I support this legislation

i support this common sense legislation. We should have best practices in place at every school so every student has a positive inclusive learning experience. This legislation seems like it will use best practices to put in common sense policies to help school districts positively handle students of all gender identities.  Every child in our country should be able to learn in an environment that protects them and honor who they are.  Please pass this legislation.  I work in an Elementary school and believe this is important!


Strongly disagree

The schools should not teach and decide for the students. The parents are fully in charge of what they want their child to do. It is the child’s guardians  responsibility to decide wether or not it is appropriate in their culture/family/church. It should not be taught in schools.


Strongly oppose

The less regulation we have in our schools from the government the better our schools will be. I also oppose this morally. We the taxpayers should have “school choice.”


Thank you so much for looking out for Transrights!

Please please please be kind and considerate with the policies you make! Protect our trans youth and don't let them be ostracized or bullied!


Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender

Strongly opposed!!


Transgender rights are human rights

All students should be treated equally. Transgender students already are subjected to bullying and discriminated against. Public schools should make sure that they are not a part of that. Nobody "chooses" to live a life that results in hate and discrimination unless it is who they are authentically. We need to allow students to be their most authentic selves.


False Guidance re gender

Please do not approve this.  We have each been conceived and born as a specific sex, male or female.  There are no alternatives.  To choose to be what you are not is going against yourself.  One cannot be happy denying the truth.


I support this.

I support this


Oppose

It is not the role of the school to intervene with child sexual issues.  Leave families to deal with family issues and stop bringing this into the classroom.  Most kids are suffering academically - stay in your lane and teach children the basic subjects for success - until that's mastered there's no place for meddling.


Totally Opposed

I am totally opposed to this policy.  Children are born with the DNA of either  a girl or boy.  They should use the use the bathroom according their DNA given by their Creator.  Parents should be allowed to be in charge of what their children are taught and schools should not be alllowed to teach alternate choices of gender. It will be a dangerous situation when mixed genders are allowed to use the  same bathrooms and locker rooms. This is only the beginning of a slippery slope that will end in chaos.


Strongly OppoSE!

No child should be harassed or bullied but we have laws already in place to protect our children. This law would allow biological males to share restrooms and locker rooms with biological female children, this is not safe and does not address the concerns and anxieties of children who may be afraid to speak up and biological females would have the same access to share restrooms and locker rooms with biological males who are minors. These policies have already decimated the Title IX sports programs denying biological females the right to compete against only other biological females instead of against biological males who despite hormone treatment are genetically different, not a level playing field. This is ending any progress in women's sports and access to sports scholarships. Please do not do this. STRONGLY OPPOSE!


Transgenderism

This travesty of real science, real civil rights, and real feminism is beyond shameful!  If anyone believes that they are a horse, do you plan to force racetracks to allow them to race real horses, or do you get them therapy for their mental illness?  Males are NOT females and females are NOT males, down to their genetic coding.  That is science! There is nothing holding up this insane house of cards that you are promoting except the underlying Marxist dogma whose aim is to destroy the foundations of civilized society, especially that found in America. To encourage insanity is truly an evil thing.  And to do so to allow these males to compete against females in whatever extracurricular activities you deem necessary just to satisfy their male egos is kafkaesque.  Let them wallow in their nightmare, but leave all real females the hard-fought right to enjoy competitive sports, to savor victory and learn from loss, and to grow to become the confident women we need in our society. You are beyond evil to even be seriously considering such things as self-mutilation and sham pretense being acceptable, forcing the rest of us to go along with this charade.  Please read the Emperor with No Clothes and stop brainwashing our kids!!!


Strongly support policies that ensure the rights of all youth

As a former educator and public health practitioner, I strongly support this guidance to protect transgender students and provide them with a safe environment to learn and grow. Schools are designed to be safe spaces for children and this policy ensures that and does not infringe upon the rights of other students as some seem to think.  Rates of negative mental health outcomes and suicide are disproportionally higher for trans youth. This guidance has the ability to positively impact the mental health of trans youth by providing affirming and supportive environments.


Support

I fully support the model policy. All students need to feel safe and be free from discrimination and bullying at school.


Sick and Crazy

I absolutely disagree with this legislation.  It is sick and it is crazy.  Please don't pass this.  God help us if you do.


Strongly opposed!!!

Strongly opposed!!


Absolutely NO

No matter what side you are on, please wake up and realize how much harm this will do to all CHILDREN. This opens the door for sexual assault to happen at school, in bathrooms & locker rooms where children should feel safe. My children will not go to public schools if this is passed.


Strongly oppose!

Strongly oppose!


Strongly support

Trans rights are human rights, by protecting trans kids we protect all kids. I strongly support this legislation.


I oppose the transgender bill

I opposed this bill


OPPOSE- Pitting kids against parents is not helping them.  Help struggling kids, include parents

I am disturbed by the concepts relating to secrecy from parents or threatening to remove children from homes where their secret, school only, identity is not affirmed.  Are you also going to secretly affirm and support kids in becoming strippers and prostitutes as career paths?  You don't have a right to keep secrets from parents about their children.  What is best for these kids is still up for debate.  Don't take parents out of the debate!


No

No thank you.


Strongly support!!!

Trans and non-binary students deserve and need the measures outlined in this guidance!! No one should feel discriminated against or like they have to hide who they are, and everyone should be able to feel safe at school.


STRONGLY AGREE TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!

TRANSGENDER RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS we need to protect our children and community members no matter what their preferred identity or pronouns are. RESPECT AND PROTECT DO NOT ALLOW DISCRIMINATION AGAINST TRANSGENDER STUDENTS


Opposed to trans gender special treatment

All kids should be treated equal and not discriminated against by peers, teachers or staff.  No special treatment should be given to any individual.  I believe this first and foremost needs to be taught, demonstrated and enforced as to bringing special attention to a specific group.  As for bath rooms you should use the bath room you have the equipment for.  Children are at school to learn and be educated.  Not to make moral, social or sexual decisions or be taught these things.  The job of the school and its employees should be that of education per SOLs and as good examples of model citizens.  All persons opinions should not be a point for discrimination or segregation.  When you start moving to make “accommodations” you alienate and promote special unbalanced treatment to one group over others.  What does that teach me out children.  Be loud  or cry and you will get your way,  this doesn’t prompt a strong confident member of society.  It caters to the practice of crying to get your way.  A healthy society can not developed and sustain on this principle.  We must be able to function on the grounds of our design and opinions with our requiring special treatment with a physical or learning disability to help accommodated.  As I doubt a transgender individual is going to label their choice as a handicap I do not she the need for a handicapped treatment mentality.


Support

Gender pronouns please. Support our transgender community.


absolutely not

absolutely not


Support

I strongly support the guidance.


Strongly oppose and here is why...

No one should be forced to say anything.  It is a violation of freedom of speech. It is unethical to be advising kids on issues without the awareness of parents. There are no accommodations for families who do not want to participate in this. A number of the provisions are a violation of freedom of religion.


Strongly support — Trans rights are human rights.

Trans children deserve to be protected. Whatever happened to treating others how we want to be treated?


Protective laws already exsist

I don’t agree that this law is necessary.  There are anti bullying laws already in effect.  All children need a safe learning environment.  No child should be singled out as being more special than another child.   What is being done about the concerns for parents of biological girls having to share bathrooms & locker rooms with biological boys and vice versa?  What will be done to protect students who are made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe from students identifying as a different gender?  Will there be a new law to protect them?  I believe there needs to be more discussion and research on the effects of enacting a new law that revolutionizes the separation of biological boys and girls.


Are you out of your mind?

This really isn't about transgender issues. This is about forcing people to do what you want them to do. What will happen if VA forces transgender agendas on the education system will simply force anyone with a slightly conservative viewpoint to pull their kids out and put them in private school or you will see a mass exodus for home school. If they aren't able to do this, they will move for the nearest state that doesn't do this kind of stuff. Beyond this, what you are proposing is compelling speach, which I have questions about the legality on that one. Furthermore, what happens when you try to enforce this policy in all those rural towns where the sheriff is primed to get a good reason to deputize every man, woman and child. Does the state actually think that they will separate tens of thousands of kids from families and then what? The legislation is a gross overreach and will not end well. Add to this that you will one day stand before God and you will have to explain it.


Listen...

If you TRANS parents support your child’s right and safety then wouldn’t you want to know your child has made this decision ? Do you really think it’s a good idea for educators (not educated specifically on these matters) to be holding your child’s hand during this difficult time?? Shouldn’t you be the parent making the calls here or are you to worried about being your child’s friend instead of parent??


Why are we EVEN considering this?!?!?!

I’m not sure what is going on but I don’t even know why this would even be an option.  This should never happen !!. It goes against everything the Bible stands for in which our constitution was built upon.  Kids don’t even know what they want for breakfast and you think they can decide to change what God made them?!?  It’s the parents that are twisted to make their kids think different. Which is so sad and perverted.   We need to stand up for what is right!!! Not what the left is trying to push through.


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

strongly disagree


Strongly Support Trans Lives

It is imperative that our public school system support all of its students, particularly those who may already be marginalized in our community. Advocating for and loving our youth, exactly as they are, saves lives. It's as simple as that.


Stop the perversion!!!

Stop being twisted and perverted.   It’s sickening that grown adults can’t stand up for what’s right and normal.  Don’t make the majority of people accept warped people.


Socially constructed perverted Cult based on lies has no place in grade schools

Traceability exists. This is a blatant EVIL agenda seeking to enroll minors forcibly in abusive behaviors. There hasn’t been anything sincere or honest regarding Transagenda since day 1. People aren’t suddenly coming down with an illness diagnosed as having wrong healthy body by accident requiring dangerous drugs and genital   mutilation. Girls privacy isn’t yours to give away. Parents are very aware of whether child is male or female factually unless they’re getting rich to pimp child and model a fashion. The facts have not changed as to why sex separate spaces are relevant. The idea gross opportunists would attempt harming and dangerous agenda seeking to prey on minors while spreading the rumors without any credentials, experience, knowledge or genuine concern says it all. Why aren’t the girls that have been begging for someone to listen over past couple years regarding this non sense mattering ?! It wasn’t wise to ignore The Parents, the CHILDREN  involved and the facts. Girls are being raped at schools peddling trans aka sex habit/fetish label slapped on a child like it’s cool to advocate child sex. Girls are losing scholarships. Girls are being shamed. Boys are being told personality determines whether they should chop off their penis. This is horrific. Most claiming title as Trans are bribed to dress opposite sex and children have no idea what being responsible for influence is. Most are vulnerable and easily manipulated. Most are suicidal. There was no outbreak of anything but gross opportunists in line with hand out for money to encourage the self destruction in minors worse than drug addiction. Lying. Lying. Lying since day 1 and knowingly. Tell Gavin Grimm she should look up Keira Bell. All involved should be publicly shamed but getting rich to pimp children pays them far too well to give a damn.


No on Transgender in Schools

To Whom It May Concern, This is dangerous given science states a person’s brain is not fully developed until the age of 25. Per a 2013 BBC article, “Child psychologists are being given a new directive which is that the age range they work with is increasing from 0-18 to 0-25...Neuroscience has shown that a young person's cognitive development continues into this later stage and that their emotional maturity, self-image and judgement will be affected until the prefrontal cortex of the brain has fully developed.” (source: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24173194 ) If a brain is not fully developed & prior to age 25 decisions are based purely on emotions, then all the Education Department will do is create a bunch of gender confused kids who at age 9 say they want to be the opposite gender because it is a trend or to get attention for themselves but at age 10-13 say it was a mistake. Those even considering this must have never been exposed to kids since children are fickle little people. The job of a school is train and educate kids on how to use their knowledge to get a job and to succeed in life, not identity politics. A friend, René, transitioned as an adult from a man to a woman in the early 1990s because he always thought of himself as a woman. René got into a relationship and when she told her boyfriend about transitioning, he no longer wanted to see her. She told my mom “It was the worst decision she made.” This has always stuck with me because it made me sad René was not happy as a man nor as a woman. So sad is the lie of follow your heart. I do not believe it is right for children to be exposed to transgenderism because it mentally messes with young minds who are discerning between right/wrong as well as truth/lies. You cannot teach children that 1+0=1 when you tell them they can be a boy one day and a girl the next day. That destroys trust and will expose children to abuse within the school system and at home. I really hope you all listen to those voicing opposition to this instead of the special interest groups and Northern VA liberals in favor of corrupting every institution with identity politics. Thank you for your time.


Strongly oppose

I STRONGLY OPPOSE this UnGodly training agenda You should not be allowed to change sex until after age 18 ,therefore no need for this. Don't we already have rules against bullying ?? Don't we already treat people the way we want to be treated ?? I do not want my tax dollars being used for this. If a male thinks he is a female , he should not be allowed to  compete in womans sports. That is absurd. I don't know what satisfaction you would get out of it anyway. And better not be allowed in womans restroom. I can't even believe we are having this conversation. How about we take into consideration our innocent girls.


Please don't do this! This is wrong!

This will not help students wrestling with gender identifies! Please don't do this. It will only create potential for strained or ruined relationships between parents and their kids, teachers and their students, and students and their peers.


I have a grandchild who has been diagnosed as transgender.

My heart breaks for his future. Our children have been through so much counseling and medical consultants to help them guide him. Today he is a happy girl that his parents have encouraged him to be. This is hard in the family today. Can you please put you selves in their position of how my beloved grandchild will face the rest of her life. Let here  be for now as she identified with and help her sustain her successful life


Strongly support

I support this and any effort to create safe and inclusive spaces for trans students in Virginia public schools.


Strongly oppose!!

I whole heartedly oppose this new policy! This is a dangerous territory the school officials are crossing. This strip me of my right as a parent to encourage my daughter or son to love who HE OR SHE is because God chose them to be what they are. Transgender is an abnormal behavior and should not be normalized. When schools begin to allow someone to suddenly start behaving as the opposite sex as in changing in locker rooms with others that do not have the same anatomy this is absurd and disgusting.  All the sudden my son or daughter has to be made uncomfortable because of this. Accepting and normalizing transgenders  is just like taking in the Trojan horse.  You thinking accepting this will bring good to the community but what is awaiting is wickedness.  It will open room for more wicked thinking to follow. Please don’t force us as free Americans to accept such wicked thinking and actions.  I do not say this with hate but a heart full of worry and fear where this is heading.


Support

I strongly support the guidance.


Just get back to teaching and stay out of politics!

We have allowed our politicians and society to push so many immoral agendas on our children. This has to stop. Everyone has a right to do whatever they wish, but NOT require our children to be accepting of their choice. What about the choice of the children that have are not accepting of politicians and societies view that bad is good and good is bad? Get back to teaching our children and keep politics out of the schools!


Strongly support! Support and protect trans kids!

Support and protect trans kids! They deserve so much love. The world is already so difficult. Let's at least eliminate some bigotry at school.


Strongly Oppose

Strongly Oppose!


Strongly oppose

Strongly oppose


This proposal is unconscionable. It would put children at risk for abuse and I strongly object.

This proposal is unconscionable. It would put children at risk for abuse.  It is divisive and evil. I strongly oppose it.


Trans Youth Deserve Better Treatment and Protections.

Please grant rights to fair treatment and allow for anti-discrimination policies in public schools. There is no reason to destroy access to education for transgender students. These kids have it hard enough. They are more likely than their peers to commit suicide due to unfair treatment and hardships because of discrimination and misunderstanding from our society. We can do better by allowing these kids a right to make a life for themselves when there's no where else to go. School can be a safe haven for trans youth if they have an unaccepting home life.


Strongly Disapprove

People don't won't transgender kids to be treated differently, then don't make special rules and policies for them.  The policies are already in place to "protect" all children from bullying. Those who approve of this, are really wanting to make something abnormal appear to be normal. And you want to start in the schools to brainwash young children into thinking this way. Get away from our kids!


I STRONGLY support transgender students.

I strongly support transgender students in our schools.


Gender is set at birth! No to transgender propaganda!

Please do not allow transgender individuals in the school system. A male is naturally stronger than a female and should not have that advantage in school sports on female teams! Also, stop confusing children!


Strongly Opposed

this is harmful to ALL kids, teachers and parents


Oppose

We can agree that we oppose bullying and want proper, dignified treatment for all. However, complicating the rules and regulations, including specified language, hinders more than helps. I strongly oppose the language in this document in the section that talks about schools/teachers using preferred pronouns. I feel it is very broad and opens the door to false accusations. I strongly oppose the part that discusses how one might need to negotiate the use of preferred language among students and their parents. That opens the door to creating an air of distrust among all parties involved, and does nothing to build Family-School relationships. I oppose other parts of this document as well, but unfortunately do not have the space to discuss. Bottom line:I going to be difficult for educators to do their jobs or students to learn if  everyone is constantly worried about accidently offending someone.


Respect All Children

These policies are common sense for anyone who cares about the wellbeing of children. There is nothing to oppose here unless we think that some children deserve to be bullied or excluded. I fully support this measure.


Support for our transgender students

I strongly back legislation which supports our transgender students in Virginia. It is critical to build a better learning environment for our transgender students. As the mother of a transgender non-binary adult child, I know that using appropriate gender pronouns and chosen names is an important element of acceptance. But that is just the bare minimum. Including curriculum which is Transgender inclusive is essential to educating not just transgender students, but all students. This will help de-stigmatize LGBTQ youth and foster a safer and more welcoming environment. Ensuring all students have access to sanitary, safe, and affirming facilities is important and a basic human right. Lack of access to these facilities encourages bullying and anti-transgender violence. Additionally, having affirming and supportive counselors who respect the students privacy is critical. Our children across Virginia deserve the best education in a safe and welcoming environment. Transgender inclusion is key to making this happen.  ~ Shyamali Hauth, Reston Virginia.


Strongly opposed!!  VA proposed model of transgender student policies.

OPPOSED!!!  This is the same as the abomination of desolution spoken in the temple of Jerusalem by Daniel in the book of Daniel in the Bible.


Protect trans kids!

Protect trans kids and support them in a life where they are respected and lifted up and have equal rights and access to resources.   Celebrate them and learn from them! Do the right thing!  Stop the violence and attack on trans children. Support trans lives!  Protect children,  all children, at all cost. Protect trans kids!


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose the model policies.  This document needs revision.  As much as transgender students deserve not to be harassed at school, other students have rights that must also be respected.  Girls have a right to privacy, and a right to women’s sports.  Students have conscience rights and parents also have the right to decide what is best for their children until children reach adulthood.   Kids don’t belong to the state


OPPOSED

This is a direct attack on the traditional, nuclear stable family. It is also an attack on schools.


Full Support - Protect and Support All Children

Transgender people are not dangerous, nor are transgender children. All people deserve protection from discrimination, and with proper education this discrimination would be much lessened. In response to the high rates of transgender suicides, it is due to discrimination rather than the process of transitioning itself. I hope future trans people will have the proper education and resources available so they don't have to waste decades of their lives living as the wrong gender like I, and many others, did.


No

My daughter is bullied for liked the color Pink and for being To Girly for today’s kids, can someone explain to me what is wrong with kids feeling good about their own gender and if we going to provide real boys and girls a safer environment where they don’t feel rejected, confused and emotional abuse for their reproductive organs? What made this an enriched and adequate environment for education? Is this discrimination or disinformation?


I vehemently oppose!  This is child abuse and denies science.

I vehemently disagree with these "transgender" rules.  They deny science, are counterproductive, do not respect the true needs of those suffering gender dysphoria, are an authoritarian crackdown on free speech, and violate the relationship between parents and children.  Any one of these would be reason enough to decline these new rules; together they show the new rules to be a travesty. These children need love.  Don't deny them the love of their parents. And don't make them the victims of an ideology that will do irreparable harm and prevent them from living a normal life.


I support these model policies

I support these model policies. All children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment. That means ALL children, including transgender students.


This is child abuse!! you are complicit

Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 word. I strongly oppose this transgender policy!  this is nothing but child abuse and anyone who supports this is complicit. Follow, follow, follow the science!!!


Strongly support codifying protections for transgender

I strongly support this bill.


OPPOSED

No self- respecting 17 year old boy would pass up an opportunity to identify as a girl to get into a high school girl's locker room. This is the science. Strongly opposed!


Full support

I fully support trans students and access to equitable education and an environment free from bullies!


STRONGLY DISAGREE

STRONGLY DiSAGREE


1000% opposed and against this policy

This is completely insane and will cause mass chaos and confusion not only to faculty but the poor innocent children as well. This policy will endanger our children physically and mentally! What about our rights? What about the rights of those who do not want their child forced to change in a locker room with the opposite sex who “identifies” a certain way?? Or to have our children accused of harassment should they happen use the wrong pronoun. Just because someone “identifies” as something doesn’t make it so. Not to mention there have been studies done (even common sense will tell you this) that children are impressionable and immature and the amount of confused children is going to compound exponentially! You will have a child following a transgender fad one month and changing back the next. These are children! Follow the science, we are either biological male or female. You start down this rabbit hole and there will never be an end. Just utter chaos.


Changing entire schools system

Changing lifestyles and school systems for millions of people for a minority.... the percentage is soooooo small go ahead and give them some special privileges if you HAVE TO but don’t punish and restrict everyone else cause of it!!!! Don’t shove your beliefs down others throats!!


I strongly support!

I strongly support!


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose the proposition. They will start in schools and then move to churches. It can ruin kids lives.


Support

We need to support our transgender students. This is a step in the right directions.


Strongly Support

The policies laid out in this guidance document are (or should be) common sense practices that help and foster growth within not only our communities' trans and gender non-conforming youth, but our school divisions as a whole and should absolutely be adopted ASAP.


TRANS PEOPLE ARE HUMAN BEINGS! TREAT THEM AS SUCH! SUPPORT !!!!!

the amount of hate in these comments is astonishing. so many parents are sounding off in favor of oppressing their children’s identities (something a PARENT has NO CONTROL OVER in the long run) a parent should support their child regardless of how the child identifies. it’s clear a lot of the people in these comments who claim to be educators or parents need to do some soul searching and find their way that doesn’t involve marginalizing kids and trans lives. STRONGEST SUPPORT POSSIBLE!!!


STRONGLY OPPOSED!!!!

This is against everything that America stands for. Freedom of speech is always been a American freedom we as parents are being silenced if we don't go along with the left side. Our children are our future, this country was based on God and his word this goes against everything good and decent. I will not go along with this or any other left decision. This puts our kids in danger and my kids will not go to public schools if this is allowed.


Not equal to all

I just want to state that a specific document is not needed for this situation. There are bullying policies in place to handle situations that might occur. I don't push my religious beliefs on others and do not feel the people that have written this should be able to force this on children and families. The schools and government did not help me raise my son at all and should not think they know best for my grandson. This area does not belong in the schools except as an informative peice. Policies that only support one side is not the way to help with unity, acceptance and understanding.


Absolutely Not

This is wrong on so many levels.  Our family strongly disagrees with this action.


Strongly in support of trans kids

I can’t believe I’m even having to write this in 2021. Protect trans kids.


In full support

Thank you for putting these thoughtful guidelines together, which will support our Transgender and LGBTQ youth. My employee is married to a transgender man, my daughter has a good friend who is transgender. I’m witnessing every day the burdens, hurdles and pain these fellow humans and their families face, through no fault of their own, which we, especially as white, cis-gender people are privileged not to be encumbered with. I am in full support, Barbara G., Charlottesville


Absolutely not.

I don’t force my views on others and I expect the same amount of respect in return. I keep my life private and I expect everyone else to do the same


We must stop believing the LIES of that old serpent the devil. People are NOT transgender.

We must stop believing the lies of that old serpent the devil. People are NOT transgender. We are either male or female when we are born and we stay the way we are born whether we choose to mutilate our bodies or not. If we tell our sons that they might actually be a girl we lie and the truth is not in us. If we tell our children such wicked and evil lies their blood is on our hands. We must vote vehemently against any legislation that would confuse and misguide the most innocent and vulnerable among us and vote to protect their carefree and innocent childhood. Our great God and Father has not made a single mistake when he created each one of us and it is our job to teach our children that they are made exactly the way that God meant for them to be and He forth all things well.


Strongly oppose

There's no research or scientific evidence to support transitioning a child, and it is absolutely child abuse. Stop this nonsense immediately.


Oppose Gender Bathroom Choice- Strongly oppose

strongly oppose bathroom choice in Virginia


strongly oppose

this is child abuse


This is radical social engineering and will hurt vulnerable kids

These guidelines are radical examples of social engineering designed not to help vulnerable kids, but to force an agenda on everyone. Freedom of speech and anti-bullying policies already protect kids dealing with gender dysphoria. Forcing everyone to accept and celebrate the anti-science movement of transgenderism is wrong.


Opposed

strongly oppose this


Preservice teacher in strong support

The top priority of schools should be to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all students. Unfortunately, our public schools have failed transgender and gender expansive students in this regard far too often. Research from reputable organizations like the Trevor Project have shown trans students who are supported and affirmed experience better mental health outcomes and lower instances of suicidality. ( https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2020/?section=Supporting-Transgender-Nonbinary-Youth ) Protecting trans students literally saves lives. As I prepare to enter the teaching profession, I hope I can be part of VA schools that do better for our trans and nonbinary students.


This is so wrong. Absolutely oppose.

This is so wrong. I am definitely against this. What is happening in Virginia?


A bad start

The beginning of the document (Terminology) is full of terms defined in the light of gender identity being separate from birth sex. It's hard to start a discussion when from the beginning you've already chosen a side.


OPPOSED!  Same as the abomination of desolation spoken in the temple of Jerusalem by Daniel

Opposed to VA proposal model of transgender student policies.


Do not turn hell lose.

I have great concern that this policy is even being thought about in my state. I personally love children  and want the best for each one. This is a reckless policy that will further shift our schools down to the lowest in the world. At such a young age children should not be having these issues. I have great concern of letting a young born boy join up with a bunch of young girls in locker rooms, restrooms and such just because he says he is a girl. Kids that are having these problems need real help not just giving them a pat on the back. These children need help to learn that what God made them is okay to be and they do not need to be the opposite to fit in. I often times there are deeper needs in a childs life when they are turning to such foolishness. Often times when kids are going through transgender issues it scars them for life and they never fit in. By passing policy like this trying to force them to fit in you do them more harm than good. These kids and there parents truly need help but accepting them is not the way to do it. Please put policies in place to help the children feel comfortable in the sex they were born in.


Strongly Opposed, NO! NO! No!

Strongly Opposed, NO! NO! NO!


Strongly oppose

Do not support


Who is telling children they have wrong body ?

Girls privacy isn’t yours to give away and Boys don’t have penis by accident

Socially constructed perverted CULT. LIES. The fact that it’s gotten this far should scare the hell out of everyone. Pimping children out forcibly is criminal.


strongly support these model policies

The recommendations of the guidance document identify sensible policy updates that would deliver significant benefit to the experience and well-being of transgender students in Virginia schools. As the uncle of current students in a VDOE district, I want a safe, welcoming education for all, and I believe implementing the provided guidance is a step in the right direction.


Strongly oppose

Science is clear on the genders. Males should not be able to use female restrooms or locker rooms, or play female sports. This is dangerous, abusive, and hurts women in many ways. Stop with this nonsense.


Human Decency?

We have to do everything we can to increase basic human protections and rights. Trans children are entitled to feel safe and respected and cared for as much as any other child. Any policy that excludes a person from feeling comfortable in their own skin is despicable. Progress is now. Change is happening. It’s time to embrace that and celebrate it along with the lives of our youth. Why inflict the scars on another generation that we know have hurt others? May these children know as little of the pain of the transphobia that has mutilated our country as possible. And May we stop taking out our own traumas on others.


SAFETY? SUPPORT? SECRECY? EVIDENCE-BASED??  LEGAL???

FAPE. SAFETY. Both are covered under federal, state and local laws and codes. What this policy attempts to do is rip out the foundation of support that innocent little children need to thrive safely while accessing an education.  Instead of receiving support for their well being and protection of their safety so that they may focus on learning while in school children will live in mortal fear of exposure.  This policy isolates, disenfranchises and condemns students of all persuasions!  It discards sage wisdom that says protect the children and guard their innocence, and it promotes secrecy in all the wrong ways.  Hidden lies are rampant throughout.  This "policy" is feel-ism run amuck, and runs wild with insanity. When children should be able to expect sound guidance and stalwart protection from the adults in their schools they will be getting sold for 30 pieces of silver: each and every one of them. While raising my now adult son who has ASD among other disabilities I never once allowed him the excuse of "disABILITY" as free pass to trample on the rights of others.  I taught him to respect others; even those who were different from him.  When fear and anxiety darken his perspective it has always been my responsibility as his parent (and now legal guardian) to support him, to guide him and to keep him safe: and to do this all while respecting the rights of those around him.  Never an easy day. I spent all of his 18 years in Virginia public schools advocating for his SAFETY while he accessed a FREE and APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION.  Never once did I seek to infringe on another child's safety.  That would have been ethically wrong.  So is this policy. It is not appropriate to exclude the rights of one group of students under the guise of protecting those of another.  SAFE schools protect the rights of every student without exclusions.  This proposed policy tramples on the rights of a little girl to access the restroom in her school with complete privacy and without fear of being exposed personally and exposed to male anatomy.  Additionally it give boys of all ages a free ticket to voyeurism; TOTALLY ILLEGAL. Evidence-based studies are no where noted in this document either in the references to best practices or the appendix.  Lots of surveys and opinions and especially ideologies.  Oh and so many incongruencies; too many to point out.  Overall this proposed policy is not worthy of anything but rejection.


Anonymous so I won't be mis-labeled "non-inclusive"

Opposed: It's non-inclusive to people of faith and will aid bullies and predators

In this culture's attempt to promote relativism, we are allowing the silent majority and people of faith to be discriminated against (I know many of you disagree and will stop reading or label me non-inclusive).  Yes, we all certainly need to ACCEPT one another, but we cannot be forced to APPROVE of one another's choices, lifestyle, gender identity, etc.  There is a big difference between ACCEPTANCE and APPROVAL.  This proposal is an attempt to force everyone to APPROVE of transgenderism, not just ACCEPT it.  Therefore it is non-inclusive to people who disagree, and if implemented, anyone could face consequences (or be labeled "non inclusive") simply for using words like "he" or "she", regardless of intent. Kids make mistakes (just like we adults do).  Many youth also lie (just like many adults do).  Those types of sins are prevalent, and we can't just turn a blind eye to that fact.  This proposal is way too subjective and will be quickly abused by bullies and lying youth (it could be argued that there are more bullies than transgender students, so the risk is real).  Do we really want to make it easy for a bully (or sexual predator) to enter un-questioned into the girls' bathroom/locker room (and have the right to do so by this proposal)?  What mental health consequences can we expect from that unintended side effect?  It's too subjective - there's no way to tell if the person is lying about their gender identity or not.  Biological gender is objective enough to be clear so that it's not so easily abused.  Can we really be that trusting to think that this proposal will make things safer for the majority? I understand that there is concern for the well-being of the transgender minority, but unfortunately life is not fair and we can't make everyone "happy" all the time.  Yes, all students should be accepted in our schools, but that does not mean we need to create subjective rules to attempt to force everyone to comply and approve of the gender identity that such students would be allowed to change on a day-to-day basis. Please don't approve this proposal.  I would like for my daughters to stay in the public school system.  I want them to be accepting, kind, and loving to all.  But I don't want them to be forced to approve activities that go against their faith, and I certainly don't want them to be unsafe spiritually, mentally, and physically from the consequences of such a proposal.


Strong Agreement - nobody cares where you go

I strongly believe that students, no matter their gender identity, should be able to use the bathroom that they are most comfortable using. School and social settings are hard enough for trans students, and adding the dilemma of where to go to the bathroom is absolutely unnecessary. There are plenty of studies that have found that inclusive bathroom policies do not negatively impact bathroom safety. The only “perverts” I’m truly concerned about are the people demanding to know what genitalia a child has before they can enter a bathroom.


Strongly Oppose

The state of VA has MUCH BIGGER problems with their education system, but it seems we are copying what we see in Washington...wasting taxpayer money and time on nonsensical issues that only benefit a slim minority. (Check out the rate of illiterate children graduating in Fauquier County, VA if you don’t believe me.) K-12 schools are not the appropriate place to explore your gender identity or sexual orientation. Mathematics, Science, and Literature are all legitimate examples of subjects to pursue in school. Even IF a student chooses to be confused about the reproductive organs they were born with, that is IRRELEVANT to learning how to read, spell, add, paint, sing, or even play an instrument! This legislation will not provide equity for all students by protecting trans-genders, so much as it is making trans-students a “protected species” while putting cis-gendered students at risk. You can’t protect one group at the expense of another. Also, this legislation undermines our teachers and school staff by degrading their authority with students.  If a student can be gender-fluid at any given-time; that can be used to manipulate staff and impede learning. Our nation legalized homosexual marriage, and already we are hearing rumblings of people wanting to legalize polygamy and pedophilia....where does this stop? Where do you draw the line? Legislate to protect trans-gender students and next up: students want to identify as animals or inanimate objects.  This isn’t about protecting a slim minority...this is a politically weapon used issue aimed at destroying absolute norms.


Laura Tomlin, school child care provider

Fully Support the Protection of Trans Children’s Rights

There aren’t very many openly transgender students that the general public is aware of. However, if someone were to see one of these children in person, it would be much more difficult to argue that they are not deserving of the same protections and rights that every other child receives without question. It is new for many people and change can be terrifying, but it is needed and necessary now more than ever.


Strongly oppose

Boundaries are essential for mental health especially for children. This is confusing to kids not to mention unsafe for girls. Many issues from this! Do the schools really have time to deal with problems that will occur?


Absolutely NOT. NO

Under no circumstance will my child be in a school in which these policies are held. This is beyond disgusting that this would even be taken into consideration. The thought that a human has more rights than Gods name in a school system is horrifying Children’s minds at this age are so incredibly vulnerable and not even fully developed. Why create unnecessary confusion. if a child is confused  let them deal with it in the privacy of their own home just like those that pray have to. If God is not to be spoken of in schools why would we put the responsibility of taking care of another child’s confusion on a child that has no idea its mind blowing. I am a 25 year old mom to 2 toddlers and a baby and I am sickened. So no. I do not want these polices to be put into place. Absolutely not. I will do everything in my power to prevent this from happening.


Strongly opposed

Strongly opposed. This is an enormous overreach of the role of the public school system. This is dangerous for children- not protecting them in any way.


STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS GUIDANCE!

I strongly support this initiative for trans and gender non-conforming students.


Teacher/parent strongly oppose

It is nothing less than an abject abrogation of duty to protect our students if you allow this ridiculous set of policies to become actionable in public schools. Not only are you mandating that students should now be in charge of telling teachers what to do, you are asking teachers and schools to do things that are impossible to enforce and moreover will only increase the instances of abuse, bullying, and assault. In what democratic republic on earth do schools encourage MINORS to behave in ways dangerous to themselves and others and NOT inform parents??  This entire document is beyond all reasonable comprehension. Stop playing dime store psychologists, try TEACHING our children some literature, mathematics, arts, and some actual history instead your watered down version of social studies indoctrination. You might try teaching biology too!!  Refer these troubled teenagers to professionals who can help them.  Don't upend and entire school system in an effort to appease a dangerous political mob.  Love the VAST majority of students who are not dysphoric in this way alone, and get back to teaching and learning, if you can. Thank you.


Strong support

Please VA Department of Education, protect transgender kids.  I don’t believe that any family or child would just choose to lead a lifestyle that will ensure that they are bullied and ostracized and end up with a life expectancy much shorter than that of their cisgender peers.  They are transgender and they are perfect and we need to protect them and celebrate them and learn from them.


In Support

I am the parent of FCPS students and I support this policy.


Middle School Science Teacher who Strongly Supports

Supporting trans kids saves lives


Parent of 3  and former PTA president at two schools, I strongly support these recommendations

I think we can all agree that children need to feel safe in school.  This means all students. I fail to understand how policies like this will make those children to whom it does not apply, feel unsafe. But without these policies, other children to whom it may well apply, may continue to feel unsafe. Life is difficult enough for kids.  If the goal is for all kids to feel safe, and able to learn in school, then we have to continue to discuss policies that work toward that goal.  And as needs are identified, we can't just ignore them because they're inconvenient.  So much of the debate against these policies resembles Jim Crow VA of the 50's when schools were shut down rather than integrated, because people didn't want their kids to be with those who weren't identical to themselves.  So what does it  matter if your kid's schoolmates don't fit your view of reality?


Legal Flaws in the Model Policies

Re: Comments on Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools (hereafter “Model Policies”) Founding Freedoms Law Center (“FFLC”) is a public interest law firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. FFLC and its parent, The Family Foundation of Virginia (“TFF”), have supporters in most Virginia cities and counties. FFLC makes these comments on behalf of itself as well as its supporters. Introduction In Troxel v. Granville , 530 U.S. 57, 65-66 (2000), Justice O’Connor for a plurality of the United States Supreme Court reiterated the following principles that have guided the rights of parents over the education of their children for the past 100 years. The Fourteenth Amendment provides that no State shall “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” We have long recognized that the Amendment’s Due Process Clause, like its Fifth Amendment counterpart, guarantees more than fair process. The Clause also includes a substantive component that provides heightened protection against government interferences with certain fundamental rights and liberty interests. The liberty interest at issue in this case — the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children — is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court. More than 75 years ago, in Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390, 399, 401 (1923), we held that the ‘liberty’ protected by the Due Process Clause includes the right of parents “to establish a home and bring up children” and “to control the education of their own.” Two years later, in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510, 534-535 (1925), we again held that the “liberty of parents and guardians” includes the right “to direct the upbringing and education of children under their control.” We explained in Pierce that “[t]he child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” Id., at 535. We returned to the subject in Prince v. Massachusetts, 321 U.S. 158 (1944), and again confirmed that there is a constitutional dimension to the right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. “It is cardinal with us that the custody, care and nurture of the child resides first in the parents, whose primary function and freedom include preparation for obligations the state can neither supply nor hinder.” Id. at 166. In subsequent cases also, we have recognized the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children. . . . In light of this extensive precedent, it cannot now be doubted that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment protects the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children. The Model Policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education (“VDOE”) violate these fundamental rights of parents by circumventing parental involvement in a pivotal decision affecting their minor children's care, health, education, and future. The Model Policies enable minor children, of any age, to transition socially to a different gender identity at school without parental notice or consent, and requires school personnel to enable this transition.  The Model Policies also prohibit personnel from communicating with parents about this potentially life-altering and dangerous choice if the parents have not agreed with the child’s wishes.  These Model Policies are flawed. The following concentrates on their legal flaws. The Model Policies’ Legal Flaws Several Descriptions of “Related Laws” Are Either Wrong or Misleading VDOE summarizes on page 7 “Related Laws” that apply to the Model Policies.  Several of these summaries are either wrong or misleading. The description of the First Amendment is true in that it protects a person’s free speech and expression from governmental interference. It also, however, protects the free exercise of religion. Just as schools may not prevent students from expressing their identity, schools also may not prevent a student (or a group of students) from sharing their religious beliefs with other students. This sharing of religious beliefs, including God’s design for life and bodies, is not bullying but speech protected by both federal law (the Free Exercise and Free Speech clauses of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act), and state law (the Virginia Constitution and the Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act). Moreover, any school policy that permits speech affirming one’s sexual identity, but not permitting rebuttal speech on the same subject, is content and viewpoint discrimination. The Fourteenth Amendment does guarantee citizens equal protection under the law. It protects all (not simply LGBTQ+) students from unfair and discriminatory school actions. Under the Fourteenth Amendment, specifically gendered washrooms must be limited to the designated gender. Boys should not be allowed to use washrooms and/or locker rooms designated for girls, and vice versa. Allowing some boys to use girls’ washrooms, and some girls to use boys’ washrooms is unequal treatment, thereby triggering the Equal Protection Clause. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is generally, as stated, a federal law that prohibits schools that receive federal financial assistance from limiting or denying a student’s participation in any school program on the basis of sex. The following statement in the Model Policies (that Title IX “may be understood to prohibit discrimination . . . based on . . . sexual orientation, and gender identity or transgender status”) is wrong.  On January 8, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education’s (“USDOE”) Office of General Counsel issued an opinion as to whether the Court’s interpretation of  “sex” in Bostock v. Clayton County, 104 S. Ct. 1731 (2020) affected the interpretation of “sex” for purposes of Title IX. USDOE’s lawyers answered “no.” See https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/correspondence/other/ogc-memorandum-01082021.pdf?bcs-agent-scanner=4c930bc7-a8a1-3442-907a-a81eb781dfea at 2.  Regarding whether Bostock applied to school  washrooms, locker rooms, and other sex-segregated programs addressed under Title IX, DOE’s lawyers wrote that Bostock does not apply because (1) Bostock applies only to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, not Title IX; (2) the ordinary public meaning of “sex” at the time of Title IX’s enactment was biological sex, male or female, not transgender status or sexual orientation; and (3) the Department’s regulations recognizing the male/female biological binary carry interpretative authority because they were the product of uniquely robust and direct Congressional review. Id. at 6. The Model Policies’ description of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) on page 7 again is somewhat accurate, in that FERPA is a federal law that, with limited exceptions, protects the privacy of student educational records without the written consent of parents. The following two sentences in the Model Policies (that FERPA prohibits the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information, which includes gender identity or sexual orientation) is, however, very misleading if interpreted as applying to parents. In fact, according to USDOE’s Parents Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: Rights Regarding Children’s Educational Records, FERPA gives parents the right to review their child’s educational records, and “generally requires schools to ask for written consent before disclosing your child’s personally identifiable information to individuals other than you .” See ( https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/brochures/parents.html ) (emphasis added). In other words, FERPA gives parents the right to access their child’s educational records, and it provides NO authority for the school to keep these records from parents. Hiding school records from parents who may not support their child’s gender transition is directly against the spirit and intent of FERPA, which is designed to give parents unfettered access to their child’s school records. The Model Policies Violate Constitutionally Protected Parental Rights The Model Policies are replete with statements with which few can argue, such as VDOE’s commitment to “ensure a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students” (p. 8), and “schools should provide a safe educational environment for all students and treat all students with dignity and respect . . .” (p. 10). Treating students differently (such as giving rights without merit to certain students that are denied others) is rightfully prohibited, and all complaints of discrimination, harassment, and bullying should be investigated, as provided in the first Model Policy on page 10. Regarding student privacy, certainly a student suffering from gender dysphoria or a medical condition that would not put others at risk should be granted confidentiality from other students as well as most staff/faculty, but these conditions must NEVER be kept from parents. Therefore, the statement on page 11 that “regardless of the circumstances, the school should support the student’s need for privacy and not disclose a student’s gender identity to other student or parents ” is directly contrary to proper authority and law, as is the second paragraph of the Model Policy found on page 12, which directs school personnel not to disclose a student’s transgender status to parents. As noted above in the Introduction, parents have a constitutionally protected fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children.  One of the areas most needed for parental instruction and control is a child’s sexuality. The sensitivity of this area was recognized by the General Assembly in Virginia Code § 22.1-207.2, which requires schools to distribute to parents a summary of the family life curriculum (which, per Virginia Code § 22.1-207.1 includes human sexuality, human reproduction, dating violence and sexually transmitted diseases), permits parents to review this curriculum, requires the school to give notice that parents “have the right to excuse their child from all or part of family life education instruction,” and encourages parents to provide “guidance and involvement in the instruction of the students.” This statute is, quite frankly, an excellent model for VDOE to follow with respect to transgender students, involving parents in the discussion and allowing the parents to opt out their child at any time. The Model Policies similarly violate the rights of Virginia parents under Virginia Code § 1-240.1. This law states in full: “A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education , and care of the parent’s child.” (Emphasis added). The note for this statute states that “it is the expressed intent of the General Assembly that this act codify the opinion of the Supreme Court of Virginia in L.F. v. Breit, . . . as it relates to parental rights.” The Virginia Supreme Court’s discussion of parental rights states: The relationship between a parent and child is a constitutionally protected liberty interest under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. . . . Indeed, the Supreme Court of the United States has characterized a parent's right to raise his or her child as “perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.” Troxel, 530 U.S. at 65. Any statute that seeks to interfere with a parent's fundamental rights survives constitutional scrutiny only if it is narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest. McCabe v. Commonwealth, 274 Va. 558, 563 (2007); . . .” L.F. v. Breit, 285 Va. 163, 182 (2013). (Some citations omitted). Applying the compelling state interest test dooms the Model Policies’ attempt to keep parents uninformed of their child’s quest to transgender.  Under this test, the Commonwealth must prove that its interest in helping a child transgender is “paramount,” “of the highest order,” and “vital” compared to the interest of the parents. See Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania , 140 S. Ct. 2367, 2392 (2020).  The Commonwealth must also prove that there is no other narrower means to achieve the student’s transgender than by withholding information and deceiving the student’s parents. The school, in such an instance, usurps the role of the parent, and becomes the student’s protector and guide. Such a role, of course, has additional due process dimensions. One of the major issues in a contested divorce is the fitness of a spouse to parent a child. If the parties cannot agree on the terms of parenting, an independent party (a judge typically) decides. Here, the school acts not only as a party, but also the judge, determining what information to give and what to withhold, as noted on page 13, which states that “school divisions will need to determine whether to respect the student’s request [regarding preferred pronouns], abide by the parent’s wishes to continue using the student’s legal name and sex assigned at birth, or develop an alternative that respects both the student and the parents.” See also page 15 pertaining to School Records, which allows schools “upon the request of a student or parent,” to use the new name and gender of the student on school records. Allowing a minor, deemed by state laws incapable of making legally binding decisions because of a lack of capacity, to make a decision concerning gender reflected on school records is again a violation of constitutionally protected parental rights. The Model Policies May Lead to FERPA and Virginia Code Violations As noted above on pages 5-6, FERPA is a federal law that, with certain exceptions not applicable here, protects the privacy of student records from persons other than students and their parents. In fact, FERPA provides a statutory right for parents to access their child’s educational records. See 20 U.S.C. § 1232g et seq. On page 20 of the Model Policies, the authors state that when a student informs the school about his/her gender transition, the school should have a point-of-contact to “meet with the student (and parents/guardians if the parents/ guardians are affirming of the student’s gender identity) to develop a plan to accommodate the student’s needs and requests.” The authors further state that a template may be helpful to address matters like names, use of pronouns, privacy concerns, communication plans, student records, and access to facilities and activities. The authors obviously recognize the need for documentation. Stating that information will be shared with affirming parents implies that this information may not be shared with non-affirming parents. Assuming document(s) are created and then not provided to the parents upon their request, the school commits a FERPA violation. Withholding these documents is also a violation of Virginia Code § 20-124.6, which states that a parent shall not be denied access to his/her child’s academic record. The Model Policies Will Likely Lead to Violations of Religious Liberties The authors of the Model Policies astutely state on page 19 that “students and staff each have their own unique religious and personal experiences, views, and opinions.” Many of these student and staff positions on transgender issues are based on sincerely held religious beliefs that compel the students, staff and faculty members to act in ways consistent with their religious beliefs. A few examples illustrate the potential constitutional and statutory violations: A Christian female teacher at the end of the day sees one of her students is depressed and asks what’s wrong. The student responds that she is questioning her gender. The teacher then tells the student that as a Christian, she believes that God created men and women perfect (Genesis 1), but that sin entered the world as a result of human disobedience to God (Genesis 3). As the result of sin, there is much confusion in the world but there is spiritual redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The teacher then asks whether the student has talked to her parents about her gender questioning, to which the student says no. The teacher then says that the Bible gives parents the responsibility of training and educating children (Deut. 6:7; Prov. 22:6), and that children must obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-4). Soon after this after-school meeting, the school learns of it and, after questioning the teacher, imposes discipline for failing to follow the school’s transgender policy. Subsequently the teacher files a lawsuit for the school’s violation of the teacher’s free exercise of her religion (First Amendment), her right of conscience (Virginia Constitution § 16), the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (42 U.S.C. § 2000bb-1 et seq. ), and the Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act (Virginia Code § 57-2.02 et seq. ), which requires the school to prove by clear and convincing evidence that its action was “essential” to accomplish its compelling state interest. The teacher would add to this formidable complaint a claim for violation of her free speech rights. Joy, a high school freshman, must shower after each gym class. On the first day of the new semester, her new gym class of boys and girls ends with Carla, who has a male physique, following her into the girls locker room. After Carla disrobes and walks to the shower room, there is no mistaking the male anatomy. Joy in a later meeting with school officials, says that she is a Christian, and therefore must act and dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9-10), something impossible to do with Carla in the locker room. The school refuses to accommodate her because this may lead to emotional trauma for Carla. In the subsequent lawsuit, Joy will claim denial of her free exercise of religion and a violation of her privacy. *     *     *     *     * For these reasons, the Model Policies have legal flaws that will inevitably lead to otherwise avoidable litigation. The Virginia public school community and taxpayers would benefit if VDOE reconsiders the Model Policies and seeks more diverse community opinions, including those of parental rights and religious liberty advocates.  A new, diverse committee likely would create model policies that better balance the needs of transgender students with parental rights, the constitutional rights of school faculty, staff, and students, and the community at large. Sincerely, /s/ James A. Davids, J.D., Ph.D. General Counsel jim@foundingfreedomslaw.org


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose this as It is not the right of the school to teach my children issues that relate to people's sexual preference and internal struggles. Leave that for the parents!! Teach my kids academics and nothing else. You have no right to destroy the innocence of my kids. This will cause a lot of confusion in their still developing minds and confusion that leads them to start to question their identity as a result of this indoctrination. I wonder if this is not the actual agenda of VDOE. Secondly, how can you guarantee that this policy is not taken advantage of by miscreants seeking to toy with people's minds? Thirdly ,can you guarantee that kids will stay safe and not get taken advantage of by individuals who use this as a means of sexually assaulting or taking privilege of members of the opposite sex who are biologically so?


Strongly oppose

Vote "NO"


Strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families.


Protecttranskids

I am in strong support of measures to uplift and protect trans kids. I see valuing trans kids' safety and comfort as essential, with the benefit of suicide and transphobic violence prevention.  Thank you.


Disgusting. So disgusting.

How is this even being considered?  This is absolutely twisted. A child can be disciplined by calling another student the wrong gender when the gender can change day by day, these poor children and the confusion this is causing. I find this very disgusting and taking one childs  rights away to give another child more rights. This goes against everything America stands for. Stop furthering confusion. Sickening.


CIS Male Allies Super Support

please help protect our growing trans student population - they deserve to grow up happy, smart and be allowed all the opportunities as are afforded to the rest of society


We must fight for Trans rights

We must continue to advocate for trans rights. Trans people exist. Trans folks exists in many places, literally everywhere. Some folks come to terms with their trans identities early on and sooner than others. It’s essential to protect them everywhere. We must  protect our youth. Uplift and amplify trans voices always. Trans rights are human rights.


Strong Support

I strongly support this guidance and policy to make schools safer for transgender youth.  It merely is extending the non-discrimination policy to transgender youth, so it shouldn't be a huge deal.  Transgender people exist and need protections like other minority groups. Please don't listen to the people who are opposing this based on bigotry, hatred, or ignorance.  If their baseline is that transgender folks don't exist, they're already doing harm to these youth and they don't care about what autonomy youth have in their lives.


SUPPORT!!

Fully support. Transgender children should be treated equally, and they should be allowed to be who they want to be, not who you think they should be.


Strongly support!

I am in full support of any legislation to promote the health and wellbeing of trans youth.


Strongly oppose. Stop abusing the children.

Strongly oppose.


Strongly Support!

It is imperative that there is protection for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students in Virginia.  All children deserve a safe and affirming environment to learn.  Creating a truly inclusive school environment will help children become socially conscious & aware adults.


OPPOSED WHOLEHEARTEDLY

As a parent of two female students I am wholeheartedly opposed to these regulations. These regulations are harmful to children and injurious to parent-child relationships. Children, who are in the process of formulating their own personal identities, need careful, compassionate guidance from trustworthy adults and not from ones who will cater to and capitalize on their vacillating adolescent struggles. These policies intentionally remove parents from the integral part they play in the nurturing of their own children. In most circumstances, parents are the ones who care more intimately for their children than anyone else.  Set aside the fact that I chose to become a parent because I want to love, mold and shape my child to into a good kind human.  I am required by law to be financially responsible to my child therefore I feel that I should also be required by law to have full disclosure when it comes to all medical, mental health and educational information regarding my child. In addition, the ability of any person being permitted to use any bathroom/locker room is alarming for the safety particularly of girls. The thought of boys/young men in the same changing facilities as girls/young women is shocking and an invitation for all kinds of sexual violations. Hearing of these policies has already caused my girls a great deal of fear and anxiety because they know how the minds of adolescent boys work.  They both have said they will no longer go to the bathroom or in the locker rooms at school and I am sure that they are not the only female students who feel this way.  If adults truly believe that only those students who "identify" as another gender will be the ones taking advantage of these policies they are fooling themselves.  I pray that the depravity of the minds of this world will not take over and allow things like this to happen.  This is not natural, I don't care what anyone says and there is no medical or scientific reason to allow these policies to be put into place.  A biological male or female can "identify" however he/she wants and should not feel uncomfortable using the biologically correct restroom as there are stalls that he/she can enter and still have his/her privacy.


Strongly Approve

These policies are often life-changing and, quite literally, life-saving , for trans students. I strongly approve of these protections. All students deserve to have themselves and their identities respected.


Oppose!!

Oppose.  This is disastrous for children.


Mother of Arlington Pubic School students

Policy reaches beyond protections for discrimination.

It is very important that we don't discriminate and harm others for choices, experiences or feelings they have even if we disagree with them. Each individual should be allowed respect, freedom of choice and not be subjected to physical and emotional harm - period. These policies you, GLSEN and HRC are advocating for our schools, reach far beyond such respect and acceptance. First, redefining gender as defined in the policy is problematic in that it mandates everyone be taught and experience "freedom from prescripted gender." That each child should spend more time desperately trying to define what makes them them, and their biology is irrelevant in that quest. As if kids don't have it hard enough. The irony of the transgender argument is that at its very core is gender stereotyping. We women have fought long and hard to have space that males previously and solely occupied, and now this policy would cede the space back to them (Title IX). To suggest that a woman who likes to weld, motorcross, fish etc. or a boy who likes to cook, sew, prefers pink, or dress up like a princess is neither girl nor boy, but rather neither or something inbetween is still based on stereo types. If I am a motorcross girl, I can still be a woman with biology to create life. I don't need to identify as whatever I think I am (based on stereotypes) in order to be an actualized me. Gender Dysphoria is real for a very small percent of individuals historically. It is a real distaste for one's own body, not just prescripted gender. We can not stop our biology from its intent to carry and give life, or prevent testorone levels to double and triple well beyond the female body at and through puberty - this is prescripted in DNA. We can use advanced technology and hormones to try to prevent our DNA, which some do and some are now living with devastating regret. Where will the schools and government be to support the child on the other side of those physical and emotional challenges? Additionally, this policy does not consider the wholistic needs of a child. If we put a child into a state of living a life at school and hiding that life from parents (deemed non-affirming) as your policy allows for, we have now further harmed the child and the family. If we put girls who have been harmed by boys (#metoo) sharing a room on tour with someone with the other biology it puts them in a place of trauma. Is that fair to them? How about middle school teachers trying to keep track of the appopriate pronoun for the child's ever changing expression? There is no doubt these are difficult challenges for children and adults with dysphoria and a desire for identity expression. Support and care is needed. Adding gender expression as a first amendment protected right and thus requiring educational institutions to explore that right with all children, advocating that biology is irrelevant to those choices and orientations, is a complete overreach of the need to stop discrimination now.


Strongly Support

As a transgender teacher this evidence based proposal will benefit my students and would have been a great benefit to me during my education. This proposal will create a safer and healthier learning environment allowing my students to focus better in their classes and be more willing to come to school. Similar policies exist in nearby school districts like Maryland and have shown to measurably increase student success. It is time for Virginia to support and protect transgender students.


Support protecting some of our most vulnerable youth!

Dear Viginia Department of Education, You have an important proposal before you, one which I wholeheartedly endorse. I had the pleasure of living in the fine state of Virginia for a while, in college, and found it to be a beautiful and welcoming place. This proposal, for the protection of trans students in public schools, is in line with the friendly spirit I encountered there. A number of trans friends have enriched my life over the years, from a myriad of backgrounds and ethnicities. Sadly, they all have one thing in common - their school years, which should be a positive time for any young person, were marred by constant mistreatment at the hands of teachers and administrators - who were clueless at best and malevolent at worst. The school system should be a haven of learning and new experiences through one of humankind's greatest gifts: the pursuit of knowledge. Prejudice and bigotry have no place in American educational institutions. And the stakes could not be higher: trans youths are at risk from a greater suicide rate than any other group of Americans. Misunderstanding, hatred, and venom are literally killing these children. The department's approval of this proposal will create an even better environment in Virginia's well-respected public school system. Your support will make such a tremendous and wonderful difference in trans students' lives, letting them study under faculty who have been given the proper tools to help and support them. The proposal will be beneficial for cis students as well, to learn about (and celebrate) one of the many differences interwoven into the patchwork of American diversity. Thank you as a once (and perhaps future) Virginian for the privilege of sharing my comments in support of this extremely important proposal.


Strongly support - protect trans children!

No child should be made to feel that who they are is wrong or forced into compliance with whatever gender identity adults around them want to push onto them.  If a child feels different about their identity on the inside, they deserve support and LOVE from those around them.  Trans rights are human rights!  Everyone deserves the right to express themselves, and giving kids a safe space to be themselves should be a priority in schools.  If understanding the perspective of trans kids/individuals of all ages is something you struggle with, I encourage you to put yourself in someone else's shoes and read books written by trans people to widen your perspective.  No one is asking you to change your own personal beliefs about what is right for you and your path, but giving children the choice to decide what they want to be shouldn't be something that's up for debate.  Spread the love!  Love your children!  Believe in them and love them for who they are!!


Strongly Support

I support the model policy protecting transgender students.  I stand firmly on the side of protections for free people to be who they are.  It is wholly un-American to ask a fellow citizen to be anything less.  I respect that there are those who disagree and you are entitled to your opinion and free to live as you see fit, but you are NOT entitled to make decisions for or dictate to other free people who they should be or how they should live.  Ever.  It is the sacred responsibility of the American government at all levels to protect the human rights, freedoms and safety of every American, not just those who think, act or look alike.


Thoughtfully opposed

While I believe this document is well intentioned, as a parent I am very concerned about the resulting safety implications for all students, including those the document is designed to protect. In an effort to provide a safe and comfortable option to a segment of the population, the privacy and safety of the entire population is threatened. Given that restrooms and locker rooms are sensitive areas that cannot be monitored effectively due to appropriate privacy concerns, the potential exists for countless uncomfortable and even dangerous situations to arise for students who have no recourse but to allow anyone to enter their private spaces. This policy is in direct conflict with the progress that has been made for women's rights, in particular. The policy appears to have no accountability, such that students who do NOT identify as transgender could simply enter whichever restroom or locker room they wanted - with no recourse available for those students who could be violated in the process. The possibilities of abuse, assault, lewd comments, etc., are predictable and entirely unacceptable. We need to be proactive in our policy making, so as to avoid the potential pain and abuse that this document will generate. I know we can develop better policy to protect all students involved, including the transgender community. For example, if a student is being harassed in any way in the restroom or locker room, it seems a private space should be made available - as outlined in the policy. But allowing anyone to access any restroom or locker room of his/her/their choice is fraught with shortsighted thinking and inevitable and avoidable dangers. Everyone should have access to a safe space for such private activities, and I ask that Virginia rework this policy to make sense for all of the populations under their care.


Be very cautious

I am very thankful that Virginia Department of Education cares for all of our children, including those who are struggling with their gender identities. It is important that parents be allowed to speak into their children's lives and help guide them in these most difficult issues. Children often explore roles, gender and other roles, as they grow. It is part of learning who we are and how we fit in with our world. However, we must not throw common sense aside for being progressive. Somethings should go without saying:  biological females and males should not share locker rooms or bathrooms. Students may not change their gender and names from one day to the next. Additionally, It is also unwise and unkind to assume that those who hold to traditional standards are bigoted and/or do not want the very best for youth dealing with these confusing issues, issues that have only become more confusing as we have smudged the lines of what it means to be male and female. Be extremely cautious before making widespread changes in policy. We can be respectful to all without endangering our children and families by normalizing the struggles of a few precious, but confused students.


Strongly support

As a middle school teacher in a Virginia Public School, I have seen the struggles of students during this pivotal time in their development of their identities. It is essential that they receive our acceptance and support.


STRONGLY SUPPORT! Trans people are still people! [PLEASE READ.]

TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS! Trans people don't deserve to be treated like trash just because they decide they don't want to connect with the sex they were born with. Gender is identity, and you can't force someone not to identify as what they want, because in the end being trans does not affect humanity's wellbeing in any harmful way. Let people be whatever they think their gender is. Trans people being forced to be the sex they were born with is harmful to their mental health and can cause suicide, it also further increases the suicide rate in America. Do you really want to bully someone to their own suicide because you were too ignorant to care? I don't think so. Stop the transphobia. Spread awareness!


*Strongly* support!

Trans people are PEOPLE. They deserve to feel safe and supported. Too many of these negative comments are disturbing, which is why you need to make the extra effort to ensure trans people feel accepted. When you let hateful people spout ty, violent things without consequence, they're going to continue to be ty and violent. Trans people deserve the right to exist freely and safely.


In support of protecting trans youth !

Trans youth must be treated with dignity and equity. Protecting their well-being and allowing them to feel welcome and safe is what schools should be doing for every student no matter their identity. I support this wholeheartedly as it will create a safe and nurturing environment for young people who are learning and understanding themselves and their identities.


Strongly Support

I strongly support this. There are tons of reports noting the chronic harassment of transgendered children (and adults alike) and just as many that note the suicide rates due to the harassment. I read a lot of these comments prior to commenting myself and it’s sickening how many people opposing this say they want to “keep things normal” and “don’t want them near their children.” These are children with legitimate identities and the people afraid of change are trying to delegitimize that. That takes away from the potential they have to move forward. Bigotry has no place anywhere but especially not in the education system. Protect trans kids forever.


CHILD ABUSE—STOP THE GOVT INTRUSIONS!  THIS IS THE PARENTS’ BUSINESS

LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE.  HOW DARE YOU!


Strongly Oppose VDOE Transgender Policies

Our public schools do not have the right to “help” a student explore their gender/sexual identity.  These guidelines present a gender ideology that will promote a totally false view of sexuality to young children.  In addition, it discriminates against all “normal” children.  If there are special needs they need to be handled on a case by case basis as a special need.  It does not make sense to change the policy for the majority to accommodate the needs of a small minority.  These special needs should and can be adequately cared for on a case by case basis and still support their acceptance within the framework of the public school system.


Fully support this for the safety and well-being of all children

I fully support this for the safety and well-being of all children


STRONGLY OPPOSE

STRONGLY OPPOSED The current policy makes considerations for self identification of gender. To have a transgender select a restroom or sport gender based on self identification is not safe or fair. Sporting classification should be chosen by biological gender.  It is genetically unfair for a male who self identifies as a female to compete in  female sports.  This is crazy.


Support

I stand in full support of legislation to protect the health and well being of Transgender youth in Virginia schools. We know that transgender students are more likely to experience harassment, bullying, and violence at their schools due to their gender identity. This must change and policies must be implemented in schools to allow all students to grow and thrive.j


Of course I support!

Honestly it's so upsetting that people are still fighting for equality in this country, trans people have the right to feel safe in their environment. Just as cisgendered people do. Period. I see a lot of commenters who oppose this citing their religious freedom. Of course you have the freedom to practice your religion, but that doesn't give you the right to dictate what others do and how they express themselves. That is bigotry and it has no place in the education of our youth as we as a society move forward towards inclusivity.


Please reject these harmful policies

It is difficult to grasp that ‘in the name of doing good’, that such a destructive and harmful policy proposal is being put forward.  The brain of a male is not fully developed until he is 24 years old.  You are in the process of taking the innocent process of learning into a system which is setting our children up for failure. The I have no plans or intentions of cooperating with the trajectory of this proposal.  It is placing the school system against the overwhelming number of parents.  It fails to protect the persons and experiences of the overwhelming number of children in an attempt to accommodate the mostly temporary delusions of a few. The same thinking that has produced the ‘Snowflake’ generation is running full speed ahead to produce who knows greater confusion, pain and injury. Please reject these policies.


Strongly Support as a long overdue next step in civil rights and protections

I strongly support this movement as an adult member of the Richmond community and an avid ally of the LGBTQIA youth of Virginia. The Civil Rights movement is a constantly evolving thing, and the trans community specifically has been underserved and left behind by it so far. The ability to let visually and non-visually trans people attend public schools safely and comfortably is a way for us to strengthen community bonds with our neighbors and teach appreciation of diversity at a young age. Unlearning homophobia and the sexism that is present within transphobia that has become inherent in our society should start in early education. Trans students deserve their personal freedoms; peace of mind and freedom of expression. All children should be allowed to explore their gender.  And frankly, this legislation is long overdue.


Strongly oppose this bad policy!

This guidance document on transgender students is hare-brained.  The purpose actually appears to be toward more social engineering, and promoting the LGBXYZ agenda.  This policy pits parents against child, if the parent doesn't agree with the  "transgendering" of the student. Parents are the primary educators of their children.  This policy interferes with that God-given right and responsibility.  So--if the child persists in tranny conversion, and his parents try to talk common sense to him, you, The Mighty State, are going to intervene and take the child out of the home?!!  Back off; you have no right to do so.  You will "investigate" the parents and call on the CPS.  What needs investigating, in detail, are the people who wrote this stupid policy.  Surely they will be revealed in all their leftist splendor. "Male and female He created them."  That is all you need to know; anything else is an aberration, or perversion. Sex of a child is "assigned" at birth.  There are only TWO:  male or female.  This is TRUTH.  One is male or female even down to the cells in the body!  Wake up, for Heaven's sake.  Repeating a lie does not make it true, ever.   These poor kid,s who "feel" like they are the opposite sex, should be referred for mental health counseling.  Johns Hopkins U. and Medical Center have stated that "transgender" is a mental health problem.  It appears that the writers and promoters of this stupidity want to continue to turn American society upside down, to cater to a special interest group, again.  Furthermore, you are ignoring the rights of normal students, male and female, who do not need to have this tranny socialist agenda shoved down their throats. I am a retired public school teacher.  No way would I ever go back to teach in the public schools today.  You public school teachers and officials must go back to your mandate, to EDUCATE, not INDOCTRINATE.  If you persist with this policy, you can anticipate students being pulled out of the schools in favor of home-schooling or private schools.  You will lose much of your funding, from citizens' tax money.  You might even be fomenting a tax rebellion if you keep on with such policies.


Transgender mess

Our legislators are opening a can of worms. I, for one, do not want a female relative of mine using the same bathroom as a male confusing himself as a female. This can only make child molestation a bigger problem than it already is. Give him some testosterone to help him be what God made him.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!!

I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS


Strongly Support!

I strongly support this guidance. Students cannot learn in a situation where they are unsafe, and this will make Virginia schools safer, nondiscriminatory places for all students.


Immense support for Trans Students

All students have the right to be allowed to use the bathroom that they feel most comfortable in, be able to be referred to by their preferred name/pronoun, and live with their identities unquestioned. Trans students are being denied these rights and must be liberated. Support trans students


TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

As someone who is part of the LGBT+ community and went through school with no parental support, I know first hand how hard it is for someone who is “different”. Putting policies in place for transgender individuals is something that is LONG overdue. The suicide rates for people in the LGBT* community is astronomical. All we have to do is support them for who they are. Whatever your religion is, you have no right to dictate someone’s life based on your beliefs. This isn’t some crazy government plan to brainwash your kids. It’s HUMAN RIGHTS


Strongly Support

I strongly support this guidance document, which will protect trans and queer students in Virginia. Transgender students deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.


Opposed

I oppose this because: ** Religious views **The conversation should be at home **Children naturally go through phases and are curious **Children are naive and question things, that doesn't make them a bully. They're learning. **Some will think it's funny and will try it as a joke **Schools already have a plan for bullying **Protection for my children possibly being exposed to the opposite sex at an inappropriate age **Embarrassment in either case **Schools should stick to teaching the essentials **If a young girl identifies as a boy, and then takes sexual education with the sex that they identify with, is that necessarily educating them about the changes their body is truly going to go through? Like it or not, men and women's bodily functions are different and that's the way God intended it to be.


Vehemently Oppose!

As someone who works with teens in our community, I have witnessed first hand how this idea of calling people what they want to be called using their "preferred pronouns" is causing SEVERE distress amongst the majority of their peers. It is confusing them and causing more and more isolation amongst our youth as they do not even want to interact with these kids now because they fear getting in trouble. Isolation leads to depression. Not knowing what to do when their conscious rightfully tells them that a girl is a girl and a boy is a boy. That we cannot change someone's name or pronoun just because they no longer identify as their given name/pronoun. This is ABSURD! Our youth are confused enough as it is. They need adults who are willing to mentor them and lead them as adults who know simple biology, who can help them to recognize their inherent dignity as male or female, whatever their biological sex is. To say we can  choose our gender is an absolute disgrace and distrust in science and all that is true. What is the deal with all of the language specific to EXCLUDING PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE?! Are the parents the parents, or is the school/government trying to take away that right?! Give me a break!!!! Let the parents be the parents and get the dirty hands of the government off our children! They clearly have NO interest in protecting our youth, and absolutely not moreso than the child's parents! I could go on and on...this whole thing is absolutely nuts!! Parents who clearly know if they had a boy or a girl when they gave birth to their child should be able to raise them as such and not have to give in to their confusion as they grow up. Let them teach them how to be the man or woman that they are and if they need help, let them get professional counseling (that's another whole issue to deal with now that even our therapists are not allowed to do the right thing!). But to think that parents could be reported for neglect or child abuse for raising their child as the gender that they are and refusing to give in to their confusion is WRONG!!!!! This is a matter of FACT not opinion, not feeling, not anything else. Boys are boys. Girls are girls. If we can't agree on this and help our youth to accept their own biology, then how can we expect America to prosper as a nation!? Lord, have mercy!!!


Support, obviously.

As a student and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I'm writing to support protections for transgender and non-binary students in all of Virginia's public schools. These students deserve a safe place to learn and succeed, and protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for everyone.


Strongly support

Protect trans kids from bullying and abuse. This guidance could literally save lives. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/LGBTQ_MentalHealth_OnePager.pdf


Oppose

Can we please allow children the chance to develop their minds first? All the studies say that the brain doesn't mature until mid 20's. We ask them to wait to 16 before driving. We can ask them to wait until they've developed at least old enough to vote before their lives are altered. 40% is the figure that I've seen on those who change their minds. That's enough of a percentage to wait.


OPPOSED STRONGLY

THIS IS DISCRIMINATION OF ALL BIBLE BELIEVING FAMILIES IN VIRGINIA. WE MUST HAVE FREEDOM TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN THE VALUES WE CHOOSE.