Stop Sexualizing Children

Young children are not mature enough to make major life-changing decisions, which is why they are legally under the guardianship of adults, typically their parents who love them and want the best for them. It is also why they are subject to juvenile court systems and why attendance at school is mandatory. Many aspects of the law rightly recognize the need to guide and protect young children as they mature. While this guidance document pretends to further that cause, the truth is quite the opposite - and tragic. This guidance document is partly a response to Virginia choosing to no longer vigorously defend itself in the courts against unfavorable rulings stemming from enforcement of its prior, sensible policy. Prior, sensible policy recognized the importance of creating a safe learning environment for ALL students, which requires moderating the excessive behavior of some students when they become potentially harmful towards others. A very small but very vocal minority of students, outside activists, and policy makers have banded together to try to normalize the aberrant and often self-destructive behaviors associated with gender dysphoria in young children. Worse yet, they seek to affirm these aberrant behaviors by forcing others to play along and call children by preferred pronouns, made up names, etc. This is nonsensical and encourages other youths who are merely attention seeking to mimic such behaviors because of the attention and control it grants them. Worse yet, it creates opportunities for sexually curious or sexually predatory children to parade into the bathrooms, locker rooms, and sleepovers of opposite gendered children and victimize them. What about the rights of the majority of children to privacy and security? And where will this end? Will male faculty be able to identify as female on a whim and parade into the girls' locker rooms as well? If not, why not? Where is the logical end to this? None of this is even the worst part of this guidance document though. The worst part is that it champions a duplicitous approach of deceiving parents who are opposed to this nonsense by referring to their children according to their legal name and gender when communicating with the parents about their children, while duplicitously indulging young gender dysphoric or merely attention-seeking children behind their parents' backs in the school setting. Driving a wedge between parents and their children has become the job of Virginia public schools? Abrogating their responsibility to create a safe learning environment by protecting young children from sexualization and sexual predation has become the job of Virginia public schools? Encouraging and indulging sexual dysphoria in young children has become the job of Virginia public schools? Ask yourselves - why have we maintained these gender distinctions over the centuries? Is all that is past bad? Is all that is past harmful and malevolent? Or could some parts of culture and custom perhaps be beneficial? Could they even represent tacit wisdom that should only be very cautiously discarded and replaced after careful consideration and consensus-building? Has it occurred to you that gender distinctions may be more beneficial than harmful? Has it occurred to you that parents who love their children might care more for their long-term health and development than you do about this politically charged issue of the day? Has it occurred to you that this naked affront to the guardianship of parents over their children will instead further drive a wedge between parents and the public school system? What are you really trying to accomplish here? What alternatives have you considered? Is there a better solution that does less harm?


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

Specific opposition: It should not fall onto the government, ergo the department of education to institute LGBTQ material into the curriculum. The Commonwealth of Virginia is a Cross Cultural Commonwealth and not all cultures are receptive to boiler plate type approaches. Resources should be made available and the option to partake in LGBTQ inclusive curricula is more appropriate given our sociocultural make up in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The draft policy should strengthen the anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies. Strong and deterring policies and actions will ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students, especially those struggling with transgender challenges in today’s society.


Opposed

As a VA teacher, I strongly oppose VODE’s proposal to push an LGBT agenda in public schools, teachers, students and their families. This goes against all constitutional rights for freedom of religion and those established for families.


Support policy

As a parent of a non-binary student, and a mental health practitioner that helps to run a suicide prevention initiative in VA, I applaud the DOE's proposed policy.  As we have seen in our local district, I believe that the policy roll out will need to be accompanied with staff training, clear promotion and visability among the student population, and on-going enforcement at the local level.  The DOE plays and essential role in supportin this ongoing policy implementation and enforcement guidance to help assure that ALL Virginia students are safe and the school climate is welcoming for ALL.


Good Plan for Destruction

If your goal is to destroy the future of the next generation with complete disregard to the health of our children, then it would be a good idea to pass this. If you have even just an ounce of sanity, common sense, or human intellect and actually read what has been proposed, then I’m sure you’ll do the blatantly right thing and turn this down and never approach the subject again.


Very Much Opposed

The promotion of gender confusion in young people is so destructive!  Please do not implement this policy as it will lead many young people down a path that is self-destructive!


OPPOSE

This will do nothing but create more chaos and confusion in an already sad and dreary world. Wake up people, this is not of God!


Opposed Teacher

As a teacher, I am trained to be transparent and open with parents, and I would not be able to do that in all cases under this policy. I am trained to address all bullying, and therefore enacting this policy is not necessary to prevent bullying. I am trained to help all students feel safe in the restrooms across the hall from my classroom. Enacting this policy will not make that possible when students are uncomfortable with opposite-sex peers choosing to use their restroom. Let us continue to focus on the business of education as a team of teachers, students, and families without interference from this bill.


In STRONG Support of these Guidelines

I stand in strong support of these guidelines. These guidelines mark a path for Virginia schools to become more inclusive and equitable. These guidelines provide protections that allow Virginian students to share their true selves with their friends, classmates and community. As a gay man who grew up in the state of Virginia and graduated from a public high school (Blacksburg High, class of '04) I wish these guidelines had been in effect while I was a student. I was in the closet in high school because I was afraid of how my classmates and teachers would treat me if I came out. My life would have followed an entirely different path if I had felt safe enough to come out publicly as a teenager. I look at the state that I grew up in and live in today and I am so glad to see the steps that Virginia has taken to protect its LGBTQ+ citizens. Virginia is a true leader to the states in our region, and we will continue to be one by enacting these guidelines. My deepest thanks go to those who took part in crafting these guidelines.


I SUPPORT protecting transgender students

I am saddened that this comment section seems to be getting brigaded by people who are full of hate. Transgender students deserve equal protections and fair treatment, and giving them that fair treatment does not take anything away from anyone else. I have lived in Virginia my whole life, and I know that here, we value treating people with love, kindness, and fairness, not hate. I support giving transgender students equal rights.


oppose to this harmful bill

I am totally against the Transgender idea. We are born one or the other sex. The fact that Testosterone or Estrogene comes in various levels in our bodies should have nothing to do with why you want to be male or female. Many children are getting pumped up by the cartoons and other shows that say it's okay if you want to be a boy or girl the opposite of what you are born as. Guidance counselors should not enter into the discussion at all.


Trangender Information to students in schools

I am very much OPPOSED to the schools becoming involved in the important and difficult decisions relating to transgender issues. Too much is unknown about the physical and emotional processes of  deciding whether or not a child is transgender. Any discussions on this issue should be between the child, their parents, and their doctors.


Object to Gender values imposed on all students

Neither The school district nor the government has any place teaching our children politically-charged and sexually confusing values. Those are matters best handled by parents directly with their own children - only! The only role a teacher can assume in this regard would be to prevent abuse or mistreatment of a child with "different" concepts than the onvious two options.  Such should not be assumed to be necessary until a problem surfaces. In that case only the protagonist students should be counseled. This need not and should not be construed as an opportunity to propagandize students that are not already involved in a controversy directly related to the very minimally applicable gender question. Focus on teaching life skills applicable to all students. Those with gender issues can be given counselling without imposing controversial values on all the students. Wm Coy.  Manassas


Male & Female

There only 2 sexes male and female. period.


Support

I support The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document. Those who oppose this new policy need to study the evidence and learn that this is the correct way forward.


Reject this bill 145 and Senate Bill 161

This Bill is to be rejected.  Reason:  In good conscience I must say the ideological framework of gender theory, meaning that someone may subjectively choose their sex, is objectively false.  The facts and truth of nature – that we are male and female are indisputable by science and reason.


Opposed:These tactics undermine parental & teacher authority; impingement upon everyones rights.

Solid adherence to respect for all others would be time well spent. These measures seem cause for upheaval, confusion and further discord.


rights of all should be accounted

This bill is in direct conflict with students that are not LGBT. You must consider all students rights before passing such bills.  If you want to give gender neutral bathrooms then make one stall and a lock so everyone can use this bathroom without the notification of gender.  You are punishing girls and boys in the name of "equality" that is not equal.


Strongly support these policies

It is essential to honor students' gender identity by using their pronouns, allowing them to self-identify, and support them at school. When transgender students are subject to harassment and discrimination, like you see in many of these comments from people who strongly disprove of these policies, depression and anxiety rates skyrocket, contributing to the high suicide rates nationwide that we see for transgender students.


Do not hamper the development of Children

I am a father to a son and daughter who's ages are 10-12. In addition I coach a boys travel soccer team. This year I was introduced to a player on our team who identifies as "gender fluid." This player has long hair, wears jerseys of women players and has a pink uniform. Once I saw this I had 2 concerns: 1) how was I supposed to treat this player? 2) how were 10 other young boys going to treat them? Kids at that age can be cruel. My concern regarding my 1st question was because I wanted to respect them and not try and put a particular label on them. Our society is so ready to do so on everyone. When you do that you force a child into a box of conformity that may not be right for them. You basically stunt there social and mental growth by asking them to fit into our norms. We have a huge issue with mental health in his country partly because of our desire to label and make people conform. Not allowing children to be who they are contributes to that. My 2nd question was answered very quickly. This player earned the respect of the others in how they played and how the practiced. As well they are just a great kid; always polite, always listening and laughing with the other friends/teammate's. What is so amazing and special to me is that the other kids on the team fully accept and respect them. If 10 year old boys can find normalcy in this setting don't you think we as adults should too! Thanks for your comsideratition, Bert Miller


Opposed -- Parent and Teacher Spouse

As a parent, I see nothing good that can come from this proposal.  It usurps parental rights to have knowledge of a situation at school that may impact their child, whether they are a parent of a transgender student or the parent of another student in the locker room.  And there is so much in the policy that contradicts itself.  For example, a teacher must use preferred pronouns but they must also treat transgender information as medical and confidential.  So, this puts our teachers in a no-win situation and subject to legal action, regardless of which policy they try to honor.  Further, it infringes on a teacher's right to follow their own religious beliefs and ideology.  It is scary to think that pronouns are now so dangerous that they would be classified as forms of harassment or discrimination, which sets a dangerous legal precedent for any citizen.  I am most concerned that a school is not required to notify parents of a student's wish to pursue a different gender identity.  Students hide enough information from parents through the use of social media, texting, etc.  Schools are clearly overstepping their bounds and responsibilities by taking on the role of helping a child explore their sexuality.  Parents should be allowed to have those conversations at home, hopefully as a partner in the process.  Most of all, I worry about the responsibilities we are now placing on teachers.  They have already taken on so much of a parenting role -- where do we draw the line in deciding all that a teacher is responsible for versus all that a parent is responsible for?  As a parent, I don't want the school to raise my child the way I believe they should be raised -- and how we discuss sexual identity at home should not be classified as a form of child abuse or neglect.  Again, the fact that words are now considered abuse or neglect is a scary legal precedent.  I am empathetic and compassionate that sexual identity is not easy to navigate for every child or parent.  However, this policy does nothing to reinforce or strengthen the partnership that should be had between a school and a parent in that process.  I am worried more than ever about the government overreach and pushing of one ideology over another, into the average citizen's home life.


Opposed

I am very much opposed to the schools becoming involved in the important and difficult decisions relating to transgender issues. Too much is unknown about the physical and emotional processes of  deciding whether or not a child is transgender. Any discussions on this issue should be between the child, their parents, and their doctors and not left to the school system.


Strongly Opposed

This policy completely undermines the authority of parents and gives schools and teachers jurisdiction in an area that is not theirs to control. This is not biblical and goes against Christian belief. Why would you bend over backwards to make sure “all people” are happy while making many people mad by going against facts and taking away parental rights?  This would make many kids uncomfortable for them to not be able to use the restroom or change in the locker room without worrying about someone of the opposite sex entering.


Strongly Oppose

This policy completely undermines the authority of parents and gives schools and teachers jurisdiction in an area that is not theirs to control. This is not biblical and goes against Christian belief. Why would you bend over backwards to make sure “all people” are happy while making many people mad by going against facts and taking away parental rights? This would make many kids uncomfortable for them to not be able to use the restroom or change in the locker room without worrying about someone of the opposite sex entering.


Strongly opposed

I strongly oppose this


OPPOSED - VIOLATES FIRST AMENDMENT FOR TEACHERS AND OTHER STUSDENTS

The documents tied to this proposed LGBT legislation claim to be evidence-based best practices. The documents ignore the scientific, medical evidence of biology and also the long-term outcomes for the individuals involved. The individuals are being deceived into hiding what and who they really are. Quit using children as pawns to turn the world upside-down. Quit holding other's First Amendment rights hostage to a political agenda. Please look at https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2018/01/20547/ and https://cmda.org/transgender-and-sexual-orientation/ for more information.


Strongly opposed- please do not hamper the development of children

Please do not hamper the development of children, who like all of us, are made in the image and likeness of God. He made us the way we were when we were first conceived in our mother's womb for a special purpose on this earth. We find our true identity in Him.


New policy for VA schools

I oppose the institution of these new policies in the schools!


Oppose new policies for VA schools!

I opposed the establishment of these new policies!


Oppose this guidance document and policies developing from it.

The public school system must not be the arena for social experimentation for the radical agenda of the Democrat party that now rules in the General Assembly with an iron rod regardless of the negative impact on innocent and naive children who would affected.  It is a travesty the Democrat party would purposely brainwash young children to accept their agenda when the children don't have the cognitive ability to discern the policies they are being required to obey.  Often the parents are not aware of what the children are being exposed to and required to obey.  In a masked effort to protect a few children, the majority of children are being exposed and harmed to concepts that could radically change their mindsets.   Democrats like to call moral issues, "science" so that they have justification for their agenda.  There are plenty of stories of the negative impact of families that thought they were doing the right thing by supporting their children with transgender issues.  Later as adults these people share their traumatic stories of how their lives have been damaged by irreversible surgeries.  The public school systems are not opening up the doors to educate elementary school children in ways that could bring unnecessary confusion and choices that could negatively impact their lives.  Please do not use this public comment merely as a check-off to fulfill what the Virginia Code requires, but still not listen to the concerns of Virginians that don't share the Board membership's world view.  If the politicians and their political appointees don't start listening and responding to contrary views to develop more win-win solutions which foster mutual respect and honor, there will continue to be great divides that will increase the risk of civil discord.   At this point the public is at a severe stress point because  of the unrest that has occurred in 2020.  People fear for their futures and the futures of their children.  Stop being a part of the problem and start being a part of the solution.  In this particular situation, you have the authority to create a guidance document and policies that could be respectful to all, not just a few.


Oppose

The role of the school is to provide children with a basic education. At least half of middle schoolers cannot read properly. Instead of indoctrinating and confusing children with progressive ideologies, while shutting parents out of the picture, the school system should invest its energy into making sure kids have at least a basic understanding of math and language, know proper US/world history, and have a clue about locating countries and capitals on the map! We are paying the school system to do a simple job. We are not paying for them to brainwash kids and hide information from parents. Adults understand to some extent consequences of their actions, children just want to be trendy and more often than not fail to think of long term effects of their choices...Till they become adults, children should be under the guidance of their parents, and the school system has no business pushing political agendas, hiding information from parents, and breaking up the family unit. ...Responsible teachers would work together with parents no matter what issues would come up, not lie to parents about their children...Would love to know how on earth will the schools maintain safety if biologically different kids are allowed to enter either bathroom depending on how they feel that day...and how will everyone keep up with using demanded pronouns based on what the kids might think they are at the moment...btw- one can think whatever of themselves, it is their right, their choice...but others should not be forced to pretend with them...there is a reason we have two biological genders and the more you are pushing for them to be erased, the faster you destroy this nation...but I’m sure you all know that already, just refuse to acknowledge it.


What about victims of abuse?

Transgender ideology is dangerous. It teaches children that first, their natural bodies or natural brains are "wrong" based off nothing but feelings. It reinforces that idea to the point that if a child "transitions," even just socially, and still struggles with dysphoria, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, it's still not because their "gender identity" wasn't really the problem, but it was REALLY that their family, their society, or now, their school didn't "affirm them enough." It keeps many, therefore, from receiving the help they actually need. It's also dangerous for people, children especially, who are "gender conforming." Children are too young to know the complexities of gender, and to explain what "transgender" is is impossible without reinforcing gender stereotypes. Tomboys are left to question whether they're "really a girl at all, or are they trans?" Effeminate boys are no longer allowed to like "girly things" without wondering if their "assigned sex" is wrong. It sets up further confusion for all children, especially since this guidance sets a DANGEROUS and terrifying precedent on the role of parents, or the proposed lack of a role if they don't "affirm" the child's gender identity, if they are even privy to it, as the school doesn't have to tell them. On a personal level, I have worked with far too many traumatized and abused children to tell them that their fears, triggers, simple discomfort, and downright panic at the sight of an opposite-sexed person anywhere near their safe space shouldn't matter so the "feelings" of that person could be maintained. Once you've seen the terror in a young girl's eyes when they think a male PASSING the restroom might come into it, "reaffirming" a dangerous and unhealthy lifestyle becomes a lower priority than reassuring her she's safe because adults can tell males to stay away from that restroom. This guidance seems to remove that ability at the mere utterance (no physical transition is necessary) of a word by what could be a very innocuous but still very male boy. It leaves those timid or traumatized children no escape or reassurance unless they openly request an alternative accomodation, which they are often too shy or scared or pressured to do. I STRONGLY oppose this guidance, and ask research be done on alternatives to help maintain the safety and peace of mind for ALL students, gender non-conforming and conforming alike.


I do NOT approve

I DO NOT APPROVE OF THIS MOVEMENT!!!!!!!!!! This goes against my Christian beliefs and  it forces down. It apposes to people who belive in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and they are forcing their ideology down to our children's  hearts. This is anti-Biblical and the government does not have a right to do this.


What has happened to common sense?

I've read portions of your proposed 'guidance document'. I think you've totally lost touch with reality! In fact this document not only undermines the relationship between parent and child, but puts  these children in harms way. A child does not have the maturity or knowledge to make a decision like that, to permanently mutilate their body. And allowing them access to bathrooms and locker rooms without any question is a blatant assault on the right to privacy of other children. If this is the attitude of those in charge of public education, then its time for all responsible parents to remove their children from the public school system.


No to transgender policy

The radical left that wants to take parental control away from where it naturally belongs. This is leading us to Sodom and Gomorrah.  That story has a disastrous ending––God's judgment  [Genesis, chapter 19].


Oppose

I oppose everything in this transgender proposal.  I don’t think we need any more rules or regulations on this issue - especially at the state level.  It just makes life for teachers, students, and parents more complicated and confusing.  If you are required to make a statewide policy then keep it simple and delegate authority to the local level. Let the principal, school district, or county decide what is the best course of action.  Trust that the local community can handle it.


Strongly Opposed

This is crazy left-wing ideology run amok.  This "guidance" subverts parents' rights and roles in raising their children, subverts the natural law, and is a recipe for disaster.


I OPPOSE the Transgender guidance

I OPPOSE using the Transgender guidance in our schools. Check the Bible for guidance. Jim L Elliott


Strongly Opposed for Three Reasons

I am opposed to any school policy regarding gender identity for three reasons. First, these policies usurp parental authority for making decisions regarding their own children - it is a responsibility and STEWARDSHIP that belongs to them alone and should not be infringed. Second, science claims that human beings, during the developmental stages of life, experience gender dysphoria. No one can pretend to know better than science or God what the truth of the matter is and because this is a controversial subject, it should be left alone. Private citizens are free to draw their own conclusions. Third, these policies create inequality. Government does not get to determine whose belief system is right and whose is wrong, to do so would destroy freedom of conscience and freedom of religion afforded to every individual by the Constitution. For government to assume such a role would cause reverse discrimination against a whole segment of society. The purpose of law is not to protect the "feelings" of certain people, it is to ensure that every person has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and build character from the opposition and adversity they encounter in everyday life. It is the only way to gain experience, learn self-control and integrate into society in healthy ways. Promote those policies that tolerate the beliefs of all and gives special privileges to none.


Terrible Idea

This bill is a terrible Idea that is inconsistent with state and federal laws regarding when children can make significant decisions for themselves. We do not allow individuals to serve in the military, smoke, buy alcohol, or even vote until they're 18 or 21, so why should kids in their formative years be allowed to make potentially life-altering gender decisions when they cannot make serious life decisions on their own?  This proposal is lacking in common sense.


OPPOSE PROPOSED TRANSGENDER GUIDELINES

Please hear my voice as a registered voter and resident of Vienna, Virginia. I strongly oppose the proposed transgender guidelines. These accommodations are not appropriate for children and the government needs to stay out of this matter. Sincerely, Lisa Bedrosian


A Misguided Solution

This is the wrong way to protect our Commonwealth's children. Being inclusive should not disclude the majority. I can fully support anti-bullying and accomodating the few, but subjecting a larger group is a poor and lazy excuse for efficiency. We would better spend our efforts teaching ALL children to respect the choices of ALL others without forcing them to be placed in uncomfortable situations themselves. To do otherwise is tyranny. Also, children are under the care of parents/guardians precisely because they lack maturity to make major life decisions. Schools/government have no place interfering in the family hierarchy, never mind overriding parental authority. Children should be allowed to make their own choices on these matters when they have reached adulthood- legally, emotionally, physically, etc. Until then, the only job of teachers and staff is to educate and support education. Let the family do its job in society of teaching morals and stop trying to force citizens into submission to the fickle will of the self-important, citizen-appointed, governmental so-called experts. The choice to not use preferred pronouns, etc. for a child is NOT "abuse". It is education. Education in respect for others, just as anyone wishes to be respected. Perhaps there would be more mutual respect in our communities if it went both ways. Demanding respect of one group demonstrates a lack of respect of that group. Children should respect teachers and staff. Teachers and staff should respect parents. Differences should be discussed and resolved on an individual basis, between individuals- not with a one size fits all mandate from the VDOE/Commonwealth.


Opposed

Opposed


Law passed for LGBTQ+ on Feb 4

This is forcing the majority of students to deal with things they don't agree with.  Who is looking out for their rights? What girl wants boys in the bathroom with them?


Do not adopt these standards

First, you are taking children some of whom could be very young and with the LGBT sex education can cause confusion for them.  Even older students can be influenced to question their sexual idenity.  If they do and their parents are not aware of it the teachers and staff will be required to help them to believe they are of the opposite sex.  Since the school will not be able to tell the parents, they will be in the dark on this and not be able to help them with these doubts.  It is the responsibility of the parents for the education of their children and they are not the property of the state or the LGBT movement.   It is not right for the state to use the threat of children's services to stop the parents from helping their children who are confused, or taught to be confused on this most important decision.  Students and adults who are gay have a very high depression and sucide rate, since this is not natural.  Up until 1972 the American Psychological Association classified homosexuality as deviant behavior.  But when the gays got control of it they did away with that determination. Mike Nestor


Typical Moronic Progressive Democrat Nonsense

I am vehemently opposed to the imposition of this trendy "trans" nonsense on our school system.  I'm dreadfully sorry that .04% of our students (and their Parents/guardians/sperm donors) can't take a gander at what's in their underwear and not be confused and befuddled by what they discover there. It's lunancy beyond the pale to impose this nonsense on the other 99.96% who will have to deny their religious beliefs, have their sons' and daughters' privacy trampled on and have girls' sports upended by biological males competing and winning probably denying athletic scholarships to actual women.  I thought the Demorat party was the party of"follow the science", so what happened?  Did the science of anatomy suddenly become the alchemy of the 21st Century?  How did gender dysphoria make the leap from the annals of psychiatric disorders to Goals for Bous and Girls? This, Governor Blackface, is nothing more than yet another page ripped from the Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" wherein it calls for the destruction of all of the underpinnings of western capitalist society in order for real revolution to take hold.  The clowns behind this nonsense don't care about kids who, for whatever reason, can't figure out which john to use; they just want towhack away at norms and mores so that they get to impose their own.


Opposed.

I oppose the section of this policy that appears to pit children against parents and puts educators in the role of casting the deciding vote. Parents have historically been in the role of guiding their children with disagreements handled by the parents themselves. No one questions that children are immature, lack experience, and need guidance. Many laws are geared toward the general recognition that children, until the age of 18, fall under the authority of their parents. This policy erodes that and places educators in loco parentis to best determine the child’s interest. Parents are compelled to either side with their children, even when they believe the child is wrong, or face the threat of CPS investigations. This bill threatens government force to compel parents to conform with beliefs that are at best poorly understood and subject to social pressures. Transgenderism is a complicated issue; far too complicated for a blanket, across the board solution. The government is not well positioned to meet the needs of a complicated psychological issue, which typically require individual intervention. Furthermore, the lack of any test, such as psychologist/psychiatrist note certifying that the child in question actually suffers from gender dysmorphia, opens the door for the potential of abuse. While the intentions for this bill are likely noble with a sincere aim to be compassionate toward the needs of children during a vulnerable time, the heavy handed threat of CPS, the lack of any psychological evaluation, and the placement of educators as having more authority than parents in determining what is best for the parents' children makes for a poor policy.


transgender guidelines

strongly oppose---how about we focus on math and reading


Fact: There are only two genders - male and female. Period!

I am constantly appalled and disgusted by the consistent pandering to the delusions of what amounts to a mental imbalance or disorder in so-called "transgenders." There are only two genders - male and female. If you are born male, you will die male. If you are born female, you will die female.   Anyone who believes there are more than two genders is mentally unbalanced and needs to seek psychiatric help. It is a non-debatable, unarguable, undeniable scientific and biological fact that a person CANNOT change their gender.  Period!  It is not possible, has never been done and it never will be done.  Anyone who seriously believes that they can change their gender, particularly to a non-existent gender, is mentally unbalanced and needs to seek psychiatric help.  Now, Virginia's so-called Dept. of Education has come up with a proposal to FORCE children to deny all science in this regard and pander to the delusions of the mentally ill and at the same time, deny parents their constitutional civil rights to inform, educate and instruct their own children according to facts, conscience and beliefs, all of which should - and do - override the mental delusions of a small self-proclaimed minority.  This proposal is not only ridiculous and unconstitutional, but a dangerous assault against Virginia's children as well as their parents in attempting to force them to believe not only the impossible, but also the idiotic simply so a few mentally unbalanced kids don't get "their feelings hurt" and the dept. of education can play "identity politics."  Another failed political ideology.  This is NOT part of the education that children are supposed to receive and that our tax dollars pay for, but is nothing more than a continuation of the indoctrination that is daily being forced upon innocent children!  All self-respecting, morally decent people should adamantly oppose this idiocy and continue to fight for and demand a return to normalcy in our schools!  Normal life is often hard enough and not getting the skills needed to cope with it, but instead a bunch of unscientific nonsense, just makes things harder, not better. No one has the right to force their self delusions on anyone else, nor expect that others should be compelled to acknowledge and respect such self delusions.  This kind of pandering in no way helps those suffering from transgenderism.  As has been demonstrated by numbers of these people who have attempted to change their gender - and failed - once they got psychiatric help from those trained and skilled in such mental disorders, they found that their lives were much happier and they were able to live a normal existence.  If the Dept. of Education really wants to do something to help these unbalanced kids, then instead of coming up with such idiotic, unscientific proposals, wasting taxpayer money on different bathrooms, forcing kids to give up any semblance of personal, sexual privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms, cheating young girls out of winning in their own athletic competitions, but also having to learn and correctly use a bunch of ridiculous and unsustainable "pronouns," (which, according to this proposal, can change, without factual proof, at the simple say so of a disturbed child) let the schools come up with lists of psychiatrists trained in these mental disorders and provide those kids with that list.  THAT would help. The rest of this nonsense won't and will only serve to warp, confuse and antagonize normal kids and their parents, both of whom deserve MUCH better from their school system.  A school system, I will add, that is supposed to be aiding their children, not taking away their parental rights by telling them that only the schools have the right to make important life decisions for their children, not the parents!   This proposal and all others like it must be defeated and relegated to the trash heap of truly terrible, failed policy ideas, from whence it came!  Virginia's Dept. of Education should restrict itself to improving the education of children - which is sorely needed - and not attempting to force on parents or their children repeatedly failed political ideologies, particularly those pandering to the mentally unbalanced.


Opposed to transgender mandates

I strongly oppose transgender mandates for all public schools in Virginia! The guidelines to manage Wii be impossible to enforce.  There  are NO options or separate public schools for religious groups who oppose this! This is ludicrous and a ridiculous mandate! NO mandated transgender laws for any  public schools In Virginia!


This is an abuse!

This policy is an abuse of all school children. There is absolutely no cause for it. Why should the thousands of children with no LGBTQ+ inclinations be forced into shared bathrooms? Why couldn't one simply implement a smaller LGBTQ+ bathroom / locker room for those who wish to use it? Consider what would happen if there were a transgender student who identified as male: why would he then want to be shoved back into a joint bathroom or locker room where he feels like he is exposing himself before females? Or take a Lesbian youth: why should she wish to expose herself before other women? Not to mention that the vast majority of students are not LGBTQ+ and have no reason to desire that such a policy be implemented. Even considering a diversity of sexual orientations etc., the VAST majority still identify as being attracted to one of the two most common sexes. There is no reason to make the majority suffer for the few students who don't identify / aren't attracted to either of the two most common genders. In my opinion, there can be alternative arrangements made that take into account that very small percentage of the LGBTQ+ community that does not identify / isn't sexually oriented towards either of the two traditional sexes without sacrificing the privacy and rights of the rest of the student body. In implementing this policy, my only thought is that the legislators consider the entirety of the student body to have no interest in privacy or decency whatsoever. They are hoping for inclusion, but what they will get is orgy, rape, molestation, and serious trauma to those very persons they wish to protect, and to the rest of the students as well.


Opposed to Transgender Guidelines

My family is strongly against these draft transgender guidelines.  The proposed guidelines go completely against all religious teachings, and provides an immense amount of power to the school system, which has lost almost all of my respect by bowing to teachers unions. I am against these draft guidelines!


Opposed to Transgender Guidelines

Hi. This is to register my opposition to the proposed transgender guidelines. Opposing discrimination is an important goal. The problem with these guidelines are many, including an infringement of free speech, they will be nearly impossible to enforce fairly, and will create a divisive climate in Virginia via a dilution of parental authority and penalizing people acting in good faith/conscious. Please do not implement these policies. The unintended consequences, which are predictible, will far outweigh the good faith benefits. Thank you.


Completely Against this

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.  Do not do this.  This is a bad idea and will have many unintended side effects that will be harmful to many students.


Strongly support

Strongly support allowing transgender students to use their preferred gender in schools. also support genderless bathrooms with stalls so that it won’t matter and to remove stigma


Strongly Support

For the parents who are so opposed to this: if your kid is not transgender or is not a bully, this guidance shouldn't impact them. It is only creating a safe space for transgender students—who are the statistically proven to be the largest victims of bullying, harassment, and suicide. By opposing, all we are doing is passing hate down to our children.


Strongly support trans students rights

As a trans person who went to fairfax county public schools-and will be sending my children to fairfax county public schools next year-I applaud all efforts of inclusion for trans students and education on trans rights across the board. It has been proven that suicide relates of trans youth drop dramatically if one-only one person shows them acceptance. This ranges from ensuring their chosen name is used on all documents and classes, the ability to comfortably go to the bathroom (urinary tract infection rates are exceedingly high for trans people who learn to just not go to the Beth room) and the ability to participate freely in sports (modeled after the IOC and NCAA on regulations based on hormone suppression-there has been no demonstrated advantage for trans athletes). Further educating all students is paramount to acceptance. With just a little bit of education on what being trans means-we won’t have to face nearly as much fear or discrimination, not just from policies, but from the very people our students call friends. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need any assistance ensuring these policies protecting our trans students is put into place. thank you for this. -JM


sex education in public school

Sex education is a primary duty of parents; not the school.  Hence, school curriculum needs to be available and limited by parents; not the federal nor state government.


STRONGLY OPPOSE / Support ALL Children / Support Parental Rights

I stand in strong opposition to this proposal. Although I strongly support reducing bullying and loving and including everyone, this proposal has serious flaws. First, it over-extends protection to one small group at the exclusion of protection for other multiple groups. We cannot do harm to our basic inalienable rights in exchange for protecting one fraction of The People. Next, parents still bear the weight of responsibility for the health and welfare of their own children. This proposes intentionally LYING and/or SUBVERTING PARENTAL RIGHTS. This is undeniably and unequivocally not okay. The school's role is not to parent all the children. The administration's role is not to parent. The school board's role is not to parent. The government's role is not to parent. Period. And removing rights carte blanche from ALL parents because SOME fraction of parents do not lovingly support their own children is not only foolhardy it is illogical and harmful. Third, this places ALL of our children in incredibly vulnerable positions. Mixed sex locker rooms and bathrooms?! For teenagers no less?! I see no standard in the text of this proposal for applying any guidelines to allowing a student to use the PRIVATE areas of the opposite sex beyond "they said that's how they identify." We have an obligation to PROTECT ALL students, including protection from ill intentioned students who will undoubtedly abuse this free-for-all. And do we really want our children undressing in front of the opposite sex? Regardless of how one individual "identifies" it does not change how those of the opposite sex identify sexually and respond to the naked body of the opposite sex.


Strongly support

As a mother of two school aged children, I want nothing more than to keep them safe in their schools.  All parents want their children to be safe in schools. This bill makes sure that happens.


STRONGLY SUPPORT, FINALLY

As a healthcare provider, I can say this is a long time coming & shows how much our community cares for our children. It is so important that everyone has a safe space to exist & grow up into. We all have the same goal: allowing our children to grow up into the best versions of themselves . Let’s not lose sight of that.


Strongly opposed

The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools are dangerous and destructive.  As someone who bows the knee to the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, I strongly oppose this policy.    God, as Creator, has established laws and norms for the flourishing of humanity.  Following His commands is for humanity’s GOOD.  People who are confused about their gender need great compassion and help.  Confirming them in a path that is harmful to them physically, emotionally, and spiritually is irresponsible.  We need to love these people and tell them the truth that God has created them male and female without any fluidity between these God-given designations.


Strongly Support

Using facilities that correspond to your own gender identity is a basic human right. We should be doing all that we can to be a more inclusive country, especially focusing on youth who are are future.


Strongly opposed transgender

This opens a myriad of long term issues for ALL the students. It allows one with ill intent cover to perpetrate on others. we fought long and hard for girls equality in sports and now it’s being stomped on. this total disregard for science and acceptance of feelings is destroying a generation.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

I believe this bill will provide schools and transgender students in Virginia with some much needed support in the form of consistent policies and best practices to follow. In 2015 the UCLA US Transgender Study surveyed 27,000 Transgender Americans and found that over 81% had considered suicide in their lifetime and 43% had attempted suicide at some point in their lives. The rates for those same measures are 18% and 4% in the general population of US adults. This is a public health issue. It is a life and death issue. The commonwealth should absolutely support this initiative.


Strongly oppose

The instruction of children is primarily the responsibility and privilege of the parent. This is especially true in respect to matters of religion and personal identity. These are sensitive matters which are deeply rooted in both Worldview (philosophy) and science. The modern guidance being pushed upon our children and grandchildren in this area of sexuality is contrary to the belief system of most Virginians and is in fact contrary to clinical science. To teach a child something that is fundamentally untrue, whether they like it or not, is incredibly damaging. It is time for our schools to get away from this nonsense and focus on the things that matter: reading, writing and math. It is incredible to me that we are declining in these areas while promoting sexual experimentation and exploitation. A thorough foundation in these core subjects will prepare our children for life as useful, productive citizens and will give them the foundation that will enable them to achieve all their dreams. This transgender nonsense puts them on a path of confusion and destruction. Teaching it is really child abuse. It has no place in Virginia education.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

i strongly support the model policies. We must support our transgender kids because they are people, just like all the other kids. They deserve no less.


Strongly support - Trans Lives Matter

I strongly support this guidance document.  It is rooted in understanding, empathy, and common sense.  Gender dysphoria is a deadly condition that leads transgender people to attempt and die by suicide at a disproportionately higher rate than cisgender people.  All children should feel safe and supported at school.  Gender affirming policies promote safety and inclusion.


STRONGLY SUPPORT -- Supporting Trans Children IS Supporting Girls!

There is no basis for claims that supporting transgender children will endanger girls. In fact, supporting transgender children will make children FAR SAFER. Transgender children who do not receive the support they need are at a high risk of suicide and other physical and mental health issues. If you care about ALL children, you should care about THESE children.


STRONGLY OPPOSE transgender/ support parental rights/ stop the indoctrination

Our family strongly opposes the indoctrination and forcing the transgender agenda on our rights and freedoms.


Strongly Support

Humans are humans! Everyone deserves a chance to be treated equally, especially children.


Strongly Support

I strongly support requirements that Virginia schools support trans students and protect them from bullying from peers and adults in the school system. I am heartbroken that this is even necessary - as it is, this policy is a good start.


Very strongly do not support.

I do not support any of this plan. It is taking away parental rights and inserting the government into family business. This is a disastrous plan.


ALL students deserve support and protection.

As a teacher of trans and non-trans students, ALL students deserve to learn in a place in which they are protected from being discriminated against so that they are able to learn in a safe and supportive environment free from harassment and where they are welcomed and encouraged to flourish in all areas. PERIOD.


Strongly Support

I strongly support this guidance. As an educator, it is essential that trans students are treated with respect in all Virginia public schools. This tool will help schools and organizations to be more equitable and equip educators with needed tools and support to make necessary changes.


Transgender students

The state of Virginia has many more serious educational issues to address than dealing with less than 2% of our student population.  Especially, in the lower age groups the idea/concept of experimentation with sexual identity is fleeting and trendy;  and occurs is such a small percentage of our student population.  To follow the popular movement of "listening" to a small, but loud group of voices is always dangerous, but especially for the 98% having to deal with the mess created by all the best intentions.  The "unintended" consequences are generally worse than the issue trying to be addressed. This is another bad idea from Richmond.   Spend more time dealing with "true" educational issues and let families deal with the other issues.  For instance:  How does this state get its students back in school and caught up with the work missed over the last 12 months.


Strongly Support

I strongly support teaching equality in our schools, treating all students with respect, and ensuring that trans students are in a respectful, safe, and healthy environment. As a mother, I support schools teaching children respect for others and knowing that any child who is transgender will find a supportive and safe environment at school, even if they would not find one at home. Please implement the proposed regulations.


I strongly oppose this legislation.

This legislation is against God and will do nothing but cause more problems for everyone involved!


A NO Va Mom, Grandmom, Youth worker and voter

Absolute opposition to this LBGT agenda in schools.

I unequivocally oppose the effort to push this LBGT agenda onto children of any age. It has nothing to do with loving and supporting people who choose that lifestyle. It is all about deceiving parents, causing confusion to children, teaching them information directly opposed to biology and science, and causing irreparable damage to these children. Let's get back to giving our children a truthful and beneficial education (and true history!)


VA  mother of 4 strongly opposes Transgender studies in VA schools- stop sexualizing children

My subject line says it all. What happened to common sense and morality in the VA State legislature?


Strongly oppose

I am writing you today in strong opposition to the proposed guidance document that, in part, would give certain "rights" to certain "groups" of people that would include the ability for them to disregard the scientifically biological, genetic trait of being either male or female to be able to either enter the restrooms/dressing areas or join in sports activities that are designed for the opposite sex than what they are assigned at birth. This is a very dangerous policy on more levels than I have space here to review. The most obvious dangers start with the issues of privacy and safety of the "cisgender" students (and staff) that do not wish to share private (sex-assigned) areas with those that have gender identity confusion, whether real or stated. (Stated so as to purposefully gain access to those areas for nefarious purposes.) Do you want your daughters, or grand-daughters, to be subjected to a male-equipped person in the restroom or locker room, or, God forbid, assaulted or harassed by someone with bad intent? Another obvious issue that seems to be (purposely) overlooked, is in the sports activities. A  scientifically biological male has a great advantage over females on almost every level, in strength, stamina, injury resistance and ability, and would completely dominate, by design, every sport they participate in. This automatically gives a huge disadvantage to the natural female participants. This is extremely destructive to the psychology of the natural female participants, not to mention the exponentially greater risk of physical injury. There are probably other reasons counting into the hundreds why this is a terrible policy to consider, and not the least of any would be the total disregard to the miracle of Creation, including sexual assignment, by the Creator God Himself, who formed each person to be exactly as they were created in their mother's womb. Finally, do not discount, dismiss or dilute the absolute rights of the parents of every child involved, as they have every right to know any and all issues arising from such a policy, and are the ultimate governors of their children's lives. While we all must and should follow basic rules of courtesy and respect, children do not belong to the government, even in a public school setting, and should not be subject to policies that are dangerous to one group while granting "rights" to another. And as a taxpayer, I should not have to pay for the implementation and support of policies that are dangerous to the children of Virginia. Please vote against this very dangerous policy.


Violation of God's Created order

Strongly appose even the thought that a child could be educated in regard to transgender.


transgender school policy

I strongly oppose this school policy.


Oppose

I strongly oppose this policy.  Politics, religion, and sexuality should be kept out of the schools!


OPPOSE

Dear Legislators, I'm writing to register my opposition to the proposed legislation.  Gender identity is a trending idea; the full implications of sweeping change like this are not being considered, as young impressionable children are influenced with confusing ideas.  This legislation is harmful to girls in particular, especially in regard to locker rooms and sports. Thank you for considering a long view to societal change before enacting such sweeping legislation.


STRONGLY OPPOSED to the TRANSGENDER SCHOOL POLICY.

Not only do I believe this is harmful to the wholeness of our children, but violates the social, moral and religious boundaries that have secured justice with protection and provision for all in our nation.


FULL SUPPORT

Dear Virginia Department of Education and Others, The basic safety for transgender students proposed in these policies will greatly improve the daily lives of transgender and non-binary students.  As the mother of a non-binary elementary school aged child, I know how important it is for my child to feel safe and accepted at school, so that they may focus on the important goal of learning.  Please add your support to these policies and know that you are improving the lives and the safety of hundreds of students, and you support their families as well. With sincere thanks, Cate


Support Trans Kids

Please support trans kids.


Strongly support: we must support ALL of our students

As a future teacher we need to support all students, and I support this bill. Trans kids need our protection, they need access to bathrooms that match their gender identity. It is not fair to ask them to hold their bladder and risk bladder infections due to lack of a bathroom for them. Teachers need to be more educated on how to talk about these issues (many people in these comments should educate themselves as well) LGBTQ+ have always been here it is not new. It's just, slightly, safer for them to be themselves. Education is not indoctrination.  With this education teachers are better able to support and talk to their LGBTQ+ students. Support that drastically lowers the chances that students will commit suicide.


Support Transgender Equality

I fully support transgender equality and rights. Those not trained in biology and genetics need to realize that just having a particular physical appearance of male or female reproductive organs doesn’t actual mean you are fully female or male. Those genes that get expressed could still be in conflict with what an individual is genetically and hormonally. Grow up and get an education, people. We have bigger issues to deal with in Virginia and the world than your phobia of those who don’t look or act like you. If you are opposed to transgender rights, I bet you are opposed to rights for many others. We don’t need your small-minded attitudes.


DEMONIC DECEPTION

Anyone choosing to go against their given biological sex are to be most pitied.  They have bought in to the lie of the master deceiver of the human race --- Satan.  Yet, they do have an alternative choice --- One who can deliver, redeem, and save them --- Jesus Christ , the lover of our souls...


SUPPORT

I fully support the proposed guidance. Virginia can be a shining leader towards a more inclusive future by protecting and supporting all students, regardless of gender identity. Trans and non-binary rights are human rights.


Strongly oppose

Our poor children have enough pressure on them without confusing them more about their sexual identity. The biggest problem is that this whole idea is based on the perception of what mankind feels is truth and not what Almighty Hod considers truth. After thousands of years of the existence of humanity man has decided that there are 100 different sexual orientations when in reality there are only two, man an woman. This idea violates science, social, religious common sense.


Support!

I used to live in Virginia, and I'm glad I've moved away after seeing so many bigoted comments on this thread. There is no reason for discrimination. Trans kids aren't hurting anyone by being trans. There's no data to suggest they're hurting anyone. But there's lots of data to suggest they are hurt by policies that discriminate against them. And learning to be inclusive and empathetic towards others is a key life skill that should be taught in schools. How are we teaching this to cisgender kids if we show them that organizations and grown-ups don't exhibit these qualities?


Vehemently Oppose

Stop forcing your immorality and twisted values onto all of Virginia's children.  If some people wish to promote lgbtq, let them do so at home. Stop endangering our young girls by allowing bio boys in their bathrooms and locker rooms. Stop the destruction of girl sports by allowing bio boys to roll over them. You do NOT have the support of Virginia citizens for this action.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

Why would we perpetuate a lie - and something that contradicts scientific facts - to simply assuage a child's feelings, which change continually. Reality is not determined by feelings. Schools should not be encouraging/supporting a child in their self-loathing, and in doing so, only confirms this self-loathing, which is despicable. Schools should focus instead on reading, writing and arithmetic.


Adamantly opposed

I am very concerned and adamantly opposed to the transgender policy proposal for K12.  It is natural for a child to explore what it means to be a boy or a girl and the vast majority of children work through any confusion about their gender. Like many other scientific facts that they learn about the world, they come to understand their gender is determined by their DNA at conception.   No amount of surgery or drugs changes that biological fact.  To ignore this and encourage a child to make a life-altering decision before their brain fully develops and they fully understand the consequences is nothing short of child abuse. The underlying issues of love, acceptance, personal control, etc. are shoved under the rug which leads over time to mental depression and a much higher rate of suicide for the gender confused versus their peers.  Singling out children for special treatment can also cause major resentment from their peers and exacerbate the underlying issues. How do you think a young girl feels when she is cheated out of her athletic scholarship because she does not have the biological strength to compete with a boy that thinks he is a girl?  What about her safely and privacy in the dressing room and bathroom?  Women are getting trounced by men again with this policy!   Each child regardless of gender, age should be free from fear, harassment, taunting and the like which is the purpose of the anti-bullying policy already in place.   This is the tool that can be used to address any interpersonal concerns each child might face at school.


Support for Transgender Student Policy

I am so grateful the VA legislature has passed bills supporting LGBTQ+ children and youth in our VA schools. I am the parent of three children in Virginia public schools, two cis-gender children and one who is non-binary. I have found our schools to be helpful and supportive, but also in need of more information and guidance in how to best make school safe and welcoming to children of all gender identities. I support this new guidance plan for schools because I believe it will help give our schools the information, training, and understanding they need to best support all the children they serve. All our children deserve to be seen and welcomed for who they are, and to be kept safe during their time in school.


Fully Supportive of this Policy

The state has a responsibility to educate and train our children in a safe and nurturing environment. This is what will produce the next generation of well-functioning adults. It is essential for trans students to feel valued and appreciated for who they are as they work through the challenging process of becoming themselves in their entirety. It is not the role of the state to interrupt the Jewish Torah, Christian Bible, Muslim Quran, Hindu Vedas, Buddhist Tripitaka, Sikh Adi Granth... and others. The one thing all major religions have in common is compassion. Let us have compassion and respect for everyone, even if we do not understand the life of a trans person. I have spent the last eight years as a minister and fully support this new policy.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Transgender students must be protected in this dangerous age. The number of hateful comments on this document surely proves that! Suicide rates among transgender teens, especially trans teens of color, are skyrocketing. This legislation is absolutely critical to the health and wellbeing of VA's most vulnerable citizens.


OPPOSED!!!

I am a father and I think it is absolutely insane that you would subject my daughter to boys who think they are girls using the same bathrooms and locker rooms.  What about her right to privacy and safety?  Too bad, another student's rights supersede.   How do I explain to her that she probably won't get that athletic scholarship she was counting on because a boy who is biologically stronger than her has a right to take it away from her because he thinks he is a girl?  This is nothing but a recipe for disaster.  You cannot legislate respect and when you take away others rights by trying to force it, it will only backfire.


I strongly support ALL children receiving quality education, which includes gender diverse kids.

Educators want to know how to support trans kids, and the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools is an important step that will help give educators tools in supporting all kids in school. Keep doing the good work VA, and thanks to the legislators who have open hearts and don't let fear guide them!


VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE!!!!


strongly oppose

I understand that our children are living in a world of confusion. Our children need to know their identities and have been bombarded with the world telling them who they are. If we give in, the more our society is shaping them to conform to having them feel even more confused. I think women and men need to have a place in the world instead of trying to force everyone to accept things against our own will.. we have freedoms that have been abused too long. I refuse to keep my children in school if this gets passed.


I Strongly support this!

I strongly support this legislation. I am so grateful it has been proposed. I have transgender family members and have worked with transgender colleagues in my professional life. I used to be more transphobic, and while I still have a lot to learn, I know from teaching trans adults and hearing their stories that having support understanding and encouragement early in life can make a difference on a life and death level. Those who are less educated about the needs of transgender students have no right to stop them from getting adequate protection and support as they pursue their overall education. I believe education to be a critical component of the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness guaranteed by the US Constitution. Religious beliefs should not call the s outside the church.  Thank you for your consideration.


I support the guidance

I’m the mother of three young adults, all born and raised in Virginia. I support the guidance and all efforts to ensure that transgender students are treated with dignity, respect, and affirmation.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

I AM STRONGLY OPPOSED TO THIS TRANS MANDATE FOR VIRGINIA SCHOOL!!!


unsafe and unwise. I Oppose!

I will not stand for putting my girls and boys in the same locker room saying it is ok because they are "trans." It is putting fear in my children. They don't want to see another person of the opposite sex watching them period, whether they are trans or not. they need to feel protected and not feel violated, and forced to conform. If need be put the trans kids in their own locker room.


Strongly support

As a licensed teacher, I strongly support the guidance and the fullest inclusion possible for LGBTQ+ students in every school setting within the Commonwealth. Diversity in our classrooms, just like in adult life, helps grow empathy, understanding, and tolerance for the full spectrum of human lives. Supporting diversity and working to include ALL students is also beneficial to the individual student and their quality of life. Every single student deserves to feel safe at school, but they should also feel accepted and recognized for their true self. This inclusion and acceptance has not been readily available or achieved in most classrooms. I fully support all efforts to build inclusion.


Strongly Opposed

I am 100% opposed to these policies as a parent, voter, and former public school student. Punishing children to conform, even worse without the inclusion of their parents, is wrong and goes against the freedoms and right of speech, religion, and due process. Allowing, or worse forcing, students to use shared locker rooms does more emotional harm and increased physical risks than the perceived benefit supporting the targeted confused students. Attempting to strip a parent's right to raise their children how they see fit by threatening action by CPS for neglect is on its basis factually incorrect and, again, will do more harm to families than any perceived benefit of this policy. By not providing a religious exemption to something known and expected to be divisive on religious grounds is ignoring the will of the commonwealth. If this proceeds without addressing these concerns not only will it be bad for the students and their families this will be challenged in court and waste more taxpayer money to determine it is unconstitutional.


SUPPORT TRANS AND NON BINARY YOUTH

Please support our Trans and Non-binary students as they have every right to live their lives free of harassment and bullying. Make them a priority since they already have to deal with their own personal challenges. Worrying about being supported by this state should NOT be one of them.


YOU PEOPLE ARE SICK.

You are sexualizing children with this which is obviously wrong but since you have not moral compass or an ability two think two steps down the road: People that have more than 1 partner before marriage have a very difficult time staying loyal and married.  This later atomizes that man or woman from their familial support system and makes them more dependent on the state. This policy is confusing and sad. You are also very sick people for proposing this. These moves are part of a larger agenda of wokeness that is really just Marxism dressed in words like “equality, justice and inclusion”. We are woke to your wokeness. I have never written anything like this before but for the rest of my life or until you stop with your madness, I am going to fight you. Stop what you are doing with the sexual stuff. Stop.


Respectfully oppose

By making the protection of children exclusive to this policy is extremely lazy. It only protects one group of children. It's clearly an LGBTQ agenda in order to cause division in parental relationships,  normalize questionable mental health and cause tumult in the already shaky beginnings of adolescent self awareness.  Yes, please take care of those marginalized and needing protection, but find a way to do it that truly helps all children. This policy is the lazy man's way to fix a problem-extreme solutions. What will actually happen is that you'll protect one group and mess up the other.  Do better, VA.


K-12 LBGT Gender Education bill

Hello, Please DO NOT pass the destructive Transgender mandate for K-12 education! As a Bible-believing Christian, I find such education morally wrong, and it would cause me and many others in my church to completely withdraw our support for public (government) education. The idea that a person can choose their own gender is unscientific and destructive to marriage and harmful to children. PLEASE VOTE NO!!! Deborah Trefzger


In full support

Trans rights are human rights! I fully support this document!


Adamantly opposed to transgender policy!!

This type of education should be left to parents, NOT the government and not the schools. No wonder our educational system is at an all time low. Go back to the basics of education and leave this type of education to parents!


Full support

Transgender students, like all students, absolutely deserve a safe and supportive learning environment. Anything less is discrimination and should be dealt with accordingly.


Say No!!!!

Parents are responsible for educating their children about sexuality, not the government. Public school staff have no business withholding information from parents about their children, "disciplining" their children for using proper biological terms to identify others, or reporting parents for teaching their child basic science. Teach science in the schools and save psychology and psychoanalysis for the psychiatrist's office. Children should always be taught to respect every human being, however respect goes both ways. Political correctness is so concerned with being sure not to offend transgender students in any way possible, that it has completely ignored those of us who cannot in good conscience support such a worldview being forced on our children. If you truly support freedom and diversity of thought and expression, then you will consider the effect these guidelines will have upon those parents and students who cannot comply with them because of their faith.


I greatly oppose this bill.

Dear Public Official, It is true that every single child, with the inclusion of and especially those fraught with gender confusion struggles, should be protected from harrassment and harm. Virginia already has a good anti-bullying law. This proposed policy goes far in excess of prevention and goes into the danger zone of mandatory promotion of self perceptions that are wayward and are against nature and nature's God. The young are especially vulnerable and impressionable. In no way should the State encourage identities, behaviors, and perceptions that tear against traditional and biblically based societal norms. I urge you to vote no on enacting this policy in the stongest of terms. Sincerely, David W. Crummett, Sr.


Opposed

I'm opposed to the intervention of the schools into the lives families that want to raise their children according to their religious values. It is not the place of government to teach or steer children away from their parents that love, nurture, and guide their children in moral or religious teaching. This is what these polices want to accomplish. Will this make our children better people or just different?


I oppose this policy because it irreparably harms the very children it's supposed to protect.

Where is your compassion for children?  Singling out one group and giving them rights over another group only serves to create resentment and anger by the group that is getting trampled.  You may be able to keep them from saying anything but you won't change how the feel toward their peer with this policy   Do you think girls with the opportunity to excel in sports or compete for athletic scholarships or win awards designated for women are going to be happy and accepting of a biological boy who thinks he is a girl when he takes those opportunities away from them due to his superior physical strength?   Do you think the boys are going to have any respect or acceptance of that same student if he beats out girls?   How is the teacher going to feel toward a child that has been given the power to hold a knife over their head every time they are on the classroom?  The really caring ones, who would have been their role models and mentors, are going to leave.   The teachers left behind will be walking on pins and needles leading to stress and resentment toward the child.  And what about the child?  Children are naturally curious and explore the world the world around them as they develop, including their gender and sexuality.  Some take longer than others, but the vast majority come to understand the scientific fact that their DNA determines their biological sex.  Underlying issues of neglect, rejection, abuse, loss of personal control, death of a parent and other family issues can extend gender confusion.   Instead of addressing these emotional issues, this policy ignores them completely and traps a child into a life-altering decision well before they are of the age of reason - potentially sentencing them to a life of resentment, rejection and depression.  Just look at the suicide rates of the gender confused (especially after surgery) versus their peers.  Are you willing to live with the possibility of their early death on your hands because you had no compassion for their mental health and supported a policy that harmed them instead of helping them?


I support this 100%. Trans students have the right to a safe place where they can be themselves.

Trans and all LGBTQ+ rights are essential. Every student has the right to be educated in a place and manner in which they feel supported, respected, and safe to express their own gender identities. I appreciate that Virginia has put this bill forward and very much hope it gets the support it needs to pass.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

I am a elementary school teacher in the public schools system, and I am strongly opposed to these transgender policies for public schools in Virginia. These policies could lead to gender confusion and would infringe on parental rights. In addition, teachers and administrators who oppose these policies due to moral convictions would be placed in the unfair position of having to choose between their values or their careers. I believe many of these teachers will not compromise their values and will exit the profession.


Protection and equal treatment for all

Transgender children are... children. All children - all human beings, period - are entitled to protection from bullying and harassment. There is no possible argument against this policy that doesn't boil down to bigotry and ignorance, and I thank the legislators who introduced it.


OPPOSE Transgender indoctrination

The State has no business forcing transgender agenda on Virginia children!  Parents should always have control over these controversial agendas, the state should stay out.


I oppose!

I oppose this!


Transgender policies

As a grandmother of 5 children in Virginia elementary schools, I am alarmed by the proposed guidelines for transgender policies in the public schools. My opposition falls into two categories. One relates to the specifics of the policies related to transgender students the other to a broader issue. I am a biologist with an understanding of the role of sex and sexual orientation. While on a Bell Curve, there will be some who do not fall within the peak range of distinct male or female orientation, I believe it's a relatively small percent who are outside that range. I think more now seem to fall on the edges of the Bell Curve because they are encouraged by adults to questions their sexual identity, when they would not have questioned it without provocation. First, let's consider young children. While most young children enjoy dressing up and pretending they are something different than they are (be it a different sex, an animal, a superhero), to suggest to them at an early age that they should think about who they "really" want to be, is absurd. It's asking them a confusing question--something they shouldn't have to consider at all. It certainly should not be a topic at school. If they and their parents come to a definite position, it might be discussed with the school, but this is definitely not something the schools /teachers, should be involved with addressing. With older students, say high school, if they have come, on their own, to a definite identity, there choice should be respected.  They and their parents can discuss this with the school to work out the best approach. At this age, a change of pronouns might be warranted, but there definitely should not be any sanctioning of others if they don't use the "right" pronoun. Worrying about remembering to use the "right" pronoun, which might change every day, is a burden on teachers and other students that will interfere with the teaching and learning that should be going on. Students should use their birth-gender bathroom; no exceptions. IF a school  adopts  another policy, parents MUST be advised e.g. that a biological male is using the same bathroom as their daughter. Nobody at the school should be involved with advising students about transgender issues, unless the parents are in agreement that they would like for that discussion between their child and teachers. My other objection is that these transgender policies set a very dangerous precedent of school control over what students are exposed to and told. Parents should be informed of exactly what school policy is on all subjects (not just transgender issues). They should know what their children will be taught, and teachers should not discuss personal issues with students without the parents' knowledge.


transgender school policy

Transgender school policy: I am against this Policy


I strongly appose

I strongly oppose this decision based on the unfair physical advantages that the average transgender female has over the average female. In addition, I strongly oppose this due to the possibility of predators taking advantage of this situation to be in private quarters with females who are likely less able to defend themselves.  I believe the best situation is to have a separate space for transgender women to compete, and separate teams.


Transgender policies

I oppose the proposed policies since they confuse biological facts with "feelings". Policies should never be used to regulate behavior of one group based on "feelings" of another group. These policies should be rewritten to protect parents rights, all student rights ( not just a few ) and adult rights in the school system. The whole notion that the sex (sex is not "assigned"  but biologically observed at birth ) of an individual can be changed at random is unscientific and delusional. No matter how one "feels", how one dresses , how many chemicals or hormones one takes or what surgery one has, their chromosomes have not changed! To make policies based on delusion will introduce chaos into the school system and society.These regulations ,as written, will require the vast majority who still affirm that we were created male or female to ignore their beliefs and rights. The policies  would require all people to approve of and act according to a delusional concept. To think that a male who "believes" that he is a female and therefore can compete in women's athletic events is pure nonsense!  His chromosomes have not changed! This whole concept reminds me of  Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "The Emperor's New Clothes". The "Emperor has NO clothes" and feelings sometimes can alter the truth. In addition these policies are a breeding ground for abuse. Parents understand that their children go through changing phases during childhood but the parents are considered adversaries under these policies with the "school system" taking on the role of parents. The system will be used to punish all those who do not condone the delusion. There are no checks and balances to insure that any male seeking access to the girls dressing room or bathroom is indeed a biological female. We do not help a person with a delusion by making everyone else suspend reality. Society will become chaotic. Help is definitely needed for "transgender" people going through this phase in their life. They deserve compassion. However, these policies will create chaos and division in the school system.


Support trans gender children in schools

I have four children currently enrolled in public schools in Henrico county and two who have graduated.  Attending schools with transgender children has been nothing but a positive experience. Teaching my children they all are created equal and deserve respect. Please continue to protect these (trans)children, allow them to have a normal school experience.


Please stop this aggression into student lives. If you want to help, find the right way to do it!

"By making the protection of children exclusive to this policy is extremely lazy. It only protects one group of children. It's clearly an LGBTQ agenda in order to cause division in parental relationships,  normalize questionable mental health and cause tumult in the already shaky beginnings of adolescent self awareness.  Yes, please take care of those marginalized and needing protection, but find a way to do it that truly helps all children. This policy is the lazy man's way to fix a problem-extreme solutions. What will actually happen is that you'll protect one group and mess up the other.  Do better, VA." Pls note:The words above are borrowed from another VA resident.They  state the issue clearly. Please, please hear them! If we don't support everyone in the family, we won't survive.


I'm transgender and public knowledge like this could have saved me in high school

CW: mental health, suicide, self harm, eating disorder I am an agender/gender non-conforming person and if I had been educated on transness and non-cisgender identities in my youth (middle/high school), I might have been saved from a great deal of pain. I attempted suicide multiple times and was addicted to self harm and disordered eating behaviors for years, unhappy with how my body looked and the expectations placed on me because of the genitalia I was assigned at birth. I didn't have the language or an outlet for what I was feeling. Educating young people about the existence of transness and restructuring the system so they have opportunities to explore and express themselves will literally save lives. I support this document. Anyone who doesn't cares more about power over people's bodies than children's lives and safety.


Strongly oppose!

For the safety of our kids - it is imperative that gender neutral rooms are not allowed


Strongly support!

I am a teacher and a mother and I am in strong support of policies and protections for our trans students! Don't let hate and fear drive you to make decisions that will destroy the lives of so many students! PLEASE support and protect our trans students!!


Oppose this policy

Virginia already has an anti-bully law, so no student should be subject to bullying. However, this new policy goes way beyond prevention of bullying to mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology.  It also encourages children to deceive their parents and hide from them information that could make a life-saving difference in their lives. This policy will also result in the loss of good teachers who cannot cooperate with a mandate to use politically correct pronouns.


Transgender Policy, misguided

Government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children. Please vote NO.


Rev. Amanda Poppei, Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington

Inclusive learning environments save our kids' lives

I am writing--as a parent, as a minister, and as someone who believes deeply in the worth of every person--to share my strong support for the Virginia Department of Education's guidance on inclusive learning environments for trans and non-binary youth. We know that these youth face messages of hate in the world around them; school should be a place of safety and acceptance, where they know they are worthy just as they are. And we know that that acceptance is literally a matter of life and death. A recent report from the Human Rights Campaign notes that "More than half of transgender male teens who participated in the survey reported attempting suicide in their lifetime, while 29.9 percent of transgender female teens said they attempted suicide. Among non-binary youth, 41.8 percent of respondents stated that they had attempted suicide at some point in their lives." Do we want to be among the people that harm these teens? Or do we want to be among the people that help to protect them, to nurture them, to honor who they know themselves to be so that they can grow up? My religious tradition tells me that all people are worthy, and that we are all connected. In fact, most religious traditions tell us that, at their heart--and invite us to treat people as we would like to be treated. I hope that we will be able to extend those core principles of kindness toward each other to how we include and nurture the trans and non-binary youth in our state.


transgender school policy

Transgender School Policy: I am against transgender school policy, children at this very young age can not make a mature decision for their self!! Our children needs to protected in bathrooms from the opposite sex. This policy is opening the door to crimes! Parents needs to Keep control  of their OWN children NOT THE GOVERMENT.


Respect the Rights of the Majority

While I respect the rights of a transgender person to participate in school activities, I do not believe it to be fair to the majority when a person with male genes can compete against a person with female genes.  It has been known for decades that males can outperform females in various sports.  That was and still is the reason behind women's sports teams. Allowing a transgender female to compete against a biological female is unfair to the biological females, who are the majority.  If a transgender male desires to participate in men's sports that is fine as they would not have an inherent advantage over the majority. As far as restrooms, I cannot fathom permitting transgender persons into the same restroom as the biological sex unless they have been surgically altered.  Instead the only way to protect both the transgender and the majority biological sex students is to provide individual single-person restrooms for transgender persons who have not been surgically altered.


Strongly OPPOSED

I am strongly opposed to these 'model' policies for various reasons, chief among them is this is in no way good for our children - while students in public schools or for the rest of their lives. This process seems to ignore the long-term and negative experiences/effects of transition so that only a positive picture is painted.  Common sense tells us that is unrealistic.  These policies go so far to promote an ideology and 'protect' what is likely a tiny percentage of public school students and in the process inflict unnecessary, unwarranted, uninvited and unacceptable consequences on the vast majority of students and staff. Permitting public schools/teachers to keep this or any other matter from a child's parents is a travesty, an overreach and completely offensive.  With all due respect, teachers/schools should focus on educating students academically, encourage critical thinking and problem solving  - it is not their place to push an ideology or social agenda or usurp the role of parents in the formation of their children.


If you truly care about students, don't vote for this!

This comment is in response to the VDOE Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. I work as a high school counselor in VA. Before the school year began, I was notified that I'd have a transgender student in my advising caseload. I asked my supervisor about the mental health ramifications for this student, unfortunately believing she was a boy. I was told that it was better to simply accept the parents' decision and go along with it. I then said that plenty of research shows that the suicide rate for transgender individuals is 40%, 36% higher than the normal suicide rate. Not surprisingly, and sadly, the student tried to take her life a few months ago. Thankfully, she wasn't successful. I have done and will do everything I can to support the student as she is - misguided and lost, but still someone in need of help from a person who cares. If you truly care about students' health and well-being, please don't support this policy. Too many lives are negatively affected - and many are lost - by these ideas. I know because I've seen it firsthand, and no one else needs to see it anymore. We can't afford to lose one more student, not by this or anything else.


Are you serious....

Okay so let me get this straight, you are trying to tell me that a child from K-12th grade can't determine that they either have male parts or female parts.  This world is sick and twisted if you think that I will allow my children into a school system that practically teaches them that it is okay to alternate between genders because today they want to act like a male/female.  God did not state in the bible that there was numerous genders.  You are either male or female.  Now I understand that there is times where a male or female has more of a certain hormones of the opposite sex even though they were born the opposite sex but that doesn't give you the right to say that you are the opposite sex because you was still born that way.  All this does is open the door for pedophilia but as we all know from these recent years the democratic party has tried to embrace the fact that is okay to murder unborn children because in most cases teens and young adults has determined to make the choice to open their legs for sexual intercourse and that goes for male and female.  There is consequences to the decisions we make in life.  Just like this stupid policy that is trying to be passed along into the education of young children.  You want to say that a 5 yr old male/female wants to be the opposite sex well let me tell you that a 5 yr old does not have the ability to make rationale decisions like that that is why it is up to the PARENTS to raise their children with the best intent and expectations because GOD will judge each and everyone of us for how we raise our children.  All you are doing is giving people the opportunity for our children to be exposed to being sexually assaulted, raped, or anything else that could possibly happen to our young children and I myself will not allow my children to be subjected to the nonsense that you propose and the idiocy that you think you will pass off as justified means for kids that do not understand fully because they are young.  I do not condone to bullying by no means and my kids no better than to be bullies so that would not be a case in what you are trying to pass off.  Along with thinking that your going to discipline parents or staff for not recognizing gender issues or having something to say about it, well this is where you are wrong because as a CITIZEN of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA my first amendment entitles me to freedom of speech, but along with my given rights I do not waste my time telling people how to live but when it comes to education you keep your personal preferences to yourself because when you step through the doors of a school you are there to learn and further your education not talk about what you want to identify with.  So to tell you where I stand with this nonsense is that I STRONGLY AND WHOLEHEARTDLY OPPOSE everything that you are trying to pass off.


Love our Youth

All children deserve a learning environment that is inclusive and safe. As the principal of my children's school tells her students daily; you are loved, valued, unique, and worthy.  She pours this into them and without reserve. LGBTQ+, and especially trans understanding is severely lacking in our society.  Every opportunity and tool should be utilized to show our children a brighter tomorrow, together.


Transgender Ideology Endangers Women, Especially Girls

We NEED to fight and WIN this battle against Transgender Ideology. There are so many ways that Transgender Ideology is harming so many people, most especially girls. Our girls are being forced to compete athletically with boys, and to share their bathrooms and locker rooms with boys! Teenage girls who have psychological problems are being told that their problems are caused by their really being male, EVEN THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER SHOWN A SINGLE TOM-BOY TRAIT. Pharmaceutical companies and Children’s Hospitals everywhere can’t wait to “transition” them. Any tomboy girl or less than totally masculine boy is in danger.