Do Not Support:  Concerned Parent

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


concerned

Very concerned about this change.


Absolutely Support!

One of my closest childhood friends has three kids, one of whom is transgender.  I've witnessed close up and personally how difficult it has been for he and his wife to raise a transgender child.  Like all of us parents who love their children and would do anything for them, they only want the best for their child.  And in fact, they moved states to find a supportive environment for their child.  This is not a question of if we should do this, and it's not a question of personal opinion, this is a human rights issue.  People are born the way they are and all people deserve dignity and respect, like every one of us.


NO!!

NO!!!! I do not approve


Do not undermine family rights, responsibilities and authority

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


Absolutely NOT!!

We should not provide any transgender "opportunities" for kids. By allowing this policy we are presenting the option and awareness that it exist and possible in our society. With kids undeveloped minds we are pushing them in a  wrong direction and even if there are some possible cases, by creating the policy we enabling all kids to think and act to try new "wrong" things. We should treat this topic like "alcohol" and maybe allow experimentation with it when person has a more stable mind to make decisions (after 21 or 23 years old), and only after full mental evaluation. A full phycological evaluation is a must for all cases!!!. Do not allow kinds to do mistake that would ruin their lives for ever!!! In addition, there needs to be a absolute notification to parents from teachers if some transgender behavior happens. Schools and teachers are NOT responsible for kids but parents are.


Opposition to HB 145 and SB 161 - protect children and parental rights

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


Oppose transgender policies by the Va. Department of Education

We are a product of God's creation. Not what we want to create ourselves to be. When God created us in the palm of His hand, He was proud of His creation and loves us dearly.


re:  you're hurting transgender kids, and I hope you're held accountable

There are so many reasons to oppose transgenderism, especially since it is hurting these kids - health issues, anxiety, psychological issues.  You're complicit in hurting these kids. Here's an article that sums it up: Why we oppose the normalization of transgenderism By Bryan Fischer November 22, 2014 Follow me on Twitter: @BryanJFischer , on Facebook at "Focal Point" The Scriptures tell us that one of the consequences for a nation that turns its back on God is "confusion of mind" (Deuteronomy 28:28). Nowhere is this more evident than in the tragic case of transgenderism. Having accepted the lies of "that old deluder Satan" that they are trapped inside the body of the wrong gender, many resort to hormone therapy and even sex reassignment surgery in a vain, dangerous and enormously destructive effort to obliterate their true sexual identity. In the civil code God gave to Moses on the mount, the normalization of transgenderism was flatly forbidden. "A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 22:5). Why would God be so insistent that his people not allow themselves to become so disordered in mind and soul that they begin to think of themselves and present themselves as members of the opposite sex? Is it because God hates transgenders? Do we oppose the normalization of transgenderism because we hate transgendered individuals? Absolutely not. We flatly and unequivocally oppose the normalization of transgenderism because it destroys people. We do not oppose transgenderism because we hate people. We oppose it because we love them. We do not want to see anyone's life ravaged by the pathologies that accompany this disorder of the mind and soul. Until 2012, the American Psychiatric Association classified transgenderism as a "gender identity disorder." It has since relabeled it "gender dysphoria" in an effort to soften the stigma that properly should attach itself to this problematic lifestyle choice. But "dysphoria" means "a profound state of unease or dissatisfaction," indicating changing terminology does not nothing to change a heart and a life wracked with a profound inner disturbance. Most Americans are blithely and blindly unaware of the mental, psychological and emotional devastation transgenderism wreaks on those who get trapped into this lifestyle. But the results are tragic. Transgender regret is now a sad and sorrowful reality in our cultural landscape. A survey conducted in 2010 by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force – neither of them members of the vast rightwing conspiracy – revealed the heartbreaking reality that a staggering 41 percent of transgendered American have attempted suicide. This is a rate more than 25 times higher than the population at large. Social research has revealed that 65% of all those who undergo cosmetic surgery live to regret it. How much higher must that figure be for those who have undergone genital mutilation? The homosexual lobby itself knows that there is something wrong with transgenderism. The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association – again, not a part of the evangelical pro-family movement – lists a number of pathologies that are so common among transgenders that the GLMA warns the transgender community about them. Among these pathologies are an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes, sexually transmitted diseases (they are at four times the risk of HIV/AIDS as the general population, for instance), substance abuse, depression and obesity. In other words, transgenderism is an enormously risky and unhealthy lifestyle. Stella Morabito has written a sobering column at the Federalist exposing the buried truth about the striking numbers of transgenders who regret going through sex reassignment surgery, finding in the end it didn't make them happier or more well-adjusted at all but left them instead shattered and broken in mind and body. Some of the most prominent transgenders in our culture have expressed such profound regret. Well-known transgender Alan Finch of Australia said this: "[T]ranssexualism was invented by psychiatrists. . . .You fundamentally can't change sex ... the surgery doesn't alter you genetically. It's genital mutilation...It's all been a terrible misadventure. I've never been a woman, just Alan . . . the analogy I use about giving surgery to someone desperate to change sex is it's a bit like offering liposuction to an anorexic." Tennis champion Renee Richards was perhaps the most famous transgender of our time, undergoing sexual mutilation surgery in the 1970s. But in 1999, in Tennis Magazine, she said the following: "I know deep down that I'm a second-class woman...As far as being fulfilled as a woman, I'm not as fulfilled as I dreamed of being. I get a lot of letters from people who are considering having this operation...and I discourage them all." Mike Penner, a sportswriter for the LA Times, famously outed himself in 2007 as a transgendered individual and overnight became Christine Daniels. He then transitioned back to becoming a male in 2008 and finally killed himself in 2009. So do we vigorously resist the normalization of transgenderism because we hate people? Hardly. It's the other way round. We resist it because we love people. We don't want to see anyone wind up profoundly regretting something they cannot undo and ending their own lives as a result. God knew what he was doing when he assigned each of us our gender at the moment of conception. And he stands ready to help any willing individual come to a place of resolution and acceptance of the gender God assigned him at the moment of conception. "Confusion of mind" can, with God's help, become clarity of mind. ( Unless otherwise noted, the opinions expressed are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Family Association or American Family Radio. ) © Bryan Fischer The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates. (See RenewAmerica's publishing standards .)


Transgender education

Let parents be parents and schools be schools.  This is dangerous for all. Strongly oppose.


Opposed

We, the parents, will decide what is best for our children.


Safe environment for all - this is NOT it

In an effort to supposedly provide equal treatment and a non threatening environment for some you are set up a chaotic non supporting environment for ALL. Who can relax when you are afraid you will misspeak at every turn?  How can a teacher teach when their actions or words can be misconstrued on the whim of a child's mood of the day? My sons speaks of kids urinating in the sink just to have fun and many teenagers not just young children are even afraid to go in a bathroom because of what goes on - this would be worse and allows for NO sense of privacy and no rights of authority to step in and help.  Really - please just focus on teaching proper education - our kids are getting less and less true education and it shows in our society!  Parents need to be encouraged and supported to teach their children at HOME. It is not the responsibility of the government or school systems to do it all.  We are creating lazy parents and students and warping all sense of humanity.


Proposed Transgender Public School Policy

In the public school system where I taught we had a sound policy to deal with transgender students. First, it was handled confidentially and very seriously involving the child, parents, psychological counseling, clergy if desired by parent, school administrator, student's guidance counselor, school nurse and student's teachers. Second, the transgender student used only unisex bathroom(s) provided at school and was exempted from physical education and extra-curricular sports activities. This took into account fairness and comfort consideration for other students. Thirdly, the student was addressed by the name they enrolled with by the parent or guardian. This policy worked successfully.


Strongly support

This is a question of human Rights and safety of children, and very simply the ability to be who you are. Schools need guidance on this issue and having a policy in place will help to protect students.


Strongly oppose

I just Graduated high school last year. This is not what we need. You’re going behind the parents backs while dealing with minors. You’re also putting children at risk. We are already dealing with sexual harassment and poor judgment we don’t need someone pretending to be a different gender to come into our bathrooms and locker rooms ( please work to making a separate bathroom so we can all choose which one to go in ) some of us wouldn’t feel comfortable with knowing some of our peers are lying about how they identify themselves just to get in the locker room. You can’t make rules like this and ignore the fact that it is a huge risk allowing 15-18 year olds together in unsupervised spaces like that. If kids are already finding a way to harass each other and/ or have sex in school then making it easier is not a good plan. Please adjust the rules. It should be a subject in school like learning to have safe sex and it should be able to be discussed safely in school but school should also be a safe place for everybody attending.


Strongly support

As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all.


Strongly Support

The reality is  there is diversity in our world. All students have the right to attend school where they can learn in a safe environment. Protect those students so they won't have to battle bullying every day of their lives. Model acceptance and recognition of differences in humans. It is unfortunate that measures like these have to be put in place to make us do what decent human beings should do on their own.


Opposed to the bill

This bill goes against the right to choose our own children's education and against freedom of religion. When parents choose a religious school based on specific values they are not discriminating but freely deciding what their children should learn, acting under the clout of their faith. This is a cherished and protected right in our Constitution, thus an obligation to allow transgender children to act against the school policies and wishes of all parents who want a religious education in a private school is discrimination against their own freedom of thought and action according to their faith.


Opposed to the New Transgender Policy Proposals by the Virginia Dept. of Education

I am opposed to the transgender policy proposals by the Virginia Department of Education, HB 145 and SB 161, because I believe it undermines parents rights in public schools, and may also weaken the privacy and safety of all students. Research on gender identity is an ongoing process yet the VDOE would base its policies on views stated as fact. An example of this is the statement, "Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five or six." What study or studies is this concept based upon? Who carried out the studies? Parents and guardians have a right to know the answer to this and other questions raised by the proposals, before the regulatory process goes further.


Strongly Oppose

This bill is terrible. It goes against parents rights to and freedom of religion. Parents have the right to choose the proper education for their children, and forcing transgender ideology as a blanket rule across schools will cause MANY problems.


Strongly support

I think these model policies are excellent. I graduated high school back in 2015 and I wish more polices like these were placed and implemented. Transgender students deserve to feel heard and safe at school. For some students, school is the only place where they feel safe. Kids can't learn well if they are constantly in fear of being who they are and expressing themselves. I believe if these policies were implemented, kids would feel safer, be more open and honest about their struggles, feel more supported, feel like they can talk to faculty, etc. We go to school not to just learn how to read and write - we go to school to learn about social issues, diversity, how to debate effectively, how to problem solve, etc. It is a place to learn, grow, and be exposed to differences.


STRONGLY SUPPORT — these are human rights

I strongly support this bill, and encourage anyone who opposes it to look deeply within themselves as to why not. Transphobia and homophobia have no place in this world, especially not in schools with developing children. Having access to basic information about your body and sexual orientation is a HUMAN RIGHT. If your “religious beliefs” are the reasoning behind opposing this, I’m disgusted. No matter what, the LGBTQ+ community isn’t going away. These are real children and people with real emotions and questions. Why wouldn’t we teach our kids love is love? That’s it. Let’s accommodate with the times and allow EVERY kid to have a chance to learn about who they want/are going to be in this world.


Strongly Oppose HB145, SB161 + Model Policies 4 Treatment of Transgender Student in Public Schools

My comments are provided with sincerity and all due respect for all parties involved. The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools guidance document clearly lacked input from the faith community. This is a construction apart from God. Although changes were made at the Federal level years prior, it wasn't until Virginia's General Assembly majority changed last year that HB145 and SB161 was able to pass - and now look what we are facing. Why wasn't the faith community adequately heard and considered? They aren't listed in Acknowledgements or the Appendix. Why are there higher standards for reducing bias and harassment in the enforcement of any code of student conduct with respect to transgenders? All students should benefit from the same level of care and protection from bias and harassment. Parents have a right to know if their child is changing their gender status. This sets a dangerous example for the child for future life decisions. It will put undue mental and emotional stress as they will have to eventually disclose changes that have been made to their bodies. With regard to the last paragraph on page 14; this is another example of rewriting history. Please, involve the faith community and parents; and re-do this document. Parents need to know.


I strongly oppose. Parents you are giving up your control of your Children.

This should not be allowed in school! School needs to be kept to education. If this sort of teaching is allowed then I want Creationism, the Bible and many other conservative beliefs that have been thrown out of public education reintroduced. Children should not be groomed at school to be able to choose their gender. If there are issues that arise the parents should be able to control the situation and find ways to help their own child. Parents take your control back!!!


Transgender guidelines

I am totally opposed to the proposed regulations concerning transgender students.


Oppose

As a parent in Virginia, I am opposed to this policy change regarding transgender students.  I agree that no student should be subjected to harassment due to their sexuality or gender.  However, issues with harassment can and should be dealt with without making the drastic changes proposed in this policy. The phrase "sex assigned at birth" is not scientific.  Each baby is born with biological sex; it is not "assigned" by anyone.  This new policy will only create confusion. Not everyone is in agreement with these ideas about gender.  There is no option for staff or students who disagree to opt out of these policies; they can be charged with harassment for not complying. Let's focus on creating safe, positive schools for all.  Please do not pass this change.  Thank you.


Vehemently Oppose Transgender Guidelines

As a Virginian, I am vehemently opposed to the Model policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. I believe that many children (and even many adults) are confused about many things in today's society, and that adoption and implementation of these guidelines will only lead to further confusion among the most innocent and impressionable among us, our children.  Biological truth dictates that there are only two genders, as there have been since the beginning of time, and that it is against the laws of nature to recognize any other genders or to recognize a girl as a boy or vice-versa.  In the Bible, Genesis 5:1-2 states that "When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God; he created them male and female."


Regarding transgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education

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


Stronly oppose

Strongly oppose this should not be handled by the school. This issue should be handled at home with the childs family. I cannot imagine how the school should be in charge in a matter that does not involve them. The parents should always be informed of everything in order to be there the best way they can be for their child. This approach will not only destroy families but will also destroy the child. Absolutely not, this is irresponsible & destructive. Do not support.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose to the draft model policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools.  I wish to reiterate the comments of "JB" who articulated this so well.  "The adoption and implementation of these guidelines will only lead to further confusion among the most innocent and impressionable among us, our children.  Biological truth dictates that there are only two genders, as there have been since the beginning of time, and that it is against the laws of nature to recognize any other genders or to recognize a girl as a boy or vice-versa."  It is a scientific fact that we are created as two genders - male and female.  I am appalled that these policies are even being considered and will pray for good sense to prevail and for these policies to not be implemented.


FULL SUPPORT

I fully support the thoughtful and comprehensive Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools. In reviewing the mission statements of various public school districts across our state it is made very clear that families and schools strive to partner together with the community to empower every student to become a lifelong learner, responsibly and ethically engaged with the global community. The words “ ALL ” and “ EVERY ” are included in each statement. The following are just a few examples taken from missions/values/beliefs of public school districts across the state of Virginia dedicated to EVERY child. Being "open to change and valuing differences" (VA Beach) Viewing "diversity as our strength" (Fairfax) Recognition of "each students individuality" (Floyd) "Every child, by name and by need to graduation" (Lynchburg) Being "an inclusive community that empowers" (Arlington) Valuing "physical safety and emotional well being" (Montgomery) Dedication to "success for all" (Harrisonburg) "Treating all individuals with dignity and respect" (Albemarle) Now is the time to help every school district align to their mission statements/values and beliefs by ensuring that transgender and non-binary people are included in "ALL" and "EVERY" in our Virginia Public Schools. My past experience as a parent in the public school system was spent advocating for basic decency and best practices for gender expansive children in an elementary school setting. Some people may feel that some of what is included in the policy goes without saying. I can say from first hand experience, that the intentions and directions must be explicit. For example, in working with my child’s school I was asking that the school discontinue separating kids by binary gender for a class project and modify greetings by saying “good morning kids” instead of “good morning boys and girls.”  Despite my efforts to show the statistics that these types of gender affirming changes create space in the community and SAVE LIVES, the administration responded to this request with, “we cannot provide this direction and make these changes until there is a district policy.” Virginia public schools are asking for this explicit support and the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools provides thoughtful, comprehensive support for school districts and the families they proudly partner with. My opportunity to see, love and grow with my gender expansive child has been my life’s greatest gift. I have learned more about myself and the world we live in through them and can see the negative effects of the binary gender normative in our society. I often say, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Before my child, I honestly did not know. I did not have the understanding that I do now. Creating space for gender diversity in our schools will benefit all people. I also live by, “the more you know, the better you can do.” We can all do better and The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools has been thoroughly reviewed and endorsed by psychologists, social workers, student representatives, and the Executive Directors from three of the leading LGBTQ+ support organizations in the state (Equality Virginia, Side By Side, and He She Ze & We), along with policy and education experts to help us ALL do better. I fully support the adoption of this policy because the more we know the better we can ALL do. Our school districts can become better aligned with their stated missions/visions and we can make space in our communities for everyone to be their authentic selves.


Strongly Support

The data gathered by psychologists over years of practice is clear: Affirming a child's gender identity leads to dramatically lower rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among transgender children. This alone is a reason that schools should affirm a child's gender identity, protect their privacy as needed, educate school staff, and provide appropriate accommodations to gender-expansive students. Schools have a responsibility to keep their students safe, both physically and mentally, during school hours and school activities. This bill goes a long way toward doing that, and I fully support it.


Oppose

Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 Strongly oppose because in the words of Dr. Meg Meeker, pediatrician, “They [children] are young people with hearts, minds and souls. Every child deserves protection from trauma and humiliation. And every child can learn to be accepting and kind to those who are different. But to force “acceptance” on children when it means causing them to see very private genitalia of the opposite sex, questioning their own ability to believe what they see, and causing more suffering to already troubled children is fair to no one—except, perhaps, the adults who want to see their own agenda promoted.” Young children, especially, should not have to endure the confusion which arises from policies such as this. The authority and influence of parents should absolutely not be undercut by the educational system simply to promote political agendas. The Virginia Department of Education should be focused on the academic needs of our children only.


We Should Not Play Politics With the Serious Mental Illness of Gender Dysphoria

Until very recently, the scientific consensus was that gender dysphoria was a mental illness. Those who suffered from it were of course to be treated with compassion and understanding. But that didn't mean playing into the patient's disorder, i.e., telling a person with a man's organs that he was a female, and vice versa. In the last several years a vocal political minority has pushed transgender riots as the "next frontier" of the civil rights movement, even though no meaningful scientific evidence has arisen to overturn the medical consensus on gender dysphoria. At a time where politics often times seems to trump objective scientific truth, I think it is paramount that our educational establishment hold the line. Children in particular are among the most vulnerable in our society. With that in mind, I believe it's imperative that the State of Virginia and its Department of Education: 1) Seek to treat children with the mental illness of gender dysphoria. 2) Not confuse or traumatize young, impressionable children by normalizing transgender behavior with (i) multigender facilities (i.e., bathrooms, locker rooms) or (ii) pushing fringe third gender pronoun terminology. 3) Not force this latest fad of gender identity politics, which is not supported by the preponderance of current scientific evidence, on private educational institutions (e.g., private schools and religious schools) that do not share these views. I am simply a concerned citizen who believes truth and the good of society, especially its youngest members, should be promoted above politics.


comment

As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all


Govt and Education should NOT be Meddling in Gender Identification

The Govt and School has NO business meddling in a student's gender identification. If parents MUST make sure students attend school or face truancy, then the SCHOOL and GOVT should stay out of a family's guidance of their child's gender identification. If you want to raise kids without morals and values, then God would have made it possible for the Govt and School to reproduce them without human parents. STAY OUT OF Gender Identification Education.


Strongly oppose

This proposal infringes on the rights of parents to teach their children that gender is NOT subjective and the scientific reality that biological sex means something. Our psychological understanding of self should follow biological reality of who we are vs the other way around.


Acceptance

Schools should provide a safe environment for all students.  I support this policy to the extent it is focused on accomplishing that objective.


Regarding transgender:

Would not be easier and without controversy to build a unit for the transgender. These guidelinnes clearly violete the rights of the non transgender


I support this policy

Schools should provide a safe environment for all students and teachers.  I support this policy.


No to these ideas; Protect children

As a child, it is fun to pretend we are something or someone other than we are. Over time, however, we need to grow and mature. We cannot remain in fairyland forever. It is time to grow.


STRONGLY OPPOSE Proposed VDOE Transgender Policy

I strongly OPPOSE the proposed transgender policy. Boys and girls need separate facilities. Children should not be encouraged to be transgender. Please let the children grow up with PARENTAL GUIDANCE on transgender and as God and nature intended.  The proposed policy goes to far. The schools have no responsibility for the children after they leave the classroom and should not meddle in a lifelong decision. Once a child reaches adulthood when they understand fully the repercussions of their decision, they can decide on their own.


Tran teaching

Not your  place to teach vdoe to any kid


Opposed to forcing children of different genders into mixed settings without privacy rights

I oppose the revolutionary notion that children should be forced to share locker rooms, bathrooms, hotel rooms, and other spaces where they have no personal privacy protections.  My daughters should never be in a situation where they have to undress or be unclothed in the presence of a biological male, regardless of that male's decision that he is female.  They also never be required to view a biological male in the act of undressing or being unclothed.  The opposite is also true.  The indecent exposure law is still in force. This is simple common sense.  As long as restrooms exist in Virginia on public or private property for either a single sex or for use by one person or a parent and children, e.g., a recreation center or a private swim club, the indecent exposure laws should apply.  If the VA government is foolish enough to repeal those laws, we'll happily leave the state.


Strongly support

As an LCSW who works with youth, I support this guidance. It is important we provide support for all students. In order to succeed, kids and teens to feel comfortable in their homes and at school, and this guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth.


Oppose transgender regulations proposed by VA Department of Education

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


I am opposed to this guidance document

I disapprove of the VDOE's proposed guidelines based on the radical theories to eliminate the distinction of male and female distinctions and indoctrinate children.


opposed

Schools should not be accommodating the harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity.


HB 145 AND SB 161  Transgender Policies

These two proposed policies, HB 145 and SB 16l  articulate views that are far different from those of many parents.  Especially one view, "That gender identity is considered an innate quality that most children declare by age five to six." Through endorsement of views like these that infringe on the First Amendment rights of parents, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed.  Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students and no child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a student of the opposite biological sex.  Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations.  I STRONGLY OPPOSE THESE TRANSGENDER POLICIES PROPOSED BY THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.


treatment of transgender students

As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all.


please be kind and supportive to transgender students

"As a parent, educator, friend, and human, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all. "


Opposed

I fully oppose the transgender policy being proposed/instituted by the Virginia Department of Education for the upcoming school year. It is inherently wrong for my daughter to be subjected to possibly intimate situations with a Male just because he identifies as a female. This is morally wrong and harmful to those children with traditional views of male/female identification. Please do not enact this policy change.


Support strongly


I oppose

I oppose this policy as it will create chaos and confusion to all parties involved, please vote NO


Transgender policies

These changes for protection of transgender students are critical. And obviously much education needs to be conducted regarding transgender issues. I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of people voicing opposition have never even net a transgender person


I am outraged and strongly object to the  Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools being considered.  It is destructive and divisive.  It creates an aura of secrecy and mistrust among our teachers, students, and their families.  It violates the rights of parents and undermines the authority of teachers and school officials.  It encourages adolescents to "make a decision" about something that is already decided by their DNA thus causing more harm and confusion for students that are already struggling in the uncertainty of our current times.  I cannot imagine what could possibly cause our government to consider imposing such harmful policies on our citizens.  PLEASE DO NOT APPROVE THESE UNFAIR POLICIES!


Strongly Oppose

While this policy may be on the table to promote equal treatment of all regardless of gender or sexual identity, it in effect will create an atmosphere that is impossible to manage and will result in greater problems.  The policy is overreaching, taking away the roles and responsibilities of parents and guardians.  It will cause greater confusion in students who already are dealing with so many confusing things in the culture.  If the policy is followed as proposed, it seems like a young man may end up seeing a young woman, who identifies as a man, topless.  I understand striving to promote equality, but the young men seeing young women topless will not equate to a proper environment for education or school athletics.  The rights and protection of all are endangered in this policy.  Not to mention, if a person may identify as a man one day and a woman the next, how will any in position of leadership be able to provide proper care and protection in such cases?  This policy needs significant work to accomplish what it is generally striving to accomplish.  I strongly oppose.


Strongly oppose

In order to truly support the life of each and every student and teacher within the Virginia Department of Education's system, I STRONGLY OPPOSE the proposed model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia's public schools.


Support This Guidance and Trans Students

As an educator who has worked in Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg, and Charlottesville, I support this guidance. Studies have shown that affirming policies like the K-12 guidance reduce the risk of bullying, peer violence, harassment, suicidal thinking*. Transgender students deserve to feel supported and affirmed in educational spaces. They are then better equipped to learn, engage with peers, and positively contribute back into their communities. This guidance will help schools to provide the best learning environment possible for creating a truly equal Commonwealth. *Source: Russell S.T., Pollitt A.M., Li G., & Grossman A.H. (2018). Chosen name use is linked to reduced depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior among transgender youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 63 (4), 503–505.


Please Support

Transgender students face high rates of abuse, suicide, murder, homelessness - the barriers are endless. This guidance will allow them to feel safe for at least a moment in their schools. I encourage anyone with concerns or suspicions over this guidance to do some real research on the experiences of transgender children and to try and have some empathy for an experience that, while not matching your own, is still valid and important.


Yes to this Guidance

this would have changed my life had it been in place when i was going to school. i would have felt more loved and accepted. i would have felt more okay with going to school, instead of terrified. it woudl have protected me from some of the painful experiences that teachers and kids brought into my life. please support this guidance


I strongly oppose these policies

While we must show compassion to those experiencing gender confusion/dysphoria, policies such as these are a dangerous move toward state influence on children, placing its authority over and above that of parents. A move toward normalizing state indoctrination of youth on matters of sexuality will lead us in a regressive direction as a nation. Matters of gender and sexuality are the purview of parents and families, not of public school teachers. Though some parents/guardians may teach or encourage ideas some may view as harmful, to believe that the state will be a better actor is truly misguided, and we dare not move in that direction.


dangers of proposed transgender policies

The proposed transgender policies can have a very harmful effect on large numbers of student while only a slight possible effect on a very few. 1.Girls sports could be practically demolished by these transgender rules as can be seen by their effect in Connecticut. Dozens of girls were denied wins and notice by college recruitment because two boys said they were transgender. 2.Girls, especially those who have already suffered sexual abuse, could be very traumatized by boys in their personal space such as lockers, bathrooms, sleeping arrangements, etc. 3.Focusing in on the outward signs for transgender claims halts most other attempts to help students with transgender claims. 4.These policies would negate many of the positive benefits girls and women have striven to attain for the last fifty years while still not addressing many of the problems doctors and psychiatrists have documented that transgender people actually have.


Absolutely oppose

If we are truly concerned about trans youth and not the desire to force others to kowtow to an 'agenda', then this is going about it the wrong way. Parents need to be aware of what is going on in their children's lives or they will not be able to help. Trans youth have a statistically higher risk of suicide. It is a very rare parent who would wish that for their child. Giving parents information to help their child instead of hiding the child's desires, mistakenly gives 'woke' writers of this bill that educators and administrators, many of whom do not have children themselves, are helping a kid that they see for a year instead of parents who have loved their child over a lifetime. Why aren't we encouraging children how to have actual conversations with their parents instead of lying (by omission) to the parents? Why would parents ever trust teachers again? All teachers I know tell me that dealing with parents is the worst part of their jobs. Is this somehow going to make those relationships better? In regards to punishing teachers for slip ups that could occur when addressing a child, has anyone of the sponsors actually been to a school? My best friend thirty years ago in high school would have switched genders every other day just to stick it to teachers. But I'm sure no child would do that today.


Vehemently OPPOSE ALL

As a father  of a public school child and husband of a public school teacher of 20 years, I strongly opposed any and all adoption of said gender policies. They are absolutely abhorrent to our civilized society, not to mention in direct violation of our constitutional rights regarding religious beliefs. If adopted, and I fervently pray that our leaders do what is right and not what they think or feel is popular in today’s culture and dismiss these proposals, I will immediately withdraw my daughter from the system and my wife will most likely resign. These actions are crossing the line of what is not only scientifically and biologically established but in direct conflict with what my and millions of Virginians’ religious affiliations teach and abide by. Citing specific parts of these guidelines is futile because it is absolutely preposterous that any of them should be considered. There is no compromise without violating the 1st Ammendment of the U.S. Constitution of those of us who vehemently oppose these ridiculous measures. I implore you to do what is right and not force Virginians like my family to make the decision between leaving the teaching profession and withdrawing from public school or answer for complying on judgement day. THAT is the direction the VDOE is heading. Do what is right. Do what is noble. Do what is CONSTITUTIONAL and reject and/or dismiss implementation of these policies.


Inclusion, safety, and support for all learners.

A safe and inclusive Education for all learners is an essential foundation of public education.


Totally opposed

I am totally opposed to this legislation on transgender identity. You are bypassing parental authority, infringing on student's moral sensitivities, and asking teachers and school personnel to forfeit their beliefs.


School “Transgender” Policies

I strongly oppose!


Do not approve VDOE draft model policy for transgenders

DO NOT APPROVE


Strongly oppose these proposed transgender policies

We recommend that those at VDOE who are considering policies for the treatment of transgender students should familiarize themselves with a book by Abigail Shrier entitled Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters. Based on thousands of interviews she documents the epidemic of young teenage girls suddenly exhibiting "rapid onset gender dysphoria" following intense social media immersion or as part of a friend group with other members suddenly claiming to be transgender, without previous signs of gender confusion. "These are the same girls that would have been anorexic. They would have been bulimic. They are high anxiety, very precocious girls but they don't really fit in." Confused, lonely, misguided and vulnerable, they find that if they declare themselves to be transgender they see a big improvement in their social status. They are praised online, gain attention, new friends and their teachers hold them up as being courageous.  They can self-diagnose as transgender and get access through Planned Parenthood to testosterone. This begins a dangerous, life altering path. This "craze" needs to be discouraged, not encouraged in the school system by making it "cool" to be transgender.


Gender

There are only two genders.  Male and Female.


Absolutely reject to ALL of this!

I do NOT approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  It is appalling that these are even being put into consideration.  The Commonwealth of Virginia has gone off the deep in the past 20 years!


New rules for Virginia schools

Nobody want these children’s to be bullied or to suffer in any way but why is so important to make everybody else suffer instead??  You and I both know the middle school/high school boys are going to put on skirts or whatever and go into the girls bathrooms just to create chaos.  They can’t be questioned you say (according to the new rules).  I come from a genetics background and know of all the variants that can occur that we also don’t know all the reason/causes this happens.  They exist all around us.  We’ve taught our children to love and be good to everyone because God loves everyone and has placed all people here for us to live with and be kind to.  We did not teach them that others would try to press an agenda on them so as to not allow them privacy they may want while they’re are in school. If a person presents as a girl/boy you treat them like a girl/boy.  They have entered the REAL world you have not entered theirs.  I’d think those poor children suffering would understand that above everybody.  They want to be normal ... or what they perceive as normal.  Men transitioning to women and taking over sports and venues because of the natural enhancement that comes with a male Y doesn’t sound fair to me.  The only fair way to address this is male sports, female sports, and all the rest in a group category of male to female and female to male.  That way all competition will be fair and equal which is what everyone wants.  The new rule makers are not seeing the forest for the trees. Maybe they should spend their time making “rules” for how parents should raise their children...or make it simple...bring God back into the schools instead of communists.  You all are reaping what you have sown.


School Gender Policy

This policy, like so many being proposed these days, is absolutely RIDICULOUS!!!  It is beyond my comprehension how so-called educated leaders of our state and country can even have the gall to present this ludicrous policy!  This would not solve ANY issue, but it would create so many more, and only prove to make life so confusing for the children, but for some reason, you seem to think would be beneficial.  Your thinking is very flawed!  There are ONLY 2 GENDERS, male and female, and they were created by God, whether you believe in Him or not!  Human beings need to understand that they have no authority OR ability to change or create new genders. I say put yourself in the place of ANY ONE OF THESE CHILDREN and imagine how you would react and how you would handle the total confusion you are proposing to put them through.  Would you want to be faced with this?? As a citizen and a tax payer, I EXPECT SO MUCH MORE from our elected officials, so please use some common sense and BURN THIS PROPOSAL!!!!! The fact that the gender disphoria affects such a minor percentage of our population, how is it that you cannot focus on HELPING these children by proposing mental health help for them, and let the parents help their children through these trying times rather than shutting them out. I pray for those of  you in office to find some COMMON SENSE!!!


Trans Educator Here. I Support this Document.

As a transgender educator based in Virginia, I have worked closely with transgender and gender non-conforming youth for the past six years, and I know quite well—better than many of the other commentators here—the many barriers that trans students currently face. Even in my own adult life, I have faced situations wherein people have refused to use my correct name or my pronouns. I have been mistreated when seeking services, including medical assistance. I have had to jump through many hoops in order to get access to the same basic protections and rights that so many cisgender Virginians enjoy. Transgender students in Virginia face these same challenges yet amplified even further by the circumstances of their age and their lack of agency in their educational settings. All of the model policies outlined in this guidance document are a step in the right direction: they provide clear guidance for school systems in how to create safe and supportive educational settings for transgender and gender non-conforming students. Title IX stipulates that a student's access to education cannot be limited on the basis of sex. To that end, we must act to protect the rights of students to be free from gender-based discrimination and harassment in our schools. I wish when I was a student, back in the day, that these policies had been in place. Let's act now to make our schools safer for the young people of today and tomorrow. I support this guidance document 100% and I am grateful to all the people that worked on it.


Strongly opposed

It is unclear how this does anything to make children any smarter and seems to strongly encourage bad behavior. It removes all accountability from the students. Boys will be able to follow little girls into bathrooms because they decided the are now a girl too? Other countries’ children are crushing our children in today’s global economy. Please explain how this makes our children smarter. It seems putting more effort into teaching STEM topics and/or personal finance would be far more fruitful then spending resources on this. Please rethink this approach.


This is crazy! I do not support any of this

These policies undermine parental rights. These are children, minors and the school does not have the right to go against parents. These policies are insane.


fully support

trans students deserve safety and resources


We support

we wholeheartedly support all positive guidelines for transgender students.  We support wholeheartedly


OPPOSED

You would do terrible damage to young people by incorporating these policies.  Much of what is introduced is scientifically questionable.  Suggesting that a genetic male is interchangeable with a genetic woman or vice versa is patently absurd and contrary to elementary school science. Studies show that adults who have received gender re-assignment surgery have exacerbated symptoms of depression and suicidal tendencies and regret their decision to have surgery.  Presenting this option to children in the guis of education is a sick form of abuse that should not be countenanced. Ultimately, girls will be the greatest victims of this bizarre re-ordering of reality, as they are forced to compete with boys on the athletic field and change with them in a locker room.  I really can't believe this is even being debated, and it shows how irrational and insane our society has become.


fully support

Hi, my name is Ashton Cumpston I'm a transgender student at a high school in Manassas Virginia. I strongly support this policy as school is a type of escape for a lot of individuals I know as their parents/guardians are not supportive. Rights are rights and should not be argued against


Full Support

This is an amazing idea. Respect EVERYONE! I am in full support of these policies!


Strongly Oppose!

You are endangering the minds of young children and trying to indoctrinate the young. Schools have no right to do this. We will promptly remove our children from public school should this occur. We are the parents not you. Stop wasting your time and energy on nonsense. Start focusing your energy on keeping the schools open !


Oppose

Oppose the proposed guidance document for basis of future legislation in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Proposed legislation on any of these proposals should be held by statewide referendum.


Strongly support

As a parent of a child in Albemarle County I am writing in strong support of the guidelines being put forth. Every student should feel included and protected by our schools without question.


Wendy Radding, Harmony Psychotherapy Center

FULLY SUPPORT

Every student deserves the same treatment under the law. Transgender students are no exception. I urge our legislators to protect transgender students and help people get beyond their prejudices and rigid ideas of who is deserving. This nation was built on the premise of equality and fairness and this is a good way to embody that. Wendy Radding, LCSW, RPT, CATP


STRONGLY oppose - Let LEGAL GUARDIANS parent

My husband and I are looking into private schools and public school alternatives specifically BECAUSE of these proposed policies. The main reason is that it is TAKING AWAY PARENTAL RIGHTS. My husband and I are the legal guardians of our children. The school not advising us of an identity that my child has adopted (or possibly been convinced of by peers and other influences) at school is WRONG. The school should be a place of PARTNERSHIP between families and their children. It is not up to the school/state to allow my child to make decisions about their body without my consent. This applies to other issues as well.


I strongly oppose these policies and guidance

I am strongly opposed to the Virginia Department of Education’s proposed model policies and guidance regarding transgender students in the public schools.  If enacted, these guidelines will endanger children’s cognitive and psychological development because they cause confusion about the reality of the human body and the meaning of sex.  The reality is that every human has either xx (female) or xy (male) chromosomes in every cell of the body, and the human being is a unity of mind and body.  Thus no one is ever “born in the wrong body.”  A mental decision does not change this reality.  It is not possible for a boy to become a girl or a girl to become a boy, despite what one might desire.  Gender dysphoria is condition that needs to be compassionately addressed with counseling by a therapist knowledgeable about this condition and its healing. It would be abusive to encourage children in a delusion that will be harmful to their healthy development and their future.  It is also harmful to other children who will be confused about the reality of their sexual body. Moreover, these guidelines violate parental rights.  Parents have the primary responsibility for raising their children and only delegate this responsibility secondarily to schools, yet these guidelines recommend keeping parents in the dark about their child’s delusional desires.  Children cannot know the consequences of decisions based on such desires.  Parents need to be informed and involved with the positive sexual development in their child and with any counseling provided. Teachers also have the right to be well-informed on these issues and not forced to adopt a gender ideology they don’t agree with.  Both teachers and parents may have religious principles that need to be respected and that would be violated by imposing a conflicting ideology.


Support the Transgender Policy Guide!

I wanted to voice my strong support of the Virginia Transgender Policy guide. This policy guide will help protect trans students (my son included), while giving direction to others so they can easily understand how to make schools inclusive and welcoming.


I Oppose this subversion of truth

I 100% oppose this subversion of truth. It is scientific fact that we exist as men and women and there are no other genders.  Let's stick with the truth and reject the nonsense of gender identity and fluidity.  Teach children to accept the gender they are and work with it.  The more complicated the state and local governments make the laws, the more miserable society will become.  Rules rules rules!  Ease up and back off and let the truth prevail.  It will set people free.


Strongly Oppose

All students should be treated fairly and with respect.  These policies, however, DO NOT provide fair or equal treatment. In an attempt to provide equal treatment, these guidelines actually make matters worse for other groups. It is absolutely unfair for females to be forced to share a bathroom or locker room with a biological male.  It is also unfair, and I believe unconstitutional to force school employees to disregard their personal religious beliefs in order to comply with these guidelines.


Antidote Treating Gender Confusion Known to NIH for Two Decades

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/pimozide#section=Other-Identifiers It is necessary to prevent non-reversible mutilation of a child's body which would forever prevent them from leading a normal life and having children. There is a known antidote to Gender Confusion. It is a medication known as Pimozide. We know that Abortion Clinic receive at least millions if not billions in Federal Money to give out life altering hormones which will alter a young person's body, again irreversibly.  However, generally it can be said that almost everyone is unaware that there is a medication which successfully treats the feelings of Gender Confusion prior, curing these confusing feelings certain children/young adult suffer with at different times in their lives. If schools are going to receive acknowledgement to allow Best-practices, Gender Transgender Policies, disseminating and educating people about Pimozide, as the first time treatment to permanently altering one's bodies, making them forever unable to be the person they were born, must be allowed. More than 50% of people who are Transgender, who commit suicide, do so just after they complete gender reassignment. Obviously, there is regret to their decision. Giving every option to going through this process and possibly having a typical family must be attempted. Please review the link with the medication at the top of the comment. Thank you for your time. Michelle Lane, MSN, RN M.Lane@MiddleburgHomeCare.com Michelle Lane-Smithwick


Draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students

Luke 17 : 1-3. Jesus said to his disciples: Thing’s that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves. I strongly oppose any of these policy proposals


DO NOT PASS THIS.  God does not make mistakes!!!

This is an abomination if passed.  Legislation such as this only proves that Jesus Christ is coming back very soon.


I do not agree with this guidance. This is not in the best interest of ALL of the students.  This takes family issues outside of the family.  What about students that would feel violated or have their privacy rights violated by the bathroom/locker room issue.  Or a family’s right to not introduce their children to these topics at young ages.


Against

I am 100% against teaching students of any age and in any school that males and females are not different sexes to be determined at birth by the child being born with either a penis or a vagina. This should not be taught during school but at home by their parents however they feel as to rather they consider being transgender as normal and should be examined further or like my family that it is not normal and believe male's are males and females are females period. No muti-sex public restrooms, no letting males who identify as female take gym classes or other classes where clothes will be removed. I will never understand how this was ever even seriously taken as an issue especially to be a part of teaching at school. So, in today's society this is acceptable in todays schools but Prayer, teaching and reading the Bible is prohibited, you can no longer decorate your classrooms for Christmas or even wish others a Merry Christmas as it is now considered politically incorrect, which always seems to be listened to while Christians and our beliefs and traditions are no longer allowed in todays society and schools and you can surely tell by the wicked ways of today. So a great big no on this policy.


Strongly Opposed

I disagree with this policy on a number of fronts. I believe in maintaining student safety, but this should not been done in a manner that forces ideologies upon others that they do not believe. I also would never agree with ANY policy that blatantly usurps parental knowledge or requests parental guidance/rights be transferred to a public school teacher or anyone else. This policy is short-sighted, one-sided, seemingly agenda-laden, does not make common sense and is ultimately self-defeating. It will not provide safety, but division, confusion, destruction and anger. STRONGLY OPPOSED.


Strongly disagree with these policies

I not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. These policies would create chaos in our school system and are not in the best interests of ALL our children. What about the rights of the children who are forced to visit the same bathroom as the opposite sex or the rights of the family to teach their own children about these delicate topics. The school system seems to want the families' support with helping the students manage their homework, etc., but then they want to take the rights of the family away with issues like this. It is scientific fact that human beings are born either male or female. If there was another option, we would see it at birth. Adding these policies to the school system would create more confusion and chaos on both sides of this issue than currently exists.


Do NOT Support

No way I will support this. There are better ways to help the few students that this affects other than forcing everyone to conform.


Completely opposed to this rejection of basic biology

Will remove my children and my tax money from the district if this passes. My children's understanding of male and female is not something you or anyone else has the right to distort just because a very small percentage of people feel a certain way.


I strongly oppose the proposed gender policies

The VDOE's draft transgender policies fall completely outside the mission and purview of public education. Schools have no business engaging in this level of social engineering.


Educator in full support!

Schools should be a safe and inclusive place for all students.


FULL SUPPORT

I fully support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. As a dance teacher, I have the privilege of working with students from multiple school systems including Fairfax County, Loudon County, Frederick County and Winchester public schools. A child's experience in the education system can be both positively and negatively transformative. The above guidance is one that will set ALL students up for success, specifically LGBTQ+ students. EVERY CHILD is worthy of such success. This guidance will allow schools the opportunity to be properly equipped with policies and procedures needed to provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for EVERY student.


Dress and address policy in regards to transgender people

I strongly disapprove of these guidelines.  Not only are they inconsistent they also put an unfair burden on other students and staff.


Transgender school policy

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


I support a safe and inclusive environment for all of our children.


Strongly Support

As a parent of a transgender student who was able to thrive because of supportive educators, mentors, and counselors, and thus graduate with honors from both high school and university because of that inclusive support, I strongly support the proposed guidance for ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for all transgender and non-binary students. Not all transgender/non-binary students have that supportive environment, and it's a detriment both to their mental health and academic thriving. And when their home environment has hostile/toxic parents/grandparents, schools are a haven when they have supportive counselors, administration, and teachers/mentors supporting those students for who they are.


Strongly oppose.

I care about children that are confused about their gender identity, but it was wrong to have outlawed the unbiased counseling that could have helped them, and it will be doubly wrong to put into place these proposed guidelines.  These guidelines will lead to tremendous confusion and chaos from children sincerely seeking help, as well as from those students (and parents) simply seeking to disrupt our educational system and to use it as a tool to indoctrinate all children into a lifestyle meaningful only for a miniscule portion of the population.


Gender Transitioning Policies Harm Vulnerable Children who Deserve Educator Protection

Referring to https://townhall.virginia.gov/l/GetFile.cfm?File=C:%5CTownHall%5Cdocroot%5CGuidanceDocs_Proposed%5C201%5CGDoc_DOE_4683_20201208.pdf&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=c88e8b38-0b61-495c-b4b5-bad1b745bd0d&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=ba2a2c32-3602-4793-a87a-c65e1e2bba9a . This agency may not yet understand that the U.K. has ruled that Doctors Have a Legal Duty to Protect Children in Gender Transition.  It is a matter of time before a similar ruling happens in the U.S., and will affect any such policy in Virginia.  Children deserve educator protection. A young woman in the United Kingdom (U.K.) has prevailed in her lawsuit that doctors should have protected her from her gender transition. Ms. Keira Bell, a 23-year-old woman who began taking puberty blockers when she was 16, was injected with testosterone at 17 and had a mastectomy aged 20, before 'detransitioning.'  She brought a law suit against the U.K.’s National Health Service gender clinic, arguing that she was too young and vulnerable to understand her circumstances, and that doctors should have challenged her transition. The Daily Mail reported that while Bell was cancelled by social media for her legal actions, the U.K. High Court found in her favor, holding that children under 16 cannot properly consent to their own gender transition.  See Ms. Bell’s post-judicial video , putting her own voice to her concerns about protecting vulnerable children. The Court held that children must understand “long-term consequences of treatment.” The judges said in their ruling: “It is highly unlikely that a child aged 13 or under would be competent to give consent to the administration of puberty blockers.”  It added, “It is doubtful that a child aged 14 or 15 could understand and weigh the long-term risks and consequences of the administration of puberty blockers.”  Hereafter doctors must seek court approval before prescribing puberty blockers. That protection is not in the policy. Legislators and educators concerned for vulnerable children understand this process of protecting children dealing with gender dysphoria is key to healthy children and families.  These new proposed policies should be opposed to protect children, and to avoid lawsuits like this one, against Virginia educators.


Parent support LGBTQ+ Students

I support the draft guidance provided from VDOE. I have a personal relationship with a transgender child and I want schools to be an inclusive, safe space for her and for all children. This guidance will provide a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students. It will make school be a place for children to grow and learn, and not be discriminated against. This is a step in the right direction.


Vehemently Oppose

This legislation is to the detriment of the vast majority of students and completely eliminates parents from having in say in the life of their child. You cannot expect teachers, principals, guidance counselors to monitor all of this. Young girls should NOT be subject to any boy who wishes to "claim" a different sexual orientation coming in their restroom or locker room - the potential for abuse is very high. This DOES NOT protect all students and is incredibly discriminatory.


Oppose this very much!

The goal of education is to educate.   The primary goal is for students to attain an education that will gain them access to a more productive life. We are not to address one group of people as more important and take away from our primary goal. School is for education only.


Strongly Oppose

I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate my grandchildren. Gender-based policies stand in opposition to natural law and settled science. The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school.


This is pathetic.  STRONGLY STRONGLY OPPOSE

In an effort to "protect" an incredibly miniscule portion of the school population, you impose compelled speech on your teachers and staff, not to mention overstepping your role.  You are supposed to be academic educators. PERIOD.  You are not arbiters of social policy and you are not guardians of psychological health.  You are overstepping your role and the hubris and condescension is remarkable. Let's stick to a basic rule and we'll all be OK:  Treat others as you would like to be treated.  Use common sense!


Strongly Support!

LGBTQ+ kids are at a greater statistical risk for being bullied out of school or kicked out of their home. Nobody deserves that but especially young people without any means or even a fully-developed brain. Comprehensive, kind, data-supported measures with positive outcomes for LGBTQ kids often translate to positive outcomes for society once those young folks grow into adulthood. Do it up!


"I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE

I strongly support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. If it were my child struggling with these issues, I'd do everything in my power to make sure he/she was given the same safe education as his/her peers. I support this guidance because I feel that every single student should be in a school environment that is nurturing, safe and welcoming.


I support a safe and inclusive environment for all of our students-fully support!

I fully support a safe and inclusive environment for all of our students.  Thank you to all who created this document and guidance.


Strongly Oppose

I am a parent and Virginian and write to oppose these policies, which run counter to human biology that has proven conclusively that male and female chromosomes are part of our DNA. This policy violates parental rights and undermines the parent-child relationship.  Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing!  Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.”  All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. In addition, the policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Finally, the requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams.


I strongly support

As a student here at the University of Virginia, I see how it can hinder students learning capabilities when all parts of their identities are not recognized or acknowledged. I fully support this and hope you all do as well. Every place meant to educate should be a safe and welcoming space.


DO NOT SUPPORT PROPOSED TRANSGENDER POLICIES IN VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Research this travesty, parents.  Read the book When Harry Became Sally . Suicides increase over the attempt to be another sex.  It is impossible.  Genes cannot be changed. Separate bathrooms, separate showers are in order. Common decency and respect for modesty is the norm, not the exception.


Pimozide: Dopamine Antagonist Reverses Feelings/Thoughts of Gender Confusion As First-line Treatment

Best Practices School Gender Confusion/Transgender Student Issues There is a known antidote to Gender Confusion. It is a medication known as Pimozide and has been used for several decades. This dopamine antagonist should be discussed and offered as a first-line treatment for Gender Confusion as a comprehensive part of Best Practices for Public School Education. The medication's NIH Links is: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/pimozide#section=Other-Identifiers Having children begin Hormone Replacement/Blockers then battle the traumatic threshold of changing bathrooms/sport teams, etc, has been proven unnecessary, when offered Pimozide first. Further, taking opposite sex Hormones has been linked to serious health and psychological and educational dysfunction including: Loss of bone mass/Shorten Stature Liver damage/Risk of Liver Failure Reduced Brain Growth/Learning Disabilities/Lowered IQ If schools are going to receive acknowledgement to allow Best-practices, Gender Transgender Policies, disseminating and educating people about Pimozide, as the first-line treatment for children is the most reasonable approach. Children should not move directly into medications which will halt normal physiological and psychological function. Children should never move to Hormone replacements until they are over the age of Eighteen years old and make their own decisions due to the life-long negative impact on brain growth, and other physiological issues, leading to reduced long-term scholastic, educational and career goals. More than 50% of people who are Transgender, who commit suicide, do so after they complete gender reassignment. Obviously, there is remorse to their decision that everyone always agrees they tried to help manage prior to the suicide. Surviving Transgenders often state that they felt they were too far gone or, they believed they had passed the point of no-return because the Hormones drastically and typically permanently altered their bodies . Further, schools should never encourage the use of getting quick access to Hormones from Abortion Clinics, which are nearing street level assess of these hormones with little or no medical over-sight and medical management. Taking hormones require long-term observation and frequent lab testing, diagnostic testing and clinical evaluations to prevent injury or death. Moreover, it can be said that most people are unaware of Pimozide, despite being used to treat feelings of Gender Confusion for multiple decades. Therefore, schools must discuss the medication Pimozide first, as Best Practices, to any, and all students who have any belief that they have Gender Confusion before they are confronting the changing gender bathroom issues and sports teams, friend groups, clothes, hair cut, etc., and all of the increasing the disruptiveness students will experience which increase their overall stress at school and at home. Please review the link with the medication at the top of this comment. Thank you for your time. Michelle Lane, MSN, RN M.Lane@MiddleburgHomeCare.com Michelle Lane-Smithwick


I Strongly OPPOSE

This policy is agenda-laden and forces educators and students to accept an ideology that contradicts reason and religious beliefs.  It will not be upheld by the courts.


Support for Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public Schools

Hello, I'm writing to voice my strong support for model policies for fair, kind, welcoming, affirming, and inclusive treatment of transgender students in Virginia Public Schools. I have many friends, peers, and young children of said friends/peers who identify on the LGBTQ+ rainbow.  I believe all people should be treated with respect, inclusion, and affirmation of their identity.  I support this guidance because I want all children to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone. Thank you, - Jen Arcidicono


Strongly support VDOE guidance

I strongly support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE granting transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive students equal rights and protections under the law. As a former school administrator that worked directly with this population, I experienced the limitations of the existing protections and witnessed the discrimination faced by vulnerable students. Having clear guidance that is promoted by the students and families most negatively impacted by discrimination, will improve the lives of children, school staff, and community members. I urge you to support the VDOE guidance so that children can experience a healthier school environment more consistently across the state. Sincerely, Emily Mathon


STRONGLY OPPOSED-  DO NOT SUPPORT model policies for the treatment of transgender students in VA

Please opposed this dangerous policies strongly opposed the degeneration of children


Support Evidence-Based Policy to Protect TGNC Youth

As a youth arts educator based in Virginia, I’m commenting in support of implementing the policies outlined in this guidance document. I am an advocate for the implementation of evidence-based policies that protect the mental and physical health of our students. I have worked with transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth and am aware of the unique barriers they face. Studies funded by the NIH have highlighted the lack of services for TGNC youth within public schools and have demonstrated an “urgent [need for] implementation of social and educational measures of gender identity support”. Transgender students do not have the same protections as cisgender students in Virginia and the policies outlined in this guidance document are a step in the right direction that provide clear guidance for school systems in how to create safe and supportive educational settings for TGNC youth. Please act to protect the rights of students to be free from gender-based discrimination and harassment in our schools.


No! (me / myself / I)

I am submitting a negative comment regarding this draft guidance document. As a human being, and someone who is objectively professional I am offended by this document in many ways. Please do not have guidance on this topic. Instead, if there is too much pressure to address it - please address things as becoming co-ed. The simple use of parenthesis and pronouns after a person's name is not professional and offensive to me. I am aware that there is a positive spin on it where you are to let people know what you want to be called, however that entire idea is counter to so much of what we teach young people to make generalizations and develop a notion of patterns, opposites, and a variety of topics. When someone uses parenthesis, even in a document like this - it is full of bias. To me it shows that both the authors and reviewers of the document already accept transgender topics as morally acceptable, normal and are creating ways to fill a new chapter book in an English class. If we are to be accepting of everyone you also have to consider a large group of people that do not believe this is OK. Forcing everyone to be OK with everything will reduce enrollment (maybe that's the hidden purpose?). Beyond the formatting, the content strikes me as so strange and uncommon that I can't help but wonder why is this a public school issue please remove this topic from needing a guidance document.


Strongly Support

I strongly support this in order to create a safer and more equitable environment for ALL of our students.


VDOE transgender treatment policy

Why are the schools pushing an ideology that is wrong? Whatever happened to free speech and respect for individuals to do the good and proper thing? Who is pushing this ideology that isn't supported by biology, you know, that we are born male or female?  Suggest reading Romans 1:18-32 to understand why we are opposed to the direction this type of policy is headed.


Absolutely Opposed!

Gender confusion is part of a much larger problem.  First, the confused individual should be removed from mainstream society and put into a special reeducation facility to bring him around to biological reality.  And second, any organization that thinks this quack notion is good for society needs to be shut down immediately, with its principle functions either transferred or eliminated completely.  Imagination is a wonderful thing, but a rose by any other color is still a rose.  Let's get back to reality and once again teach our children what they really need to succeed in a competitive world.


I Strongly support

I 100% support this issue!


Well Done - Yes - Rights for All

I support having schools that ensure a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students, treating all students with dignity and respect. I have a brother who, at age 5, knew his ideas about his identity did not match the ideas his teacher had about who he should be. As teachers shape young minds, instilling societal values, it is important that our laws protect students’ rights to be themselves. Thank you for your excellent work on this guidance document.


Jeff Caruso, Virginia Catholic Conference

Model policies disregard role of parents

The Virginia Catholic Conference is the public policy agency representing Virginia’s Catholic bishops and their two dioceses. For the following reasons, the Conference opposed HB 145 and SB 161 during the 2020 Virginia General Assembly session and now urges the Department of Education to reject the proposed model regulations drafted in response to that legislation: Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. For a school system to facilitate a child’s, particularly a young child’s, “gender transition” is not leadership but rather irresponsibility. Role of parents Just as parents must give consent for over-the-counter medications, field trips and extracurricular activities, they have the constitutional right to guide the healthcare and education of their children. The U.S. Supreme Court has noted: The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations. [1] Parents know their children better than anyone and have their best interests in mind. When children find themselves struggling with gender dysphoria, they need their parents’ support and counsel. Yet, t he Department has premised its regulations on a blanket endorsement of gender identity theory that diverges sharply from the views of many parents. In doing so, it has made a policy determination not referenced anywhere in the underlying legislation and therefore not delegated to it by the General Assembly; that unauthorized policy assumption states: For many people, their gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. For others, their internalized gender identity does not necessarily correspond to the sex assigned at birth, where the gender identity may be one in a range such as transgender, nonbinary, or gender-expansive . Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six (Lamb & Lerner, 2015). Alarmingly, the proposed regulations assert as fact that children declare their gender identity by kindergarten or first grade. Moreover, the document would virtually codify gender identity theory into statewide educational policy without acknowledging that there are undisputed scientific truths to the contrary. For example, neuroscientist and author Debra H. Soh, Ph.D. , has written, “Biological sex refers to whether we are female or male, based on our anatomy and reproductive functions. The concept of sex is, by definition, binary.” Dr. Stephen B. Levine, M.D. , a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, has testified that : Sex as defined by biology and reproductive function cannot be changed. While hormonal and surgical procedures may enable some individuals to "pass" as the opposite gender during some or all of their lives, such procedures carry with them physical, psychological, and social risks, and no procedures can enable an individual to perform the reproductive role of the opposite sex. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity: “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Dr. Levine has also noted: For a child to live radically different identities at home and at school, and to conceal what he or she perceives to be his or her true identity from parents, is psychologically unhealthy in itself. The DOE proposal thus undercuts open and honest conversation between parents and their children. It also obstructs parents from active involvement in the life of their child at school. Moreover, the proposed guidance document violates the presumption of parental autonomy in Virginia. Code Sec. 1-240.1 provides that a parent has the fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education and care of the parent’s child . Finally, the proposed regulations provide no accommodations for students and teachers whose sincerely and deeply held religious beliefs and understanding of matters of gender and human sexuality do not accord with the views underlying the proposed policies. The Conference, therefore, opposes the proposed “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.” [1] Pierce v. Society of Sisters , 268 U.S. 510 (1925). See also Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972).


Unnecessary

Government and NGO's have no business to deprive 99.9% of students and their parents the right to speak their thoughts and force the improper use of pronouns, nor impose this on education staff and certainly should not be taught or promoted.  Strong arming, intimidating, retribution of children, parents, and teachers to comply could result with this kind of policy.  Elevating one group over another only makes things worse. Government and NGO's have no right to force any child to disrobe in bathrooms and gym lockers rooms with the opposite DNA sex.  A right to privacy is paramount.  Transgenders already have the choice to use handicap or teachers bathrooms for their needs.  Forcing the world to accept a false presentation of one's real DNA sex is unnatural.  Forcing it to be normal is a disservice to all.  Embracing one's born gender, for a few, may be difficult to reconcile but that is why we have medical people who can help. Government and NGO's should never infringe upon parent's rights and responsibilities, and never circumvent the parent.


Full Support

I fully support this guidance document.


Absolutely support.

We have a teen grandchild who is non binary.  If our country & world had more people like them, there would be no hate, only love, kindness, consideration & respectful.  Our belief is that our grandchild is exactly who God means them to be & we wholeheartedly support them.


OPPOSE

Permitting or encouraging still-growing school-age children to change their gender is child abuse. Writing policies to govern accommodation of such children is insane. Their parents should be held accountable and schools should stay out of it. There is no way to follow the  rules proposed.


I strongly support this protection.

I strongly support this protection in our schools as no childern or adult deserves to be harassed or  to be made to feel inferior to any other human.


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

These policies are outrageous and far outside of common sense and scientific knowledge. I hope these policies are not accepted by our school district nor any school district in our state.


Strongly Support

As an educator, I hope we all can see the importance of being welcoming to ALL students!  I strongly support.


Strongly Support

The fact that we need to determine whether or not transgender students have the same rights as cisgender students is appalling.  OF COURSE I support this policy because I am a human who respects other humans.  Everyone who opposes this policy needs to deeply reflect on why they believe not all students should be respected.


STRONGLY SUPPORT RIGHTS FOR ALL!!

As a teacher in the state of Virginia, I strongly support these policies to be put in place. Unfortunately, the need for policies to PROTECT children are needed in the school system. All children that attend public school should be protected against discrimination of any kind. Additionally, it is the job of the public school system to put policies in place to maintain safety for any persons who enter the school building. Plus, it is the job of the teachers to provide a safe learning environment for their students while educating them through the avenues of life especially those subjects surrounding social justice and rights for ALL citizens. Lastly, I want to note that the family life education curriculum which falls under the Health Education federal laws allows families to opt-out of instruction based on their personal beliefs which is already in place to identify the wants/needs of different family dynamics which provides a pathway for those who do not agree with the instructional materials. By doing so, this provides both sides of the argument to be recognized in a safe and fair manner. Therefore, putting the policies in place will help aid the success of the public schools by providing a free and appropriate education to all students under the federal law.


Strongly Support

I am fully in support of this motion.  The number of negative comments clearly shows how we desperately need protection for our trans students in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Please do what is right and just for these individuals.


IN FULL SUPPORT

My child has every right to attend a safe accepting school, just as every child in the United States does. No child should fear being harassed or bullied for they way they look, dress, or by being who they truly are. I am and educator and parent and am in FULL SUPPORT of this policy that will protect transgender students. Read the opposing comments...they alone are PROOF why these protections are needed.


I fully support this policy

I am a public school educator in Virginia and fully support this document. Every student (and human being) deserves the same rights. Students deserve to feel safe and respected. Anyone who is against this policy, is against basic human rights. This is a time to be on the right side of history.


FULLY Support

I totally support any measures to ensure fairness and equality to ALL students!!!!


Educator in support

As an educator in VA, I fully support this! The people who oppose this should sit in on some kindergarten kindness lessons. They apparently do not believe that ALL children and ALL people deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. It is appalling.