Oppose and here is why

Let me start by saying that I believe that all children should be treated with dignity and respect. And everyone has a right to a fair  education. When it starts infringing on others is where my problems lie. These pronouns and how to use them properly in the possessive and reflexive forms will be extremely confusing for elementary students, teachers, high schoolers, etc. Will we also begin teaching elementary schoolers him/her/zir/eir, etc during language arts class? The list is not exhaustive. A simple google search of gender neutral pronouns will yield 16+ gender neutral pronouns. Will elementary students be required to address transgender teachers with their pronouns? This question and many others lie ahead before this policy can be put into place. The draft policy states the following: “Many transgender students will adopt the gender pronouns associated with their gender identity, but a growing number are using gender-neutral pronouns. Some examples of commonly used pronouns include she/her/hers, he/him/his as well as gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them/their and ze/hir/hirs.” “A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory. Schools also should be prepared for genuinely innocent confusion or uncertainty that may come up from school staff and students. Existing school board policies, including anti-discrimination, harassment, and bullying policies, may need to be adjusted or clarified relating to processes that address when a school staff member fails to comply with the student’s request or an administrator’s directive to use the asserted name and pronoun.” Does this stop with staff members? Will my children be expelled for bullying for not using a made up pronoun when referring to another student? What about children with autism who think in black and white? Boys exist and girls exist. There is no inbetween for them. Will a special needs child be expelled for failing to recognize a ze? The consequences for not adhering to these policies, for teachers, students, and SPED students, should be hashed out before this policy goes into effect. Otherwise, it may be confusing for all parties. I’m grateful that they make space for accidents. However, actually remembering how to properly use each  pronoun may prove to be difficult. I can’t imagine being a high school teacher in a progressive area and having to remember which of these made up pronouns to use (see gender neutral pronoun chart) for each student and facing disciplinary action if it persists. Furthermore, it opens up teachers and schools for lawsuits. How is one to defend that it was a mistake verses persistent misusage? Also, I’m saddened to see that there will be no more homecoming/prom king and queen, no more daddy/daughter dances, etc. this policy manual calls for the reduction and elimination of such. I’m thankful my daughter was able to attend a Daddy/Daughter dance at her elementary school prior to this policy going into effect. The existence of transgender children is rare (I can’t even find any statistics on transgender children under the age of 13) at this age, and to have to eliminate it for all seems excessive. Also, there are no parent advocacy groups listed on the resources appendix. Only seemingly pro-LGBTQ+ groups and individuals. This seems very one-sided. Are these the groups that were allowed to craft this policy? Were cisgender parent advocacy groups invited to participate? It mentions diversity, yet I see no mention of groups such as the American Family Association. Also, let’s throw religion into the mix. Requiring a child or a teacher, who believes in God and that God created the male and the female, nothing in between and nothing outside of the binary system, to acknowledge a transgender/non-binary pronoun could be viewed as an infringement upon their religious beliefs. Before a policy is put into place, this needs to be addressed. The intent of this policy, to protect the transgender students, is respected. However, at a minimum, it allows for the rights of other students to be infringed upon. This policy needs to be reworked and the input of cisgendered parent advocacy groups should be considered. From a legal perspective, a number of “what-if” scenarios and “what happens when...” should be addressed.


Oppose transgender policy for schools

While I have much compassion for students struggling with their sexuality, and agree that they must be protected, this law is way overboard. Two key issues in my mind. First, I can never agree that any information of things happening in school should be kept from the parents. The responsibility of education is given by God to the parents of the child (this is stated in the bible). While I recognize that some parents, probably need to have some intervention, this law would set up a situation that would make this parents vs the school, which doesn't benefit the student when education requires cooperation between both. Secondly, the numbers and statistics of sexual related crimes are on the increase so significantly, I just cannot imagine the temptation of students to play games and make things up for the sake of satisfaction because they are allowed to by the "rules".


Strongly oppose

English is a very difficult language to master as a second language and this gender pronoun conflict makes it even more so.  You are either blessed with a male or female chromosome at birth.  Everything in between is considered a birth defect.  Your sex is not "assigned" at birth it is only observed and reported by medical professionals on the birth certificate.  Anything else is a mental disorder, similar to a person claiming to be a poached egg.  Why are we letting the patients run the asylum.


OPPOSED

I am absolutely opposed to this. Allowing biological males or females to mingle in bathrooms of the opposite sex is a huge liability and is inviting a myriad of issues.


Oppose!

This is wrong and unacceptable


Support Trans rights fully

I support trans rights completely!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

The job of school is to provide the best education with qualified teachers, staff and a safe and loving environment to our kids. It’s also the job to be together with us parents protecting the innocence of our kids and making sure they are safe all around. Schools are not permitted to any way shape or form to misguide our children in ways that are contrary to the values that we give to our children. Again, school is suppose to be with us parents helping us educate our kids and at the same time protect them from harm and evil. If this happens to be approved, most likely you will not lose 13,000 or so who already left FCPS but will lose thousands and thousands of more families!


Concerned Christian, future father, current uncle and citizen

Strongly oppose. It strips parental rights & religious freedoms; the very fabric of this nation.

I strongly oppose this policy being recommended.  The policy violates parental rights, student rights, religious freedoms, encourages bullying of those who do not identify with transgender ideology, and allow for an uninviting and confusing learning environment. Parents are primarily and foremost responsible for the upbringing, education, and care of their children. This is a fundamental liberty and right along with religious freedom.  These are rights are upheld by the Constitution and Supreme and Virginia Courts.  This troubling policy proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. This policy provides absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student, teacher, parent, or legal guardian whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Included in the policy are provisions that clearly violate these rights such as: “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) This will permit schools to help a student explore, facilitate, and make decisions about his or her sexual identity while at school without the permission of the child’s parents . “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. This violates parental rights and religious freedoms. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Essentially schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. This puts young girls who are growing and changing at risk of sexual harassment and bullying. This would also eliminate privacy and the safety of students. This would allow students to act as a member of the opposite sex, use of bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex all without the knowledge of and permission of the student’s parents. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, nor will parents have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” [This is a clear violation of due process clause of the 5th amendment.] This violates parental rights and puts religious freedoms at risk.


Support and urge compassion

I support this guidance and urge the State to do all it can to include and protect its Trans students. The Trans community faces hate, violence and degradation daily.    At the same time, we are learning more and more about gender diversity every day. It is time we catch up to reality and stop driving people to hide who they are and live by dead names.


Strpngly oppose

You better read your bible. There are only 2 genders male or female. God didnt create adam and steve, he created adam and eve.


Eileen Romero, Virginia Department of Health Health Counselor

Support as a Means to Prevent Suicide and Violence

This comment pertains to the guidance for transgender youth in the education system. As a DIS and Health Counselor often interviewing LGBTQ* youth, I can’t imagine anything more important than protecting the lives of young people period. The fact that this is debatable, while violence, harassment, inequity in access to healthcare, and ultimately suicide plagues CHILDREN which is what they are, seems cruel and inhumane. It’s simply impractical and nonsensical even from a policy and prevention perspective. I’m not here to make an emotional appeal, since having a heart that rises above implicit bias to drive equitable change is apparently rare. This guidance is ultimately practical and beneficial overall, in relieving an unnecessary burden from teachers, parents, and staff. Research is clear. Professionals are clear. Data and numbers lack bias and prejudice. It would be a shame to deprive children of equity and access at their place of education, because of the feelings of some unaffected and unburdened citizens. These children already deal with similar prejudice outside of school in almost every realm. Shouldn’t school be a safe place?


Trans rights are human rights

The "Guiding Principle" section (Page 8) is a fine summary of what the commonwealth's goal should be going forward in the treatment of trans/nonbinary students. VDOE has a legal obligation to provide an environment for any and all children to learn, without harassment from their peers, their educators, or from intentional or unintentional mistreatment by the educational system. Virginia has not always been quick to react as changes in society take place. The school system is a perfect place to teach trans/nonbinary students that they are welcome, and to teach others to welcome these students. I look forward to the implementation of this guidance document and from the changes to follow.


Strongly oppose

I oppose the Statewide Transgender School Policy. -Requiring faculty and students to use "preferred pronouns" will be confusing and will waste valuable learning time to enforce. -I strongly do not want the state helping my child explore his or her gender expression.  I gave birth to my child; I want to teach my own child about these things.  This Policy weakens/undermines my role as a parent. -Allowing any gender into any bathroom/locker room will open the way for sexual assault - including upon the very students pushing for such things.  It will, in addition, cause difficulty and embarrassment for students who prefer gender specific bathrooms. -A gender-neutral dress code allowing girls to go topless is radical at best, and will prove to be very disruptive to a functioning school environment. -This policy does not address the rights of teachers, parents, and children who do not agree with these mandates.


100% SUPPORT!!!

100% support. Every single individual matters.


I Support this legislation

I Support this legislation, Equality for all.


Strongly oppose the VDOE Transgender Draft.

This contradicts science, strips parental rights, and forces people to accept  these viewpoints.  Before reputable doctors will provide hormone therapy or medical procedures to alter ones biology, psychological evaluations are required.  This draft sidesteps any reasonable processes and unnecessarily pushes the desires of a few on the whole.  Unacceptable.  Public schools are overstepping and have likely outlived their usefulness.


Protect trans students

I strongly support protection for trans students. Our students deserve full support and inclusion. Thank you.


Strongly Opposed

This has gone way to far


In support of protections for transgender and non-binary students

I strongly support protections for transgender and non-binary students. As an educator myself, I see how this is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality.


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose this gender confusion policy.


Strongly Oppose/School policy should be based on the needs/concerns of the majority

"Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately." This is a private issue between parents and their children that doesn't need consultation/guidance from the state.


Strongly support

Strongly support this legislation.


This comment section is quantitive data demonstrating the need for transgender protection

It's so ironic how this entire comment section is a literal demonstration of the hate and harassment faced by the transgender community. Why are all of these comments referencing god, treating UNDERAGED children like pedophiles, sexualizing youth in schools, and emphasizing the need to include politics? I support this policy because the need has been directly demonstrated by this comment section.


100% support

I support the model policy protecting transgender students because I am not a bigot.  All people deserve to be who they are and exist in safety.


In Full Support

I graduated from H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program in 2017. I was lucky enough to attend a school where many of the guidelines proposed were already being practiced. It not only supported the equal treatment of the trans students at my school, but also created a diverse learning environment that supported compassion for all students. I am highly in support of the proposed guidelines so that all Virginia students, and especially transgender students, can exist in environment that ecourages their learning, growth, and empathy.


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

Strongly support!


All the people opposing should be ashamed. This is about the protection of children. CHILDREN!

This passing is a necessity to the safety of trans and non binary youth. It also will help in teaching children to respect each other regardless of gender identity.  We should not live in a world where people need to fear for their lives because of who they are. We need to spread the love and encourage our children to do the same. Some people say Jesus loves everyone so why are y’all being so hateful? All children deserve the right to be protected and loved! Don’t discourage what you don’t understand or can’t relate to. Control your fear based hate and mind your own. If you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all.


Strongly Oppose

Strongly Oppose


Oppose - Listen to Science, respect parental rights


Transgender policies

I believe children with gender identity problems should be protected from bullying and be given help and guidance in this area of their lives. However I believe this is a parental issue and very personal between a child, family, and counselors. The new policies trying to be implemented into our public schools are dangerous to our children, parent/child relationship, parents rights, protection of all children involved, unlawful rights given to teachers/counselors, safety violations of our young men and women in locker rooms and restrooms, lawful rights being taken away from unwilling participants, sexual exploitation of our most vulnerable...our children. These new policies should never be implemented in our public schools.


SUPPORT PLEASE ALLOW TRANS CHILDREN THE SAME COMFORTS AS EVERY OTHER

Using the bathroom is not sexual allow trans kids the same basic comforts you allow your cis students


Opposed

Stop this nonsense


Gender policy

Strongly oppose. unbelievably dangerous!  Common sense has died!


Support policies to protect trans kids

I strongly support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth.  Some of the vital work of adolescent development is to explore issues of identity separate from one's parents.  Respect for youth's privacy and autonomy is important to their well-being, and so much more so for trans youth, who face so many dangers.  I see comments opposing the protections, and particularly the privacy aspects.  While I understand the concern of parents who want to know when their child is going through struggles, the way for parents to address that is for parents themselves to be open and receptive to information from their children.  Trans youth face multiple threats, and two of these are suicide and homelessness.  Outing trans youth to their parents puts them at risk of homelessness and violence or at greater risk of suicide if they feel they have to hide their identity at school as well as at home and have no outlet for expressing themselves.


100 % support

I support this 100%.


Protect transgender and non-binary students!

I strongly support protections for transgender and non-binary students!


Model policies for treatment of transgender students in Virginia schools

100% OPPOSE


Strongly Support

Strongly support. Everyone, especially children trying to find themselves, deserve to feel safe and supported in the place they spend most of their time


Opposed

This is totally out of line. Where are our straight children rights to feel safe.


Full support

As a parent of two, I fully support this guidance. My children have been taught to treat others in the way they wish to be treated themselves, by the very schools that need to do better in protecting transgender students. It's time for the school system to make good on these lessons, and to demonstrate the courage of their convictions, rather than letting bullies determine who gets to be treated as human.


Equality

Equal rights for all!! Transgender people are just as valid as anyone else and deserve to be treated as such. Our education system is built in such a way where it uplifts those on top and forgets those who are shunned. We need to change this.


can not support as written

I can not support this as it currently stands. Protection must be in place for both transgender and non transgender. Trampling on the rights of one group to give rights to another group does not solve anything. It creates hostility, frustration, and anger which is the exact opposite of what is needed. Balance must be achieved for this to have any kind of positive outcome. Protections must be in place to keep policies from being abused and allowances must be made to accommodate everyone involved. Forcing policy such as this without consideration for all parties involved is foolish, irresponsible, and potentially dangerous.


Oppose transgender policy

god made boys and girls!


Strongly oppose transgender policy.

I strongly oppose this transgender policy.  It is taking away parental rights and disregarding the safety and privacy rights of girls.


Strongly Opposed

I am strongly opposed to these new policies. I believe they set a dangerous precedent and will not be harmful to the children and their families


Protect trans children

Trans people, especially trans BIPOC, have a short life expectancy due to hate crimes and suicide. Protecting trans youth is a public health concern.


Oppose!

This issue can be handled without infringing on the rights of others, including rights to freedom of religion and parents’ rights to make decisions on behalf of their families.


in support

I attend school in Fairfax County and I am completely in support of these proposals!! Trans rights are human rights.


WRONG

First off I have 4 kids. 2 of them are grown, 1 is about to be a senior so I don’t worry about him as much but my youngest is 9. Now I teach my kids to love and respect everybody of any gender, race, whatever. But the first time a little boy goes in the dressing room and makes her feel uncomfortable during school or a sport or whatever we have a problem. She has a right also to be comfortable with changing and she has rights as well. Nobody is going to steer my child into thinking she’s something she’s not. She has a mind of her own as well. So if she grows up and chooses to not like boys I will love her the same. If she is brainwashed into this I guess I will be a child abuser because I WILL NOT tolerate this. If she is made to a certain type of way because “Johnny” wants to get dressed in the same room watching her AGAIN I guess I will be a child abuser because over my dead body and I will roll up in that school and it will be a problem!


Full support

I completely support this idea and it should not be debatable whether this should happen or not


Please let children be children. Opposed to the Trans’ curriculum.

Let’s focus on reading, Writing, math and natural science. Children have enough pressures. Leave alternative sex Ed for adult-parent conversations


Strongly oppose!!

To think that I could be turned in and face charges because of how I choose to raise my kids is outrageous! I have 2 boys and don't want them in a locker room/bathroom with any girls just like I don't want any girls in their locker room/bathroom it's an invitation for problems. I do not believe any child should be bullied ever and am trying to raise my boys to treat everyone how they would want to be treated. I don't think it's right to make EVERYONE go along with this policy and threaten them with charges if they don't. I oppose this 100%!!


Strongly Support

I strongly support these changes in support of trans students. We cannot continue to force people to follow a false gender binary of man/woman and nothing else that is determined only by physical attributes. Children know who and what they are and we as adults must allow them to grow and develop into the people they wish to be. There are countless people who do not fit into any physical or even genetic box of "male" or "female" and gender non-conforming youth need to have a safe space to learn and grow just as their gender conforming peers have. No child should feel unsafe or unwelcomed in their school for their gender and sexuality. The idea that cis girls will be threatened by trans students in school rest rooms is an unfounded claim, and in fact, trans youth are the ones at heightened risk for abuse and discrimination. This is not a topic of religion or faith, but facts, legality and compassion. State and local government in Virginia already have a precedent in the case of Grim v. Gloucester County County School Board (4th Cir. 2020), that protects the rights of transgender students in public school settings and has been determined to be constitutional. This argument has already been won from this case. This guidance is a progressive move for all students towards a less prejudiced Virginia.


Trans rights are human rights

trans kids deserve rights and should be given the opportunity to feel safe in schools


OPPOSE

A man is not a woman and a woman is not a man.  A boy is not a girl and a girl is not a boy.


Transgender

I completely disagree with confusing children with this madness. U are born male or female it is that simple. Stop trying to CO fuse these kids!


full support

support


Support!

Protect trans students


I oppose this policy

I do not support this policy, especially in elementary schools. This will have unintended consequences negatively impacting far more kids than it will protect.


Support from a former student

All students should have access to a safe and welcoming environment to learn and grow in, regardless of their gender identity. I strongly support these guidance updates. As a former Henrico County public school student, I felt that the majority of my teachers were not well equipped to teach, support or engage thoughtfully with students that did not share their world views or lived experience. Much work needs to be done and this will be a good step for Virginia schools.


A Model Policy is Needed to Ensure Equity and Support for ALL VA Students

Virginia has already passed two bills which require needed and overdue trans-inclusive policies in all Virginia public schools. These guidelines are not just essential, but provide resources so that school staff and have the needed tools to comply with the law.  Trans inclusive policies are life-changing and life-saving for the Commonwealth's most vulnerable youth, but in truth research consistently demonstrates that they benefit ALL students. A review of the comments received as part of the open comment period clearly show fear which exemplifies the need for education.  Trans persons exist in every culture, society, religion, race, and country.  Inclusive policies do not 'welcome' a discussion on gender into our schools; trans students are already there and they are as deserving of and have the same right to a Free Appropriate Public Education. With regard to Student Identity, I am concerned that the Model Policy is not aspirational and instead cowers in the face of parents who are not supportive of a student's trans identity. This defeats the whole point of a Model Policy which should provide guidance for how schools can meet the needs of the student while not endangering the student outside of school and/or disrespecting the parents.  Schools can honor a student's name and pronouns while also using legal and assigned sex in discussions with parents.  The guidance can also recognize that the journey to acceptance takes time and than not every parent reaches acceptance. This can cause dysphoria and life endangerment to the young person. When schools closed due to the pandemic, The Trevor Project experienced a tremendous volume increase in their calls as young people who had depended on schools for needed validation, support, and affirmation lost such. Calls in general to CPS have deceased because staff isn't able to put an eye on students to ensure safety. Distance learning demonstrated the role schools play in students' lives. Rather than diminish that role, we should take the opportunity to explicitly define it. The demeaning and fear-mongering comments on this thread evidence the dire need for education and an understanding of the developmental normalcy and legitmacy of gender diversity. I implore the Department of Education to continue with the Model Policy with the understanding and recognition that such is required by law, and this document merely provides the guidance and support school districts need to comply with the law. By and large, many school districts are already doing what is right for kids and a significant number already have trans-inclusive policies.  This is best practices, what kids need, and what kids deserve. There should be no hesitation or backpedaling in doing what the DOE and the Commonwealth know is necessary and right. The guidance itself was written through contributions of educators, parents, religious organizations, and students across the Commonwealth. Now is the time to provide schools with the resources they need to comply with existing regulation which will help to ensure that trans* and gender diverse youth are able to attend school with both physical and psychological safety.


Opposed!

I am absolutely opposed to this idea! I have four children, three of which are girls. If this were approved then how will my daughters be protected against a boy whom states he feels like he is suppose to be a girl just to get access into the girls locker room or restrooms? This opens doors for sexual assault and other means of possible abuse. Let's not be oblivious to the fact that there will be young men/boys who decide to abuse the transgender identity for this very purpose and it's disturbing!!! We have to protect our daughters better than this!!


Strongly support transgender student rights

I can't believe this is even debatable. If you can't handle other people being different from you, don't leave the house!


Strongly oppose

Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE)


Transgender in the schools

I beg you to reconsider your desire to encourage gender confusion among our youth . This confused state is in psychology, called Gender dysphoria and is usually outgrown in time. please , I beg you to listen to the “other side” and learn from transgenders who are appalled that this is being encouraged in our youth. Allow adults to make up their own minds after 18, but leave children to the care of their parents and good doctors who gave the very Best for the children in mind and not a hideous, child destroying agenda.


Support trans youth!!

Support trans youth!!


I completely support!!!

I completely support!!!!


Transgender Issues - Understanding vs Advocacy

Succinctly written, any policy, procedure, or curriculum on transgender issues should not include literally forcing others (whether by shunning, excluding, or even inciting violence) to agree in whether the issue is right or not and to advocate for other believes. Just as transgender individuals have rights, those who are not and don’t necessarily agree with aspects of it, have the right to respectfully disagree. My children attend Arlington Public Schools and they have felt bullied by transgender student and support groups. We believe in acceptance and include everyone in our lives - whether they believe or not in the same things we do. We should be treated with same respect.


This is madness and nothing short of child abuse toward every student on which it is imposed.


Does everybody forget how hard women fought to get public restrooms?

Please respect women’s rights too. Find a middle solution.


I support helping children who suffer from gender dysphoria

But I'm not sure of the "science" that tells our unelected bureaucrats in charge of our public schools that letting boys use the girl's bathroom, for example, is the best way to balance the interest of helping children suffering from gender dysphoria with the interests of the rest of the community.  I'm also not sure of the 1st amendment legal scholarship that went into the proposed guidelines.  For example, while the 1st amendment may prohibit a school from preventing "students from expressing their identity", I think it also would prohibit a school from punishing a student who doesn't want to call a boy a girl simply because the boy wants to be called a girl.


I support trans people

i support trans people


NO, NO, NO

I do not support this as a school function!!! This is once again the roll of Parents and only parents. Public s hools are more and more trying to replace the prenatal responsibilities with their social agenda .


Fully Support

I fully support this guidance. As the parent of a transgender child, I wish this guidance was already in place. We've been fortunate enough to be in schools that have worked with us to make the schools more inclusive, not only for our child, but for all children.


I support this wholeheartedly! The

This is an excellent step forward for the VDOE. As a Virginia resident and future school parent, I want a school that supports all children!


FULLY SUPPORT!!

STRONGLY SUPPORT


In full support

This is something that has been needed for a very long time. Too many children have suffered at the hands of school administrators not taking the correct actions to protect them. Any opinion rooted in hate and only supported by religious beliefs should be disregarded. School should be a safe place for ANY child.


i support!!


I fully support!!!

support


i support!!!!!

i support lgbtqia rights


trans rights

i support!


I support

I support Trans rights ?????


I SUPPORT

I SUPPORT


Yes

I support


I FULLY SUPPORT

I support


100% SUPPORT!!!! HELP AND PROTECT LGBTQ+ KIDS!!!!!!!!

anyone who is not in support of this is a hateful human being.


I fully support.


Trans youth need respect and support

Trans youth need respect and support to get them through such a difficult and confusing time in their lives—a part of which we all had to go through at one time. Don’t waste your energy on tearing them down.


Trans rights.

fully support!!!! Trans rights are human rights.


Support 100%

All people deserve to be recognized for who they are and treated with respect and equality. This absolutely includes all trans and nonbinary people. Schools must be a safe and welcoming place for all students - and this includes trans and nonbinary students. Sometimes, school may be the safest place they have, as unfortunately not all families are accepting and loving the way they should be. And this less to abuse and death more than in any other demographic. Providing a safe and accepting space that respects the needs of trans and nonbinary students should not even be up for debate. This is a basic human right. They are not harming anyone by just being who they are. But denying them this is causing irreparable harm. Schools must accomodate trans and nonbinary students by respecting their pronouns and names, ensuring they have proper restroom and locker room privileges that make the feel safe and not singled out, training for teachers, staff, counselors and social workers for handling the challenges faced by these students and advocating for their rights, as well as knowing how to ensure they are safe outside of school.


Support

strongly support


i support

i completely support


100% support trans kids

I support this


Support Model Guidelines for Transgender Students

As a past PTA President and active parent volunteer over the past twenty-three years, and a lifelong Virginian, I am so pleased to see Virginia working to ensure transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming student’s rights to fair and protective treatment. These basic guidelines set a good standard which will help students who may otherwise be at high risk of mistreatment and depression. The simple requirement for all teachers and school staff to respect student preferred pronouns and names, will make a huge positive impact. Thank you for the care and effort put into these guidelines.


protect trans people.

trans people deserve protection, respect, kindness. trans people belong in our society. transphobes do not belong. the easiest remedy for transphobia and ignorance is knowledge and education.


100% Support

As a future educator and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I believe this model should be supported by everyone. Any motion that creates an environment where every student feels accepted, seen for who they are, without judgement or discrimination, should be good passed. Educators are tasked with teaching there students, but most importantly, they are their to help raise the future generations of our great country, and by actively supporting our transgender students, they will be more confident and feel more included in our society, allowing for them to flourish as they become adults.


Yes! Support trans kids!

Thank you so much for putting this list of policies together. I believe that it has the potential to make a positive difference for so many kids and help give them a safer environment in which to learn and grow! Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this effort.


full support

trans rights are human rights


I fully support the guidance.

I support the fair and equal access to education of our LGBTQ friends. They are part of our community.


Strongly Oppose

I reject the lunacy of these guidelines beginning with the terminology.  Doctors don't assign the sex of a baby at birth as if it is a decision for them to make.  They just observe and report the genitalia they see.  Why don't parents just wait to name their child until after he/she/it has had time to decide which sex it will identify with?  Such policies do a disservice to our children.  We all have to accept what we are endowed with at birth.  We each have talents and limitations, even weaknesses.  Achieving adulthood is a process of maximizing one while overcoming the other. Happiness is not derived from bemoaning the physical characteristics you were born with and fixating on how to change them.  Society should not enable unhealthy fixations and behavior.  We will sow what we reap.


100% SUPPORT!

It's no question of whether this is important or not. I fully support this, and you should too if you care about those around you!


I SUPPORT 100%

I SUPPORT


FULL SUPPORT

I am expressing my full support of Virginia's adoption of this policy. As a parent of a gender expansive child, I can fully understand the life changing implications of inclusion. We only benefit from living in a world where people are free to be who they are. Over the past few years, I have opened myself up information on gender and what that actually means. If you think gender is binary as I once did, your information is outdated, and misinformed. Please challenge yourself to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, and I have no doubt that you will find compassion there.


These policies are ESSENTIAL

It is unfortunate, but our schools desperately need this guidance from the state. Without it, too many school boards are reluctant to codify policies that protect transgender students for fear of the political fallout. It angers me that so many still see LGBTQ issues as political issues that one can choose or not choose to support. Our transgender students are not trying to make a political statement. These are not political issues. They are human issues, and it shouldn't be choice whether or not we provide equal access, rights, and protections to these students. I fully support the proposed policy, and I applaud the state for undertaking this hard, but necessary work.


support trans kidss!

support trans kids. they are humans like us they are girls and boys. they are who they are. shouldnt even be labeled as trans. theyre  them thats all that matters


OPPOSE as a scientist, mother and community member.

I don't see how these changes would help America, families or schools. Hiding situations from parents during a childs' transitory years would be defeating the foundation of what it means to be a family. If a home is to be built on trust, love and guidance, a school should not intervene and keep huge developmental red flags from parents. Red flags being wanting to be a different gender, risk for suicide, sharing bathrooms, distracting from curriculum/learning and overall drastic changes to the education system, as we know it. Furthermore, a child is developing and trying on new ideas and noticing what it means to be one sex or the other. With this vulnerable child development phases of industry versus inferiority or role versus identity confusion, a school is not the pillar for these children - the family is. Schools do not have the right to intervene and encourage new age philosophies. Transgender situations happen for a very small percentage (0.58% US 2016, World Population Review) of folks, so why subject the population at large to the challenges of a few? Also, a large majority of transgender individuals end up wanting to reverse their transformation. From a scientist perspective, your genes determine your sex. A man will not conceive and a women will not embody as much physical strength, naturally. Schools jumping into medical and political fields, will just leave resource-less education systems that much worse. People will pull their kids into private schools and/or move to more conservative locations; thus poor, physically stuck children will be jeopardized further from this experimental school situation. Don't let this happen. Preserve what American families and education systems have left. Oppose these drastic changes before it's too late.


Support trans kids!!!!

Trans rights are essential. I support these policies!


Support LGBTQ+ kids!!!

I support trans kids! Human rights apply to every human on earth! They need to be treated with respect!


100% support

100% support


Support LGBTQIA+ Children

Children are our most valued possession as growing Americans. They need our societies love and support unconditionally so these bills which aid society into helping transgender children need to be passed. It’s not science, it’s not genetic, it’s just a fact of life. The passing of these bills is crucial to having your communities support and the support from all LGBTQIA+ members and


OPPOSE regulations run amok

The issue of gender selection and related subjects are a matter of concern for all of us, but we need to remember that science and the world at large remains unsettled about this.  There are biological traits that determine gender, not whim or preference.  These are not "decisions" that anyone can make, let alone children.  We should not further muddy the waters with this ridiculous set of rules and regulations.  Those struggling with gender confusion need counselling and help, not acceptance and encouragement.  We are on a very slippery slope, and this only speeds up our descent.  We already have laws and regulations to address bullying and discrimination...we don't need to add a litany of new laws to specifically address each and every possible scenario.  It is interesting to note most of the supporting comments come from a well orchestrated movement from the LBTGQ community, and not Virginia residents.  Please do not adopt these new regulations.


Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools

I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE


Support LGBTQ+!!

PROTECT AND SUPPORT LGBTQ+ KIDS


This Doesn't Follow the Science

I do not approve of these proposed guidelines based on these radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female, indoctrinate our school children, and discipline those who disagree. Science in no way can speak to gender preference since it isn't rooted in anything scientific... it is relative to each person as they feel on any particular day. In fact, science itself reveals the binary nature of sexuality biologically. Follow the science! To give power to the school systems to help a child develop the identity of a child is to strip parents of their privilege and responsibility. Government does not have unlimited authority over the family unit; government only has the responsibility to preserve and protect the family unit. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty, administrators, and parents to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs.


Strongly Support

i strongly support this.


Guidance document. Board of education on gender

Gender: A set of social, psychological, and emotional traits that classify an individual as typically masculine or feminine, although the social construct of gender may be more diverse across a continuum rather than as a binary system. NOT!!!! Gender: Either of 2 sexes. Male or female. What a waste of tax dollars. Our kids are screwed. I DO NOT support this nonsense.


Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

I am in favor of efforts to make sure Virginia's schools are safe and welcoming environments that allow all students to reach their potential without fear of bullying, harassment and discrimination. Protecting transgender and nonbinary students is key to their success.


Barbara Krainik Burgundy Farm Country Day school

Support

No more children should suffer in silence and contemplate suicide because they are not loved and accepted for who they are. School is a place kids spend the majority of their waking hours (well, at least pre and post covid). That means we have a duty to ensure EVERY child who walks through the doors of a school building feels protected and safe to be themselves. Transgender and nonbinary students need to be especially protected as they are far too often the target of bullying and discrimination. They are already struggling to navigate a world that dismisses them at the least and outright despises or attacks them at the most (read 57 Bus if you don't believe me). Please do right by our children.


Patricia Smith, Appomattox Regional Governor's School

Support

I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. As an eductor with over thirty years of teaching experience, I know first-hand how important it is for students to be able to be their authentic selves in the classroom. It is difficult to do anything well in life if we are hiding who we are, if we are constantly trying to avoid detection, if we are feeling scared and silenced. How are students expected to learn if they cannot be their true selves in our classroom? And isn't that what we're teaching anyway --- how to be YOU. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students.


Support Transgender Students

I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. This issue is near to my heart as an educator and a mother. I am proud to be the GSA faculty sponsor at the high school where I teach. My students formed the Genders and Sexualities Alliance several years ago because a safe and welcoming space was sorely needed for them. Our numbers have grown until we're the largest club in school, and that speaks to the necessity of our purpose. I see, every day, the anguish and difficulties that LGBTQ+ students face. I have taught several transgender and nonbinary students, and it is horrifying to me that we even have to discuss protecting them. Why isn't that immediately obvious? Our goal should be to always protect and honor every student we teach. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. Their rate of suicide is far higher than their cisgender peers, and that's simply unacceptable. Supporting trans students is suicide prevention. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Megan Patrick VA Educator and Parent


Transgender Policy for Schools

As a concerned Grandparent of students in the Prince William County school system as well as a citizen of Virginia, I have reviewed the VDOE draft of the policy to fairly accommodate transgender students in public schools. While I support the desire to make sure no student is the victim of discrimination, bullying or unfair treatment, I do not support what boils down to "special treatment" for transgender students at the expense of others. In the interest of fairness, safety and to reduce emotional trauma of all involved I would request that the policy be amended to provide an adequate number of single use bathroom, shower and locker facilities for use by those desiring privacy.  In my opinion this is the healthiest and kindest way to manage students with gender identity issues and to reduce negative discrimination of said students. Thank you C Peterson


Matthew Brady (Burgundy Farm Country Day School)

Wow, thank you!

GLSEN is a Godsend when it comes to protecting the rights of trans/nonbinary students. My private school is adopting this policy for our JK-8 students, and I am excited to see Virginia public schools doing the same. Honoring our gender identity for all students is a literally matter of life and death; thank you for prioritizing this!


fully support

I completely support this, protect trans rights


Support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students

I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I am a nonbinary college student born, raised, and currently living in Virginia. I survived Virginia schools. Too many of my fellow nonbinary and transgender peers did not. When I was 16, I started a support group for LGBTQ+ youth in my community. We met monthly at the public library for over a year (pre-Coid-19). It was not much, nothing fancy, and still it was magical for too many of the members. I say the magic they felt is unfortunate only because basic support shouldn’t be so rare. I wish it weren’t the only safe place they had in their life. Many of their stories shocked me, like the 7th grader who had to go the bathroom at the opposite end of their school because there was a teacher (not theirs) who would yell at them if they saw them stepping into the one they felt most comfortable in. Policies such as the one proposed are necessary to stop such harassment was taking place and hopefully will lead to such bullies being held accountable for their actions. Students ought to be protected from harassment in school. Students are being harassed for their gender, what they wear, and which bathroom they use by both other students and teachers. This is not acceptable. I should not have been the closest thing they had to an authority figure who treated them with respect. They deserve better. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. These policies make a difference. Sincerely, Whit Flores (they/them)


PROTECT TRANS YOUTH

As a person who grew up in VA Public Schools, I am fully aware of the need for policies to prohibit the  mistreatment of trans youth. I’m so excited that this conversation is taking a turn and opening up in favor of trans people in the schooling systems of VA.


Talk about it.

Provide trans youth with a safe environment to learn in


strongly oppose

This agenda encourages subjectivist denial of objective reality for sensitive children. It will lead children who have social difficulties to blame all their problems on how they feel about their sexuality and encourage them to turn to drug- and surgery-based alterations to their bodies for no logical reason and without changing the chromosomes in all their cells or improving their ability to get along with others. I have personally witnessed this.


I Support This

Protect trans youth


Proposed Transgender Policies

As a taxpaying constituent of Virginia, I am outraged at the proposed Transgender policies. My reasoning:  Gender is determined by biology at birth.  No physical mutilation by surgery or drugs, no clothing expression, no language expression will change this fact.  And facts matter.  It is these biological facts that should direct policy. Any child with severe struggles can receive supportive care by their caregivers who may enlist outside help, if they deem it is needed.  Our taxpayer monies do not need to interfere in these matters, as government based solutions tend to further complicate matters.  Allow caregivers to care for their children as they see fit. Thank you.


I 100% support trans kids

I 100% support trans kids!!


Courtnie N. Wolfgang, Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Art Ed

In support of Virginia's Trans and Non-Binary students

Good morning, I'm writing in support of the proposed Model Policies for protection and affirmation of Virginia's trans and non-binary students. I have been an educator for almost 20 years, working in higher education to help prepare new teachers to the field for the last 10. This is a matter of safety and human rights for our students. I thank you for consideration of these policies and urge you to make the right decision. In solidarity, Dr. Courtnie N. Wolfgang


Protect Trans Youth

Trans youth deserve to life a safe and happy life just like anyone else. They deserve to be protected by the law.


Opposed!

I pray that Godly wisdom will prevail.  I do not believe anyone should be criticized or ill-treated. I do believe that this proposal will open up the opportunity for unimaginable things to take place in our schools. I ask when a male student who does not identify as transgender, but his girlfriend is in the locker room and they want to dress out there, what's stopping them from doing inappropriate things.  I foresee rapes increasing, molestations increasing, suicide increasing, peer pressure increasing, prejudices increasing, and the list goes on. The only thing I am in favor of is a separate bathroom, changing room, and showers for those who desire accommodations. Also there should be equal teaching, accommodations, and opportunities for those who abide by theirs God-given sexual orientation. Most legislations seems very one sided to me. Do the right thing for our future generations.  Do the Biblical thing!!!


I support this

I am in support for protection for LGBTQ children. I work at an Adolescent Crisis Center and I see first hand the struggles LGBTQ students face. They are being pushed to the brink of having suicidal thoughts as well as attempts. There is so much work that needs to be done to protect the rights of LGBTQ children, at the very least I want them to feel safe and supported as they attend public schools.


Support Trans Children!

The mistreatment of trans children is the equivalent of child abuse, harassment, and hate speech! They deserve the same rights and they deserve the same treatment as any of their peers.


Support LGBTQ+ Children.

It is absurd to me as a future educator that there are adults in this state that would be perfectly fine sitting by while a child is given less respect and a lower quality of life just because they identify differently than them. They. Are. Children. And all deserve to go to school and have a healthy and productive environment to help them become the best person they can be!


Support

i support this! Protect trans rights


Support

Why would you oppose this? Let people live their lives how they want to.


support

there is no reason not to support this


Concerns over transgender public school policy

These decisions and choices need to stay within the family. Children will manipulate these policies, children will be taken from loving homes and placed in foster care. Do we really need more children with mental health issues in foster care?  I had a friend whose 5 year old child actually thought she was a dog, they even ate out of the dog bowl. This went on for a while, we were correct to tell this child based on what body you have, you are not a dog. Same applies to being male and female. You are or you are not. Transgenders do not commit suicide more likely because they do not get support, it is because they have a mental illness that needs to be addressed.  Same a depression. Children are notorious copy cats of their peers, think the ripple effect.  Please stick to education, math, language arts, science, history, not hotly debated social problems. Not your place.


Sarah A. Luong Appomattos Regional Governor's School for the Arts and Tech

Support!

I have just read through the whole proposal and I am crying tears of joy for all the hard work, research, and love that has gone into this document. For anyone out there who is claiming science, I am sorry but recent events have proven that we can quote sources on either side, and we get nowhere. These folks have put much time and energy into credible, peer-reviewed studies, and they know what they are talking about. As a high school teacher for the past 16 years at a school where many students are transgender or non-binary, I can say from experience that this will help kids. At our school we already do most of this stuff and have had almost no issues with parents or kids complaining about bathrooms or pronouns for many years. It is good to have this guidance on how to handle problems that could arise, but for the most part I have seen that students intuitively get it. So thank you, to the people who have developed this based on science and lead by love. It is really amazing how far we have come but also, how much work it takes just do to the right thing.


100% Support for LBGTQIA+

Teacher in 100% Support for LBGTQIA+ students


Full Support!

As the mother of a transgender youth, and a longtime Board Membe of PFLAG Blue Ridge,  I know firsthand the need for such guidelines to protect our students.   These policies are based on best practices which have been thoroughly researched.  It is critical for our childrens' emotional and physical well-being to provide them with the support they need and deserve.  My own child was in 5th grade (2010) when we realized that it was necessary to support his gender identity.  We got ourselves educated, talked to medical experts in the field, and realized how important family support was to his well-being. We tried to help educate his teachers & counselors, who were sympathetic, but we were out of our depth.  I am relieved that these policies are finally being introduced.   Fortunately, my son is a happy, healthy 20-year old sophomore at Va Tech.  It wasn't always easy, but we persevered and did the right thing.  Please help make the school atmosphere easier for today's non-binary children.   Thank you.


Support trans youth

This document provides useful guidance to school districts on how to protect trans youth from discrimination and bullying at school. As a former teacher and a parent of a former Virginia public school student, I will be glad to see schools adopt pro-active policies protecting the legal rights and emotional well being of trans kids.


I strongly support the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

Thank you for your proposed guidance to assist education agencies in adopting policies that protect transgender and nonbinary students. All students have the right to feel safe and secure in their school and to thrive and reach their full potential. My youngest is gender queer.  They have bravely come forward to be their authentic self. However, they waited until they were an adult before doing so. I can only imagine how difficult it would have been had they done so in their K-12 years.  Too many transgender and nonbinary students in our schools have been bullied, discriminated against, mocked and stripped of the dignity owed to all students. Teachers, staff, administrators and students play such an important role in the academic achievement and social well-being of our children.  They make all the difference in whether a child, teen or young adult feels respected and accepted. These policies will enable our schools to be a haven where children learn, follow their passions and achieve their dreams. Too many children who have not received such support have either contemplated, or committed, suicide.  That is tragic. I commend you for drafting this guidance and encourage you to adopt it so that our schools throughout the Commonwealth welcome all and educate our students to be caring, compassionate citizens of the world. Sincerely, Lu Ann Maciulla McNabb


STRONGLY SUPPORT!

I passionately believe that all children, including transgender and non-binary children, have a right to feel safe and included in their school communities. I oppose bullying, harassment and discrimination of any child in school and support transgender students and their families. I believe that transgender students should have the right to self-determine their gender expression (names, pronouns, and dress code) in schools and that school records should be updated accordingly. Additionally, schools should provide for non-segregation in facilities, in extra-curriculars and classes and training for school mental health professionals, at a minimum, should be mandated. All children in the Commonwealth of Virginia deserve to be accepted and honored for who they are. Let's do the right thing and make that official and enforceable. Respectfully, Courtney Fox Arlington, VA


Support

I believe the number one priority of all educators should never stray away from educating the children that show up to school, no matter how they show up. If they are online or in person if that student shows up to school, there is some part of them that desires to learn. Every single one of these students that comes to learn should be able to in an accepting, supporting environment. This seems like an unreasonable goal, but one we should aim for. If this environment is lacking, there will be a loss of motivation and effort in school. Isn’t the educators job to educate kids no matter their situation. To be impartial to their students differences and teach them to their best ability. I believe there should be a smooth transition to these changes to ensure the safety and security of all students; nonetheless a change must happen. Times are changing and adapting to the change will do more substantially more good than fighting it.


Strongly Oppose

Please do not adopt this policy as it stands. I believe all students deserve to be respected at school, but this crosses the line. Respect does not have to equate agreement. For families who don't believe gender is a choice, this is disrespectful and a complete attack on our values. Welcoming a child into school is one thing, forcing every student and family to agree with their choices despite their discomfort, is different. This is a slippery slope that will take us to who knows where. I respect my friend who smokes, or marries someone new every two years, that doesn't mean I would teach my children to make those choices. Please, add some nuance to this policy that respects the entire community.


Would NEVER Support!!! God creates us as who He wants us to be.

Only God creates us and we cannot change what God has created.  Many times some traumatic experience has confused children and created doubt in their mind.  Truly the evil happening is straight from the devil.  The doubt created is used by the devil to encourage deviance from God's plan for us as His children.  What these children need is help!  They do not need everyone making it easier for the evil to take hold of their lives and create even more confusion for them.  What these children need is to be reminded of the love God has for them and who God created them to be.  They need adults to help them through their confusion, not offer them more confusion to pile on top.  The only way for these children to find true happiness is to be reminded of the fact that they are God's children and He has loved them from before he created them.


Support

I 100% support the "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students" and think that it is an important step in reducing the amount of trauma and stress that our students face. Warm regards, Josh Rooke


fully support, a step in the right direction!

As a physician who provides care to transgender individuals I see the impact that a supportive vs non-supportive environment has on people throughout their lives. Data demonstrate that supportive environments reduce risk of anxiety, depression, self harm and suicide. This is especially important in people who are already high risk for these outcomes like transgender youth.


Want wholeness for the person in the long run

Pease check out those, websites who people want to silence, who temporarily wanted to tamper with their birth identity. Statistically it works for a few years, but it then the sense of unnatural begins to overtake. Can lead to drastic measures. One who truly cares, cares about the long run of a person, to be whole in themselves. Not a growing sense of wrongness inside.


WHY WOULDNT YOU SUPPORT THIS

there is literally no reason to oppose this.. unless you're a complete and absolute idiot. if you have more than 2 braincells you should have the sense to not oppose something that does nothing to affect you and does everything to aid someone else. there's people who need this. badly. CHILDREN who need this. the fact that some of the people here commenting can't get that through their heads astounds me. believe it or not bill, scott, and "american patriot"- this isn't about you. it's about people facing struggles that you don't understand and that they don't need to be facing in the first place. actually, it's about  students AKA people so young you probably don't even remember being thier age, pam. and if you do i'm willing to bet good money it's moderately positive memories and not gender and identity discrimination. these kids are put in positions you and i aren't. you simply don't know what it's like for them. who are you to decide what they do or don't need and/or deserve? who gave you those credentials? and just so we're all clear: it's a scientific fact that gender is NOT a binary. the only people going against science here are the uneducated conservatives obsessed with the idea that there are exactly two sexes and exactly two genders. you're wrong and throwing hissy fits about students being treated properly despite being (what you have incorrectly decided is) "against science" is only showing your lack of knowledge on the subject and the fact that no one should take you seriously. either research these topics correctly and listen to scientists or don't give your unwanted, oppressive "opinions". human rights aren't opinions. and on that note: being against human rights isn't really a cute look. if you're sincerely concerned about this getting passed- i suggest you do some serious self reflecting.


Fully Support

School is a place for students to learn. It is also a place many students use as an escape because it is supposed to be a judgment-free zone. Trans students should feel safe in the buildings, and there is no good reason to deny them an environment that is harassment-free. I have gone through a lot of comments that do not support this, and the main argument I see is that it goes against religious values that are mostly Christain ideals. So let me say this, the topic of religion is already kept out of schools to avoid conflict. By saying this bill shouldn't be passed because it goes against your beliefs is harmful to those who are not part of your religion. In no situation should your religion be pressed onto others. Religion is supposed to help people feel safe and secure, but using it as a method to deny other kids safety is completely wrong. People also seem against using the preferred pronouns of students. Everybody has preferred pronouns, even straight people. Pronouns are like your name, they are a method of identification. That is why if you have a nickname you ask people to call you by it. It's the same with pronouns. If you respect student's nicknames in school, you should respect their pronouns too. Sex is biological, gender isn't, so stop with that argument. As a student in Virginia, I see no reason not to pass this bill. The majority of people who oppose it are, quite frankly, old and are not even affected by this because they aren't even in the buildings. If you are so distraught by kids finding their identity I think you should ask yourself why it bothers you so much. Living a life of judgment and worrying is much more harmful to yourself. Schools are a place for learning, not hating on others, and if other student's self-identity troubles you, maybe online school is the place for you.


I support

I support trans’ rights! They deserve to have an excellent education as everyone else does!


Support

Trans students should feel safe in school like everyone else. If parents are so worried that their kid is using a bathroom that trans students are using, maybe they should know that students don't use the bathroom together so that shouldn't be a problem. And changing in PE shouldn't matter because only creeps look at each other while changing, so worry more about your kid being a creep then hating on other kids.


support

i support this!! there should be no reason not to protect trans kids from the discrimination and transphobia that unfortunately is in our state


I SUPPORT 10,00%

I support this so much, everyone deserves respect. Even if they are different.


Support

There is no reason not to support this, it protects the basic rights of children who deserve the same treatment as everyone else.


I support

I support the LGBTQ+ Community and feel like this bill makes efforts in doing that


this is for the bill of the protection of transgender students in virginia.

There is absolutely no reason that transgender students should be treated any differently than other students just because they are trying to figure out who they want to be. Being kind and respectful of someone’s identity is the bare minimum, and if we can’t do that, we’re in danger as a community. Another person’s identity has nothing to do with you and it doesn’t bother you, so therefore nobody has any right to take anything away from them.


I support

I completely support


Kristin Untiedt-Barnett, Smyth County Schools

Support

To Whom It May Concern: I am a secondary educator in Southwest Virginia who also serves as the faculty adviser for the Marion Senior High School GSA club. I have seen, first-hand, the impacts of harassment and discrimination on students. LGBTQ+ students are at a much higher risk of self-harm and suicide as a result. Our schools should be safe places where students are able to thrive and reach their full potential, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.  The Virginia Department of Education has a duty to set the standard for our schools and to provide teachers and students with the support they need to make their schools safe for all students.


Support!!!


I 100% support this. Whatever Pam said is wrong.

I don't know why someone wouldn't support this.  Pam, you're wrong.


Support

I support this guidance because I believe all children deserve a safe, supportive, and affirming school environment where they can learn and thrive. This guidance will help ensure schools throughout the commonwealth are welcoming for all students, regardless of gender identity.


I Support!

I have a young child in the public school system. We have several gay/lesbian friends and family. In our home and in our congregation, we have taught our children acceptance and love for all. It is the cornerstone of our lives. I want my children to see that this sort of support, love and acceptance reaches past the walls of our home and church. Schools play an integral role in the development of a child and I want my children to see that building and that community as a safe place for everyone, regardless of gender identity. Thank you, Brandie Lemmon


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS PROPOSED MANDATE. THIS IS WRONG


Absolutely Oppose these Mandates

I am completely opposed to this insane proposal. This is taking the rights and responsibilities of a parenting and handing them to the school. I certainly don't want the school/state raising my children or influencing them with their radical left-wing agenda. This is evil, plain and simple. Can you even imagine the lawsuits that are going to come out of this?


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I strongly oppose chairman ralph's intention to remove God and parents in the upbringing of ANY child. Children ARE NOT property of the state and have NO claim on them EVER.


I support this guidance

I fully support this guidance. All students deserve a safe and positive learning environment that does not discriminate. I support the VDOE’s policy to better equip educators, school counselors, and administrators to ensure all students are respected and are provided an inclusive educational experience. As an educator and counselor in training I feel this guidance outlines the policies and procedures necessary to protect our LGBTQI+ community.


Strongly opposed

I strongly oppose to this new law that is Being impose on us.


To the Max, I oppose this legislation.

I strongly oppose to this. Against my believes and values.


Opposed to schools making this a priority - not your job! Teach reading writing and math!

“School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) This is not your job.  It is a parents job.  Stop overstepping! Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. Stop promoting confusion.  The person is a "he" or "she" until they are an adult. The fact that he/she can be elimited is wrong and so is the fact that you want people to be punished for calling someone what they are. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) Such a dangerous policies that will endanger our young girls. Please stick with teaching reading, writing, and math.  That is what will have a positive impact on our children. “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Students should never he interigated without the parents being present. You are not be sensitive to the fact there will be many false accusations to ruin a child's life. The policies totally ignore those who have religious beliefs, or scientific beliefs that are contrary to the policies that you are pushing.  These are not the thoughts of the majority. VOTE NO!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

STRONGLY OPPOSE on multiple levels: If passed: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. If passed, our children will be pulled out of Virginia Public Schools and we will seek employment elsewhere.


draft transgender student policies misguided

The goal of providing a safe and wholesome environment to students, faculty, and staff is a commendable one.  The proposed guidelines, however, are misguided and overreaching.  Restroom and locker room privacy will no longer be guaranteed:  "Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student's gender identity shall be available to all students." (p. 18)  "School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom." (p. 18)  Schools will be able to discipline students or staff for not using desired pronouns (pp. 10, 12), will not inform parents of restroom privacy issues (information about a student's transgender status is regarded as "particularly sensitive" and shall not be disclosed . . . p.12), and could interrogate or discipline children without parental knowledge (p. 10).  These are just a few of the problems in the proposed guidelines.  Please do not enact them.


Social Worker Supporting this Lifesaving Policy

Trans students deserve all the protections afforded to them so that they can not only survive, but thrive. As a social worker, I am passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations and trans students face adverse outcomes such as homelessness, bullying, and even suicide at disproportional rates. Hate has no place in institutions that are supposed to protect youth and help them feel safe. I strongly support ! Thank you for your time and consideration.


Oppose transgender policy proposed by the Virginia Department of Education.

Do not disregard the role of parents in public education.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

strongly oppose this as it now opens perverts to enter either bathrooms and endanger our children’s safety.  STRONGLY OPPOSE.  WE STAND AGAINST THIS PERVERSITY.


Emphatically Oppose

I strongly oppose the proposed guidelines as they have the effect of substituting the state’s temporal prerogatives over the rights of parents to raise their own children as they see fit.  Specifically, these guidelines explicitly allow unelected school administrators to withhold important information from parents regarding their children.  Furthermore, these guidelines extend beyond the school to specifically stipulate that parents could be held liable for child abuse solely for not affirming a child’s stated gender preference at any particular time.  In effect, these guidelines marginalize parents even further by usurping parents’ deeply held moral or religious convictions as they apply to how they raise their children, and even to the very essence of humanity itself. These guidelines, presented without actual debate, do not mention minimum age of child, suggesting that they still apply even when child is too young to be aware of the importance of such a decision has on their life.  These guidelines have no rational scientific basis, rather, they rely strictly on a child’s emotional whims at any particular moment.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

AS A PATIENT, I STRONGLY OPPOSE THE TRANSGENDER SCHOOL POLICY THAT VDOE PROPOSED. THE POLICY BRINGS NO EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS OR SERVES ANY EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES TO STUDENTS BUT CREATES CONFUSION AND CHAOS TO SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT. STUDENT GENDER IDENTITY IS STUDENTS' AND THEIR FAMILY MATTER NOT RESPONSIBILITY OF DOE. WE DON'T OPPRESS OR INTERVENE TO TRANSGENDER PEOPLE ON THEIR GENDER CHOICES. WHY ARE WE ASKED TO COMPLY WITH STATE POLICIES THAT TOTALLY AND OBSTRUCTIVELY AGAINST OUR FAMILIES CORE PRINCIPLES?


Strongly Oppose

This policy looked great, up until the part where it took parents rights away. Not disclosing to the parents about a child’s struggles? That is unacceptable! Children are just that: children. They need their parents no matter what they are going through. Schools should not keep “secrets” from parents. Strongly oppose!


I support the guidance

I support the guidance


Strongly Oppose - bad policy will do more harm than good

While transgender children must be protected, this policy will do more harm than good. School districts should work in conjunction with parents, not actively undermine them. The damage caused to the family relationship will have long term psychological impacts that will harm children. Also, users of restrooms / locker rooms should know they are protected from opposite genders. Again, transgender students need to be protected, but this goes far beyond just protection and promotes bad policy that will lead to harm of the child, both transgender and natural gender.


Why are the children always the pawn of radical agendas that want to destroy our youth?

I strongly OPPOSE!


Support

i support the guidance.


Oppose

I oppose having gender confusion taught in schools. We were all born with a gender and God didn’t make a mistake.


Support for LGBTQ Student Rights and Inclusion

In the Jewish tradition, we are taught in the Book of Genesis that all humans are created in the Divine image. Each of us is a reflection of God. Unequivocally, I support the guidance. Respectfully, Rabbi David Spinrad Beth El Hebrew Congregation Alexandria, VA


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose this being taught in the public schools. This is an example of why parents choose to homeschool their children!


I Oppose Gender Confusion

I strongly oppose the LGBTQ and gender confusion agenda. We must follow the biology and if you are born a boy then that is who you are. If you are born a girl then you are a girl. No need to confuse the children, they have enough issues growing up in this difficult world as it is. The parents and the community need to be be encouraging them to be the best they can be following the gender they were born as. It is clear suicide for children confused on their gender is much higher than children who are not confused. We want to set up the next generation of Americans for success where they excel in intelligence, compassion, ethics, and determination. This LGBTQ push is counterintuitive to those objectives.


A safe place for ALL students

I support the guidance. ALL STUDENTS deserve to be safe in school. If this were your child, would you want people writing "STRONGLY OPPOSE" to their human rights?


Strongly oppose

The intention to provide a safe and loving environment for all students is an important one, but this is not the way to do it. These are sensitive matters that are best handled by the children’s parents in accordance with the best interest of their individual children. Additionally, even as these guidelines attempt to protect freedom of expression for some students, enforcement of several of these provisions will necessarily violate 1st Amendment guarantees for other students, staff, and even community members using school premises for non-school related activity (freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and even freedom of expression for others).


No to Transgenderism being forced on the children

We stand against this evil plan by Ralph Northam to force the children into this horrible action and pray for the people in Virginia under this demonic state legislature and failureship not leadership.


Oppose

Strongly oppose our children being taught this in our schools. Math, English, History...those are the subjects that should be taught in school.


SUPPORT

I support the guidance.


Have you lost your minds?

First of all, I am presuming from my subject line that you all know exactly where I stand on the subject of Northam and his "transgender mandates".  Northam made a basic error in logic: he thinks he can "mandate", when he can in realty do nothing.  Keep in mind that Northam and his cronnies will all be gone LONG before they fully destroy the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Like most communist liberals, Northam seeks to impose his vision of the world upon the rest of us.  Any student of history knows how that worked out for the Nazi's in WWII.  Secondly, any student is in school to "study and to learn".  At no point prior to graduation are they fully able to consolidate all that they have learned and then apply action (based upon their summation of knowledge, maturity and experience) that would change their future so dramatically as a decision made outside the family unit to pursue transgenderism.   Obviously, there are instances where biology has provided pathways for alternate selection of gender, but are those pathways to be based upon loving family unity and the teachings of our Creator, or upon the antics of transient governor who promotes murder of newborns.  Clearly, this ultimately is a fight between Good and Evil.  Be powered by the Light, not seduced by the Dark.


transgender laws

I am all for not discriminating and the fair treatment of all people.  However, these laws DO NOT do that.  They are VERY discriminitory against parents and non-transgender students.  Trans students get all the rights and freedoms and their parents and straight peers get none.  Also, we all know that straight students who have a perverted agenda will take advantage of these laws and harm others.  There a wiser and safer ways that you can protect the trans students from being bullied and set apart while still protecting straight students.  These laws will allow things to happen that are dangerous as students misuse them. Also, this discriminates against the freedoms and personal convictions of a teacher.  I am a teacher in VA, and if I see something that I think could be potentially harmful, I am not able to say so because it will be seen as discrimination.  This makes teaching even more difficult for teachers.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I strongly oppose this being taught in the public schools. This is an example of why parents choose to homeschool their children! It is not fair to introduce innocent children to the uncertainties of grown adults. This is not what true Democracy is...please let's do better


No, No, No

All children are better off staying at home to be trained by their individual parents. Positive most parents will disagree too


Concerned Parent - SCHOOL IS MEANT TO DO ONLY ONE THING AND ONE THING ONLY

Create the safe place you desire for your children starting from the HOME and not schools, be real!

The notion that we create a safe environment for all, pardon me, is lame! Parents should take the FULL RESPONSIBILITY in making their children feel loved and accepted, it is not the public worker's responsibility, I beg to differ!!!! Ever heard of the adage "Charity begins from the home"? Yes it is important to show love ( I support that ANY DAY), but doesn't mean we have to condone certain behaviors that are not being addressed from a young age. Parents- wake up!!!!! It's our individual responsibilities! To be fair, I personally have a family member with the same situation, we are not going to blame others and force others to accept? No way! I can relate to questions like "if this were your child, how would you feel?", "Would you like to be treated a certain type of way"?...Yes, I can very much relate....however, let's not be afraid to face behaviors at home and be nonchalant about them, even when there's nothing you feel you can do, teach them self-worth! It is the same with anger issues, hatred for one another, strife, mischief, stealing, fighting and all social errors we see today. I'm sorry, but THE SCHOOL'S JOB IS FOR FORMAL EDUCATION...let's not encourage this!


Fully support!! Bigots be gone!

All children and people should be given the same respect as our CIS gender friends. Separation of church and state - those trying to impose “God” into schools needs to read the US constitution and leave their hate and bigotry out of our laws. 100% support this - don’t let the trolls posting discourage this from going through!


ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Treatment of transgendered students in school: Obvious hatred towards any human being is wrong in any capacity.  Forcing people to abandon their morals is wrong as well.  If you are acknowledging "right from wrong" in any shape, form or fashion, then you must understand Christians are bound to the same conviction of an existence of "right and wrong". As a Christian, Jew, or Muslim this is an example of being forced to accept the opinion of a political progressive movement that has an existing policy to punish those whom have moral compass. Please check the suicide rate of Transgendered people before you try to "secretly" allow a public school to step into the role as "hero".


Support for Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Students

Hello, I hope you and your loved ones are well. My name is Dr. Jeff Moe and I am writing in support of the proposed inclusive policy related to transgender and gender non-binary students in Virginia. In my professional life I am a scholar on gender identity and sexual orientation identity issues in counseling and development, and I hope that you know the science deeply supports inclusive and affirming policies for transgender and gender non-binary students, adults, and families. School systems that are safer for transgender and gender non-binary children, adolescents, and youth are safer for all students regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Recent studies indicate that the average life expectancy for transgender women of color is approximately 35 years old; this is a result of the life long marginalization, discrimination, oppression, and violence that this multiply marginalized community faces starting in childhood. Transgender and gender non-binary youth are more likely to be the victims of violence in their families, schools, and communities. They are also more likely o experience homelessness as a result of being rejected by their primary caregivers; the risk profile for transgender and gender non-binary youth to experience at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) including bullying and violence in school is clear. Schools where the faculty, staff, and administration are affirming and inclusive towards transgender and gender non-binary youth not only experience overall reductions in bullying and truancy, but also experience enhanced academic success. There is no evidence that transgender inclusion has any negative impact on other students in a school; schools that can work through the potentially difficult conversation to create safe spaces for transgender and gender non-binary students are better academic institutions. The proposed policy is evidence-based, ethical, and in the spirit of our American values of diversity, inclusion, and affirmation of minority rights. Sincerely, Jeff Moe, Ph.D., L.P.C.


Oppose transgender regulations proposed by VA Department of Education

Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. England studied this and ruled it is “highly unlikely” that “a child of 13 or under was “competent to give consent” to puberty blockers, and it was “doubtful” that 14- and 15-year olds could “weigh the long-term risks and consequences”.


Transgender proposals for public schools

These proposals are completely out of line! School personnel and students are being told to let students come up with their own sex, which they may indicate isn't even binary, in opposition to those students' parents and faith? Since when did the public school take over morally raising children from their parents? Insisting that children remain their own sex is not abusive.


I strongly OPPOSE the proposed transgender guidelines

I oppose pitting our public school system against parents.  It is a parent's job to provide for, raise, and counsel their children.  Going behind a parent's back cannot be allowed and I won't stand for it.


Please oppose

Although all children should feel safe at school, you are protecting a small number of students at the expense of all.  Most parents do a good job of raising their kids, and love them no matter who they are.  Please let us do our job.


Treatment of transgender in schools

This in no way is acceptable this is nothing but liberal democratic political agenda maybe they have a gender disfunction but The Who program is idiotic All schools are to educate from kindergarten thru college there is no room for idiotic political views from anyone I say no and will never support this Gov northam as most demo governors are pushing this If these type of policies continue I suggest all normal minded people homeschool. Government does not belong in the personal lives of American citizens and people


Treatment of transgender in schools