile part of the student base.  </p>


Governor's Turning Around The Education in Our Schools

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Thanks goodness for a real Governor who fully understands that the children should come first and receive a real education versus wokeness, CRT and transgender nonsense.  I am all for what our Governor is trying to do and God bless him.  I also find it very disturbing that the Democratic Party of Virginia put out a call to all of its members to make negative comments about what the Governor is doing.  I consider that insanity and trying to make it look like the majority of Virginians disapprove of what our Governor is doing when, in fact, the vast majority believe in what he is doing.  In the Isle of Wight County alone, less than 10% disapprove of what the Governor is doing and 90% APPROVE.  That you Governor for having the courage to do what is right.


STRONGLY OPPOSE THESE CHANGES

Do Not Put Trans Kids at Any More Risk Than They Already ARE!

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<p>All humans have a right to exist. Do not put these kids are higher risk of punishment, abuse, and potentially suicide. Trans lives are valid and should be respected and protected. </p>


Protect trans and nonbinary children.

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We have the opportunity in this state to be one that is here to support and protect all children, including those that are trans and nonbinary. Sexuality and gender are not a choice. If it were, people would not choose to suffer the bigotry, discrimination, and violence that is brought upon them by those full of hate and misunderstanding. Yes, babies are usually born 1 of 2 sexes, but there are also babies that are born intersex, or have a variation of X and Y chromosomes. Even sex/science is not just black and white.

We also know that many children know at a young age that they are different, as in not cis-heterosexual. However, those children may not know or have the language to express what is different. They also face a lot of pressure to conform, from their parents to their classmates. We know that many children suffer severe depression and anxiety for years or decades because they may not understand what is different about them, or because they fear coming out. Many parents and families are close minded and will shun and shame their children because they are not cis-hetero.

"Religious freedom" does not mean that you can discriminate against other people and force your beliefs on them. The government and public schools should respect everyone, and not base policies on any religious belief. Parents also do not always know what is best. There is a lot of trauma, hate, and shame that comes from parents. How many adults now have to work through their own pain and childhood trauma because their parents did not know any better? How many adults struggle with loving themselves and others because they did not have love at home? Let's be honest, not everyone is meant to be a parent. Not everyone knows how to raise children.

But as a government for ALL Virginians, we can work to ensure we protect our children. We support them in their journeys of self-discovery, and we accept our children as they are. We allow them to express themselves. That is how we empower our youth.

It only takes a few moments to listen to trans stories and to hear how much joy and happiness they feel when they finally accept who they are and express themselves in a way that aligns with their gender or sexuality.

Learning about sex and gender is not "sexualizing" our children. It is educating them. Sexualizing children was when girls were sent home to change out of short shorts or spaghetti straps because it was inappropriate. Inappropriate for who? The boys who still think girls have cooties? Or the adults? Or believing that boys can't control themselves, so we punish the girls and their outfits?

It is not hard to show kindness, especially to children. Let them play on sports. Let them use bathrooms. Use their preferred pronouns. Respect the children. They have rights to be who they want to be. If Republicans are so keen on protecting life, then let's protect those lives. Let's protect them from discrimination and hate and violence. Let's protect them from depression and anxiety. Let's protect them from suicide.

Let's act out of LOVE. Out of ACCEPTANCE.

We can do better. Let's start here in Virginia and show the rest of the country that we can do better.


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Strongly support this plan.


LBTQ+ Are entitled to protection and respect

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  When I checked the statistics on statistics on youth suicide last, LBTQ plus children children suffered more suicidal thoughts and actions than any other group of kids. It is intolerable that our state government would act so harshly towards this vulnerable group that we would inflict more stress and more pain upon these children.  They are citizens and human beings just like any other child.

No one's religious views allow them to invalidate the existence of another person. If your religion causes you to be hateful angry and harmful to others you may be you may be doing your religion incorrectly.  I remember that song from childhood that said Jesus loves the little children all the children of the world.

This legislation will cause harm to children. It will cause harm to children who are not even the target of this hate inspired legislation.Because anyone who does not fit social norms may get caught up in a "witch hunt" .

 As a mother As a mother I am shocked and appalled that other parents would inflict painflict pain and suffering on children and and negate their human rights just just to fit a political agenda.. Please do not perpetrate haperpetrate hate onto our children.


Strongly Opposed

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I strongly oppose Governor Youngkin's change to the VA DOE policy on transgender students.

The former policy adopted in 2020 is a better model because it respects the individual rights of young people. Adults who work with children must be open-minded about the individuals they serve and place the safety and well-being of students above their own worldview.

Youngkin's policy regarding transgender students is not in the best interest of young people, many of whom experience devastating depression and suicidal ideation when they do not feel safe. School is a place where young people explore and develop their own individuality, and many feel safer at school than they do at home.


Strongly oppose

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<p>This policy is bigoted, discriminatory, and dangerous to the health and safety of trans youth. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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I strongly oppose this policy. Respect that children know who they are and allow them to be themselves and express themselves. No one is free until we are all free.


SUPPORT

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<p>I support it. I graduated last year from a school in VA, and the whole transgendered thing has gotten out of hand. It was such a distraction for everyone.  Focus should be on academics. If we keep giving attention to it, more kids will claim they are “transgendered.” Trust me on this.  Why wasn’t this an issue during my mom’s school years?  Think about it. </p>


Virginia Department of Education 2022 Model Policies

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<p>I strongly support these policies! </p>


I strongly oppose this change

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I strongly oppose this change as it is contradictory in nature. In section D it says that "schools shall respect all students" and that "local school division policies shall implement the requirements of the Act in a manner that demonstrates respect for each student." However, in A2 it says that parents are to determine "whether their child expresses a gender that differs with their child's sex while at school." By doing so, the school removes the child's agency and knowledge of who they are. If the schools go by the guidance they are not demonstrating respect for each student which is outlined in section D. If schools are to respect the students they should enable policies that acknowledge their agency and knowledge of themselves.


Strongly Opposes -- This policy will harm and kill children

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This guidance will kill trans youth.

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Healthfound 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.

Furthermore, 40% of homeless youth are GLBT -- 40%.  The primary reason is because their parents have disowned them.

Stop this foolishness and do not enact this far-right, cultural warrior policy.


Parent and Grandparent

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<p>I support the policy of Youngkin! School is for education. Public Schools have to much power over are children already. They are digging a hole with the Union that they may not come back from. We the parents and know what is best for our children. GOD bless the teachers that teach nowadays ?? </p>


Oppose this policy and keep kids safe

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Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, this includes transgender youths who already go through so much and who should have the right to feel safe and respected at school.


Strongly oppose


Treatment of transgender students

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I STRONGLY OPPOSE this proposal. All students must be treated fairly and equally and with dignity.


Lgbtq in schools

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Bigoted boomer parents don’t have a right to dictate student choices.


Strongly oppose

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Regulation intended to remove the rights and restrict the welfare of transgender children is anti-science and reprehensible. Jesus would be disgusted that shameless opportunists are claiming to be his followers while intentionally harming this most vulnerable minority demographic of children. This hate-based regulation is a mockery of civilized American values and this current administration has once again made national news to the shame of all Virginians. "Parental rights" is just the latest dog whistle imagined by the far-right to justify the populist legislation of ignorance and hate. Virginia has a long history of this legal inhumanity; no Virginian capable of critical thinking should allow themselves to be deceived by the true intention of this regulation, which is to intentionally harm transgender children just to virtue signal to their voting base.


Strongly oppose

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A policy RESTRICTING transgender students the ability to be themselves and identify as they choose is dangerous and an overstep on the government. Allow individual to be themselves. Be accepting of ALL no matter how different they are from you or anyone you know. That is what we should be teaching our youth and the behavior we should be modeling as adults in this free country and state.

LGTBQ youth are already at high risk of self-harm. This restrictive policy will only increase that risk.


This isn't about parents rights. This is about forcing trans kids to come out and risk disownment

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This isn't about parents rights. This is about forcing trans kids to come out and risk possible loss of opportunities such as college funding and worse. Many parents do not support trans rights and the kids are afraid to tell their parents. This is a violation of students privacy rights. It may be their parents, but the kid still has the right to privacy. The government cannot dictate when a child has the right to privacy


Strongly OPPOSE!

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These proposed model policies are discriminatory, hateful, contrary to state law, and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. This has nothing to do with protecting children or honoring parents and families. This will only harm kids and families who are already marginalized. Schools need to be safe places for children to feel comfortable expressing themselves. Highly recommend this administration focus on real problems and actually creating safe schools for all children rather than manufacturing crises to pander to the extremists who are too bigoted to understand and accept LGBTQIA+ people. Don’t make Virginia more of a hate-filled state. Protect trans people, including students, parents, and teachers. Stop this hateful nonsense and be inclusive and non-discriminatory. Do not let these policies go into effect!


Gov. Younkin's Anti-Transgender Model Draft Policy

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I oppose Gov. Youngkin's Anti-Transgender Model Draft Policy.


STRONGLY OPPOSE: What about rights for our kids?

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This policy is a disgrace. By forcing children to obtain parental permission to be their true selves this administration gives kids two choices: go back into the closet or be potentially exposed to unsupportive family. Both options will disproportionately harm them. Gov. Youngkin has reiterated time and time again that this is what parents voted for but this is a policy that will first and foremost negatively impact children, who have absolutely no voice in government yet can be legislated and ruled against by that very same government.

Youngkin and his political allies should be ashamed. To use such a tiny and incredibly marginalized population of minors as a political pawn to win the votes of paranoid homophobes who get all their news through QAnon with no regard for their wellbeing is cynical politicking at its worst. With this policy the Youngkin administration has made it clear: kids are merely the property of their parents, and don't even get the choice of self-expression without the input of adults.

As an aside, I find it extremely interesting that Glenn Youngkin feels so empowered in forcing public schools to follow his political agenda when none of his children even attend Virginia public schools. He's using a publicly funded social service as a petri dish for his political experiments while his children remain totally shielded from discriminatory policies like this.


Leave transgender people alone

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Let people be who they are! stop this idiocy


I Strongly Oppose - kids need support, and this policy would be harmful

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Growing up queer is hard enough as it is without school becoming a more dangerous place for our kids. Outing someone who has trusted you with such a personal part of their life journey, not only is that a violation of personal trust, but it puts kids in real danger at home. If someone has chosen not to be out to their parents its because that parent has failed to make their child feel safe telling them the truth of their experience and identity.  I've known people who were thrown out on the street by their "loving" parents after being outed to them. This policy would create more homeless kids. I've known people who were beaten by "loving" parents after being outed to them. This policy would cause real trauma and physical harm to more kids. There are worse stories - and I trust the kid to know who their parents really are much better than anyone at school does. If someone wants to know about the gender and sexuality of their children they need to put in the work building a relationship with that person so they are invited into their trust. School is the safest place for so many kids, these policies would change that. Using someone's proper pronouns reduces rates of self harm and suicide in queer youth.  Let the next generation tell us who they are in safety and confidence as they wish. It's what's best for THEM. They are the future and they deserve every chance we can give them at a happy, healthy, and successful life.


Support For Parent's Rights

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Do not allow any person other than the child's parents to make any decision to alter in any way a child. Studies show that some 95% of kids who are confused about their gender will later on find out their gender is what they were born with. What we have are sick people who think they know better and will transition kids to be something else and it is irreversible. Allow kids to be kids and stop teaching them about sexuality till they are in their teens and in an appropriate setting. And do not let anyone but the parents make medical decisions for their kids.


Hateful & discriminatory.

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<p>Kids face enough "othering" & bullying as it is by their peers. Don't pile on. </p>


Look mom, I've posted 4 times

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<p>One person could literally spam this board multiple times to inflate a narrative. </p>


KEEP THE 2021 POLICIES

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<p>I strongly urge the State of VA Dept. of Education to keep the current policies regarding transgender students. What Gov Youngkin proposes is politically motivated and NOT in the best interest of students. </p>


This will endanger students

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<p>These proposed model policies are contrary to state law and will be extremely harmful to transgender and nonbinary kids. ALL children deserve to be treated fairly. This transphobia is shameful and these policies shouldn’t be instituted. </p>


Strongly oppose

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This is bad legislation designed specially to hurt trans kids. I strongly oppose this and am deeply embarrassed that this state voted for a feckless clown like Youngkin.


Trans & non binary policies

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<p>I strongly oppose new policies of a gov Youngkin. We Virginians have headed in the right direction with our current law. We must support and protect our youth. Once you separate people into the “other” violence and ugly discrimination increase. </p>


Strongly Oppose

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<p>How dare you? These children need love and support, not more policies that make them deny their true selves and make them feel worse! </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>As an educator, as a parent and as a HUMAN, I strongly oppose this update and I am disgusted by the Governor. </p>


There is no such thing as "transgenderism" - not a real thing


Transgender Policy

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Please do not adopt this policy drafted by the Youngkin administration. Remember, the original legislation was intended to protect a specific sub-set of youth --- let's keep the focus on supporting them.


Strongly Oppose New Policy

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<p>The feigned deference to the "rights of parents" in this policy tramples on children's constitutional rights to privacy and freedom of expression. It sets up a framework intended to make school an unsafe space for children we know are at risk and it stigmatizes them in order to score political points. The vulnerability of trans kids to stigma, prejudice and hate are well documented as are the effects of that vulnerability in terms of increased risk of harm and suicide. This policy will intensify the vulnerability and risks many fold. Schools should support learning and community by treating everyone with kindness and respect and by refusing to condone, much less encourage, hatred and intolerance. This isn't about parents' rights, its about using vulnerable children as political fodder. The policy makes is impossible for parents to protect their trans kids. It is rooted in hate, and you should be ashamed of yourself. </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>I strongly oppose this policy. Schools are meant to be a safe place for children to learn and grow. Our children deserve to feel supported in who they are and the choices they make when those choices are completely harmless to those around them. These are deeply personal decisions that this policy completely discredits. </p>


Strongly oppose

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<p>This is a step backwards. Please don't imply that this is about parents involvement/input in their children's education. If that is the case we need then listen to the voices of parents and former parents of Virginia students who do not support this new policy. </p>


Support

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<p>I read through the proposed changes/updates to policy and agree they should be implemented. </p>


I support the 2022 model policy.

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While I care about all students, I do not support those who want to label them transgender, etc. God made no mistake when he created us a specific gender. Let's keep it this way. I support the 2022 policy.


Strongly Oppose

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<p>Oppose! Every student deserves to be protected and respected as they are for who they are. </p>


STRONGLY OPPOSED — THIS IS AN EGREGIOUS VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

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Regardless of how much the hot-headed conservatives would like you to believe, queer children DO EXIST and they deserve to feel just as safe and valued as ANY OTHER STUDENT IN THE SCHOOL. Your job as a school is to protect your students and TEACH them, not police their gender identity and ostracize them amongst their peers. Not affording queer and trans students the respect and dignity they deserve is a VIOLATION of their human rights and their first amendment right to freedom of speech and expression. YOU, AS A SCHOOL, HAVE NO RIGHT TO DECIDE WHICH CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS YOUR STUDENTS HAVE. SHAME on every single school administrator. teacher, and parent who even entertained this vile and disgusting rule. Persecuting CHILDREN for being themselves in a place they are REQUIRED to be by law is disgusting, vile, and inhumane. Anyone who supports this rule is contributing to the abuse of children. You cannot CENSOR the queerness out of these kids — you can only force them to hide, which is a blatant discrimination issue. You should all be ashamed. May God help you all FIND THE LIGHT and lead you towards a path of righteousness instead of the hateful, devilish path you’re on that causes you to hate and abuse CHILDREN.