DO NOT SUPPORT

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


Do not agree; protect children and don't deny parental involvement in our children's lives

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


Full, 100% support the guidance!

This is absolutely necessary to protect our trans and non-binary youth, because this is when they need it the most!


Good intention taken too far, which will cause significant damage

We are residents of FFX County and proud parents of a graduate.  This proposal, while well-intentioned by those who wrote it, contains significant danger to the mission of our schools to provide a nurturing and learning environment.  Our schools can provide positive learning environments and a quality education, but they should NEVER come in between the parents and their children.  This attempt to expand parental responsibility to become defined as something dangerous to children is a leftist extremist approach to control and has no business here.  I look at San Francisco CA, and this push is another symptom of an extreme view that will cause extreme damage.  Ask yourselves, is this the Fairfax School System, or the Democrat Leftist Lab for destroying families?  I know the answer.


Fully Support  the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.

Fully support!  All LGBTQ+ children should feel safe and supported especially in school.  If a child does not feel safe and accepted in their school environment they can’t effectively learn.


In support of the guidelines

I support the guidelines and schools supporting transgender students.


I oppose all that is against natural affections as outlined by God and our forefathers Transfender is not how we were created and I disagree with this being pushed on innocent children.


Transgender indoctirnation

There are 2 genders, male and female. They are determined by the chromosome coupling that produces an individual. An X+Y chromosome pair produces a male, an X+ X pair produces a female, this is what you call... science. Cutting and pasting human body parts does not produce a different sex/gender it is simply adding accessories to the already established individual. The word "individual" means: can not be divided . You people are trying to fix inner problems by trying to manipulate the outside environment. You might as well graft antlers to your head and call yourself a DEER. Your proposed teaching is indoctrination of falsehoods, based on false premises and lies. It is unscientific, unhealthy, damaging to the young minds who will be exposed to this garbage.


Transgender guidelines

The state has no right to require the teaching of transgender beliefs.  It is NOT scientific and is only a "belief."  It is a sickness that is being spread by liars and haters of a healthy society.  I am completely against this indoctrination of young minds and hearts.  Allow parents to teach their children the morals of society.  The schools should stick to teaching true history, reading, writing and mathematics.  Teach...don't indoctrinate!


Transgender indoctrination of our children

I think that making this a law and forcing our children to try to 'address' someone a certain way (he, ze, etc) who quite possibly can change their minds on an hourly basis (feeling like a girl in morning but a boy later in the day!) is absolutely ridiculous and very, very confusing. DNA shows you are either a male or a female as created. You shouldn't legislate something different and force it to be taught in our schools or punish those who don't follow your crazy ideas.


Support

I support the model policy


Support.

I support the guidance.


I am strongly opposed to this initiative

I do not approve of this proposal. It is illogical, inappropriate and irresponsible. It would not only eradicate all distinctions between males and females, but this kind of immoral  indoctrination would also do irreparable damage to our children and our society. As I read this, I thought I was seeing the moral fiber of our nation being corrupted before my eyes. I seems like we have lost all consciousness of right and wrong in every aspect of our society.   Please allow me to summarize the main reasons I am against this proposal: Parental permission would not be required for their children to explore their gender and sexuality. This is unthinkable to put a child in this kind of perverted environment. Elimination of personal pronouns (he/she) would be required and violations would be subject to disciplinary action. How disgusting is this? Children can change their gender identity at will. We say follow the science in every other aspect of life, but not in this one. Science say you are born with either X or Y genetics. Biology does not lie. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex identity would be reported for child abuse. We were formed in the womb as male of female, and parents have the responsibility to nurture their children to become responsible men and women. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male wants use the same changing rooms designated for the girls. What if your daughter was a rape victim as a result of this kind of idiotic guideline? Boys and girls will be able to use any bathroom they wish. Privacy and decency will become a thing of the past. I would never expose my kids to that kind of environment. Gender neutral dress codes will be required. Girls being able to wear the same kind of swim suits as boys will be a disaster. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for alleged violations of these new rules. Get ready for the law suits on this one. There are no accommodations for a student of teacher of faith or conscience that would prevent them from compliance. This is a violation of the First Amendment. This proposal is reprehensible and should be trashed. MH


SUPPORT -

Do not become complicit in the suicide of minors. Believing and supporting all kids, especially, trans kids is vital to their mental health and over all well being. Creating a healthy environment for trans kids at school means they are able to learn and reach their potential. My child's existence does not need to be dismissed to align with other families' believes. My child is a valid human who deserves to be respected.


Support!

I fully support the guidance.  It is so important to provide an inclusive educational environment for our children.  Both of my daughters have trans and non-binary friends.  These are smart, sweet children who have a right to a positive school experience.


I do not agree with this at all.

There is only 2 genders, we should not allow anyone to teach anything different. Can a boy feel as a girl or vise versa. I’m sure of it and that is fine and they should not be harassed or treated any different. But regardless their born gender should be what rest room or locker room they use. They can dress as they like even ask to be called a different name that is on their given by birth, but no one should be held to calling them such name. He, she are pronouns that are normal for anyone. If you look like a boy he if a girl she. That person can say at that time what they prefer you to acknowledge them by.  If it addenda the role rain no action should be taken upon either. Nor should the other be ridiculed for their choice.


DO NOT SUPPORT

These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty, and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. RMB


A crime against science

the proposed policies are not only ridiculous, they are discriminatory and unenforceable.   Any student can flow through various “identities” on a day by day or even hourly basis, choosing what particular “identity” may be most advantageous at the moment.   Biological gendered boys can decide to be girls for the next gym class period in which they can join the real girls in the showers.  The girls will not be allowed to complain without facing disciplinary action.  This idiotic scenario would totally be supported by these policies!


Note almost all supporting are women / gay men = EMOTION, not fact/mind based

Almost ALL supporting this insanely damaging 'policy' are women or gay men.  This perversion is supported by pure emotion. I'm a woman, but have chosen to use my mind and apply some critical thought and love toward our young impressionable children. Follow the 'science' huh?  well, you can lop off a penis or take unnatural hormones and drugs, but you can't alter DNA... our natural signature.  THAT is science.  Not this destructive BS. Wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Stop doing this with our tax dollars!


This policy is outrageous and harmful to students and families!

This policy is a travesty! All common sense and ethical standards have been thrown out the window. These children suffer from gender dysphoria. They need help and support as well as teachers and administrators being transparent with their families. Parents need to be involved in their children’s struggles. A reality check is needed so educators get off this politically correct       Narrative and do what is best for children. I am appalled that people in my profession have become so misguided that the welfare of students is compromised in an effort to appease the so called woke crowd!


Strongly support

I strongly support this document and the guidance it contains on creating inclusive and equitable environments for transgender youth. These measures will go a long way in supporting transgender students in Virginia schools, allowing them to pursue their education in schools that affirm their identity and don't harm their mental health. As the document points out, there are serious consequences such as increased rates of depression, suicide, and anxiety for transgender youth who are not supported. I have personal experience with this, as my sibling is transgender and did not feel that they could come out in high school and were very depressed. Additionally, I urge that the Department of Education work with VHSL and other athletics organizations to allows transgender students to participate in the athletics programs that align with their gender. I also support the inclusion of information about all kinds of gender and sexuality throughout the curriculum, including Family Life Education.


Support

Unlike a surprising number of my fellow Virginians, I fully support the implementation of this guidance and feel it will be extremely beneficial to our educators and our students.


Do not support

Do not support


DO NOT SUPPORT.

I do not support this policy.


Are we adhering and teaching science or something else

i am against this, not because of whether a child should be allowed to choose their ‘identity’ or not, but due to “ Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing!” As a parent, I should be informed of any conversation with my child that concerns health matters.  I know what is best for my child, not a school administrator in addition, if VA is teaching climate science and basic biology in classrooms, by ignoring the biological makeup of a child you are relinquishing  scientific fact.  Again, I don’t have a problem whether a child self identifies, but the school system, if adhering to all other principles of scientific fact like climate change, basic biology should not then be countering that by agreeing to a choice....that is not science, that is politics and emotion. In addition, if true that if I as a parent choose to have my child embrace their biological fact gender, that should be my choice......I should not be ‘reported’ to child services because of that.  You are relinquishing the role of a parent to the government.  I would be dead set against this if it it was based on politics, science, or any other item (like religion).  What if I wanted my child to embrace Judaism?  Should I then be reported to child services?  The role of a parent should not be abridged. Those are my major concerns....thanks


I do not support this at all!

i do not agree with this at all!  This is not moving forward, it is shameful and a disgrace to our children to even have this as a subject matter.


"transgender theories" ultimate child abuse by schools

This theory of transgenderism is the ultimate child abuse, because the school will be teaching extreme immorality in indoctrinating confusion to little children and grooming them for child abuse and prostitution. We are what we are: male or female scientifically speaking and God's children created in His image and likeness. Besides you (the school administrations) are proposing to take away God given parental custody to indoctrinate children with extremely evil and filthy theories that are demonic in essence leading to grave/destructive consequences.


Richmond, Born and Raised- And Also Transgender

First, I would like to humbly thank you for your time and consideration to this issue. I hold the safety and security of transgender and nonbinary youth very near and dear to me. I was a Virginia public school student, having spent the entirety of my life within the greater Richmond area. When I was in elementary, middle, and even high school, I did not know who I was. All of us in these formidable years are searching for the traits that will define us and who we are to become. For some, including myself, that searching involves questioning why we feel so out of place everywhere—including our own bodies. Most reading this, I am sure, would state this is a normal part of growing up. But how many of you have found yourselves gripping the bathroom counter, staring at yourself in the mirror, and not seeing yourself in your reflection? Maybe you see parts of yourself you do not like, but that is not to what I am referring. When I looked at myself in the mirror, all I saw was a stranger. The fear you have when you see an unfamiliar figure while fumbling for your car keys late at night in an unlit parking lot- that is the fear I felt when I looked at myself in the mirror. The body that was continuing to grow around me was not the body I knew in my soul to be. In middle and high school, when I had to use the girls’ locker room to get dressed for gym class, I was told that we could not use the bathroom stalls to change. Instead, we had to change in front of everyone. Changing in front of others, particularly in these formidable years, can be both a humiliating and humbling experience. For transgender and nonbinary youth, it is the moment that we fear the most. I can tell you for a fact if a gym teacher had given me the consideration of changing privately or even allowed me the ability to confide in them, it would have drastically changed my public school experience. I spent many of my early years in education, as many transgender and nonbinary youth do, being bullied, berated, and antagonized over my body. When I went home and looked at myself in the mirror, I was antagonized more. I do not look back on my years in public school fondly. Instead, I remember the fearful person who would not be able to fathom the man I have become today. I am the man I am because I have resisted and persisted through the discrimination I have had to face. No child should have to go through the pain, suffering, and self-doubt I had to work through. This policy would be the first steppingstone into ensuring no child ever feels like that again. It is shown educational growth cannot be fostered if students do not feel safe. The accommodation of transgender and nonbinary students does not directly harm any individual. There are many who may disagree with this idea, but the implementation of this policy does not directly threaten their life. We stand to lose much more by not implementing this policy. If no lawful consideration is given to these students who are only asking for the right to exist, how can you expect these students to feel safe enough to learn? According to the Trevor Project's 2020 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 1 , “… more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth [have] seriously considered suicide.” I am a part of this statistic. I can say if this policy existed when I was in school, I would have been considerably less likely to consider suicide. In the same survey, “Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all or most people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected.” As I mentioned previously with my experience, transgender and nonbinary youth constantly must shoulder the burden of bullying by peers, mentors, and superiors only to come home and continue that burden when they see that stranger in the mirror. It is a feeling that I admittedly find myself unable to describe any better, but it is a feeling all transgender and nonbinary people experience. The crude fact is you stand to lose nothing but your own pride should you allow the passing of this policy. If you decide your opinion matters more than the safety of Virginian students, you stand for perpetuating discrimination and pain in our education system. Do not allow any more transgender or nonbinary students to experience what I did in your schools. Do not allow them to feel so isolated that they believe their only option is to die. You can help stop this cycle of discrimination. You can help stop this cycle of pain. Pass the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Lee Biggs Pronouns: He/Him/His 1 More information on the Trevor Project's 2020 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health can be found here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/The-Trevor-Project-National-Survey-Results-2020.pdf .


Opposed to Guidance Document

As someone who is a father, grandfather, and served in the behavioral health field for 45 years; I am appalled at the Transgender Guidance Document.  It will definitely create an unsafe school environment for young girls and encourage many puberty age students to mistakenly believe they have gender dysphoria.  The guidance permits students to have a "gender of the day."  Talk about ridiculous!  Furthermore, school staff should not be a substitute for parents.  It's interesting that there are many instances of school administrators not reporting physical abuse by parents or sexual abuse by school staff.  But now school staff will always be Johnny on the Spot to report a parent who stands up for their rights.


Opposed

Opposed.  The State should not usurp the rights of parents.


DO NOT Support, this has no basis in biological science

We do not support this. This has no basis in science and in fact is putting every kid at risk.


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose this document. We should be teaching our children skills to help them become productive citizens capable of solving problems and thinking critically. Let’s leave the social engineering out of the classroom.


Strongly oppose gender discussions and accommodations for change

Two genders exist: male and female. They are identifiable at birth. No other discussion needs to be held. I resent my tax dollars pushing this liberal transgender agenda. Period!


Transgender guidelines

I do not approve of the proposed transgender guidelines. I especially object to the parents of the student not being actively engaged nor included in the welfare of their child.


DISGRACEFUL....LET PARENTS RAISE THEIR KIDS

How about you focus on educating our children -- math, reading, writing, and science.  Why does the state feel it has the right to create an environment that encourages kids to explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school?  AND without a parent even knowing?  I don't understand how anyone thinks this is acceptable.  Instead of spending time on what 'pronoun' to be called, let's figure out how to make sure our kids aren't falling behind with all this virtual learning. In fact, theses policies are discriminatory and is child abuse.  It defies biological facts about the sexes and leaves children confused and unprotected...they are being encouraged to be confused.  This is a violation of my family's freedom of religion, it is indoctrinating my kids with ideas contrary to our religious beliefs.  If a child is experiencing sexual dysphoria, how about you show them love, grace and understanding, and inform the parents.  This policy further divides and segregates these young kids from their peers.  LET PARENTS RAISE their kids.


Guidance Document on transgender issue

Our children should only be taught academics, not social issues.  Schools have no business indoctrinating our school children. Please bring the focus back on academics for this year and the future of our children


VDOE Draft Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

As a Catholic Christian, and a citizen of and taxpayer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am emphatically and unequivocally opposed to the proposed policies. These policies defy natural law, science, and basic common sense. It is completely absurd and beyond comprehension that these are being considered for implementation by serious professionals. The State is attempting to usurp the rights of parents to raise their children in accordance with their own moral and faith values, especially when the majority, if not all of the children attending schools in Virginia are minors who lack the maturity to adequately discern and make the decisions being promoted by these proposed policies. This is nothing more than indoctrination of impressionable children who do not know better, not to mention the accusation of child abuse against parents who oppose these policies. Rather, the child abuse is being committed by the State by imposing these unnatural principles on innocent children who, as stated earlier, do not know better. I sincerely and strongly urge the responsible officials in the VDOE to cease  and desist in their efforts to pursue and impose these policies. It is a shame that taxpayers resources are being spent on this effort. The role of educators is to educate our children, not to indoctrinate them and take the role of their parents in their upbringing.


I Support

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


Strongly Oppose Transgender Agenda and Accomodations

I strongly oppose all of the proposed guidelines.  Children are binary, male or female.  There should be no discussion, "exploration", or accommodation for anything other than male or female in public schools.  When a child terns 18 and is no longer a minor, they can make whatever decisions they like.  The proposed use of preferred pronouns and even instruction on anything other than male/female biology is absurd and completely inappropriate for any minor.  The proposed guidelines are radical, dangerous theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children with incredibly damaging results.


What will happen to the young girls?

Adopting these "guidelines" is astonishingly dangerous for everyone involved, specifically school-aged girls that were born as girls, raised as girls, are glad that they are girls, and who will be trying to learn, compete in sports, or simply try to use the restroom during the school day.  The confusion, conflict, self-destruction, and chaos that these guidelines (and the mindset behind them) would bring about is difficult to comprehend.


Strongly Oppose

With two grade school age children in FCPS, one male and one female, I strongly oppose this new VDOE guidance. I believe in equal rights but this guidance seems to be very one sided and not take into account my family’s beliefs pertaining to this subject. I’m afraid in the effort to appease the LGBTQ community we are putting our children at undo risk. If this guidance/policy goes into effect my family and I might have no choice but to pull our children out of FCPS. On another note has FCPS considered all the litigation these new policies will foment?


I do not support this when only 2% of students ID as trans

This is a travesty in that you are willing to support only 2% of the student population leaving the other 98% to be victimized by a law that breaks down scientific law of chromosomes as well as tearing apart the family structure by keeping information from parents. In addition, what about students using locker rooms and bathrooms that can be used by both sexes. This will open the state up to multiple lawsuits if there is sexual assault and really discrimination against the 98% who are straight. Do not pass this.


“I support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools” Keep transgender students safe in VA schools.


fully support

It has nothing to do with anyone other than the student. Support like this has been shown to reduce trans students suicide rates. Save our trans and queer students, change like this is more than needed.


VDOE

This is an attack on families - I do not support!


No major decision without parental consent - do not agree

I am all for inclusive. However, nothing should happen without parental consent.


Transgender Policies

Some of these are TOTALLY ridiculous and SO difficult to enforce in real world situations. I see boys claiming transgender to get in girls’ locker rooms and vice versa.  I would not be comfortable with a fully developed girl competing topless in say swimming or any other sport.  If it is a minor parents should definitely be informed what THEIR CHILD is doing at school.  How does freedom of religion fit in???  How does freedom of see how fit in???  They don’t if you happen to believe that none or few of these guidelines are valid.  Transgenders certainly have rights but so do  parents of children and the children who are not transgender.


Oppose Policies for the Treatment Of Transgender Students

I oppose the model policies being presented for the treatment of transgender students.  As written, these proposed model policies will restrict my student's  First Amendment: protection and freedom of speech and expression.  And, the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment: which guarantees every citizen equal protection under the law.  You may believe that this protects only your thoughts as minorities, but it protects those in the majority as well.   Do not force others to believes as you.


Strongly disagree.

First, this is like giving a fifth grader the right to vote or to join the army. They do not have enough life experience nor cognitive maturation to make these decisions. Further, making the wrong decisions may hurt them more in the long run than in the short run. Second, this reminds me of “Brave New World” or “1984” where parental experience and responsibility is surrendered to others - the school or the state. Societal norms, religion, and culture determine civilizations and when “anything goes” it portends the fall of civilization!


These guidance policies are unnecessary

-The truth of the dignity of each human being is God-given and not determined by the state.  Every human being is due "this respect" regardless of any subjective differences.  The dignity of a human being is a "given" and is already affirmed in the Constitution.  A policy of this kind is in error and makes a "right" based on "subjective" opinion that ignores the "universality" of the truth of human dignity.  These policies fail to recognize their promoting further discrimination by "dividing" a  human person into "subjective parts".  These policies in fact promote a denial of human dignity by imposing same in schools and elsewhere.


Trans/LGBQT

The teenage years are already so difficult as it is, even for straight kids. Please do what you can to make school and these formative years as enjoyable and inclusive for these students. They need our support and love. These are some lovely, smart and creative kids.


Do not approve of guidelines

Hello, I do not approve the guidelines. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs.


Protect trans students!

I support the policies to protect trans students in VA! Transgender kids deserve to feel safe at school.


Draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students

I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  I strongly oppose these draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students.


Strongly support the model policies

I strongly support the adoption of these model policies because it is important we support all our public school students in their learning. This cannot happen when we do not *at a minimum* call students by their preferred name/pronoun and protect them from bullying based on gender identity. I attended Fairfax County Public Schools for K-12 and teachers were always willing to address Michael as Mike or Katherine as Katie when asked because that is the proper way to treat children. This is no different. As a parent, I have had children attend several Virginia public school systems (Culpeper, Madison, Albemarle) and I would love to have these policies adopted while my children are still attending Virginia public schools.


Slippery Slope in the Wrong Direction

I fail to see how these policies protect transgender students.  I DO see how they will allow trans students to manipulate situations for their benefit, put teacher’s job’s at risk for using long-established rules of grammar, and destroy parent’s rights in raising their own children. Schools are not prepared to handle the fall-out from the many bad situations that will arise.  Much more thought, research, and fair and balanced discussions are needed before POLICY changes are made.


I do not support this policy

This policy mandates many of the causes of secularism as a religion in public schools, and seeks to legislate certain language in public schools. Both of these actions fly in the face of freedom of and from religion in public institutions and free speech in public institutions. I do not support this policy. Let's refocus on academics, please.


Supporter

I support the guidance.


Authority does not grant privileges, It DEMANDS  Responsibility.

Will any of you "Authorities" take responsibility when a young girl or boy is raped or beaten because of these insane measures.  If a child commits suicide due to the confusion which these "rules" bring about.  Didn't think so.  School regulations are to be written to protect students and faculty.  These, however, remove viable guidelines and safety measures for the sake of an agenda that deems to dissolve individuality and families.  GOD's Word says in Gen. 1:27 " God created man in his own image, in the image of GOD; male and female he created them."  God BLESSED them.  Why are are the schools trying to tell our children something different?


Protect parental rights - Oppose perverted agenda

Who cares most for the welfare of the children of this Commonwealth?  Who invests in the lives of young people, seeking to train them to be honest, hardworking members of society who serve rather than seek to be served?  The only hope for our youth is not twisted government policy seeking to subvert parental authority and take our children down a confused path.  The hope lies in supporting the role of fathers and mothers; not trying to bring to naught all they have poured into the lives of their precious children.  In the schools, teach our children true history, true science, etc. and leave the rest to the parents - where it has always belonged.


Vehemently opposed

Vehemently opposed to these 'transgender policies'. They are so wrong on so many levels. Undermining parents, demonizing parents, encouraging deviant sexual practices, disrupting normal natural identity growth, creating havoc in young minds, punishing the conservative or religious, detrimental to everyone- kids all of whom need stability and right guidance, the teachers who oppose this agenda of chaos and have to go along with it or lose their jobs, the parents who struggle enough as it is to keep their kids safe and happy. It opens the door to abuse by students who will play games with these 'rules'; gone are protections for girls in locker rooms, bathrooms, on sports teams, overnight field trips, etc, etc. These policies are completely baseless, absurd, unnecessary, and unenforceable.


Fully support! Policy like this is well overdue

Fully support! Anyone against this hates children and they are the “affront to God”! Stop listening to these hateful conservative garbage bags and always giving them what they want. This is an anti-bullying and harassment policy for children for God’s sakes. Why would any good and decent person be against that?


Absolutely oppose these totally inappropriate guidelines

I do not even know where to start except to say NO, NO, NO! I don’t understand the necessity of this or where such extreme guidelines even came from. It is complete madness to allow a child of any age to decide one day that they might be a boy and the next a girl or even no sex at all, completely at whim. It makes no sense. Why restrict parental involvement? To allow boys or girls to use any restroom or locker room that they feel like without question or restriction is ludicrous. This completely infringes upon any sense of privacy or decency and caters only to the extreme. Toplessness? This is appalling, disgusting and a recipe for disaster. I am totally against every part of this. What is the real agenda behind this perverse thought process? I cannot protest vehemently enough!


Strongly opposed

As a new resident to Loudon county with 3 children in elementary school, we strongly oppose.


Model policies for the treatment of transgender students

I do not approve of the proposed guidelines that are based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and also the indoctrination of our school children!


Strongly opposed.

This defies science.  Strongly opposed to this dangerous indoctrination and the undermining of parental rights and responsibilities.


Disapprove of VDOE transgender policy

Your policy starts in a very non-scientific way when it uses the phrase, "sex assigned at birth." Sex is not assigned at birth but simply recognized and recorded. There are only two genders. To say that isn't so is meaningless, especially when no transgender advocate can specify exactly how many genders there are. If gender is a continuum, then male and female are meaningless distinctions and all the talk about sexism, discrimination against women etc is also bunk. By adoption these policies, you will reap irreparable harm on the very people you purport to help. The students with gender disphoria need counseling, not affirmation of their incorrect self-view. If you indeed believe that gender is self-determined, then why is your race also not similarly fluid and self-determined?


Strongly OPPOSE VDOE transgender draft policy guidelines

These proposed policies are a detriment to all involved.


I DO NOT AGREE

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. This is wrong and absolutely horrifying. Boys are boys and girls are girls.


Virginia parent of 4 strongly opposed

As a parent of 4 school aged children, I am strongly opposed to this massive infringement on my rights as a parent.  I am dismayed at the lack of concern for the mental well being of these children by those in favor of this policy.  It sickens me that there are people on this post who believe fragile children, whose brains have not fully developed, should be encouraged to explore ideas and lifestyles that they could not even fathom without the perverted indoctrination from our culture.  I am opposed to using the supposedly secure and safe school system to push reckless and dangerous policies upon our most vulnerable.


Strongly support!

I strongly support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. All of our students have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and these policies will help ensure our gender expansive students can learn in a safe and supportive environment.


VDOE draft of treatment of "transgender" students

I take great issue with the guidelines being proposed for our students.  I will just mention a couple. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect.  This completely flies in the face of our constitutional rights to practice our religion, the rights of parents to make decisions for their minor children, and that this whole issue flies in the face of biological science and DNA.  You are actually telling parents and God Himself that God, the perfect creator of the universe can make mistakes.  When you allow any boys and girls to use whatever locker rooms you are just asking for sexual harassment  especially of young girls, many who will be intimidated, fearful and hurt. You are not using common sense but rather allowing a small minority who need care, understanding and counseling to set the rules for everyone else and putting everyone at risk in several ways. Also, if you let biological males on female athletic teams it has been shown over and over you are very much discriminating against biological females because there IS a difference in physical makeup.


No support from this parent of 4

While I understand the intent to cater to and protect the transgender population, I do not agree with the sweeping changes that would put the vast majority of other students at risk and in potentially compromising situations. One person’s “freedom” to choose endangers others who are stripped of that freedom by the nature of these rules/changes. There is no protection or provision for children to have the ability to go to the bathroom, change clothes , or have a safe/private space without the uncertainty/risk of someone with questionable motives present and abusing the freedom/choices being offered. Also as a parent, we need to be aware of our kids choices and actions, a school cannot take that responsibility away by saying they are “protecting” the students. As these rules stand now, I could not in good faith send my children to school in Virginia and would have to look elsewhere.


Absolutely AGAINST

If the VDOE passes and supports this ludicrous document, I believe and sincerely hope that the teachers will resign in droves. The teachers and administrators are in a no win situation. As the saying goes, "The inmates should not be allowed to run the asylum." Rules are meant to be followed. Period. Another good saying to remember- "Majority rules!" Incredible.


Unbelievable that this is even a debate.  What is our world coming to?

I absolutely do not now, nor will I ever support such an abomination.  I urge our legislators to stop and think about what they are considering.  In what world would such things even be whispered about, let alone actually considered as public policy?  This must stop.


Parents nurture, schools partner

The proposed guidelines for transgender students proposed by the VDOE have nothing ultimately to do with caring for students as a whole.  These policies take the responsibility of raising children away from parents and placing that responsibility in the hands of the state.  I do not support it.  We do not hire the VDOE with our tax dollars to indoctrinate our children on cancel culture ideology and sexuality.  We hire them to educate our children in academics. These policies discriminate against victims of prior physical or sexual abuse by allowing the opposite gender to be present in changing rooms and bathrooms and punishes that victim if he/she protests, they discriminate against families of religious faith who teach their children a Torah, Bible, or Quran-based view of sexuality, they further confuse children at a time in their life when parents or a licensed therapist/counsellor of the parents' choosing should be guiding them.  Please do not adopt these guidelines.  Children and families will suffer because of it.


Strongly support our potential

In the past, I haven't been the best at understanding these type of issues. But now, I think that our society should simply accept that the identity issue has existed for years under different names, titles, etc. In general, just let our kids express themselves without fear of retribution from their peers or state and simply find that they are our future. Our children can pave the way to s brighter future if only they are not held back by antiquated norms (which in terms of race and gender) have not advanced us in ways we could have enjoyed. Let our students be free of the bounds that held back our greatest minds so we can enjoy their full potential. Godspeed and here's to the future.


Think about what the Chief Justice predicted!   We oppose these policies.

As Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his dissent to the majority opinion of 14-556 Obergefell vs. Hodges on June 26, 2015 "The majority expressly disclaims judicial “caution” and omits even a pretense of humility, openly relying on its desire to remake society according to its own “new insight” into the “nature of injustice.” Ante, at 11, 23. As a result, the Court invalidates the marriage laws of more than half the States and orders the transformation of a social institution that has formed the basis of human society for millennia, for the Kalahari Bushmen and the Han Chinese, the Carthaginians and the Aztecs. Just who do we think we are?" Chief Justice was 100% correct. Who do we think we are to attempt to rewrite the social building block of the State of Virginia? In less than 5 years from this controversial court decision, our American society has rapidly declined as projected by the Chief Justice.   This decline is obvious by looking at the turmoil experienced within our nation just in 2020 alone.   The very fact that these laws are being presented is proof that we are we have surpassed the warning track of societal destruction.  We must swallow humble pie and reverse course immediately. Any form of governance that eradicates the HONOR of being named a father, mother, son, daughter, grandfather, grandmother, aunt or uncle and replaces it with the ambiguity of social constructs of the marginalized is DEMANDING the entire society to live as slaves .  As someone who works internationally, I strongly warn us to take heed.  By throwing away our constitutional freedom of speech  we will be rewarded with communism.     "Give me liberty, or give me death!"  God created family and God gave us the State of Virginia too.   Let's not lose either.


I strongly SUPPORT these policies for protecting trans and non-binary youth

I am so hopeful to see the possibility of a brighter, safer future for today's LGBTQIA+ youth in Virginia through the implementation of policies and practices like those outlined in the proposed document. You need look no further than some of the comments on this very page to see why protections against harassment, bullying, and discrimination are vitally necessary. Creating an environment where it is safe for children and teenagers to explore and express their gender identities during the formative years of their lives is so important to the development of healthy, happy adults. Building the mechanisms to respect and defend their identities saves lives. We can simultaneously protect LGBTQIA+ youth while helping their peers unlearn misguided fear and hatred so that for future generations, policies like these seem like mere common sense. Growing up, I had no such policies or support, and I grew up just thinking I was weird and wrong. It wasn't until I was nearly thirty that I began to figure out my own queer identity, and another five years or so until I became comfortable inhabiting that identity. I don't want to see my or my sister's children having to struggle so long to find themselves, if they do not fit in the gender they were assigned at birth or do not love the genders that they were told to love, just because the school system will not support them or protect them from reckless hate. I support trans youth, and I applaud all those who came together to research and develop these policies and put them forward for implementation. You are heroes.


Don't support infringing parent rights, non-definable status, one sided inclusivity education

For: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools I believe the parent has the right to direct and shape their own child, more than the school system. Parental rights should be upheld. Children that are abused for any reason should be reported to CPS. But this document seems to convey that the school system has more authority than the parent in determining what is best for a child. I do not agree with this premise and therefore do not support that language in the document that can easily lead to a parent not being informed of a child's transgender struggles. I would like to see more evidence and research that clearly shows that not telling parents results in a child having reduced suicide, depression, and illicit drug use before it is codified as fact in a school policy. I also do not agree with the choice to leave gender status so non-definable and ambiguous. Even if it is a process for the transgender child, the process should not cause others undue chaos. Why does this policy determine that a school should not require particular substantive evidence including diagnosis or a set duration? Other accommodations (handicap, food allergies, religion) require someone to substantiate their need for accommodations both so that there can be order and so that accommodations are not taken advantage of. The school should be able to set guidelines for how a student proceeds to identify themselves as a gender other than their assigned sex. The process should include counselor input, medical doctor input, parental involvement and I believe a set duration of a persistent behavior. The policy to include inclusivity education specific to LGBTQ issues infringes on my right as a parent to educate my child when I feel is most appropriate and on what I feel they need to know. Parents will not be able to opt out of this education if it is infused throughout the curriculum (vs just in a FLE unit) as this document seems to propose. General education on bullying (caring about the feelings of everyone) does not necessitate the need for children to be overtly taught the definitions of the LGBTQ vocabulary nor do elementary children need to read books about Drag Queens and Transgender Boys or Girls. I do not agree with these topics being taught by the schools because it is someone else's belief in what is normal. Additionally, is there adequate evidence that such education does not increase harmful outcomes in students? I personally know staff that reported many many issues among the kindergarten children that were read "I am Jazz" in an Arlington elem school. Is there substantive evidence that such activities are harmless? There should be a strong body of evidence (like in medicine - the first law is to "do no harm") before it is prescribed and enforced across the board for all classes/ages/schools as this document seeks to do. I also do not support the school requiring LGBTQ education for all of its staff. This education is biased in that it is only one side of the facts. It often does not inform of the benefits of counseling a child in so labeled "conversion therapy". The curriculum is not vetted nor supported by strongly peer reviewed reproducible research, yet it is used as factual. There are no provisions for staff members and students to practice their own beliefs (which may be contrary to those in this document) in a protected manner.


Parents have the legal right- via the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974),

In regards to the "Draft Model Policies of the Treatment of Transgender Students" I am deeply concerned for the wellbeing of my children, the children in my community (Greater Fulton in Richmond's 7th District) and the children of our State. I'm deeply concerned for the children of our State who identify as transgender - and I do not approve of many of the guildelines proposed in the "Draft Policies" and "Recommended Standard." Both of these, based on radical social theories, eradicate valuable distinctions between male and female (1)(2)(3)(..and more), remove parents' protections for their own kids through reducing/denying communication to parents (4)(7)(8)(9), place undue burden on teachers and administrators, (5)(6) and try to remake basic social constructs that have been foundational building blocks of stable civilizations for milennia. Just like we value and protect race and ethiniciy -because it is given by God and is sacred, we need to value and protect sex/gender -because it is also given by God and is sacred. I'm deeply concerned that these draft policies not only erode the sacredness of an individual's sexuality, they go far beyond paving the way for ample opportunity to penalize those who do value it as an inate, biological reality and sacred. (10) Thank you for your consideration of my comments. (1) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) (2) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) (3) “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) (4) “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) (5) “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) (6) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) (7) “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) (8) “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) -Parents need to be notified AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL if there are alleged infractions to policies, not just if accusations of their child are unresolved at the school level. (9) “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13)


Strongly Support

As a teacher myself, my top priority is to protect my students both emotionally and physically. These policies would help to ensure that ALL students feel safe and protected at school. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs states that students first need to feel safe, feel that they belong, and feel confidence in themselves before they can fully participate in problem solving. It is the responsibility of the VDOE to ensure that policies are in place to help prevent any possible discrimination. Time and time again, we have unfortunately seen discrimination toward transgender people turn violent and even deadly. We must protect all students. Please enact these policies to protect our transgender youth.


Schools should be inclusive - I support the guidelines

Public schools must be inclusive for ALL students, including transgender students. Denying an aspect of a student's identity as basic as their gender makes school a painful and potentially intolerable place -- leading to suicide, dropping out, or simply tuning out, which is a waste of human potential. As noted in the guidelines,  reporting a student's transgender status to parents can have dire consequences, including homelessness. Approaches like those described in the guidelines are the best chance for transgender students to remain successfully engaged in their education and avoid deep emotional harm. The guidelines do not unreasonably burden cisgender students; they simply allow transgender students to be themselves in the same school. Please stand firm in protecting transgender students.


SUPPORT INCLUSIVE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS

I am 100% in support of your draft guidance outlining best practices for creating inclusive school environments for trans and non-binary students.  When people in general feel supported, they thrive.  They suffer less from depression and are less likely to commit suicide.


Strongly Support

creating healthy environments in the school leads to more positive outcomes. Treat trans students with respect and dignity.


Oppose this radical and harmful legislation

Forcing people to use pronouns etc which could change on a daily basis is ludicrous. There is constant push to follow science. This is not following science. This is wrong. Taking parents rightful authority from them is also wrong and sets a horrible precedent.  I do not support this insanity.


Strongly DISAGREE this absurdity.

The safety and innocence of the kids will be stripped off.  They’re just kids who doesn’t know yet what they really are.  As a mother I need to know wafts is going on with my child all the time.  This pronoun thing is absurd.  You can be inclusive but not on the expense of children’s


I vehemently disagree with and oppose the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  It is yet another unconstitutional, leftist intrusion as well as criminal and illegal subterfuge into the lives of private citizens, our children and families.  Stop now.


Why are the children always the pawn of radical agendas that want permission tmutilate their bodies?

I strongly oppose any agenda that removes the right of parents and gives it to the state. Children are children and they should be allowed the opportunity to be children without the interference of the state.  The very fact that counselors are silenced in communicating all aspects of this radical and damaging agenda reveals a darker side to what the true agenda is for our youth.  Where is the equity in a one sided presentation of information, where is the equity in removing the parent from the equation.  Do we really want the state telling us how to raise our children, that sounds a lot like communism to most.


There is no part of this that is acceptable.

I was more horrified with every line I read.  We are talking about children under the age of 18, and you are removing parents from all discussions and awareness.  And choosing which children's rights you want to accept at the expense of others.  Even taking out my religious beliefs and what God says, this policy ranges from completely absurd to an unacceptable  violation of the rights of the majority.  I am not sure how teachers, who are already going above and beyond, would begin to comply with this.  Please reconsider how this effects not only the students and teachers, but the parents as well.


Please do not pass these

Please do not pass this


I fully support this new policy!!!

Schools should be a safe and inclusive place for everyone!


School district is walking into a legal minefield

What gives a school district the right to not disclose a child's behavior to his or her parents, especially when it comes to something that might potentially have implications for the child's health and well being? If a child was cutting herself at school, or displaying symptoms of severe depression, or something of that nature, it would be outrageous for teachers and administrators to hide that from parents. Yet when it comes to this, if a kid says they're a different gender (despite perhaps not even knowing what that means or the implications of it) the school is not only supposed to go along with or encourage the kid's thinking, but also hide it from his or her parents? The school district is opening itself up to so many lawsuits it'll be unbelievable. Look for property taxes to skyrocket to pay for all the damages and litigation.


Wholeheartedly support

I WHOLEHEARTEDLY supportModel Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.


I support this

Schools must be inclusive, allowing and supporting all children. This looks to be good policy to ensure that another marginalized group is ensured inclusion.


Strongly support! All children deserve to feel safe and secure

Growing up in Florida there was no acceptance for LGBTQ kids and I can't imagine the harm that caused those who had to hide their true self. Even worse, I think of the children bullied and tormented for being different than the proposed norm. This policy can help educate kids to be more accepting of others, protect these kids, and move the ball forward to a more accepting and peaceful world. Education is the first step! Please enact this policy and protect all of our kids and our future.


We strongly support

We strongly support protecting these fundamental human rights. These are innate qualities of our fellow human beings. No child would choose persecution, discrimination, or bullying. Even though some opposing individuals may be uncomfortable with people they don’t understand, there is no societal cost to protecting our most vulnerable populations.


Absolutely support these important guidelines - all children should feel safe to be themselves

As a parent of a child in Fairfax schools (and two others that have already graduated), I feel these guidelines are extremely important. High School, in particular, can be hard for children due to puberty and all the emotions that go along with it. If the child has dysphoria of any kind, they should be able to express themselves without fearing retribution or being ostracized. Great job Fairfax!!


STRONGLY OPPOSE to NO PARENTAL CONSENT on meds - bad even for families with TRANSGENDER children!

This bill should be rejected because of all important issues I am listing below. It is clear that this bill was not properly thought through, many scenarios and opinions were not considered and covered for the safety of all children, families, educators and even families with transgender children. 1. LACK OF CONSENT This bill lacks parental consent! Parents MUST know all medication their children take, all mental and physical issues their children experience and all procedures at all times! This is critical in case of emergency and when parents make decisions for any treatment on behalf of their children outside of school to avoid any adverse reactions or complications. See page 12: "There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity, and school staff should work with students to help them share the information with their family when they are ready to do so. " School cannot hide from parents any medication or procedures administered to children! What this bill proposes is unacceptable, it did not consider this situation, even families supporting transgender kids should strongly oppose this bill. 2. SIDE EFFECTS Some of the medication or treatments that could possibly be provided carry short and/or long term mental and/or physical side effects, children should not be deciding to take them, they should not even be exposed to them or have them in their reach on school grounds.  Parents must always be informed at earliest time possible. Examples of medication or treatment: PrEP pill for HIV, hormonal or other treatments for gender conversion, anticonception and/or even abortion. 3. PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Parents are best advocates for their own children, they know their children's health situation best and they can provide the most loving and compassionate approach. NOT school! Parents are also ultimately responsible for their kids' overall well being. Parents are also responsible for their kids' health insurance along with other expenses. This brings up another question: how would these services and medication be paid for if parents are not supposed to be aware? This is unacceptable! 4. REDUNDANCY There are already other bills put in place to protect transgender children (such as discrimination act or bill on conversion therapy (which prohibits correcting gender to that at birth!)), so part of this bill is redundant. 5. CONSCIOUSNESS This bill encroaches on freedom of expression and religious liberty. It collides and goes against consciousness of many families, especially religious ones. It dismisses feelings and believes of a much larger group of students, in favor of much smaller transgender community. 6. PREDATORS This bill will provide new avenues to exploit for child predators (it is important to note that many child predators start at young age, about 9-11 and many victims do not report any offenses until their adulthood). 7. FACILITIES Sharing bathrooms or locker rooms will put many children in uncomfortable and even dangerous situation. It is an impossible expectation to have a separate locker room or restroom for each child made available by the time this bill be enforced, therefore many children will end up compromising themselves in shared facilities. Many children will end up either viewing or being viewed undressed by the opposite sex. 8. OVERSEXUALIZATION This bill will distract and oversexualize children, it will destroy current privacy rules. "Whenever schools provide sex-segregated activities such as physical education classes, students should be allowed to participate in a manner consistent with their gender identity." (on page 16) - does that mean that girl claiming to be a boy can attend soccer or swimming topless? 9. OPPOSITION There is a large number of parents and educators opposing this matter for years now. There are organizations such as Concerned Parents and Educators of Fairfax County, Parent And Child Org, The Family Foundation and other. Their opposition have been dismissed over the years and it has not been heard or considered when this bill was created.


Oppose

These model regulations infringe upon the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children.


Strongly Oppose

I do not approve of the proposed guidelines.  The proposals will usurp parental rights and could lead to discrimination against teachers whose deeply held beliefs would prevent them from going along with the changes.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose this.


Strongly oppose.   Keep our children safe.

Keep our children safe.  Do not trample on the role of the parent.


Support

I support this.  People deserve fair and equal treatment. Judgement should be left to the parents regarding transgender matters.


Strongly Oppose. Will undermine the role of a parent for their child

Also non reversible surgery should not be perform on a young child who can easily be manipulated, and may come to regret when becoming of mature age.


Opposed - As proposed, model policy undermines and bypasses Parents - this is wrong


OPPOSED

We oppose this. Ensure bathroom and locker room settings are accessible based on the person's sex assigned at birth.


Oppose

It is not the place of taxpayer-funded systems to push for policies that are based on nothing more than philosophical differences in opinion on gender theory. No student should be bullied, but existing rules relating to bullying are more than enough. Above all it is possible to treat children with dysphoria with dignity and love while maintaining the fought-for and necessary separate spaces for biological boys and girls. Sex is well-documented and sex-based differences are verifiable based on scientific observation and evidence regarding physical traits, hormonal differences, and behavior. The school has no place imposing a newly-thought up philosophical belief on children who are there to learn and who deserve safe spaces with members of their own sex.


SUPPORT

I support the guidance document. Deadnaming, fear, discrimination are not what our transgender students should encounter . School should be a place of safety and learning, not a place of constant trauma and abuse.


Strongly support! Keep our children SAFE!!!

Keep our children safe; respect their choice for gender identity. Avoid suicide.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

Oppose LGBT ideology


Control Rights

We keep the right of parents to act in the behalf of their children.  I am not for document.


No way no how

This bill and any similar to it rejects the rights of parents and the legal rights and guardianship thereof. This bill is a direct violation of those rights and is discriminatory as such against people of religious faith, parents, and any school staff members who disagree with this manifesto on moral grounds. No where in this bill do you affirm the rights of any of those groups to reject this indoctrination. This is a shameful and disgusting bill that seeks to make religious beliefs criminal and goes directly against the 1st amendment in the us constitution. similarly this is yet another unfunded mandate passed down by the state, on an already over burdened school system. You want to push your agenda and punish any who reject it but also want us to not support parental wishes including minors in elementary school and you further choose to hide any of this from parents who do not approve. School documents are legal documents, not documents that can be changed on a whim one day or the next bc you feel like a man or woman or nothing and want to change your name or gender. School documents need to reflect the students legal name and gender as given them at birth by their parents and determined by the physician.  You further want the schools to produce new documents for any student who graduated but now wants to be called something else, even if it’s not legally changed, you expect us to spend our time and money to reproduce diplomas and schools records with their new desired name. Come work in a school for one year and tell me we are not over worked, under staffed, and under paid, and discriminated against bc of our religious beliefs, it’s do this or be fired.


STRONGLY OPPOSE These Policies

Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students! The model regulations infringe on the First Amendment Rights of Parents to raise and care for their children.


The draft policies would undercut parents’ involvement in the life of their children at school, and endanger the bodily privacy and safety of all students.


Strongly Oppose!

The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children.  I strongly oppose!


Strongly Oppose

Strongly oppose


Strongly oppose

Many children have learned very early how to manipulate well intended guidelines for their own purposes. These guidelines, although well intended, will generate chaotic situations that will significantly detract from a healthy school learning environment.  Please consider more moderate adjustments.  Emphasizing respect for all individuals should cover most of what you hope to accomplish.


I oppose this infringement of parents' rights.

I oppose this infringement of parents rights.


Transgender Policies

I am strongly opposed to these transgender policies, and I will not support any lawmaker who supports them.


I strongly oppose ignoring parental rights in this proposed policy


Draft Policies for Treatment of Transgendered Students

Until relatively recently, the understanding of gender identity has been that a person's gender is fixed at conception and is readily ascertained by examining one's chromosomes.  The recent ideas of the flexibility of one's gender identity are without sound scientific basis.  Because they are not based on a sound, easily verifiable scientific basis, the draft policies will produce a system that is easily exploited and impossible to administer fairly.


OPPOSE

LET PARENTS’  DECIDE


Oppose transgender policies proposed by VDOE

The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity.


OPPOSE

This cannot stand. Taking the rights away from parents, what is next? Our public education system is too emboldened righty now, this is very dangerous and an affront to families and religious people.


Fully support

Fully support this. All children should feel safe to be themselves in a school setting. This is not over reach but supports for the child/young adult and Parents, that is much needed. If the parents support their children’s choices, or even if they don’t, we should as a community and provide a safe space.


Strongly opposed

Oppose. Public schools are not meant to be a vehicle for encouraging transgender.  They are for education.  Having boys and girls using the same locker rooms is unsafe and disrespectful for all students.


Oppose

Part of the job of our education system is to protect our students. There is proof that encouraging and promoting this idea that sex doesn’t matter and you can be whatever you want is harmful to individuals. Sex DOES matter. Men and women are different. They are different in beautiful ways and this should be celebrated. One is not better than the other and individuals cannot switch because they feel like they don’t fit in. No one feels like they fit in to their body. You have to grow and learn to appreciate it.  Bathrooms, locker rooms, classes, and groups designed limited to students of a certain sex in no way offends or diminishes the importance of the other. Instead, like different ethnic clubs, they allow people to be who they are in safe spaces. Treat the bullying, treat the unhealthy relationships students have with their own bodies, other students, and the world in general. It stems from a lack of love and acceptance on both the part of the individual and the group. Throw out this transgender agenda. It is only harmful.


Warped mines

NO!! NO!! NO!! NO,


Parents supported not demoted

Parents should be promoted and not demoted. I oppose the transgender policies proposed.


Strongly Opposed

Stop all of this liberal insanity that is warping the minds of our youth and dividing this nation!


Strongly oppose


oppose

I only got as far as page 6, read the definition of gender which is not correct and stopped reading. Please revise doc and then I will reread and evaluate


Transgender

Why you people are so threatened by actual natural facts, is beyond reason !!


Support

All young people need the support of their school.  The Transgender Student Policy will help schools provide support and guidance to all students. The policy will ensure that ALL students can attend school feeling safe and included, which is critical for every student.  We want our young people to make the best individual choices.  The Transgender Student Policy will support that goal.


Fully Support

I fully support the proposals. Please ignore all of the ignorant bigots and do what is best for our trans students. Those who do not grow and progress with the rest of the world are simply waiting around to die. I urge the DOE to stand on the right side of history and take a strong stance in favor of trans Virginian students and their families.


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose this transgender policy. I respect all individuals but this is an over-reach by the schools. Making children share restrooms and locker rooms with members of the opposite biological sex is absolutely wrong.


Strongly oppose

Allowing children to decide for themselves what gender they are is child abuse. Children need to be guided by parents. If a child decided they wanted to eat cake for every meal, would a parent allow them to do that? Alternatively, if an underweight child decided they were too fat and only wanted to eat one small meal a day, would a parent let them do that? Of course not!! How is this any different? Biology is not a mistake. “Follow the science!” If a child is created a boy, he is a boy! If a child is created a girl, she is a girl. To deny this is to deny science and genetics. To try to change science and genetics of one’s child is child abuse.


Transgender policies

I think that, generally, people shouldn't be talking about "transgenderism" with five to six-year olds, considering that they haven't even learned very basic things about the world and about sex and sexuality. Frankly, it's pretty much child abuse to make a child, who doesn't understand anything about this sort of stuff, doubt whether or not they even "are what they think they are." They do not have the knowledge or the wisdom to make a good judgement on whether or not they "feel like a man" or "feel like a woman," since their brain isn't even fully developed yet. There have also been many examples of transgender people changing their minds about "what they are" later in life and regretting having ever made sex-change surgeries or filling themselves with horomones of the opposite sex. These things have catastrophic effects on these peoples' health, and you should never expose a child to something like that. This whole set of policies is based on the idea that child transgenderism is legitimate, and that's just not true, so I can't support any part of this.


Vehemently Oppose This Nonsense

There are two genders. Male and Female. For the parents who support their CHILDREN as they pretend to be the other sex is absurd. Worse are the parents who push their children at a young age to do this. Just stop this nonsense. None of this should be discussed at any level in public schools. Disgusting.


Public Education is no place to address illnesses

Just stop the lunacy of using the public education system to address physical and mental maladies. The school system has no right to invade personal privacy by asking sexual preference.  That is quite a perverse invasion by the school board. everyone has a birth certificate issued by a doctor or health department that the student should have registered with at entry to their first school year.  That does not change a year or ten years later.  It’s none of the school’s business what physical or mental condition a student is dealing with.  That student should seek medical care and the school should excuse absence for treatment. stop trying to address maladies that must be addressed by the proper professionals and dedicate school efforts towards education of students.


Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

I strongly oppose reductions in parental rights


Transgender regulations proposed by VDOE

This model proposed by the VDOE infringes on the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. They are the primary educators of their offspring, not the VDOE or the teachers. We need to respect parental rights and not usurp them.


Transgender Education Policy

It is up to parents to discuss their beliefs and understanding regarding transgender education for their children, not our schools.  Transgender wishes reflect mental illness and should be treated as such, not a topic in schools.  The proposed policy is in direct opposition to the beliefs of most parents and schools should not express ideas that are in conflict with family beliefs.


I support the guidelines

I support the guidelines to keep trans students safe at school. Just like any other student or person, trans students have the right to be safe in all public spaces including schools.


Strongly support - will save children's lives

This guidance will allow children to explore their gender identity and presentation safely and with support. As the guidance points out, such affirmation has been proven to dramatically reduce rates of depression and suicide in transgender youth (Ryan et al 2010; Russell et al 2018). There are absolutely no evidence-based risks to treating young people as they wish to be treated, and doing so will literally save the lives of vulnerable children and teenagers.


Support

All children (all people) require a safe environment in order to learn. It is basic human development. Children (people) are children (people) regardless if the clothes they wear or the pronouns they use. We, as adults, have a responsibility to advocate for and protect children. We can disagree about whether or not transgender is "normal" or "ok" (it is), but I hope we all agree that children are minors needing adults to protect their rights and safety.


Strongly disapprove

I strongly disagree with the proposed guidelines.


Strongly support

I fully support this measure to help keep Virginia's children safe.


Strongly disapprove of Virginia Depart of Education policy on treatment of Transgender students

The government should not be pushing its own liberal agenda down to the schools which must obey or be punished by reduction in funds.  There are only 2 genders, male and female.  Girls should not have to be afraid using the bathroom or locker rooms by giving boys access to them.  You have completely ignored and refuse to give parents information about their child in school.  What happened to the school working with parents on issues, this policy completely cuts parents out of the decision making regarding their child.  The child is not the property of the state to do with what ever the state wants.


Opposition to transgender policies proposed by the VDOE.

I strongly oppose the transgender policies proposed by the VDOE (HB 145 & SB 161).  These policies are certainly not needed and very much take away the rights of parents raising their children according to their own values and beliefs.  The purpose of the public school system is to educate our children--not to take on responsibilities of the parents. Laws and policies are meant to serve the people.  These two policies certainly do NOT serve the majority of people just wanting to raise their children according to what they believe is best.


Opposition to transgender bills for schools

I do not support these transgender bills. These transitions can result in sterilization of the individual, which is a tragedy as they as too young to know if they want children. And why is it illegal to smoke before 18 and drink before 21, but these children can have hormones of the opposite sex (according to their genetics) injected, which is much more dangerous? This bill makes all children less safe and should not pass.


Strongly urge support of trans and non gender binary students

The childhood and teen years are a really important time for people to discover who they are.  For some that means the realization that they do not fit the gender norms set by society or their gender does not match the one assigned at birth.  It is vital for the mental health of these students that they be treated fairly as well as gently and compassionately so that they may develop into healthy adult citizens.  These guides will not negatively effect other students' rights.


Undermines parent-child relationship

Parents can only make good decisions about their children's well-being based on full information. It's important that schools communicate fully with parents, so that all parties can work together to help a child navigate life circumstances. I'd like to see a provision requiring communication with parents, rather than the school hiding very important, life-changing information from a child's legal guardians.


Concerned for the safety of our children

I am opposed to the policies in this document.  We must uphold the safety and bodily privacy of our students, and the parental rights of their parents. These are some of the problems I have with these policies: The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity.


SUPPORT

I SUPPORT the guidance.


oppose

As a human beings,  all creatures have inalienable rights. These are rights to be treated with dignity and respect.  I feel that the children today are being cheated and disrespected by the window of leeway we are placing on their shoulders.  We are born male or female.  If there is confusion in the genetics, we need to find out the reason. It is not just something that over 2000 plus years we can decide is all the sudden changing.  What are we doing environmentally to cause these children such turmoil?  Unfortunately, the children today are having these feelings.  I feel we need to educate them on who they are, allow them separate bathrooms or spaces to feel safe, but do not let their immature minds have to think they are different. Help them to know who they really are.  I oppose this bill for the way it is written.


Strongly oppose

Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”.


OPPOSE PROMOTING CONFUSION IN CHILDREN

It is arrogant and irresponsible for schools to encourage children who are confused about their gender.  Science proves the vast majority of these confused children outgrow it by the time they are adults.  Encouraging them leads to greater depression and ill-health while disrespecting most of the student population and their parents.


Oppose the transgender proposals

I refuse the proposal by VDOE desires to implement on the basis of moral dereliction of duty on the behalf of children.  If this process is permitted our youth will suffer far beyond their ability to comprehend  now in their tender years of development as well as irrevocable damage to their psyche, and clear understanding of their reason for being a stable part of humanity, never fully being accepted in the real world.


Please Protect Transgender Students; they deserve equal treatment respecting their identities

As the grandfather of a transgender student I have seen the difficulties my grandson, formerly grand daughter, has had to face in changing his gender identity.  I applaud the Department for going forward with the proposed Bill and guidance policies, which should produce a more equal educational opportunity for all Virginia's school children, especially including those who question or change their gender identity.


opposed - stop the madness

The model requires more than the legislation does to the point that if implemented it will transgress on the rights of other students, parents, and even school staff.  It should be revised to do what the law requires and no more.  It is one thing to reinforce things like compliance with existing non-discrimination laws but to require school staff to use pronouns that are contrary to sex assigned at birth (and really at conception as we know from science) is to force them to lie.  And when the teachers are required to lie about one truth then where will the line be drawn?  Our schools must teach truth (and truth is immutable or it isn't truth) or we will become like the dystopian societies that we read about only in fiction.


Support the transgender student policies

It is essential that children be able to learn without suffering discrimination or harassment. These policies will promote that critical goal. A recent study found that over 70% of gay or transgender kids received threats because of their identity; schools have a moral and legal obligation to protect their students from this kind of harassment at school. These policies are necessary. These policies lay out how schools can prevent gender-based harassment or address it effectively to support and protect students if harassment occurs. These policies will help transgender students feel safe and respected at school, which is necessary for them to have equal access to education.


Don’t approve

I do not approve of this! Parents need to be advised and involved.


Strongly appose

Children are children, some still need support outside to ensure their safety, when adults they can decide.


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

The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed.


Transgender policy document

Strongly oppose adoption of these policies.


OPPOSE strongly the VDOE proposed policies re: transgender

I oppose the alleged need for new VDOE policies regarding so-called transgender children.  They are CHILDREN, who do not have the maturity to determine that they "belong to another sex" other than the one they physically have. My reasons for opposing these proposed policy changes have been clearly articulated by many others who have responded.


Oppose

Dear Legislature, I would like to request that the legislature oppose the proposed Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students .  While I certainly appreciate the difficulties of students facing gender dysphoria the proposed policies are not fair to their teachers & fellow students nor to them. Students at this age are wont to change their minds (which is fair & normal) so teachers would readily find themselves unfairly charged with harassment on any given day. With respect to their fellow students, it is entirely inappropriate to be introducing this to the majority of students who will not suffer from gender dysphoria as a state wide mandate.  Most students are not concerned with nor interested in these matters and to introduce this to them is wrong at young ages.  I have known many students to be overwhelmed by the information at young ages and labeled as something they are not if they do not "check the box" as something once introduced. The proposed agenda is far ahead of the AMA standards for natural development and introduction of these issues.  Especially given that parents are not required to be informed first. Students who have wrestled with gender dysphoria have been violated by this type of well intentioned proposal.  Being too young to fully know their minds and bodies they have felt encouraged and emboldened by their academic institutions and have made dramatic decisions at impressionable ages to their disappointment & despair at adulthood.  If we tell our youth that their minds are not fully developed enough to handle drugs and alcohol until age 25 (see all VA Drivers Ed requirements) then why would we encourage them to take hormones and consider transitioning at such young ages?  We frown upon them drinking milk with hormones!? Finally, this challenges Women's Rights.  The transgender movement violates Title IX.  The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations including athletics.  Scientific data has found and worldwide athletic organizations have concluded that no amount of hormone therapy evens the playing field for a male athlete who identifies as a female.  The Economist published articles throughout the Fall of 2020 to this effect, most recently: Liberalism and its contradictions (10/24/2020.)  "Ending discrimination against one group of people should not depend on discriminating against another."  Look no further than states that have passed these initiatives and note the rate at which female athletic records have been claimed by male athletes identifying as women.  Our eldest daughter chases a 20 year track record at her high school that would undoubtedly be claimed by a mediocre male athlete within the year of this decision.  It is already frustrating enough to train with male athletes much less compete against them.  What are we telling our female athletes?  We will lose them. Please be very careful with our youth.  There are a myriad of ways to help ALL of our youth navigate the difficulties of coming of age, this proposal is not one of them. Jennifer Glade Alexandria, VA


Protect Parent and children's rights

The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity.


Oppose

These policies are deeply harmful to children.


Oppose As Being Clearly Unconstitutional on Several Fronts

This proposal is beyond misguided, because it is inherently unconstitutional on a number of grounds.  Hence, it will result in an unsuccessful and wasteful struggle within court systems, which should be utilized for real issues, not agenda-driven and hypothetical issues. It would violate and interfere with : [1] parental rights in raising and educating children on innate matters pertaining to sexuality and sexual identity; [2] the privacy rights of parents in implementing [1]; [3] the privacy rights of the children themselves in their self-awareness of their sexual identities; [4] the privacy rights of children in avoiding exposure to members of the opposite sex while undressed; [5] the rights of children to be educated solely in matters that pertain to academic matters, which exclude hypothetical matters about which there is a huge amount of academic disagreement and which is contrary to the teachings of most of the mainstream religions within the USA; and [6] it would expose children to concepts and theories about which they unequipped to fairly apply mature examination and assessment.


STRONGLY OPPOSED, protect parental rights! Protect chilren!

this goes totally against parental rights and children well being. protect children innocence Opposed completely


Support

Transgender students deserve to be safe and supported in school. Thank you for considering policies aimed at ensuring the safety and support of these students.


No to Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools

I oppose the “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.” I do not condone discrimination against transgender students, but I oppose any accommodation for these students that violates the right of privacy of all other students and discriminates against all students by forcing them to follow arbitrary rules that cannot be reasonably enforced. These rules force most students to give up their right of privacy, especially where the use of bathrooms, gym locker rooms and showers are concerned. Biological differences between male and female persons are scientifically undeniable. Boys who think they are transgender or female cannot be allowed to use girls facilities and conversely, girls who think they are transgender or male cannot be allowed to use boys facilities. Adolescents are impressionable and sensitive about their identity. Forcing them to accept transgender behavior and putting them in embarrassing situations that violate their privacy will cause confusion and psychological trauma. Teachers and school administrators should not be trying to enforce arbitrary rules that distract from their primary responsibilities to educate. Parents are responsible for raising their children to deal with societal situations. School personnel must not usurp the parents’ responsibilities. Students and parents risk being harassed, humiliated and punished because they uphold the universal truths of natural law recognized by the overwhelming majority of people in the world which recognize the fundamental differences between boys and girls, men and women. Biological differences are not arbitrary, they are a scientific fact. Anyone who thinks they are of a sex different from the one evidenced by their DNA and physical attributes need compassionate medical and emotional help to deal with their situation, not arbitrary rules forcing others to accept their situation.