I fully support these guidelines

I fully support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. All students – which includes transgender children – are entitled to a safe and supportive school environment. I think that if those who oppose these policies would read the scientific, medical, and psychological research about transgenderism or if they knew transgender students or adults, they would no longer oppose these policies. I agree that “the school environment must be set up so that transgender girls are treated like all other girls and transgender boys like all other boys. For many people, particularly adults, that notion challenges societal assumptions about the immutability of gender, so implementing these supports can seem daunting. But experience has shown that supporting these students is not only possible, but creates a safer and more inclusive environment for all students” (from Schools In Transition A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools).


Protect Trans people and help the young trans community flourish in our public schools ??

Protect trans children <3


Charlotte Geddy, Albemarle County Public Schools

As a school counselor, I fully support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.

As a school counselor for 14 years, I know that we have students with all different needs, which we need to support.  Supporting transgender students hurts nobody.  Not supporting transgender students has the potential to hurt many children.  I fully support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.


Strongly support new policy

This guidance document is well researched and written. The general assembly asked (by law) that it be written and now is the time to implement it. Schools often complain they don't have guidance or get conflicting information. So here it is. Whether perfect or not, let's start with this. Trans kids are born who they are and we need to have respect and love for them just like any other child.


I don't think you've thought this thru...

Totally agree that EVERYONE needs to have the same rights and freedoms as well as feel safe in public places, including schools.  But have you thought this thru???  What if a boy decides to enter a girls locker room or bathroom, will my daughter be protected?  I'm not reading anything that would limit this.  Think this thru to the end before passing a law that will have serious consequences.


Strongly support

The breadth of responses on this discussion board just motivated me to add the he/him/his designation to my Zoom identity... Although neither I nor my kids know someone who is declared transgender, our general sense of fairness and goodness is one that we believe the VA policy should be strongly supported.  We have all learned over the past year is that life is hard "as is"—the least that anyone can ask is to be able to live it as they are.


I full support this legislation

I support this legislation wholeheartedly


Full Support!

I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth


Do not support!

Strongly oppose this legislation!


SUPPORT TRANS LIVES

We need to support Trans children and they have the right to live a life that makes them feel happy and fulfilled. It’s not hurting anyone to let someone live their own truth. Why makes children suffer more in this world.


Strongly Oppose

i strongly oppose this proposal.


Full Support


Full Support!

I fully support this policy and the protection of our transgender youth.


Transgender Policy- Strongly Opposed

Strongly Oppose


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

This rule infringes on the parents rights to make medical decisions for their children.  As a parent of two children in the public school system, I am strongly opposed to allowing a school to participate or lead a child to question the gender of that child.  The school does not have the resources, nor the legal right to to infringe upon the moral and religious beliefs of a family. Furthermore, this will cause confusion among the children and staff in a school system.  It seems this rule is creating an ever-changing situation of what a child is allowed to decide for themselves during critical years of development.  Why is it illegal for children to smoke and drink, and then allow minors to choose a gender different from their biological sex?  This can cause permanent physical and pyschological harm to the child.  Why would it be ok to encourage a child to live one life at school and another life at home?


Strongly oppose transgender bill

Focus on improving the education results which are failing students in basic foundation of civics, history, patriotism.  Leave sex education to the parents. Those students needing help identifying their sexual idendity need to be directed to psychological help.


Fully Support the VDOE Policy Guidelines for Transgender Youth

As an educator for the past 24 years, I fully support the policy planned by the VDOE. Calling a student by their preferred name (just consider the number of nicknames our cisgender students use) and their preferred pronouns are basic human decency rights. Students, regardless of age, should always feel safe and secure in their schools. For some students, school is a safer space than home. The high number of transgender deaths and suicides is absolutely horrendous. The least we can do as human beings is treat everyone with respect, understanding, love, and support for ALL. It hurts no one to be kind.


I STRONGLY support this guidance document!

This guidance document is well-written and a lot of thought went into it. Trans rights are basic human rights; it is sad that it must be spelled out, but so very necessary. Our kids - ALL kids, regardless of their gender identity - need to be safe and secure in order to learn.


Trans Policy

Strongly oppose!


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose this effort. Our children are already hyper-sexualized at an early age and introducing the proposed policies and procedures is harmful. THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RAISING OUR CHILDREN, and public school is NOT a forum for social experimentation. An absence from bullying and respect for all—regardless of race, ethnicity, etc.—is expected WITHOUT the need to establish policy and procedures for any possible special interest group. Your policy would allow the school to WITHHOLD FROM PARENTS information concerning the behavior of our children when away from our care. Public school is not a sanctuary for aberrant behavior. I’m ashamed our school board would even consider such a proposal.


Support

trans students need specific support. I am a trans / non-binary person who went to Virginia public schools all through K-12. I had access to no community and no resources. And when I was bullied, there was basically nothing I could do because I was not open with my family and I found nothing at my schools. please ensure that along with these institutional efforts, you stay connected with community organizations, like Side by Side or Health Brigade in Richmond. Group gatherings of trans youth and proper health care are such important fundamentals to our well-being. I wish I had better access as a youth, so I’m happy to see this introduced. all the best


Transgender policy

I am against your policy to allow transgenders special privileges.  They deserve to be treated with respect but not to the detriment of any other person.  And certainly should not be allowed to compete in sports and/or enter bathrooms of the opposite biological sex of theri Creator.


Katie Mansfield, trauma and resilience educator

strongly support HB145 & SB161

I support the implementation of the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. I am an educator who works focused on trauma awareness and resilience. With those priorities in mind, I support the implementation of these policies so that school is a supportive, not a traumagenic – or potentially traumatic – environment for any student. School is for learning, growing, and building identity, even though too many people have experienced it as a space that requires hiding their identities. Learning and growing are supported by physical and emotional safety. Access to learning, to participating in activities, to expressing oneself, to being part of something and also standing apart when desired…would ideally be essential and expected parts of a loving, respectful school environment. Trans, genderqueer and nonbinary students deserve respect, freedom from bullying and harassment, physical and emotional safety, and access. I support moving schools away from hate and fear, toward loving embrace of and care for all bodies and gender identities.


Strongly Oppose

This model has nothing to do with providing the youth of Virginia an excellent education in the areas of math, writing, history, science, arts, and technology. This model uses the sexual identity agenda to erode parental rights.  If the VDOE really cared about this issue, they would not have included the exclusion of parents but instead the inclusion of them to help solve this issue. Stop using identity politics to overreach into the free lives of the people.


Full support

John Lewis said “If you see something say something”.  Before Brown v. The Board of Education we saw much of the same bigotry towards a group of people trying to hold onto segregation.  Today we see the exact same thing towards another group of people under the guise of concern and justice.  Hate will not win, hate never wins.  And that is what I see is discrimination rearing it’s ugly head again.  Shame on all of you for trying to do this to children, they deserve to be happy.


We strongly oppose the legislation

We strongly oppose the proposed changes to educational policy that disregard parental rights, students' privacy rights, and teachers' and administrators' First Amendment rights.


Stop the gender confusion--protect the children

I immigrated legally to the USA from Asia about 20 years ago, believing the US was an advanced country, one of the most advanced countries on earth. However, as our country becomes more advanced technologically, we are becoming more backward and confused when it comes to basic knowledge. Now we have people who deny gender, gender differences, and deny the differences between male and female. And now they are pushing this on our children in our schools. If you went to any third-world country, even into the poorest neighborhoods and asked adults how many sons or daughters, grandsons or granddaughters they had, they could tell you. We need to think about our offspring and descendants, and give them true values and correct basic knowledge, not confusion.


I fully support the VDOE in developing The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. The lives of transgender students and their parents is challenging enough already. Children need to feel safe and secure so they can have as happy a childhood as possible. Having guidelines in the school does not preclude the role that parents play in a child's life.


Full Support

Schools should not be run based on any one demographic’s religion. There is scientific proof supporting transgender individuals, and providing necessary accommodations for transgender students will provide a safer environment for everyone. These regulations will also help prevent transgender suicide rates in the student population.


OPPOSE this policy mandate

I strongly oppose the potential transgender mandate policy for Virginia taxpayer funded public schools.  These new policies set a dangerous precedent for limiting parents' rights.  I am very concerned about the valid concerns of the majority of students' safety and privacy in the state's attempt to make all students comfortable.  Allowing transgender youth access to their choice of bathroom/locker room does not solve their discomfort with their own bodies.  It is merely a political move to place the desire of the minority over the privacy of the majority.  Certainly our lawmakers can come together to provide support of transgender youth that don't put the rights and privacy of every non-transgender student in jeopardy.


Oppose Transgender Policies

As a United States Veteran, I fully oppose this proposal for transgender policies - FULLY oppose.


Strong disapproval of DOE’s proposed gender guidelines.

ince when is it up to the schools to make decisions for our children without our consent??? Especially ones which can be absolutely RUINOUS to our children’s mental health!!! I am furious. This is akin to a parent stating that their child can’t have sugary snacks at school because he is diabetic, and then the school saying “we are going to give this child sugary snacks because that is what HE wants even though there’s no way for him to fully understand the consequences of eating them!!” Health is health - whether it be physical or mental! It’s a PARENT’S business to make decisions regarding their children. The Department of Education is overstepping by far!


As an educator and parent, I fully support the adoption of policies to protect & support TransYouth

As an educator and parent, I fully support the adoption of the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Youth in Virginia Public Schools. It is important that ALL Virginia public schools send an unequivocal message that every child has the right to be welcomed, seen, heard, respected, cared for, and have every opportunity to thrive, transgender youth are no exception. We have to be held accountable to educate ourselves and grow our understanding to better protect and support transgender youth and operate in love, inclusiveness, and best practices. It is unmistakable the devastating effects that arise when our young people are discriminated against, bullied, harassed, ignored, and denied access and opportunity. With the proposed policy regarding transgender youth, we have the opportunity to affirm our young people's humanity and dignity and support them in their  social-emotional development,  education, and overall well-being as future self-aware, empathetic, and compassionate citizens.


I Support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I am a mental health counselor and I am privy to how academics and mental health can be negatively impacted when trans students are discriminated against. All students deserve the right to education without fear of being discriminated against. Students need to feel accepted and to feel free to engage in learning within a community dedicated to education within a safe environment for all.  Schools help students become better citizens and the proposed rule will enhance Virginia schools by creating a more effective learning environment for transgender and nonbinary students; this, in turn, creates a better learning environment for all.


Do not support

The school system has no place in giving special rights to the smallest portions of the public while putting the majority of impressionable young children at risk. Ignoring science that shows us that there are differences between the sexes and teaching children that they can be any sex they want is child abuse. Students at that age with sexual dysphoria should be helped not just told what ever they feel is correct. I am against this legislation.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

Parents are the the guardians of their offspring and matters affecting their wellbeing physically, spirituall and emotionally are absolutely their responsibility. From naming their child to choice of schools their faith is their prelogative and any changes that will affect any of these areas should therefore be done with their express consent. As we are aware document proposes to alter major areas of their tender life without the parents involvement?  Disregarding parental involvement in a childs wellbeing attempts to take away GOD given responsibility from parents, while schools are partners in intellectual development. Partners work together towards a better outcome for a child, while respecting each other. The legislation shold therefore be discarded


I strongly oppose the guidelines that are being proposed.

I strongly oppose the proposed guidelines


Fully support

Transgender students have been long due the same respect and protections as their cisgender classmates. Anything else is a failure of the school to create a positive and safe learning environment.


Strongly support

I personally know many young adults who identify as non-binary or transgender. They are kind, generous people and all are examples of the best and brightest this next generation has to offer. Every one of them has suffered bullying and residual trauma as a result of their gender identity. This is the tragedy of intolerance and discrimination. It is unspeakable that adults in our community choose to support hatred and violence to our children. We all lose when our children are targeted and traumatized and not allowed to develop their full potential.


Your voices of bigotry are heard.

The only logical reason to oppose this would be that you all are scared of change. If so, it's okay because anyone who opposes this, is just too scared to admit their true feelings of prejudice and hate. If you oppose this, stop trying to make non-sensical arguments. If you oppose it, tell us why it doesn't help the trans kids, not how it might cause your kid to see something they already aren't looking at on their phones and computers. THIS PROP IS FOR THE KIDS NOT YOU. The only thing stopping us from real progress in the world is the Biggoted thinking that plagues every narcissist in the country. This proposition is for the kids not the overprivelaged parents of NoVa who haven't had to fight for anything meaningful their lives. Quit starting fights that don't pertain to you no respect having bigots with kids who are too closed minded to stop bullying kids who are different than them. And who taught those kids to act that way? YOU.


Transgender

STRONGLY OPPOSE!


Strongly Support!

This is an issue of basic human decency and respect for everyone's identity. Thousands of children suffer every day from trauma associated with their gender identity and the social pressure and humiliation that they face - the last thing they need is for government policies to be discriminating against them and making their lives even more difficult. We need to be standing up for everyone's rights, not being discriminatory and just plain mean when making decisions that have enormous impacts on other peoples' lives because we harbor personal prejudices.


100% STRONGLY OPPOSE

This bill is not well thought out and a direct violation of parental rights and 1st amendment rights for everyone that opposes this nonsense. I will never let our children back into public schools again. We will form a group to cease paying taxes to fund the manipulation and abuse of students, parents and teachers that do not agree with the demands of "transgendered" determined people. We have rights too and our $$ do not need to go toward delusional thought police.


I oppose “Model Treatment for Transgender” school policies

I vehemently oppose the Virginia school system’s attempt through these model policies to supersede its role in the upbringing of our children. Discussions surrounding transgender individuals, their lifestyle, and the value system upon which a family’s Christian values are based should be discussed in the home by parents. It is never the role of the school system to interfere in a parent’s right to guide their children through these issues or to impose its belief system on a family. You are beyond the scope of your authority with these mandates for teachers and students.


Strongly support

I strongly support this step toward respecting the rights, safety, and wellbeing of all students. Every student deserves to feel safe and welcome at school. Transgender youth suffer from high rates of bullying, violence, and discrimination, contributing to high rates of depression and suicide. We must adopt these evidence-based practices aimed at providing a safe and supportive learning environment, free from discrimination and harassment.


Read the guidance before you post - it's terrible!

so, I read the guidance document. I am completely against this. Even the parents who think they support the fair treatment of transgender kids should read the details, because this is completely atrocious. terrible, stop this right now.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose any special treatment for gender unsure persons, especially in elementary schools. If someone is confused about their gender they should be treated for their illness. No need to indoctrinate other children.


Very concerned! Strongly opposed!

Very concerned! Strongly opposed!


Strongly support; hate has no place in our schools

I strongly support ensuring our transgender and non-binary children get the support they need in our schools by enacting policies that will protect them from harassment and bullying. ALL students deserve to feel safe in our schools. The people opposing this policy want to be able to discriminate as they please; this is unacceptable. Show some empathy and allow your children to be better people by learning empathy towards their fellow humans as well.


Strongly oppose!

Being a parent is one of the most serious responsibilities that a person can have.  It is by design that human reproduction takes a man and a woman.  Every individual shares DNA with their mother and father.  They are a part of their parents.  This is God's perfect design, and with it comes instructions on how to teach and guide our children.  I realize there are many parents that don't take their responsibilities seriously, but many of us do.  Legally, morally, and biblically, my kids are my responsibility.  The responsibility of our school system is to teach our kids the facts both current and throughout history.  It is an absolute overreach to steal parents ability to take care of our kids.


Don't call me a Karen

Is transgender sinful? “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5, ESV). Homosexuality is a sin, but transgender isn’t as clear cut, although Deuteronomy 22:5 and 1 Corinthians 11:14 discuss gender expression with some prohibitions. God has selected and given to each person, even before conception, a unique identity and design. A significant component is our gender. To deny this gift and be someone different would be denying God’s will, and that would be a sin. God designed male and female differently, and these unique and intentional distinctions should be maintained while guarding against the blurring or fusion of gender roles. With this said, we should recognize the attacks of sin on mankind (genetic mutations), as well as Satan’s attacks during gestation on the unborn child’s development. Although rare, genetic sex and physical development can be mismatched or unclear, and we want to make sure we are not judging a person’s situation with wrong assumptions or incomplete data. If their transgender pursuits are not from these biological/physiological in-utero attacks and actually come from post birth attacks, we need to recognize that the transgender individual is, like all of us, a wounded person needing to find their true identity in Christ.


as a mental health and student affairs practitioner. I STRONGLY SUPPORT


Vigorously oppose--this is crazy

I strongly oppose the school district using pseudoscience to harm vulnerable children and destroy their relationship with their parents.   This is crazy stuff.   Please read up on the consequences that using puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones have on young people--they result in thin bones and for young women, they increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and for young men they increase the risk of stroke and suicide.    For both, when used in combination, they result in infertility.   Is this really the direction the school district wishes to go?   Multiple lawsuits will be filed down the road by angry young adults who were seriously misled by gullible adults.  Please read about what is happening in the United Kingdom with Tavistock clinic and changes in education policy regarding "transgender".   The District cannot claim ignorance as this stuff is out there.


motion to support

Supporting ALL our students is essential, not just those who conform to a single set of beliefs. VADOE is tasked with reaching and teaching every single student in the commonwealth. Students who aren't afforded the opportunities to be their best selves are more likely to become mired in the trauma of trying to fit into boxes which weren't made for them and less likely to engage in opportunities that can help them create their own versions of successful lives. When I was in school there was huge opposition to allowing pathways for sexual harassment in workplaces and more loud protests about the inconveniences of such legislation. Today we know how much these laws have increased safety in the workplace. Giving trans people the opportunities to become their best selves and not have to fight for basic rights every step will create new levels of safety in our schools that will ultimately benefit us all.


FULLY SUPPORT!!!

I fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth!


strongly approve, trans people are still human

I wholeheartedly approve of this action, I know several transgender students, all of whom are nice and mean no harm. However, conservatives are out to vilify those in the lgbtq+ community because they are considered “not normal”. This is a step in the right direction.


Questions about the Transgender policy

This policy is a bit harsh.  The penalties for calling someone the R-word or N-word are not as stiff as a child calling a transgender person but the wrong pronoun.  If you are making a sweeping change, make it consistent to include, gender, race, and disability. Second the following language, " it will require faculty and students to call a student by their “preferred pronoun.” Failure to do so will be considered harassment, and both students and faculty will face disciplinary action." My question is faculty, ok., but students? Is there an exemption for students under a certain age? This legislation assumes that parents have explained this to their children Some may have, but most have not! What is the disciplinary action? In terms of bathroom, each school should be required to have a gender-neutral bathroom so as to minimize the harassment and teasing that will happen.  The other non-trans students may not be comfortable.  This legislation does not see both sides.


Emphatically oppose

The proposal to support our transgender youth has nothing to do with the actual inclusion of our transgender youth. This is a grotesque mask for exposing our youth to sexuality at too young an age and jeopardizing their safety.  It also serves to infringe on parent's rights. I refuse to support nonsense.


Oppose

Opposed to allowing this!


Strongly OPPOSE such teaching

I strongly oppose such teaching. I find this very offensive and completely unacceptable people. We must get back to the basics of morality in our teaching


Support for DoE guidance

Good afternoon, All youth deserve safe and supportive school environments. I support the guidelines proposed by the VA Department of Education for Trans and NonBinary Students in the state of Virginia. Thank you, Margot Ackermann


Do not agree!

Strongly opposed,  Please do not pass this. Concerned parent!


Transgender policy

I VERY STRONGLY OPPOSE THE TRANSGENDER POLICY IN VA SCHOOLS!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

STRONGLY OPPOSE. Children need more God in schools, not more gender confusion.


Strongly oppose

As a family, we are strongly opposed to this. I have a child who attends a public school and am not in favor of this at all. Not only does this take rights from parents, it also snubs those who have MORALS and  who want to continue to uphold standards that our country was founded on many years ago. We have laid down and let the far left dictate what rights we have as not only Christians but just human beings who have a set of morals that we should be standing by. You were born as a male or female....THERE IS NO CONFUSION WHEN THE DOCTOR MAKES THAT ANNOUNCEMENT. Why are we letting perverted people have the right to do whatever they want, play on a sports team that is not their born gender, go into a bathroom that is not their birth gender and on and on it goes. The evil that lies in this kind of thinking and actions goes against every civil right those with MORALS have. That is what is missing in this world....MORALS. United States needs to fall back on the principles our country was founded on and thrived on for soooooo many years. This perverted evilness will land us in a very bad place. God Have Mercy On Us All!!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I strongly oppose this being mandated in the school system. This is undermining the role of a parent in parenting their children. What about the children who are not transgender? Are they just left with no supports at all? Transgender  children would go through this very trying, confusing, and life altering time without their parents knowledge??? This is completely evil and the department of education is crossing SERIOUS BOUNDARIES as they step into the role of a parent rather than educator! Furthermore, this would place more vulnerable children into a government system that is already beyond its limits with children needing homes! The VDOE needs to STAY IN THEIR LANE!!!


Support from a former VA student

This set of model policies would be a welcome and refreshing change.  Trans children already face so much hostility in their lives, the last thing they need is to face institutional hostility to their existence in our commonwealth's places of learning. Hopefully, these guidelines, along with more inclusive curricula, can help to establish a welcoming environment for trans students to learn and grow in.


Transgender policy

I understand that any particular group shouldn't be bullied or singled out in a negative way.  The one thing is once you start naming a certain group and trying to help you end up making that group singled out.  It sometimes back fires.  I personally think by teaching all groups and people need to be treated in a way any person would want to be treated is a better way of dealing with this.  All people should be treated with respect.  You don't need to single out a group to do this.


Absolutely Appalling

The people this bill is designed to protect are perverts who are attempting to indoctrinatiion of our children into a disgusting sexual agenda. We, a Christian family of 8, will not stand for this


!!!FULLY SUPPORT!!!

I fully support legislation that protects the health and well-being of trans youth in school. They deserve the same uplifting treatment and support as cisgender students, especially at a very formative time in their lives.


Without borders and rules you will have mayhem

We expect to parent our children guidelines and rules... having NO borders for our children to have a steady grip of solid ground is exactly what will happen if this passes. The mindset of ANYTHING can be challenged or pressed will allow CHILDREN to press hard against rules and regulations in school NOT having anything to do with gender but “because”. This is a path of poor foundation that is trying to pass. Without guidelines and rules, not fluidity, CHILDREN will not have a solid base to stand to make decisions.


I oppose not safe

I oppose to this idea. It is very unsafe for children. Have no clue what people are thinking this day. Yes love everyone but not doing it this way.


Strongly oppose!

I strongly disagree with pushing this agenda instead of listening to your constituents.


Strongly Oppose

I very strongly oppose any legislation that teaches sexual gender or orientation as a choice.


School transgender policies - strongly oppose

After reading through some of the suggested policies, it seems that they are hypocritical in nature.  They are designed to protect students but unfortunately not all students will be protected.  Many, probably most students, will actually be offended or put at risk of significant emotional and even physical harm.  This is particularly the case with not having boundaries for bathrooms and locker rooms.  I find it absurd in this age of the "Me Too" movement to do anything that would increase chances of girls being victimized. Knowing that brains, especially the prefrontal cortex, do not fully develop until the 20's, I am at a loss to understand why we are allowing children to make decisions of such import, especially without the guidance of parents.  This seems to be one more instance of government diminishing the rights of parents. If there is no evidence required to prove that a student is transgender, how can we trust that each student's claim is real?  It is not uncommon for children and youth to make impulsive and not well thought through decisions on a regular basis.  Many children have been taught that they have the right to make decisions based on how they feel and on the desire for instant gratification.  They fail to take into account how other people and even society will be affected, even harmed, by their selfish choices.  Back to brain development and critical thinking skills, many youth lack linear sequential thinking skills which keep them in instant gratification mode their whole lives.  This is a major cause of instability and chaos in personal life and in society.  If we encourage this in our students, what will the outcome be for society? Many children and youth simply cannot imagine what the results of decisions around gender identity might be in the long term for them.  It should not rest on schools to provide support and encouragement for this processing.  This requires highly skilled professionals who specialize in this area.  We dare not do more harm than good by pretending that the average school staff member knows best in this area.  Again, parents should be leading their children through this. It is known that the majority of children and youth who choose a different gender identity than their biological identity, revert back to their biological identity by adulthood.  It is also true that many who question their gender identity have other issues in their lives which need the compassionate expertise of professionals.  We should not encourage exploration of something which can actually cause more harm rather than the healing that is needed.  Depression, anxiety and suicide rates are comparable in those who are supported in gender transitioning as in those who stay with their biological gender.  We need to take this into consideration as we decide how to best support our children and youth. If these policies are put into effect, I will withdrawal my daughter from public school in order to protect her from the harm that I anticipate will result.


I oppose this is againt my religios beliefs and cannot be healthy nor helpful to children.

This plan cannot be healthy nor helpful to any child.  We are all responsible for our own children and this should not supersede anything that we do as parents.  Parents should always be aware of what their children are learning and being exposed to.  We were created by God and in the way we were intended.


I full Support the legislation and to promote the health and well beings of transgendered humans.

Support your peers.


Strongly Disagree!

I would like to start by saying that I have 2 young daughters and 1 young son.  I would hate to think that I was sending my girls to school where there is even a thought of someone that was born male allowed walk into the bathroom with them!  Schools should be a safe place for kids, not a place where they feel threatened by whom they are around. Even so for locker rooms, etc, does one think that it should be ok for a person born male to play on female sports teams, there would be not competition and results of many injuries.  If someone is born a certain gender, that is what the good Lord designed to be, should not have to choose to be anything else. People in general need to be their best self, not try to change to be something that they are not. I pray they those making the decisions think about this long and hard.


Suggest

Transgender issues should not be exposed to kids.


Strongly disagree

This is unacceptable!  Strongly disagree!


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

STRONGLY OPPOSE!


I fully support helping trans youth

I fully support helping trans youth


No barriers to learning! Fully support!

Gender identity should not be a barrier to quality education and a safe school environment. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs shows is that students cannot learn if they do not feel comfortable and safe. Public schools are tasked with providing quality education and this cannot be done if systems are in place that do not protect some students. Transgender students deserve to feel comfortable at school just as much as other students. As we have seen through civil rights movements of the past, the true change in culture needs legislative backing. I fully support this legislation as a Virginia Educator.


Transgenders go against the word of God

If you let this bill pass, it’s your fault when our children get diddled in the bathrooms


Strongly disagree to this!

This needs to be thrown out. This is wrong from all areas of looking at this. I have 3 young children. Seeing girls and boys in the same bathrooms/ locker rooms seems very threatening regarding their safety.  This is not okay and we need rules and guidelines to live by. I hope and pray the ones making this policy think long and hard of the effects this will cause and will oppose this regulation that is trying to be passed.


Schools are morally obliged to provide a safe learning environment for ALL students, no exceptions

The school system must provide safety for transgender students because they are extremely likely to be targeted and harassed due to how they identify themselves. Trans students are students too and must be treated equally. No exceptions. We have a moral obligation to provide for the students and to educate them, how they identify does not matter. Anyone that is concerned that trans students will "push their lifestyle" on my children has a complete misunderstanding of how trans people function and live. The school system must provide a safe environment for trans students. They are people too.


Strongly disagree

I strongly disagree with these new rule changes and believe they will affect my children’s psyche.


Absolutely Not

I will pull every child of mine and will insure every grandchild is pulled from public school if they are forced to be in awkward positions just because a few voices happen to be louder than the majority. You do not play with the lives of our children and force the agendas of people that believe different.


OPPOSE!!!!!

OPPOSE!!!!!! This will lead to so much sex and other issues occurring in restrooms you don’t even want to imagine! Horrible horrible horrible


STRONGLY opposed VA teacher

Elements of this policy are in direct opposition to every Christian's 1st Amendment right to Freedom of Religion. I cannot and will not refer to a student by a non-biological (and inaccurate) pronoun. What is more, I cannot and will not affirm gender fluidity.


Strongly support

This policy is one step closer to a safer school experience for trans children.


Strongly oppose

I am mother and I do not agree with this.


Strongly disagree

I strongly disagree with these new policies. They go against the Bible and are morally wrong. If this passes, my children will not be attending public schools.


Transgender policy

This is giving in to the few.  Girls on the boys swim team topless, are you kidding me.  We have freedom of religion per the constitution.   We can not continue to enable a derelict society.   Mom of 5


STRONGLY DISAPPROVE/APPOSE

I strongly appose this legislation and over reach of government. We are created in the image of God and he created us Male and Female. May God have mercy on us.


Transgender policies

Strongly oppose transgender policies


Strongly agree. No one should be discriminated against due to their race, gender, or sexuality.

I strongly agree with this. No one should be discriminated against due to their race, gender, or sexuality. We need to progress as a society. Trans rights are human rights.


Oppose!

I oppose this, as it is against God’s intended  purpose for His creation. We are made female and male as He intended us to be. We are to honor that, and fulfill His calling on our lives in the specific gender role He Himself gave us!


oppose

My children don’t deserve to be scared to go to bathroom at school because of a few people who are sexually confused and need mental assistance. We are the majority, and the majority gets the vote


transgender school policy

Totally opposed, this is so wrong!


Opposition to transgender policy

I am a parent of three young children and fully support the ability for ALL children to be able to go to school safely and free from any kind of harassment or bullying. In fact, Fairfax County Public Schools have provided a wonderful environment for my children. However I believe these mandates go too far and could potentially make school a less comfortable place for young women in particular, while taking parental guidance away from parents. There are lots of ways the department of education can ensure safety and support for transgender children without enacting policies that are this extreme. Please do not implement them.


Strongly oppose transgenders of any kind

God says He made people male and female. There is no way we should allow children to mix in bathrooms or shower areas.


Absolutely NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The public education system has lost its way. What are we doing here? Social engineering is NOT what public education is about. We will not tolerate brainwashing of our children to believe they are anything other than the BEST versions of themselves. No surgery or hormone therapy can change ones feelings about themselves. This is not based on science; it's political ideology to push our society into having emasculated men. Men are men and women are women for a reason. Respect BIOLOGY!!!!! Stop re-writing it. //s// ed off mother of two boys.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I plead with all of you to review studies and research conducted on children choosing to change their gender at their whim during childhood. Many studies, doctors, and child psychologists agree that children are not capable of determining their gender based on how they "feel", nor should be encouraged to do so. The repercussions are detrimental to a child's mental and emotional state. Now the county has made this everyone’s problem. This is not fair for tax-paying county residents. You all state the statistical facts yourselves about children with gender identity issues having depression etc. This is not because it isn’t an accepted practice at school. It is because they are coping with something they can’t deal with on their own and need private parental and therapeutic help to understand who they are. Please support what is healthiest for all our children. I know families are going through a lot with children that deal with this challenge, but we need to also consider how other families feel and what other children experience in the classroom. Consider the distractions in the classroom with other children and also bullying to children that are dealing with changing their gender identity. Consider that sexual abuse that could occur in the schools and the damage and loss of protections for all students. Please allow families to deal with these personal issues at home and leave it out of the public schools system to protect children with and without gender identity needs.


In support -- Do to others as you would have them do to you

The proposed amendments to public school policy are not reinventing the wheel. They are solely seeking to support children in their gender expression in order to mitigate mental health impacts and social risks. Suicidal ideation rates are astronomical among LGBTQ+ youth - these policy amendments serve to create a more supportive environments for an overwhelmingly at-risk group. These policies do not force transgenderism upon anyone. They simply want to accept children and keep them safe. To those espousing religious ideology in this forum, please remember that there is supposed to be a division of church and state in this country. Schools do not exist to teach tenets of any one religion - they are there to teach children about the world. Please turn to your own congregations for religious teachings and remember that Jesus loved and accepted everyone. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Please.


Those who support this are sick in the head

Anyone who supports this measure likely needs therapy. It’s wrong on so many levels and it makes me feel sick


Strongly Oppose to the proposed Transgender policy!!!

I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy. Why should parents and our children be forced to conform to a policy that we do not agree with?  You are born male or female and they should not be permitted to use whatever bathroom, locker room, etc., that they chose. Boys with boy parts should stay with the boys room and vice versa.  I do not want my child or my grandchildren to have to be subjected to this.  Our opinions matter as well and we should not have to conform or be punished to accommodate others for this type of behavior. I will and am prepared to fight against this policy along with a lot of other parents, grandparents and other adults.


Virginia Public Schools proposed guidelines regarding transgender students

I strongly and adamantly disagree with the proposed guidelines regarding transgenders on many points.  Accommodations for transgenders to utilize the same restrooms and locker rooms should not be allowed and it laces other children and teens at risk.   In the draft, the use of gender neutral pronouns will do nothing to improve our education system and will lead to disruption and confusion on many levels.   As indicated the preference can change from day to day or week to week. Children/teens navigating this issue need professional counseling on a level far greater than administrators, teachers and staff than what they are qualified to provide.  This will add addition strain on our already stressed educational personnel as well as enhance the issues facing these children and is harmful to them, the family, the community and society. Parents hold this responsibility to being up their children. This should NEVER be transferred to the educational systems. Regarding the issue of attire: all individuals should be clothed appropriately. Specifically fully clothed. This piece


totally opposed, this is so wrong

this is child abuse


Absolutely not

As the mother of 2 school age boys, I would never send my children to any school that functioned in this capacity.  I do not want them sharing restrooms with opposite gender.


Opposed

We are strongly opposed! Let the parents determine when/if it is appropriate to address this with their kids!


NoWay!!  Strongly oppose!!!!!!!!!

I do not approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.


FULLY SUPPORT

As an FCPS alum and LGBTQ+ Ally, I fully believe that transgender students should have all rights, opportunity and protections that they need to feel safe at a an FCPS School.


Strongly disagree

As a grandparent of school age girls, I'm very concerned about the emotional stress of changing for PE or using the bathroom with boys. This certainly doesn't protect all our children.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I believe this law is an overreach of our constitutional rights. I don’t believe anyone should be bullied or made to feel like less of a person, but if this bill is allowed, you would be encouraging exactly that. Those children and parents who believe in two genders and who believe that God made male and female would be excluded, harassed, possibly kicked out of school and their parents reported to authorities. If we believe in inclusion, than we must include all and not just those who line up with our beliefs. Transgenders should be allowed an education that is free of bullying and shaming, but so should those who hold to different beliefs.


Strongly support! Students learn best when they can be themselves!!

just support people being themselves. It really it’s everyone’s business what peoples genders are. You could do the right thing now, or look like a jerk later tbh.


OPPOSE

this is so wrong... on so many levels. We cannot mess with CHILDRENS biology and allow them to pretend to be of opposite sex... what a travesty to actually consider this.


Strongly support protections for trans children

I am strongly in support of making schools safer for trans students. This is a step in that direction. Public schools are obligated to provide a SUPPORTIVE learning environment for all children, regardless of whether they fit into rigid social notions of gender or not.


Strongly disagree

This whole bill does nothing but strip away parents rights and force feed the views of a micro group down everyone’s throat. It is an abomination that should never have even been allowed to become a bill. If this bill passes I will be removing my kids from public school. And if any MAN enters the bathroom when my daughter is in there there will be hell to pay.


Boys and girls are separate for a reason! We can’t allow sexual activity to run rampant in schools, however if this passes, that will happen. I don’t want my children to be subjected to sex while in school simply because a dumb decision was made by incompetent leaders.


Strongly support!!!

Strongly support! All children must be supported and protected in school, regardless of their self-expression or self-identity.


Schools MUST reflect the Will of the People! RE: "Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students"

RE: "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools" Use common sense -- these proposed policies do not serve the good people of our community!  Schools MUST reflect the WILL of the PEOPLE! THANK YOU!


Trans people I see you! I hear you! YOU ARE LOVED AND 110% ACCEPTED. translivesmatter #BLM #LOVEwins

I strongly SUPPORT the protection of trans students in Virginia public school. <3


read the document in full - most of you missing how this takes away rights from non trans students!

I don't think people have read the policy book and they just go along (with their heart int he right place) with equal rights for transgenders. Please take the time and READ! https://townhall.virginia.gov/l/GetFile.cfm?File=C: \TownHall\docroot\Guidan Schools already have bullying and harassment policies. This policy goes much further and digs into rights of other students and parents. Just read it! How would you like your 6th grade daughter exposed to a biological boy (and vice versa) in the locker room? What are the schools going to do to protect girls in the bathroom when a boy says he's a girl one day (with ill intent) and uses your daughters bathroom- remember, there are no questions asked - that leaves the door WIDE open for harassment for our daughters.  MOST parents are not talking  to their children about these topics until in their teens, yet you want to make them "woke" in elementary school and they will be disciplined if they use the wrong pro-noun??? This is insane.  Our children need to focus on their ABC's! You barely have time to prep them for SOL's and now you are going to have to keep teach the to be "woke". VDOE needs to WAKE UP and put EDUCATION FIRST! Stop trying push an agenda on our kids that will bring mental and emotional anxiety on them. I guarantee you will loose a substantial size of your publicly educated children and therefore state funding for schools! They will be switched to  private and homeschool... you all think homeschool is a good option anyways- and we have adapted to that! I empathize for the transgender kids and their feelings... let them dress the gender of their choice, have a non-gender bathroom that they can use, have a non-gender locker room. This gives them equality.


Strongly oppose

Strongly disagree with this, you can’t trick their minds! You correct them that’s what education does! You show them the difference between an orange and an apple you don’t keep lying to them and let them think it’s whatever they want it to be!! These are kids we teach them right and wrong!


Strongly oppose

I oppose this initiative by the DOE strongly. Please do not put our kids through this. This is a serious overstep of religious liberties for students whose families are in opposition to the idea of gender confusion. And rather you are religious or not , we need to protect our children. They need to feel safe when walking into a restroom and not violated by the opposite sex. This could lead to rapes. Please, keep our children safe at school. They have enough to deal with trying to fit in, peer pressure, school work, home life. Please, do the right thing. We all survived going into separate bathrooms and so will those who are gender confused.


Support & protect trans children!!!!

I strongly support any measures to increase protection, education, and resources for trans students. Transgender youth face overwhelming higher risks of suicide or suicidal attempts, nearly 50% of trans & non-binary individuals admitting to have attempted suicide at some point in their lives (HRC, 2018). Allowing public schools more options for supporting transgender students will allow for trans youths to feel much safer in being themselves in schools.


Vehemently Oppose

I oppose this initiative by the DOE in the strongest form possible. I believe this a serious overstep into religious liberties for students whose family values are in opposition to this idea of gender confusion. Additional I believe this puts students at risk for sexual crimes such as harassment, assault, and rape.  The DOE’s primary responsibility is to provide a safe environment for learning. Students of both biological sexes will be unwillingly exposed to circumstances that in no way promote a comfortable and safe setting conducive to education. Additionally, the added responsibility and strain it places on teachers and administrators to monitor bathrooms and locker rooms is an undue burden placed on staff by the DOE. This initiative, if passed, will be challenged in litigation.


Strongly OPPOSE

I strongly oppose the policies that the VDOE has proposed that public schools adopt in regards to allowing students to use bathrooms and locker rooms based on their “gender identity”.  Because “gender identity” is not allowed to be questioned, there is nothing to prevent any student from exploiting many situations. I fear that we will see a rise in sexual harassment cases as we have seen in places such as Target, who has adopted these same policies.  To accommodate a few, we are threatening the right to safety and privacy for ALL students. It is concerning as well, that parents will not be notified of their child’s choices at school, or if a member of the opposite sex was in the same bathroom or changing facility as their child. Also, staff members and students will be forced to comply with policies that violate their moral and religious beliefs or face punishment. This is wrong!


Fully support

I fully support legislation promoting the well-being of trans individuals. Every child deserves to feel comfortable in his or her skin, without incessant bullying and harassment. These children deserve a safe space to learn, that is the very least we can do.


Strongly oppose this being forced on our students/children.

I strongly oppose this being forced on our children. While children should not be bullied if they choose to become transgender, neither should this agenda be forced upon every child in the state of Virginia. So many things are not fully thought out by these children. The hormones that are given to these children as they seek gender reassignment make each one sterile while they are too young to fully understand the implications of their decision. Please do not force our children down this road. A concerned RN and mother of 4


TRANS STUDENTS MATTER

all students matter.


Oppose

I am strongly opposed to this policy. You shouldn’t disregard the rights of many in an attempt to appease a few. I say attempt because you have no idea if this policy will actually help. But what is known is that it will hurt most females who will not feel safe in bathroom where penises are not just allowed, but have a free pass to go on a whim. It will also infringe upon the rights of males who do not want vaginas in their bathrooms. This is NOT transphobic. Let the trans youth use the staff/admin bathrooms. Just do not be sexist against females or males in a poor and misguided attempt to help a few.


Strongly oppose transgender bill

I strongly oppose the transgender bill being introduced for public schools


protect trans kids!

trans kids deserve to have love and support from their community, especially in schools.


FULLY SUPPORT!!!!

As an FCPS alum and LGBTQ+ Ally, I fully believe that transgender students should have all rights, opportunities, and protections that they need to feel safe at an FCPS School.


inappropriate subject for classroom

Please listen to the concerned parents and citizens of Virginia concerning your proposed policies re: transgender education, etc.    It is the children of these parents who will be affected by your misguided proposals and policies.   The parents must have a say in their children's education.  I speak from experience,  having had 4 children raised in the Arlington County schools,  and 6 of my 10 grandchildren also so educated.  Their education was excellent,  and the school's social guidance above reproach.  I fear for my great grandchildren who are about to start in the county schools.  Perhaps they will be forced to go elsewhere.    signed . . . . a disillusioned ex-school employee.


Full support of inclusive policies!

As Virginia begins to repair it's colonial past we must address the full breadth of this. This includes the erasure and harm the policies of the past have been on the LGBTQ+ populace. Gender is different across cultures and we as a society need to embrace fully the diversity of human experience. Part of embracing this is creating a safe space for the youth who fall into the most marginalized of society. We must protect these young trans citizens. They are our future. All young citizens must be protected.


inappropriate subject for classroom


Transgender issues

I oppose indoctrination of any gender issues in public education.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

I echo the words of Zach Benson: "I strongly support any measures to increase protection, education, and resources for trans students. Transgender youth face overwhelming higher risks of suicide or suicidal attempts, nearly 50% of trans & non-binary individuals admitting to have attempted suicide at some point in their lives (HRC, 2018). Allowing public schools more options for supporting transgender students will allow for trans youths to feel much safer in being themselves in schools."


Fully support

I fully and unequivocally support the protection of the health and well-being of transgender students in Virginia public schools. As a former student of Virginia public schools, I believe this action is critically necessary to create equitable, safe, non-discriminatory, and fair environments for all students.


Hugely Support!!!

Absolutely hugely support!!!!! Trans lives always matter!!


Transgender Student Inclusiveness

I SUPPORT!!!!!!


Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

Where is the science behind this crazy set of rules? The children in this unhealthful category have a serious problem and need our help. Your temporary accommodations during the early years of our public education system does not meet even the minimum standard of "help."


Trans rights are human rights

I support LGBTQIA+ rights. helping people at a younger age will help them later in life. are we not meant to help people, which in turn helps everyone? the lack of compassion seen in many comments, a large quantity using slurs, obscene imagery and offensive language truly reveals how intolerant people have no qualms sharing their hate if it gratifies their personal satisfactions. if you oppose this plan come up with an alternative that can do the same kind of protective work for these kids in schools. progressive ideas that help everyone!


Strong Support

I strongly support this policy GUIDANCE to local schools who are craving direction on how to best support each and every one of their students.


This is egregious

If you continue to proceed with indoctrinating our children in evil, insane policies that destroy children's lives, then you will lose all legitimacy as an institution that is pro-children.  You are ruining children's lives.  There is no evidence that promoting these experimental transgender policies improve psychological health and you are putting children in physical danger. There is a difference between prohibiting bullying and pushing sexualization of children and removal of parents from the parent/child relationship. Stop and modify this policy to focus on protection of the children from bullying, but not from their own parents.  You are being totalitarian in a new, untested, experimental ideology that is caus ing lives to be ruined.


Lying to children is abuse

Oppose this policy! Gender is determined at conception. Science confirms this now, and always will, because it is true. The pseudo science of transgenderism is a lie. Lying to children is abuse. Additionally, the language in this proposed policy violates the 1st amendment rights of those who wish to voice their dissenting ideologies, by seeking to punish those who do not believe the lie of transgenderism and do not wish to participate in the abuse of children by using their preferred "gender pronouns".


Support Guidance

Thank you to all who worked to put this document together. As the parent of two children aged 4 years and 9 years, I write in support of the guidance laid out. Folks writing in opposition saying "kids can't handle this" underestimate the emotional range of the children. Trans rights are human rights.


Strongly support trans/non-binary student rights

With regard to Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia, please be advised that I fully support the rights of transgender and non-binary students to attend public and private schools in Virginia without fear of discrimination, harassment or bullying at the hands of fellow students and/or staff.  Every student in Virginia schools should feel that their educational environment is one of acceptance, support, encouragement, and safety.


Mostly Support DOE guidance for trans students

While I have some concerns about schools mediating the relationship between parents and trans students, overall, I support this guidance. I understand not all parents will support their trans children, and I don't have any constructive suggestions on that topic, but it puts schools in a difficult place. As the parent of a trans child, I am as concerned about how teachers and administrators treat students as I am how they are treated by other students and I think this policy does a good job of covering that. I think students who are uncomfortable with trans students sharing facilities should be provided an option for their comfort. Trans students don't "make people uncomfortable." People react to trans students based on their own fears and prejudices.


strongly support!

Trans rights are human rights!!!! Protect students!! All students deserve the right to a save education.


Vote No

STRONGLY OPPOSE!!  What about the privacy and rights of all the kids who aren’t trans???  This is a horrible idea and I’m sick of people trying to shove this ideology into the norm. Why can’t we embrace the differences between girls and boys, men and women?  We are not made the same.  We balance each other with our differences. Stop trying to conform the entire population into one sex and teach children that they are individuals with their unique personalities, strengths and yes, weaknesses.  Why in the world is there so much emphasis on sex in the elementary schools?  Let them be little   Life was sooo much better when I was a child compared to now and the way my grandkids are being taught. PLEASE VOTE NO


Support Trans Students

I fully support the protection of the health and well-being of transgender students in Virginia public schools.


SUPPORT!!!!!

PROTECT TRANS STUDENTS!!! How bigoted do you have to be to not want to keep a student safe due to their gender expression.


Support!!

all of our students should feel safe and supported to be whoever they are. I support this bill!


VERY STRONGLY SUPPORT

TRANS STUDENTS ARE STILL STUDENTS LET THEM LEARN ! Protect them!!!


Strongly oppose

This suggested action promotes division on many different levels. Reading the comments verifies that.  It discriminates against the core beliefs of the moral majority. It potentially endangers individuals and it attempts to - with the swipe of a pen - change society’s view on biology, parental rights, and what is fair and just for the majority. This is not a decision to even be considered at this time. “Anything created by man that obviously has a negative effect on society as a whole and without which, obviously has a positive effect on society as a whole, should not be allowed”. Have we not learned from the poor decisions we’ve made involving things that have clearly destroyed 100’s of 1000’s of lives? alcohol, porn, planned parenthood etc. If passed, this too will have a far more negative effect on society than positive. It just should not be allowed.


strongly support

Protect Trans Students! These are our children and we must protect them. This initiative can provide transgender children the guidance and support needed to feel like an equal member of society. All children deserve to be respected and included. Please adopt the model.


SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT

PROTECT trans students!


Bigotry Doesn’t Belong in Schools - Trans Rights are Human Rights

There is no rational reason to harm developing children, some of which are trans children, by denying their needs. Whether those needs are using a certain restroom or simply requiring support from staff members, they are absolutely right and entitled to the same amount of care as cisgender children.


ADAMANTLY AND STRONGLY SUPPORT TRANS STUDENTS

Absolutely support the model policies for transgender students!!!?


Transgender treatment in schools

Transgenders should not be bullied or mistreated , but neither should other children be subjected to upsetting and confusing situations.  I foresee my grandchildren being enrolled in private schools to protect them , their emotions and THEIR rights.  A sad state of affairs .  Where is the common sense?


Trans rights are human rights. They deserve to feel safe, protected, and loved.

There is no opinion or question on whether our transgender neighbors, coworkers, friends and family deserve the same protected rights as those who are cisgender. It is cruel and disappointing that human beings are willing to put other lives at risk simply because they are uncomfortable and ignorant to the fact that according to anthropological data, gender is simply a social construct and that above all and anything else, we are all human and deserve the same freedoms and rights as one another no matter what you want to identify yourself as. I strongly support a bill that seeks to protect and support our transgender community and youth. They belong here and they deserve to be seen and loved.


Support trans kids

Support trans kids. End hatred. Equal rights for all.


I am opposed to this bill. Just one more distraction to take pupils from their studies.

Boys, girls, women and men are entitled to privacy when they enter a bathroom or locker room. It is invasive enough in an all girl's or boy's bathroom/lockerroom. I know these words are frowned on, but it is a fact one is born with one of two genders. It is hard to understand a society who would encourage these invasions into the most private rooms in a school. Should distractions be allowed during the schoolday, should children not be allowed a safe environment in which to concentrate on their studies. I do not understand a society who allows minors to make a decision of gender switching until they are in their majority. I hear too many people say, follow the science, but it is not science to have this gender reassignment during the school years of their childhood. Hence, this should not be an issue for schools at all.


Strongly oppose

I disagree with this because of how God created male and female. I will continue to show and share God's love and be kind to them, but will not support them.


Strongly in support

Strongly in support of an inclusive policy that protects the well being of all children. Also strongly in support of all those opposed to pursue a baseline understanding of biology and the evolution of socially constructed genders.


TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS


Strong support!

Our children deserve protection and respect. Strongly support, trans rights are human rights.


100% Against This. Parents need to know and be aware of what is happening to their children.

Parents should be 100% aware of the things that are happening to their children in school. End of discussion. Hiding things from them would just create distrust and I would not put my child in public schools if that was the case.


Strongly support

I strongly support this! Please protect our children!


Support

i strongly support this. There is no reason not to have policies that support all types of students, and teach others how to respect them. I’ve seen some comments saying this encourages transgenderedness and LGBTQ+ behavior, but this doesn’t hold water. We teach students books with the n-word in it, however those lessons don’t encourage racism. Students have always been able to handle new things and challenging topics when taught appropriately.


TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS


Trans

Strongly oppose


Strongly support

Every child deserves to be free of harassment and discrimination in schools. Trans children need protection, as shown by the astronomically high rates of suicide, mental illness, substance use, and abuse experienced by this population. The fact that basic protections against gender-based and transphobic violence are so hotly contested is so saddening, and I truly question anyone who claims "family values" or "protecting the children" as reasons to oppose this legislation. Trans children need protection too.


Strong support

As a mother of two public school students, I support this fully. Trans children, and all children, deserve to learn in an environment where they are fully respected and safe.  Please move to approve this guidance. Also, please remove the ability for folks to comment on here anonymously as many comments here are harmful, degrading, and dehumanizing and those posting such things should not be shielded by anonymity on this platform.


Trans Rights are Human Rights and there’s scientific backing/proof that being Trans is natural.

Trans Women are Women and Trans Men are Men and Trans Rights are Human Rights. It’s as simple as that. They should not be discriminated against for who they are. Sex and Gender are two separate things and both are a Spectrum. It’s a biological fact that there are more than 2 sexes in both humans and other animals in nature. And it’s a sociological fact that Gender is a social construct that was strictly defined under European rule and which was imposed under colonialism and imperialism. Everything that denotes “Gender” is just a material good imposed on people by society, for example: clothing types, makeup, toys, colors, etc. and none of these things are inherently for boys or girls or men or women. No one is born immediately wanting those things that relate to their imposed gender, it’s being a part of society that makes people want and use those things to be accepted by society. And throughout history there have been many documented peoples, cultures, and civilizations having more than just 2 genders as well. The concept of a strict Gender is insane and harmful to people and their true selves. The leading cause of suicide in people who are Trans is not being accepted for being Trans. Trans Rights are Human Rights.


Transgenders in school

I oppose those measures as the narrative is beside the reality of nature and it will make students live in a fantasy world. Transgenders must be respected, but not promoted.


VOTE NO!

Science deniers believe in more than 2 genders!u


Strong Support

Strongly support and will defend trans/ human rights


Strongly Support!!! (Please read)

It’s disturbing to see the amount of people here that are opposed to these new policies. Guess what? It’s not 1960 anymore. Times have changed whether you like it or not. Stop putting your discriminatory religious beliefs over the well-being of children. Also, there is a specific reason why the schools may withhold information from parents. What if said parents pose a risk of violence to their child because they are trans? They may kick them out, or worse, physically hurt them in some way.


STRONGLY AGREE!!!

We should highly support trans children. Instead of looking down or pretending as if they don’t exist, children deserve to feel comfortable and accepted. Instead of feeling trapped and uncomfortable by those around them. Educating others on the topic will also allow children to expand their horizons and be more accepted due to the socializing among peers.


Transgender students

I strongly oppose these guidelines for Transgender students.  While I agree transgender students have rights, what about the rights of other students who will be affected by these guidelines.


Support support support

Science and medicine support trans people. Schools should too.


Fully Support!

I fully support this! We need to support Trans youth.


SUPPORT TRANS KIDS - (reference: American Academy of Pediatrics)

Support trans children! Please read the American Academy of Pediatrics' stance on the importance of gender affirmation, which includes but is not limited to gender affirming schools and communities , for the biopsychosocial development of trans youth. Link: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20182162 Creating a safer, more supportive, and evidence-based environment in schools will benefit all children.


Strongly oppose!!!

This is an infringement on the rights and safety of our children.


Do Not Support

I DO NOT support the upcoming policy on New Transgender School Policies. These are the problems that are causing so many young people to be confused. Leave the Parenting at home where it belongs. Schools need to educate our youth on academics and stop this nonsense. Just another way the government is trying to step in and take our rights away when it comes to our children.


Support students' rights to safe learning environments

Human rights are human rights, regardless of the bodies we inhabit. ALL students deserve to learn in a safe(r) learning environment than the bigoted ones they experience today. Just as any student who may be labeled as "different", trans students have been subjected to abuse, isolation, and mistreatment from students, faculty, and staff for years, and do not deserve to be targets of abuse because they choose to live into their truths and express themselves outwardly the way they feel and identify inwardly. Yes, all students deserve the right to dignity and respect, and this guidance assists us in getting to that place. We all do better when we all do better. Trans students need our focus right now, and I support this guidance and encourage further learning, teaching, and understanding of the needs of trans, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, and non-binary people.


Opposed - widen the tent instead

Can't we make the tent of what it means to be male and female a little larger, instead of encouraging children to change their sex altogether?  Can't we accept the tomboyish girl and support her as a GIRL and empower her to be the best WOMAN she can become? Or the sensitive boy who also enjoys feminine things, why can't he be supported to be a wonderful caring MAN.  Isn't this more loving and accepting and affirming than encouraging a child down the path to hormones and surgeries and sterility?


NO WAY

There is no way this can be allowed. The proposed ideas are way to extreme. These are children and other alternatives need to be considered if you wish to push liberal agenda down our throats.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Strongly Support! Trans rights are human rights.


Policy Disagreement

There are numerous issues with the policy document, but I only have space to comment on a few. First, the writers frequently use the phrase 'may be interpreted' when referring to federal and state statues. This is not the domain of policymakers. They are to refer to and enforce the law as written (not their interpretation) or by using the interpretation established through appropriate legal actions, i.e. through the courts. Nothing more. Second, the research and surveys that form the basis of the assumptions and policies delineated here are flawed from a scientific standpoint. They started with presupposed outcomes. Should the State actually desire to form good policy it would be more appropriate to delay this release and take two actions. One, reach out to more parents and legal guardians providing a forum for discussion without recrimination and condemnation of view points that are counter to gender ideology. Two, support research that does not presuppose the outcome to understand the actual scientific facts of the issue and situations facing students today. Third and most importantly, the State has no business in this arena in the first place. This policy document directs schools to further overstep their bounds and insert themselves between parents and their children. The school system's only responsibility is to educate children to ensure a well educated voting populous, nothing more. Parents need to step up and retake their children from the government. Stop ceding the responsibilities taken on in parenthood. Fourth, definitions are everything. It is unfortunate that this is even an issue here, but the definitions listed in this document are based on nothing but feeling without regard for language or scientific principle/fact. So often we hear the call to follow the science, so let's follow the science and get this drivel out of our laws and policies.


Strongly Support This Bill

I strongly support this bill. Why shouldn’t trans students be afforded the same basic respect that other students take for granted? It makes no sense to be against this.


Oppose

This policy is misguided in an attempt to prevent discrimination but all it will do is confuse children, violate the privacy of non transgender children, cause psychological problems, violate the rights of parents to guide and help their children and give more control to other adults and open the door for predatory action without parental knowledge.


We must support ALL students!!

This policy is a wonderful start to supporting transgender and LGBTQIA+ youth in public schools. It’s disheartening to see so many misinformed comments under this thread. If people only did their research and read the document clearly, they would see how necessary this is for students! I am in FULL SUPPORT of this policy!


Trans Rights are Human Rights

SUPPORT TRANS STUDENTS


Strongly oppose!

My daughter will not be subjected to this without a fight.  She should not have to change or see a boy in a locker room or restroom.   Half of these kids wanna be a girl one minute and change up to be followers.  You're making a decision you have no right to decide on.  This is a parent choice PERIOD. I WILL BE THAT PARENT every single day, every time she goes to gym or the bathroom. Envite them to the teachers restoom, you deal with them accusing you of rape or being blamed for something else.  Why should my daughter deal with this?  We are a family under God's word, PERIOD. I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH ALL THIS!


Strongly Support - Trans rights are human rights

Transgender citizens of all ages and genders deserve to treated with respect and integrity. This should especially be the case for the transgender youth of our state. They need support at such a young age, not denial of their identity. Opposing legislation that will help transgender children is tantamount to denying them the same freedoms as other children. America is a free country where rights are (or should be) available to everyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Please, do what is right and give all children the same treatment and advocate for those who have been treated as less than.


Full support

Full support—protect trans kids


Absolutely Not

Way the extreme.


Support the model policies to help schools support every student

These thoughtful model policies provide guidance for school divisions and schools in how to comply with Virginia nondiscrimination law and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students. Having a VDOE model policy reduces the burden on each local school division and school board to develop their own policy from scratch. And this policy incorporates best practices for making sure that every student has the opportunity to learn in a safe environment. No child should fear going to school because of who they are. I care about this because my faith tradition teaches that there is that of G-d in every person, including gender variant people who are often pushed to the margins by the dominant culture. I also care about this because it will make a concrete difference in improving the lives of young people who I know and will reduce the stress on their parents related to navigating conversations with school staff.


Model policies of trans students

I do not agree with the model policies for transgender students in VA schools. Biological males should not be in the same bathrooms and changing rooms as biological females. Transgender females (biological males) should not be involved in female sports. It gives the biological male an unfair advantage. Trans students have a right to education but it is a slippery slope when accommodations are made for trans students that have the potential to harm others.


Disagree

I firmly disagree with this policy, while it seeks to fully support the transgender population, they fully oppress individuals with a differing view of sexuality and gender based off of personal beliefs or religious beliefs.  There are cultural norms we can adapt and implement without enacting a policy that overrides parental consent and encourages a breeding ground for sexual predators.  Persons working with children must be knowledgeable about gender issues and questions without being encouraged to separate parent from child in the process.  This is not the solution to support transgender population - only to divide and ostracize those with differing views.


Trans rights are human rights and opposing this is pro discrimination

Transgender youth in America face extreme discrimination and bullying from not only their childhood peers but also their teachers, school administrations, churches, and even parents. Passing legislation to protect transgender youth from at least some of this discrimination is extremely necessary. The high rate of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among transgender individuals is largely a result of this constant discrimination, lack of acceptance, and bigotry. Transgender youth deserve to be able to go to school as their true and authentic selves without fear of bullying and backlash. There are so many cases where transgender children have been discriminated against by their teachers and administrations, adults who are supposed to be there to help and nurture ALL children and teens, not just the straight, cisgender ones. Furthermore, I believe that the extremely disgusting transphobic and homophobic comments left on this town hall prove just how much vilification these children face and why legislation is necessary to ensure their protection and prosperity. Those who oppose this legislation are not looking to "protect" their children. Transgender youth are not threats! They are not trying to go into the bathroom of their gender identification to look up girl's skirts. Such stereotypes are used to paint all transgender individuals as sick perverts, a "dangerous other." But I will say it again: The people who oppose this legislation are not looking to "protect" their children, rather, they are looking to protect their "right" to discriminate against transgender people. That is why legislation to protect transgender youth against discrimination is so important.


Protect Trans Youth

Schools are often a very unsafe place for LGBT children. I myself developed severe depression in high school and almost lost my life to it. Trans kids in particular are often alienated and constantly misgendered which causes dysphoria. They also are more likely to be bullied or be rejected by their own parents. This is why we must protect them and support them. Supporting transgender students' rights will protect their safety. Suicide risk is very high in LGBT kids, as well as risk of physical harm from bullying. School is a place where all kids should feel safe so that they can learn and prepare for their future.


Oppose with kindness

Transgender Policy. We kindly oppose these policies. Draft policy p.16. This is really extreme.  With the raging hormones of boys and girls, it can lead to sexual violence and bullying.  If not in the school building, then in the community; with the school board being responsible for the assault.  Violence can't be fought by providing another avenue for it. Recommended Standard p.12. Parents should always know how the schools are trying to influence their children.  The parents are legally responsible for their children.


keep politics out of school

Oppose this extreme policy. Please stop trying to inject controversial political viewpoints into the school while, at the same time, confusing and hurting children.


Transgender and nonbinary protections

I support the right of all students to go to school without fear of persecution, especially by those we trust as custodians while they're away from home. I also support the right of students to transition and identify however they feel at school, knowing the administration will support them if they are bullied. Our children deserve safety. Please do not let transphobes run this discussion.


Strongly Support

It is the school's duty to protect all of its students, regardless of the identities they hold. Given the climate we live in today, it is important to specifically the name the protections we have in place for trans/queer students because they are some of the least protect people in the country. Students deserve to know that they are safe to be themselves.


New transgender school policy

Absolutely not! NO to the new transgender policy.


Strongly Oppose

I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  These proposals are absurd and ridiculous. What happened to common sense, morals, and values?  This could lead to so many issues not related to the cause at hand. There are many reasons why we have separate bathrooms, locker rooms, etc in the first place.  Do you think a middle or high school girl will feel comfortable changing a tampon or pad while a boy is in the restroom with her?  What about dress out for gym while a male is in the same room?  Vice versa for boys.   This is so counter intuitive to what we have always taught our children about respecting their bodies, modesty and the right to privacy.  What about a male who says he identifies as a female but really doesn't?   He just says that to be near girls in the restroom or gym.  Whether a student identifies as a male or female is their choice but the fact remains, that student is physically and biologically a male or female and therefore should not be allowed to violate and impose on the privacy of those students who truly identify with their God given identity.   Instead of being politically correct, let's focus on teaching love and respect for all students regardless of how one identifies.  I'm praying that you make the right decision for the majority of students. Sincerely, Amanda Charles


Absolutely Not

There needs to be other ideas considered.


I Support This Guidance

Children are our future, and no one should live in fear of being ridiculed for being themself. No one should go home and hate themself for who they are, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect and fairness no matter gender or gender identity. If we can create an inviting learning enviroment for all, we may see things like less teen suicide in schools all around. No one should feel like dieing for being who they are. Futhermore, I believe everyone should be able to express themselves how they are, being a teenager is the time to explore and do that. I think anyone should be able to represent themselves how they like, and be who they feel on the represented on the outside, without retribution. I fully stand by protecting our trans students and gender non-conforming students with everything we can.


Strongly DISAGREE!!!!!!

I strongly Disagree with this! We as parents have this right to say no!


SUPPORT!

It is essential to support all students, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. This is an issue of basic human decency and the need to respect everyone's identity.


STRONGLY DISAGREE!!

I do not agree with this at all. I believe that GOD made us who we are not what sex we want to be. I do not think girls and boys should be in the same bathroom or changing rooms regardless of what sex they think they are that day. What if a guy claiming to be a girl one day goes into the girls changing room and rapes her? What would happen to him? Would it be ok because hes a transgender? NO that is WRONG and a SIN! I believe that GOD should be put back in schools NOT transgender policies. I think it is wrong especially for todays kids that isnt even old enough to know about the opposite sex body parts. Kids DO NOT need transgender polices they need to know and learn about GOD!


strongly oppose

I believe that there are only 2 sexes in this mortal life - male and female.  The privacy and protection of both needs to be considered.


Guidance Document

Neither schools nor the state have an intrinsic or absolute right to exclude parents from decisions affecting the life of their children. Schools exist for the purpose of educating children. The moral and spiritual formation of children is the sole prerogative of their parents! When these rights are abused, the foundations of family and society are weakened, to the detriment of all.


SUPPORT

It is very important to know we are sending our youth daily to a safe and inclusive environment for all.


Do not support

I disagree with this policy. I feel it is a infringement on the rights of Parents.  We have authority over our children until they are 18. I do not want my son to see a naked female that identify as male. I do not want a male that identify as female expose himself either. I firmly believe that if they want to be accepted then have a transgender rooms locker room an bathroom. If our beliefs are different then we are the bad ones?  Bullying because we don't approve of a lifestyle? No! It can be respected but it should not be forced. That is where the problems come from. Its science that male an female are different its a choice to want to be different not science.


PEDIATRICIAN WHO STRONGLY SUPPORTS!!!

As a med-peds trained physician, I STRONGLY SUPPORT any efforts to protect transgender and gender diverse persons. We have a multitude of evidence to show that supporting these communities decreases rates of suicide by 70% !!! Not to mention a slew of other positive benefits. We also have evidence to suggest that these communities do not "regret" gender affirming care as some have proposed. This is incredible, and I really hope the state of Virginia continues to support and reinforce safety for these communities.


STRONGLY AGREE

Because transgendered are no different from us and gender is a social construct


In Strong Support

Transgender children deserve the safety and rights in schools and society, just as any other child should. They are not dangerous, they are not a menace, they are children simply trying to find themselves as any child is. I am in STRONG support of any and all laws pertaining to the protection of transgender people, and hope anyone with half a heart also is. Aside from the fact gender variance is a very real thing, suicide is extremely common among transgender adolescents. The life expectancy of transgender individuals is 35. I believe these protections proposed will help raise that life expectancy as anyone deserves. They deserve a full life. I hope the VA lawmakers will consider the lives of those most effected rather than just nasty comments in opposition of protection of people.


Strongly Support As A Transgender Virginian

I am in strong support of these efforts to provide protections for and guidance in supporting transgender/non-binary and gender non-conforming students. I myself was a student in the commonwealth and faced discrimination and bullying, not merely from my peers, but more pointedly, from teachers and staff. I was at times isolated and ostracized by the people charged with my education and well being. My humanity was, it seemed, conditional. All the great variance of expression and perspective that could have been gained, the great growth of empathy that could have transpired, an understanding that normal is very different throughout not only time and place, but also in experience and individual and culture, was extinguished; the very antithesis of learning. Conformity, not compassion, was taught. I did not feel safe at my school. I did not feel safe in my home. I did not feel safe in my community, as these lessons had also been taught to them. I hope for a Virginia that is safe for all children, and I hope for hope to live on in the hearts of every student in the commonwealth. Each and every young mind should be able to see for themselves a future filled with truth and kindness and possibility. It can be nearly impossible, and sometimes is, to take another step, another breath, when that door to tomorrow appears closed to you simply because of who you are. The wealth of every human life in its many faceted brilliance enriches us all. Let us protect these shining children as the precious beings that they are.


Young trans adult - previous operator on Trans lifeline

This could help save lives.

As an adult in my early 20's who came out at 16, this bill would have been life changing. As I lived in a liberal area in michigan during the time I was growing, I still had a lot of support from my school but not nearly enough. I'm honestly not worried about trans students sexually assaulting or harassing cis students. But all the contrary. After coming out I was sexually harrased and assaulted several times a day for months, one of the many reasons causing me to drop out after my senior year. This bill is just the beginning to decreasing the horrible suicide rates of trans individuals.


Strongly Oppose! Vote NO on transgender policy changes!

Please vote NO on the proposed transgender policy changes for Loudoun County Public Schools. The changes attempt to interpret the law, which is not under the authority of school policy makers, and they undermine the rights of parents, teachers, and school administrators. Further, and most importantly, these changes harm our children. Vote NO!


Support transgender people

Transgendered people are no different from us and gender is a social construct


I do not support

I do not support


OPPOSED!

I am totally opposed to this insanity! All of you who proposed this load ought to be fired immediately! This is criminal. These are children! Children!! Their brains are not fully developed and yet you and your ilk want to force this liberal insanity on them and society. You are supposed to be the Department of EDUCATION, not INDOCTRINATION! Least you forget, there are six biological sex karyotypes that do not result in death to the fetus...PERIOD. They are: X – Female - Turner’s Syndrome (infertile) XX – Female XXY – Male - Klinefelter's Syndrome (infertile) XY – Male XYY – Male - Jacob's Syndrome XXXY – Male (infertile) Conversely, there are three phenotypes: 1. Male 2. Female 3. Other (i.e., biological anomalies) Everything else is made up liberal B.S.! Men (and boys) who think they are women (or girls), and women (and girls) who think they are men (or boys) are mentally ill and need treatment, as opposed to social integration. You should not be about foisting this tripe on our children, families, and communities. Shame on ALL of you! FOLLOW THE SCIENCE!