I STRONGLY OPPOSE!!

This new found "law" is ridiculous! This is going against the idea of free will. And unconstitutional. The fact of the matter is, the school board is forcing a new code, against the children and the parent's of the children. 1] parents can't raise their children. It should not concern the school how to raise other people's children. The school should concerns themselves with the subjects of school (math, science, history) the overall academic performance of the student. 2] The negligence of the school to not inform the parents of the student?! That's absurd, the parents should be the first to be informed. That's a stab in the back to parent's. How is the child suppose to form a healthy relationship with the parent, if the school is interfering? Overall the idea to introduce such atrocity is beyond comprehension. And the plan to put such idea into motion is not justifiable. The school has no right to invoke themselves into an delicate issue that shouldn't be there problem. Don't concern yourself with something that is not your problem.


transgender

Strongly oppose


Practices for trans students

Oppose, there has to be a better way to protect trans students and non-trans students at the same time. Gender surgeries should only be for adults. Young children are still developing sense of self, please do not place this conversation on five year olds. More trauma could come from this.


VDOE Guidance Document on Transgender Policy

I strongly oppose any effort by government, locally or nationally, to implement "teaching" or  establishing any guidance policies regarding the transgender ideology. Stop taking the primary role of teaching away from parents and grandparents, most especially when it comes to subjects of morality, of which sexuality falls under. NOT YOUR JOB!


This is a violation. There are other ways to help kids with gender dysphoria.

This only damages children and their relationship with their parents, while violating the rights of parents. There are other ways to help kids with gender dysphoria.


Strongly opposed

Strongly Opposed. Parents raise and educate their children, not the state.


This is absurd. Totally against this transgender education

There are two sexes and genders as defined by science at birth. As much as wacky liberals may want to change who they are sexually, they cannot. You are either male or female. You can’t switch. You can’t chose. It is what it is. So quit messing with kids.


Former Public School Teacher/Grandmother

Strongly Oppose

As a 39 year public school teacher, I cannot imagine the damage these proposed guidelines will do to the Virginia Public Schools. Private schools will become the norm if these are passed, and staffing for public schools will be difficult to find. This is NOT the way to protect transgender people, it is giving all power to those that may identify one way one day and change the next. One part of these guidelines, in particular, appalls me. It is that male and female locker rooms can be invaded by the opposite biological sex on a whim. 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.  Please do not approve.


(HB 145 and SB 161).

regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children


treatment of transgender students in VA public schools

Saddened and outraged by this proposal


Transgender Policies

I strongly disagree with this policy which is another example of the destruction of the family unit and values in this country brought on by socialists who disguise their agenda by calling themselves progressives. If you have a penis you use the boys restroom and the boys locker room. If you have vagina you use the girls restroom and girls locker room.


strongly oppose, this is insane

I cannot believe sane people would put such a proposal onto our children at school.  Little girls may be scarred for life if a boy comes into their restroom and molests them or more. Parents know more about their children than teachers could ever know and should be aware of what is happening to their children by an overzealous teacher.  I know a boy who refused to wrestle against a girl because he knows better on how to treat girls with respect. Another friend's daughter cannot get an athletic scholarship to college because a boy claiming to be a girl has won all the races.  What has happened to Title 9 that we all fought so hard to get? In my own family, a boy raging with male hormones, then decided he was a girl, no, now he's a boy again, but the latest report was that he's not sure.  His mental and emotional change in development is driving him crazy. This is a cruel and torturous way to treat our children.  Stop it now.


Oppose transgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education

What happened to "my body, my choice", a slogan pushed by the liberal party?  "Choice" implies consent and of free will.  These policies are nothing but propagandas imposing on young children who don't even have a chance of exploring and learning as part of growing up.  They are deprived of the childhood that every children should have.  Remember the phrase "teaching appropriate content at appropriate age"?  How is it that pre-puberty children should even be forced to learn about transgender materials?  Girls don't even know about menstruation & its role in the productive system.  Yet, they are supposed to learn that they may want to have a sex change?  This is how the human race actively participates in choreographing its own demise.


Fully support policies to support LGBT+ students

All students deserve to learn in an inclusive, safe environment.


OPPOSED to VDOE Proposed Transgender Guidelines

While I fully agree that any student should be treated respectfully, I absolutely do not approve of these proposed guidelines! They are a state overreach of power based on radical, unscientific theories that seek to eradicate all distinctions between male and female and treat our school-aged children as social experiments in sexuality. Rather than making children feel safe, these policies create chaos and confusion in the hearts and minds of children where none existed before. Additionally, these guidelines especially endanger girls, making them subject to possible abuse and/or harassment in bathrooms, locker rooms, etc., and also subject to biological inequities in sports competitions. Furthermore, the family is the most foundational and fundamental unit in society, and these policies only serve to destroy that family unit by undermining parental authority and involvement in their children’s lives. Unquestionably, the vast majority of parents love and care more about their own children than the state or anyone else ever will. What automatically qualifies the state to be more loving/caring/responsible in handling these crucial, life-altering matters than the parents themselves? This usurping of parental authority by the state sets a dangerous precedent for the abuse of public power in other arenas as well.


Strongly in favor of policies that protect the rights of transgender children

Transgender children face so many challenges. We owe it to them, and to all our children, to do anything we can do to make their public school experience a safe and positive one.


Trabs Use of Rest Rooms and Locker Rooms

I do not believe this is a  properly thought out set of policy instructions.  I recognize that transgender persons should be given the same rights as anyone else, but mixing people with different sexual organs in common places would be at the least very emotionally upsetting, and at the worst, possibly an occasion for violence against trans people.  In recent years many public buildings have added a third restroom, usually labeled "Family", but these also afford a way for trans people to use facilities without danger or discomfiting others.  I think we need this accommodation for sports and other facilities that may have male and female facilities.   Much safer and less disturbing for all. but


As a concerned uncle I strongly oppose this! This is an absolute blatant infringement of our rights!


Strongly Support!!!  All Kids Deserve to Feel Safe and That They Belong at School.

All children deserve to feel safe and that they belong at school regardless of their identity (gender, race, religion or otherwise).  Our government has the obligation to provide all children an equitable education.  No child should be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome simply because of their identity. I am not transgender, nor are my school-age children or other members of my family.  However, this issue is deeply personal to me as a person who cares about others and believes in the ideals of our state and country that all people should be treated equal. Our government has an obligation to protect and educate ALL children, not just those whose gender identity conforms with some Virginians concepts of what is "normal."  No human being is harmed by another human being living as their true self. I urge you not only to ratify and release this Guidance Document but to make it abundantly clear that hate has no home in Virginia.


Strongly oppose several key provisions

As both a father of school aged children and a licensed clinical psychologist, I am horrified at the lack of privacy protections for cisgender individuals, as well as, the assertation that schools should be encouraged to actively intrude into family dynamics by affirming identities within children, which are opposed the guidance of parents. I agree with the need to continue to work to eliminate open hostility toward transgender individuals and affirm their ability to participant in all non-gender-specific activities (e.g. chorus). However, that a transgender individual with male anatomy would have the right, without being questioned/challenged to share the same undressing and showering space as my daughters some day seems like an outrageous intrusion on her privacy. This may be one of the more obvious difficulties with this guidance; however, there are several similar concerns. Additionally, the routine affirmation of the unsolidified identities can be very destructive to proper maturation and have extremely detrimental long-term impacts on youth. I think the very delicate/complicated work of identity exploration and solidification needs to be done in dialogue with the parents, with the assistance of experts as needed.


Transgender School Policy

As a concerned citizen, parent, grandparent, I oppose in the Strongest terms possible-this is horrible policy.  It is NOT up to our schools to enforce the politically correct agenda of the moment.


Oppose these dangerous policy changes

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


No to transgender regulations proposed by Va. Dept. of Education!!!

This is highly dangerous to allow students of opposite sex using each other's bathroom or locker rooms.  No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex! This generation is sexually active at a very young age.  Do you realize this will invite all kinds of sexual assaults?  It is very dangerous!  You have extremely advanced, mature kids and the innocent ones will loose out on this!  This will be a hot bed for assaults, and lawsuits!!  Don't do it!


I strongly oppose. Confused children need time to grow up& understand more before adults condone.

This legislation is totally pushed by an anti-family, anti-religious agenda. It's forcing teachers and schools, despite personal beliefs to support a radical, destructive idea that is not based in reality, science or anything reasonable, but is simply a rebellious teenage cry for attention. As a teacher and parent, the children that I have seen attempt to be gay, are only seeking the approval of peers and to be rebellious to the normal order of things. The children I've known who have pretended they were gay, have been redirected by parents to reality and returned to affirming the sex they are at birth, and in reality, always should be. Gay life is caused by abuse, not heredity, and should not have to be accommodated by teachers. In my younger days, children sought attention by growing long hair, the way to get attention now is by pretending to be gay or transgender. It is not a good life, gays die younger than the normal population, and the only transgender person I know was in prison, long term. Do not make schools support this aberrant behavior. They have plenty to do teaching and do not need this aggravation and all the problems it will cause.


None of this is in the best interest of children.

Our school recognizes the parents responsibility until it comes to “gender”. Nothing should happen at school that the parents don’t know about. It is ridiculous to me that my child might be confused and feeling alone and the school wouldn’t be obligated to let me know.


Do not support this policy

I do not support this policy


Parents are the primary teachers

I do not approve of this and its anti parent, anti teacher


support

I strongly support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.


VDOE Proposed Public School Transgender Policies

I strongly oppose the guidelines proposed by the Virginia Department of Education.  These guidelines are based on the fundamentally flawed assumption that feelings trump the facts of DNA. These guidelines are simply and attempt to codify ultra-progressive dogma and use public education as its indoctrination tool.  The percentage of children legitimately experiencing gender dysphoria is incredibly low, less than 2%. To subject over 98% of a student population and their staff, teachers, and administrators to the rules proposed is a severe trampling of freedom, to say nothing of setting up educational authorities as the ultimate authority over that of parents responsible for the raising of their children. These rules will ensure that school systems will spend scarce time and resources on a radical social engineering concept that will adversely affect the actual learning that needs to take place in our public schools. I would not send my children to a public school where these rules were in place, nor would I teach in one of them. This is all bad social science run amok and further erode support of public education. Our public schools have an enormous challenge on their hands catching up with the effects of Covid-19 on the education of this generation and should have these added burdens laid on them.


Transgender Rules, model policies - oppose

I oppose the proposed rules since it removes parents from being involved in the decision process.


Long overdue, 100% support - this is suicide prevention

Transgender youth are at extremely high risk for suicide and studies show that increased social acceptance lowers that risk. This is the least school systems can do to protect a very vulnerable population. Support 100% from this Church Hill resident.


Do Not Support.

Do Not Support this policy!


Fully support

I fully support this!!


We Do Not support these policies

Please! My family does NOT approve these proposed guidelines, based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. It is an attack on our Rights, our conscience, our Fundamental beliefs.


Protect transgender students!

Protect transgender students!


Do not support taking away parental guidance

I strongly oppose this policy for several reasons.  One: it prevents parents from being parents to guide and advice and support and encourage their children if they are kept unaware of their in-school behavior and decisions.  Keeping parents uninformed of what and when sexual or gender material is taught and conversations are had only creates further discomfort for children to discuss personal desires with their parents.  Second: it prevents students from being allowed to voice discomfort if they are opposed to sharing dressing rooms, bathrooms, etc.  In an era where we are trying to give children voices over their bodies, these policies take away their voice and teach children that their comfort is less important than others.  I agree we need to prevent suicide, but taking away the voice of children and parents to be speak up for themselves is not the way.  Please I urge you do not continue with these policies.


Parents are the primary educators

These "guidelines" usurp parental authority and suppress dissent.  The proposed regs allow the schools to both keep parents in the dark AND report them to CPS if they are not deemed sufficiently supportive. Additionally, it compels speech and belief from other students, who are forced to participate/indulge in an individual's alternate reality. This is an ill-conceived setup of a legal minefield for schools, teachers, parents, and students.


I strongly disagree with  this policy!

I do not agree with this policy and it goes against  a lot of people's  religious values and beliefs.  No teacher or student should have this ridiculous  policy forced on them . Seems as if other people's  rights are not important at all!


I strongly disagree with  this policy!

I don't  agree with  this policy at all. It goes against  a lot of people's  religious beliefs  and it should not be  forced on anyone.  Does anyone  else's  rights  matter  at all or just the transgenders? Easy to see the answer to that question!


Opposed: Unnecessary and unintended consequences

While I fully support providing a safe and secure environment for all children to learn, these policies will not achieve that goal. The state should trust parents, teachers, and communities to provide a safe and secure environment.  As a born and raised Virginian, Virginia public schools have done so successfully for years. These policies are unnecessary and will result in confusing and complex rules and prevent parents and educators of caring for children.  These rules, while intended to protect a few, will have unintended consequences and be harmful to Virginia students and educators. These policies are an overreach and will result in a violation of teachers and students religious rights.


I strongly disagree with this policy

Parents are the primary educators for their children. These policies will create further confusion for everyone


I strongly oppose

I do not approve of these proposed guidelines which are based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. The worst thing about this is that young children are so malleable and easily misled by the latest trend (think about how the skinny model trend caused many young girls to starve themselves, sometimes to death). And this latest "fad" will do irreparable damage. To change one's gender at a young age when they aren't even yet fully aware of sexuality will damage them forever.


RE: VDOE draft model policies for the treatment of transgender

If you want to end the public school system, this kind of regulation and government overstepping behavior WILL end in parents pulling MANY students out of the public school system. So please continue your trajectory. The corrupt unionized indoctrination system needs to be defunded and dismantled.  This type of policy will ensure that it will not take too long.


Trans Rights are Human Rights

I have several trans family members, including a child who attends school in VA that I love with all my heart. I am glad this policy exists to protect her throughout her education.


We Strongly Disagree

We do not approve of the proposed guidelines from the VDOE. Our rationale is based on the theory mitigating the scientific distinctions between male and female (XY and XX Chromosomes respectively) school children. Follow the science and rescind this radical ideology.


Strongly disagree

I am absolutely opposed to this.


VDOE policy proposal

The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools contains content which will increase problems identified in the document rather than decrease those problems. According to the document, the key guiding principle of the model policies is that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment. The policies identified in the document do not increase this right for all children but do decrease for some children. House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, required the model include "evidence-based best practices". The following sections contain no evidence that this model will support the key guiding principle: Student Privacy/Confidentiality, School Records, Dress Code, Access to Activities and Facilities. The one section with evidence does not indicate this model will increase the key guiding principle but will only "lower" self harm behavior. If enacted, this model will increase discrimination and harassment of groups of students. No evidence was presented that this model lowers discrimination and harassment for all students or increases the right to learn by all students. Before adopting this model, VDOE is encouraged to evaluate how this model will affect some students negatively.


Strongly Oppose

This Model Policy creates risk for targeted religious discrimination against people of faith and people who because of their firmly held religious beliefs cannot comply with the mandated use of gender preference pronouns.  This sets schools up for lawsuits. This Model Policy normalizes and mainstreams gender dysphoria in the name of political correctness.  Peer reviewed studies show that children at this age are very susceptible to peer pressure and to taking on the struggles of their peers including in the area of gender dysphoria.  (This article is an excellent example: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0202330 ).  School should be a place of structure and learning -- free from politically driven distractions -- not a place for questioning or exploring gender identity.  This policy was crafted to broadcast political correctness and not to work for any child's best interest.   Everyone agrees children should have a caring and kind school experience, but creating that type of environment is not what this policy was designed to do.


Fully Support

I am in full support of these model policies. Every student absolutely deserves a safe, supportive learning environment, and to be treated with respect and dignity; accommodations for transgender and gender-expansive students are long overdue. I know of a number of people who would have benefited from such policies existing when I was growing up in Fairfax Co public schools. I’m saddened, though not very surprised, to see abounding ignorance and intolerance in the dissenting comments. People need to stop trying to use “science” (or rather, their gross misunderstanding of what it actually tells us) to justify their transphobia.


Support

I support the guidance and believe Virginia should be a model for inclusivity and support for all students.


New  VDOE Policy puts children and taxpayer dollars at risk

This proposed policy is heavy on ideology and light on common sense. School districts will be exposed to massive amounts of litigation from the foreseeable consequences of this policy as well as the unintended consequences. Regardless of your feelings on the issue, responsible legislators must protect the Commonwealth and its school districts from liability and be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and respectors of parental rights to make decisions for their minor children. Do not be confused by the demands of an incredibly well-funded minority who seek to eradicate those who disagree with their agenda. This heavy-handed policy does not meet the needs nor conform to the vision of Virginia held by the majority of taxpayers. This is not the Virginia way.


SEVERE ISSUES WITH PROPOSED CHANGES

These proposed changes are absolute INSANITY and while trying to be "inclusive" is actually incredibly discriminatory to the MAJORITY of kids in school and is taking advantage of a non-fully developed mind by indoctrinating them into a "new normal" with absolutely no scientific or logical backing! This is the type of action taken under a totalitarian organization.


Joy not agenda

Joy not agenda!  Love of teaching & love of all children!  Where did we go so wrong? I remember the joy my awkward but joyful son showed the first time he entered Glebe School.  I remember Mrs. Mountain who loved all the students & showed her love every day by her joy!  She did not have an agenda!  Unless you regard the desire to want All of her children to thrive.  She was kind & showed her joy & expertise to all children & included All The parents in every phase of their child's life. She knew, as we all did at that time, adult issues should remain adult issues until a child is able to understand those complicated issues. Teachers protected their children from harm both physically & mentally.  Parents & teachers & the Arlington School Board, most of the time, wanted their children to grow up to be well educated & caring individuals. That is their jobs in their individual capacity.   When my son  transferred to Drew SchooI I was amazed.  Every week there was children's choice & parents actively taught on those days.  Teachers had personal conferences with parents keeping parents abreast of every aspect of their child's life.  Parents were not the enemy.  They were the intricate part of their, yes, their child's life!  Mrs. Hu was a big influence on my son's life & I think in all the children 's life.  She was wonderful. Later my son graduated from HB Woodlawn & I think Arlington County Schools, their teachers & their programs, at the time, were a good influence on almost all children.  I am so very proud of my son.  He is a caring, hard working, intelligent individual who with the help of those teachers, is a wonderful man.  Where did lose our way?  Arlington County Schools, behind the parent's back, brought in an individual who addressed Adult issues to a Kindergarten class!  Unbelievable!  Arlington County Schools, want to take away the rights of the parents who bore their children.  They are the ones who remain their children 's guides through life, not the schools. They feed, cloth, educate at home & are their for them in times of joy as well as trouble.  I suppose any law that usurps the parents rights.


Strongly oppose

As a public school teacher and parent, I strongly oppose these policies. It is not the school’s place to guide a student through a gender identity process.


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

STRONGLY OPPOSE.


Strongly Oppose.

Strongly Oppose.


Strongly Support

Each time you go to the bathroom, do you have to consider which bathroom to use, walk out of the bathroom because somebody is in a stall, wonder if you will be victimized while in the bathroom, or simply decide you should hold it in until you are in a safe environment to go do your "business?" That is what goes through my daughter's mind any time she has to use a bathroom outside our home. Until our society is ready to accept All Gender Bathrooms, trans people need access to bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The statistics do not support a notion that it is safer for everyone for individuals to use the bathroom that aligns with their assigned gender at birth. Now that you have considered using the bathroom, which is a minuscule part of your day, do you expend any energy avoiding aggression, perceived and real, as you perform your job or join an activity outside your home? My daughter has been chased in her vehicle; her former co-workers liked to remind her that she would be an ugly woman; strangers feel the need to ask personal questions about her anatomy and her healthcare. Imagine every day is groundhog day and you worry about the bathroom, about embarrassing comments and intrusive questions, about whether or not today will be the day when an acquaintance or random stranger will finally commit an act of violence against her. My daughter does not want special treatment. She wants the same protections that cisgender folks enjoy. She quit her part-time job because the small business where she worked advised her to "ignore the haters." Instead of contributing to society, our daughter is now completing her studies online, cannot find a job, and constantly wonders if it will ever be OK to be her true self outside the safety of our home. There are so many incorrect assumptions about transgenderism: Our daughter comes from an intact home, where neither drugs nor alcohol is abused. Our daughter was not physically or mentally abused. Our daughter tried to "fix" herself for years, until the burden was too great and she surrendered to what she knows is true - her body does not match her personhood. Live and let live, please, my daughter's life depends on it.


Strongly oppose

I can't believe we are even talking about this.  The State wants to have control over our kids and subvert God-given parental rights which is wrong.  God made a Man and a Woman with a penis and a vagina for a reason!


We are not stupid

You draft policies for the treatment of "transgender students" are are completely ridiculous. Psychologist tell us that this is a form of child abuse of these sexually confused children. Moreover, your attempt to control the free speech and common sense of the rest of the students is tyrannical, and abuse of their rights and the rights of their parents.  Were parents or students even consulted on this? Do they want this? NO!


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Of course I support this. Lives will literally be saved by providing a safe environment for kids who clearly hear enough bigotry and hate at home, if all the scarecrows and tin men on this board are any indication. Signed, A person with a brain AND a heart


Draft Model Policies

RE:"Draft Model Policies of the Treatment of Transgender Students"  We are very concerned for our children and grandchildren who live in our area and for those living throughout our state. For the sake of  those children who  identify as transgender, I cannot endorse many of the guildelines proposed in the "Draft Policies" and "Recommended Standard."  Both of these, based on radical social theories, eradicate valuable distinctions between male and female (1)(2)(3)(..and more), remove parents' protections for their own kids through reducing/denying communication to parents (4)(7)(8)(9), place undue burden on teachers and administrators, (5)(6) and try to remake basic social constructs that have been foundational building blocks of stable civilizations for millennia. We have strong religious foundational beliefs, a freedom granted by our constitution. Just as  we have always valued and worked to protect race and ethiniciy,  a sacred trust given by God, so too have we worked to value and protect sex/gender -also given by God and is sacred. Many of these draft  policies not only erode the sacredness of an individual's sexuality, they go far beyond paving the way for ample opportunity to penalize those who do value it as an innate, biological reality and sacred. (10) It is not a small minority that we represent- but a very large portion of our state. To ignore our concerns is to ignore this population and literally overrule any representation or our concerns- simply because the current state legislation has a slim power margin. This is not the Virginia that we used to have whereby all had a voice to be heard and considered- not just a political power struggle. Thank you for hearing our concerns. (1) "Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student's gender identity shall be available to all students." (Draft Policy, p.18) (2) "School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom." (Recommended Standard, p.18) (3) "Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral." (Draft Policy, p.16) (4) "School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status ... There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student's request to affirm their gender identity..." (Recommended Standard, p.12) (5) "A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth... it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ..." (Recommended Standard, p.12) (6) "Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence." (Draft Policy, p.13) (7) "In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student's transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest." (Draft Policy, p.12) (8) "Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. ...The [School Division's Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level." (Draft Policy, p.10)  -Parents need to be notified AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL if there are allegid infractions to policies, not just if accusations of their child are unresolved at the school level. (9) "School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. ... Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately." (Recommended Standard, p.13)


Vote NO!

Are you kidding me? Wake up, Virginia. Stop using my taxpayer money to feed this transgender kid epidemic. I have many teacher friends and every single one tells me they have never seen so many kids actually believe they are the opposite sex. And they are all scared to say anything because of what will happen to them if they do. This used to be a rare mental disorder, and now it's everywhere and your teachers are scared about what is going on with their students and what will happen to them if they express valid concerns. Don't you know that after a few years, these kids end up realizing they are going through an identity crisis. Just google "detransitioner" and read about what happens to these kids when they grow up. https://www.feministcurrent.com/2020/01/09/detransitioners-are-living-proof-the-practices-surrounding-trans-kids-need-be-questioned/


De Sube; Transgender Assistance Program of Virginia - TAP VA

TAP VA is in full support

Trans rights are human rights. Virginia schools should provide transgender and non-binary youth a safe environment in which to learn that allows them to live their authentic lives.


STRONGLY DISAGREE

STRONGLY OPPOSE!


STRONGLY disagree!!! Protect children from the political chess game.

As a parent and medical professional, I strongly disagree with children changing their gender association on a daily basis...it’s not even healthy for their psyche. Remove children from the political chess game.


Completely oppose!

I strongly oppose these proposed policies for our public schools for the following reasons: 1) Science is about learning from what nature reveals to us. We can't impose on nature our ideas of what it should be. 2) The human body reveals to us its masculinity or femininity. We can't impose on our bodies our idea of what it should be. 3) The proposed policy changes would effectively ban thinking about the human body according to #1 and #2. 4) For many people, this is also a moral an faith-based issue, and to implement the proposed policies would be to say, "If you disagree with our point of view (read: our beliefs), you will be penalized." This is tantamount to religious discrimination, and is unacceptable. 5) It is better to affirm the natural masculinity or femininity of a particular person, rather than to affirm the idea that something is wrong with the way his/her body is.


Strongly support these protections for trans students

These guidance provide a way forward to ensuring all students have a safe and equitable opportunity to learn and grow to become valuable members of society. Trans students need extra protections and support due to the biases and misunderstandings many hold. Thank you for creating the guidance document and I strongly support its passing.


Use of legal/deadnames

Please consider a new policy on the use of Dead names (names used prior to transitioning/ legal names/ birth certificate names) instead of preferred names on anything public in k-12 schools. There is no legal reason to use someone's dead name on school documents and doing so can reveal the fact that they are transgender/non binary whether they want it known or not. Getting a legal name change for a minor in Virginia can still be a difficult process depending on circumstances. Using someone's preferred name in school databases and on documents like report cards and progress reports would go a long way in schools being inclusive and helping kids protect their own privacy.


In Strong Support of This Guidance

As a teacher and parent, I strongly support any VDOE guidance that supports the mental health and basic rights of gender expansive students.  Thank you to VDOE for providing this important document to school boards across Virginia.


Treatment of Transgender

Transgender is a mental disorder and these people should be seeking professional help. So instead of helping them you want to make sure that a girl/women can never win another event (the entire purpose of having a boy team and girl team is to give girls a chance to win as science dictates that boys are physically stronger and faster than girls). Also you are now going to make it unsafe for girls in locker rooms and showers, by letting a boy who can say any day that he fells like a girl. you are putting girls at risk and are taking the chance of ruining a young girls life by ensuring the chance that they will be abused. This madness has to stop. I bet you don't let boys in the same bath or shower as your daughter. lets put your daughter in the boys locker room first, then if that works out, lets talk. oh that's right, your daughter will be in private protected school!....get the mental kids help and stop trying to attack young girls. You are either born with a X or a Y chromosomes, that is the science. Also try to hide from a parent and then turn them in to social services for abuse if they don't think that there own kid is a biological boy or girl. You should be put in jail for even suggesting this. You do not parent my kids. teach them math, reading, and the real HISTORY! Leave the rest to parents, its their kids, not yours! If you want to mess your kids up then that's fine, but leave mine the hell alone.


Strongly oppose

I oppose the changes proposed in this document. Why would the vast majority of people be subject to these unreasonable proposals for the convenience of a tiny fraction of people? On a case by case basis reasonable accommodations can be made for a child who needs them.


INSANITY

TOTAL INSANITY!!! GOD SAVE US


As someone who works with children I wholeheartedly SUPPORT!

I have worked with children in several capacities over the course of my career. I have years of experience working in Youth Services in both the Virginia Beach Public Library and Norfolk Public Library systems. I now work with children as a Lead Teacher in a private school. Based upon direct experience through my profession and through knowledge I have gained through work trainings and independent research, I wholeheartedly support this guidance. I believe the guidance is incredibly important for the support, health, and well-being of ALL students. While hatred, bigotry and discrimination are the most harmful to their direct victims, everyone is harmed by them in the long run. I believe this guidance is the first in many necessary steps to a future of true peace and happiness for all.


Support

As a Fairfax County school district parent, I 100% support policies to include and protect transgender students.


I disagree

Schools should be for teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Parents should be taking care of their childrens' other needs. We have to draw a line somewhere.


This protects no one

Good child safety protects children and those providing childcare. This protects no one and is some of the poorest child safety policy I have ever seen. Far from protecting transgender students these policies will inevitably be weaponized against teachers and other students. The end result will be greater abuse. These policies need to be rejected and new ones drafted up which can actually accomplish the goal of protecting students from bullying and abuse.


Strongly opposed to this draft of policies for transgender student

These policies will do more damage than good for any student as well as teachers, and parents.  They will cause more discrimination and bullying, they infringe on parental rights, freedom of religion, privacy rights.


NO this is not right

These guidelines can not be inflicted on 99.9% of the student population. Help the ones who need help but stop pushing this on others and creating more problems.


DO NOT

I highly oppose the model policies.  The model policies read like ones drafted with little consideration other than a biased, one-sided narrative. Since these policies are not evidenced based and ignore studies and accounts (and now legal action) of those who suffered harm and who regret transition, they do not serve students who identify as transgender. The impact on the individuals who identify as the gender to which they were born and those who detransition is completely disregarded. Teachers who validly object face professional discipline. Objecting students face discipline. This is ABSURD that nand teachers who object face disciplinary action!  So Freedom of Speech only for some? Most concerning  is authority given to schools to interfere with and undermine parental prerogative. No one concerned for the welfare of children should champion these "model" policies. “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) Parents have the legal right, via the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974), Public School staff and faculty DO NOT have the legal authority to withhold information and/or knowingly HIDE information from parents. DO NOT approve the recommended standard, p12 as written as it is in violation of parental rights.  legal lawsuits may follow against schools for withholding info . There are SO many problems with these policies that I could continue on.  Do the RIGHT THING and OPPOSE.


Protect Trans Youth

Trans youth are amazing, wonderful, and deserve the same access to education that all youth deserve. This document outlines ways to ensure that trans youth are protected from discrimination and able to access their education like any cisgender student.  I fully support the implementation of anti-discrimination policies and practices into the VA school system. Thank you for including the voices of young people when developing this guidance document. Looking forward to more inclusive spaces for all.


Joy not agenda I  strongly oppose this law!

I wrote previously, but I want to clarify my comment. I strongly oppose this regulation!!!


Support strongly to save our youth

The proof is in the pudding. Science and research have confirmed in various sources that following the kinds of guidelines you are proposing helps to support and enrich the lives of trans and gender non conforming children. We must not let willful ignorance and unfounded fears have a real impact on students and families who want their children to grow up in a supportive school environment. We know that trans and gender nonconforming students are in no way some kind of threat to other students. Flat out, ZERO evidence. It is your duty to make sure no pupils are left to suffer the consequences for someone else’s ignorance or “religious” choices. There are many schools in other states that we can look at for precedent that shows this in no way harms cisgendered pupils or their families. No reason to hurt one group when you can pass this proposal and hurt no one.


Strongly disagree

I strongly disagree with this policy because it is another move to completely destroy society. Let's teach children not to bully anyone instead of forcing the concepts of a very small percentage of the population onto the other 99.9 percent. This is a form of reverse bullying. To mandate that my children and the rest of the population condone a concept (LGBTQ) which they believe is not right, is utterly deplorable. This policy is wrong and I pray that our general assembly and VDOE wakes up and sends the message that this is wrong.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!

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


In full support of the proposed guidelines to portect transgender students

I fully support the proposed guidelines to protect and respect Virginia's transgender students. Please ignore the fear mongering bigots and implement these vital guidelines so that transgender students feel safe in our public schools.


Transgender

I strongly disagree. You are either born a girl or a boy, male or female. Promoting anything else is insane, and mentally cruel to any child.


I strongly support this much needed guidance

Thank you, thank you, thank you to the people who made the laws and wrote this much needed guidance for helping our children. Gender expression worries should not be ruining our children’s lives. I have learned a valuable lesson these past few years, as the plight of non cisgendered individuals has finally been widely recognized. There are as many ways to express gender and sexuality as there are people in this world, and we all need to support this fact. I truly hope that we can take this opportunity as a fresh start in educating people that someone else’s gender identity does not threaten their own.


This is a totally wrong policy for our children!!

This policy puts children and teachers in a NO-WIN situation.  There are Male and female and the sexes are not the same.  LOOK AT THE SCIENCE!!!!   Females should be allowed to have sports without males and for sure males should not be allowed in the locker rooms. People have issues with men being in women's dressing rooms in retail establishments and this is no different!!


Strongly disagree!

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


Showing support

As a parent, my husband and I constantly try to instill values in our kids to treat EVERYONE with the love and respect they deserve, regardless of their gender, skin color, religion, ethnic background, etc and we must all be able to thrive without the constant fear of being shamed or bullied based on any of the characteristics listed above. My family fully supports this guidance because I want my children and all of their friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone .


ABSOLUTELY NOT!!

Under no circumstances do I approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children!!


This is not a healthy influence to such a fundamental time for child development.

The education system has no place in the influence of a person's gender or identity. Stick to teaching and focus on the education of fundamental Math, Language(not to include personal Identity), Science(not to define who has what gender beyond born genetics), history(do not add social applications of body Identity), physical fitness and arts(not to include the expression of what is in your pants).


SPEAKING AS A TEACHER AND PARENT, THIS IS WRONG!!

As a teacher and parent, I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.


Strongly Support Inclusivity in our Schools

All children across the Commonwealth should be able to receive a quality education, free from discrimination or harassment, regardless of their gender identity. Ensuring student inclusion and safety should not be a political issue and all members of the General Assembly should support measures that create supportive learning environments for all students.


Destructive Policy for students, parents and teachers

There are so so so many destructive elements to this proposal, such as the following: It circumvents the responsibility and right that parents have to direct the development of their children. It denies the obvious biology of male and female differences, in favor of personal whims, which can change daily. Allowing members of differing biologic genders in the same rest rooms creates great potential for sex abuse - and those who might enact this policy should rightly be held liable for any and all damages that result. It is a very small fraction of children who "identify" with the opposite gender, and almost all of them grow out of this identification with time.  For a policy to encourage them to pursue a lifestyle not in keeping with their biological makeup has far more potential for harm than for good. Teachers have far better things to do with their time than to respond to whatever each of their students wants to be called each day.  The policy places a huge potential burden on them. I will stop here, but it is an embarrassment that the state of Virginia is even considering such a socially harmful policy.


I support the guidance in this document

I strongly support the guidance in this document. As a lifelong Virginian and an educator with over 20 years of experience, we need to do whatever we can to make all students feel valued, included, and respected. The research on school staff making connections and building relationships is clear: it leads to positive outcomes and increased student success. I see the guidelines as being an essential part of helping to make these connections for some of our most vulnerable students.


Absolutely not

This is the height of ridiculousness. We are not looking out for transgender people at all. This is political. This is ignorance. Allowing CHILDREN to make hard and fast decisions about their sexuality and cutting families out? That is a recipe for destruction. Families should make a mass exodus from public schools if they are able. Find a way. Or else don’t be surprised when your child has utter contempt for their parents, their country and actual science. In case this is not clear, I am commenting on the mod policies for the treatment of transgender students.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose the proposed transgender guidelines being put forth - especially not informing parents of what their child is going through.


I Support Policy

Greetings VDOE, My name is Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott and I'm a previous school counselor and special educator, as well as a current associate professor in school counseling and the immediate-past chair of the VA School Counselor Association board. I specifically teach my graduate students (future school counselors) the importance of being an ally to students who identify as LGBTQ+, and we spend ample class time investigating strategies to build an inclusive school climate. I was very pleased to see the impressive advisory board used to create this policy, and that the policy statement is based on best practices, research, and organizations dedicated to serving and advocating for students who identify as LGBTQ+. As this policy statement discusses, there is a tremendous need to support students who are transgender, and I appreciate that this policy statement is a place to begin with our Virginia schools. Further, this policy appears to be in alignment with the ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association. Thus, I am in full support of this proposed policy. Thank you for your commitment serving students in Virginia, and for promoting a more equitable and inclusive school community. Sincerely, Emily Goodman-Scott, PhD Associate Professor of Counseling, Old Dominion University


In Support

As a parent of an Albemarle County elementary student I am writing in strong support of the guidelines being put forth. Every student should feel included and protected by our schools.


Former Public School Teacher saying good goal to protect ALL students-BUT NOT AT OTHERS' PERIL!

It would seem as though our school board has forgotten the heart of the issue here: the safety and care of ALL people within the walls of our educational system. As a former public school teacher, I recognize the need to protect and consider each and every student...but there should NOT be in place any rule/law/directive that outlines the favorable treatment for some that actually can endanger others. The transgender community may be on the rise in numbers and have been the victims of cruelty and misunderstanding--every student should feel as though the school environment is a place of safety and welcome, otherwise they will be unable to learn--but, have we considered the ultimate ramifications of such a countywide decision?? Rather than take the rare situation on a case-by-case basis, these broad brushstrokes painted across the landscape of teaching (which is already challenging enough) will make it virtually impossible for a teacher to navigate a minefield from day to day that should NOT be their primary concern (which is the well-rounded, successful imparting of knowledge and grasping of skills to their classroom)! If these premises were in place when I was teaching, I would have found it virtually impossible to NOT bring the law down on my own head, even inadvertently, as I would be greatly moved and troubled by other non-transgendered students feeling as though their privacy and rights to peace and safety in their learning environment were being trampled, ignored, and compromised!   Why, just the proposed bathroom and locker room situation ALONE would be enough to alarm anyone! Reflecting on my many years of teaching experience, I PLEAD you to consider the potential misuses of these edicts schoolwide! Elementary school children--who may seem the most innocent--will easily use the awkwardness of hearing a child claim varying gender changes of identification from day to day, correcting teachers for the misuse of a pronoun in reference to that student, etc., to either boost their advantage of wasting a teacher's precious classtime and/or target a child who may need extra attention or guidance in addressing their struggles or confusions. This only HIGHLIGHTS AND INCREASES the chances for abuse and misuse of the exact behavior we are trying to protect and care for! Middle and high school students (of which I have taught thousands!) are the most susceptible of all to capitalize on the opportunities these proposals set forth , potentially enabling (rather than discouraging) voyeurism in opposite sex bathrooms/locker rooms, indecency/immodesty in sporting situations (e.g., allowing for inappropriate dress and exposure), the easy opportunity to manipulate the system and "trap" a teacher into disciplinary action by the school system simply because they do not like a teacher--or his/her methods--or wish to delay testing or assignments, etc.! Elevating this issue in such fashion is a recipe for disaster and should be seen as actually HEIGHTENING THE DANGER for the vast & overwhelming majority (99%+) of non-transgendered children, rather than helping to increase sensitivity, safety, and protection for less than 1% of our student population! If approved, the precedent that these proposed measures will set is that ANY particular or unique case can raise more than awareness, but actually incite an entire school district to favor their situation, make new rules and restrictions (even upon penalty and punishment to those whose under-venerated, -appreciated, and -paid position is already challenging enough: our honorable teachers), and influence our county to make forced accommodations that profoundly affect the many in order to pacify the few. PLEASE DO NOT FALL FOR THE FOLLY!!! There are ways of ensuring the oppressed and attacked are protected, considered, and nurtured alongside those who do not share such victimization WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE ENTIRE NATURE AND PURPOSE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL!!! To endanger the majority for the purpose of consideration and caring for a slim minority is FOOLISHNESS, and needs to be called so! There ought not be a need to create such "laws" or "recommended guidelines" (that, more than suggestions, may cost a hard-working & skilled educator their job now, but also ever-after!) to force people to abide by philosophies, alter behaviors, and embody attitudes that simply need to be taught, shaped, and guided as ANY SUBJECT A CHILD NEEDS TO LEARN IN SCHOOL...THAT'S WHY THE LAW MANDATES THAT THEY BE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!! SENSITIVITY & KINDNESS CANNOT BE FORCED...and, sadly, these proposals are all too easily abused and misused for personal gain, rather than to foster the heart they are meant to convert, from discriminating into accommodating and accepting. Although attention and care need to be given to this cross-section of our student body, the same could be said for those struggling with acceptance and accommodation for differences in appearance, custom, costume, hygiene, academic capability, religion, handicap,...the list could go on that targets a child for bullying and cruelty! Bullying of any nature (including hate speech, violence, ostracization & social exclusion, etc.) needs to be the subject under scrutiny, not the sex/gender issue over others! None should be tolerated in the least to ensure a safe, pleasant, inviting, and relaxing learning environment FOR EVERY STUDENT, regardless the issue for targeting!! Creating accommodations specific to one group like this IS ACTUALLY A FORM OF DISCRIMINATION IN ITSELF!!! One may not grasp this until the focus is widened to see how INSULTING it is to call out only this ONE group of targeted unkindness! It will not be long before other groups who feel victimized seek to create their own set of laws schoolwide and on and on until it has become impossible to both please everyone AND teach all content areas to a class at the same time! I URGE you to reconsider pushing this targeted agenda and, instead, institute countywide strategies and objectives for achieving bully-free classroom & extracurricular environments FOR EVERY STUDENT!!! Thank you for taking time to consider your TEACHERS, and not only your STUDENTS, as well.


strongly support

All children should feel safe in school. I know that if my children were struggling with these issues or being bullied, I would do everything I could to make sure that they have the same safe education as everyone else. I support this guidance because I want my children and all of their friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone.


Strongly SUPPORT

I strongly support these changes. Our transgender students need protections, and need to know that their educators will support them. This is long overdue in my opinion, and I’m glad action is being taken! I also appreciate the use of pronouns in the acknowledgment sections. THANK YOU. Chelsea Hilliard School Counselor


WHY NOT JUST TEACH  LIKE YOUR PAID TO DO  AND KEEP POLITICS OUT OF SCHOOL

WHY NOT JUST TEACH LIKE YOUR PAID TO DO AND KEEP THIS GARBAGE OUT OF THE SCHOOL ROOM.


STRONGLY OPPOSED THIS INSANITY!!!

PRAY TOGETHER TO STOP THE INSANITY! SAVE OUR CHILDREN !


DETRIMENTAL TO MENTAL HEALTH

The proposal is detrimental to our kids. My son is already mentally affected because of the forced narrative on transgender. If you do this, then a kid that identifies as a goat, will be addressed as a goat. Only a person that does not like himself or herself would proposed  such an atrocity. Perhaps, the aothors were bullies as kids and were called names, which have negatively impacted their mental health. I suggest getting mental help instead.


Strongly oppose!!

Rather than saddle our teachers with more oversight of students’ personal lives, I’d rather see resources used to actually teach our children the basics of learning and to operate successfully in our world. Sex is a tiny part of life. Let’s not focus on it.


Strongly support for the mental health of young people of all genders

This proposal is extremely important for the affirmation of all youth, whether cisgender, questioning, or transgender and/or non-binary.


strongly support

As a parent and lifelong Virginian, I strongly support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools.


This has my full support

First and foremost, as a parent, but also as a School Nurse, I am please to see the work done on this guidance. I believe that these policies are essential to supporting our transgender youth. This has my full support. Thank you.


STRONGLY oppose

I completely disagree with and strongly oppose these policies for various reasons. First off, every single parent SHOULD know about their child. Not notifying a parent about their child, especially in regards to gender issues, is absolutely wrong. Secondly, schools should be a place where children go to learn about things that will help them in life, NOT a place where teachers and faculty can affirm their gender identity, especially if the parents don't know. Third, I agree that we should respect EVERYBODY, including transgenders, but the fact that if you call somebody a different pronoun other than what they believe themselves to be and get in trouble for it is atrocious. Fourth, its complete destruction of privacy. No boy should be allowed to go in girls bathroom, and vice versa. That can easily make boys and girls who oppose extremely uncomfortable. Finally, it's a shame that there are no exemptions for people who hold religious beliefs about gender identity. Many people believe their are TWO genders, and calling anybody outside of their obvious gender violates their God-given convictions, and for people who hold those convictions to get in trouble is appalling. With that said, DO NOT allow these polices to take place. -Thank you-


Absolutely oppose

This plan to educate immorality is disgusting.


These new policy proposals make no sense

I have read this email and the comments and policy info a couple times. As a father to several kids, boys and girls, I am deeply concerned with these potential policies.  Schools do not have the right to decide things for their students that their actual parents aren't allowing. And as they are public schools and subject to taxpayer dollars, they should not be allowed to withhold information from parents regarding their child at school ... at least not without justifiable cause. Honestly, some of the policy language is written way too broadly and can easily be interpreted extreme, so those proposing the policies should cite more specific examples of how these policies will be enacted. I do not see how children, as a whole, can really feel comfortable in school. While I think our schools have at times turned a blind eye to students who may be different (special needs at one point in time), this causes the pendulum to swing badly the other way.  My own kids have shared they would not feel comfortable to (say) walk into a restroom or a locker room and have to do what they need to do in the (potential) presence of boys, whether they feel like they are a boy or not. These policies are way too broad in how they can be interpreted and, in some cases, appear to intentionally keep parents out of the loop, which is inconceivable and wrong.


I fully support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE

I fully support the proposed language and am optimistic that the changes and plans will make for a more equitable learning environment. It is imperative that all students feel supported and safe - this is a step closer to that objective.


Transgender pronouns agenda sent to students

As a Grandmother to 20 children,  I ask that this 'bill' being brought to our county, (Augusta),  our State,  be REMOVED....CANCELLED.. taken DOWN... DELETED from any possibility in our schools, In the Name of our Almighty God.


Strongly Oppose - Sexual Identity Provisions Within Schools

I would appeal for a sense of caution, especially for the protection of our students. Some could very well use the new appropriations to take advantage of other classmates (in particular, those who are younger and/or more vulnerable and of a different sex). Allowing for shared bathrooms to be used freely by students of any sex automatically removes a certain amount of protection and opens more opportunities for sexual abuse. For example, an older teenage boy could use a temporary claim to a different sexual identity (being given the right to do so under protection of the new laws) only for the purpose of stalking a young girl in a bathroom. This is a path that will only lead to devastating results. As to the provisions that prohibit the school from sharing information on a student’s perceived sexual identity with the parents of that child - again, I ask for extreme caution. Are parents not given an innate role to lovingly protect and nurture their children, giving them what they need to grow into responsible, wholesome, mature adults that contribute positively to society? How are well-intentioned parents able to fulfill that role when the divide between parents and students is marked more deeply by students being taught to avoid going to their parents with their naturally sensitive questions about identity and self worth? Without a strong sense of family, children and young adults often struggle with identity and worth, turning to extremely unhealthy choices like drugs. Please do not make provisions that encourage deeper division and less protection. With respect and great concern, Heather Ryan


Model treatment for transgender students

Absolutely not


Absolutely not

Absolutely not


Strongly oppose

I want to thank you all for taking the time to hear the concerns of the public.  Thank you for being public servants and truly seeking to make the best decisions for those living in your community. I know that the topic of transgender is a difficult one.  I also know that we need to have laws to protect everyone, even if we do not agree with others opinions.  That being said, I oppose  the law as the failure to use a students choice of pronoun, which can change on a daily or even hourly basis would result in charges of harassment or discrimination for which disciplinary action can then be taken. In order to protect our teachers and students from being disciplined for not knowing which pronoun a particular student would like to utilize in the moment, I encourage you to stand in opposition to this law. Thank you for your time. Holly Dodd


Strongly opposed

This "new" society has gone a bit too far, in my opinion.  School was developed to teach the basic principles of education: Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.  Since when does the school board (teachers) need to concern themselves with teaching gender dysphoria and any other type of sexual education?  I understand teaching basic biology and touching on sexual abstinence, birth control, STD's.  However, teaching different practices that mainstream America is trying to popularize is just plain child abuse.  These children are much too young to be learning the scandalous ways of the world.  They are much to immature to understand and make sexual, gender changing decisions.  Accommodating the transgender community, without any sensitivity to the Christian community (students and faculty) is just wrong.  To bully, strong arm teachers to go along with this "fad" is inappropriate and against their rights. How about we just get back to teaching the core subjects and educate our children to succeed and be able to compete with global students for decent paying jobs?  They will have plenty of information available once they are adults, and mature enough to make such decisions. Please do not push for these policies.  Our children need us to be adults and make educated decisions based on their best interest.  Thank you


As a parent of 3 in Virginia I strongly oppose.

As a parent of 3 in Virginia, I oppose.  I will not let my children be sent to school with adminstration thinking they know better than parents how to raise kids. Supporting parents in raising kids is the job not to take over the parental role.  This is divisive and destructive to society to oppose parental wishes especially in something as controversial as this.


Support the guidance!

As a parent, I strongly support this guidance. Many of the comments that oppose the guidance are proving why this population of students needs support. I don't want any child to have to face this type of criticism and disrespect at school. Transgender and non-binary students are not infringing on anyone else's rights. They are only asking for basic dignity and respect while at school. If these students feel threatened or the environment at school is hostile, they cannot learn. When LGBTQ students are provided with affirming environments and their mental health is supported, their life outcomes are much better. Tolerance of differences and support for any marginalized student is the compassionate approach. Science and the medical community back up the need for a supportive approach. Tearing down our community members only weakens the entire community. Let us lift one another up. Be kind.


Reject over reaching policy

?The Virginia Department of Education has no right to infringe on ?anyone's rights of free speech?, parent responsibility and student privacy?. ?This a stepping stone to more policies to manipulate, control? and punish people for disagreeing. If transgenders are uncomfortable using the other or non-sexed bathrooms;  then one can understand that many straight children would be uncomfortable being forced to disrobe among transgenders in traditionally sexed bathrooms and gym locker rooms.   Being safe is an expectation for everyone without exception. Fundamentally changing the English language or any language will create confusion, fear and chaos. Parents are responsible for their children and must always be informed and make the decisions that are best for their family, not the government or anyone else.


Strongly Support

Not too long ago I was in school myself. I never felt safe enough to be myself, I already faced bullying from peers and teachers for simply the way I acted. It would have been much worse if I was out. Due to this I often fell behind in school and many of my mental health issues worsened. Many times I chose to skip class altogether. I do not have to imagine how tough it is for kids who are out. I’ve spoken to them in trans support groups, they are incredibly frustrated and saddened that they feel that nothing can be done about the harassment and discrimination they face in school. Having these guidelines would help so many actually have the right to basic respect and be able to argue what’s happening to them is wrong.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

Absolutely Not!  It would violate and interfere with parental rights in raising and educating children on innate matters pertaining to sexuality and sexual identity.  The children (yes they are children!!) must not be  exposed to members of the opposite sex while undressed. This would expose children to concepts and theories about which they are unequipped to fairly apply mature examination and assessment.  The mature, sexual kids will be the bullies.  Bullies still exists and this will open a lot of violent behavior instead of what you're trying to do!!  It will have the opposite effect!!!  There will be bullying and rape in those bathrooms!


This is abhorrent and absolutely should not be allowed in a CHILDRENS environment.

You can’t even handle “normal” bullying. Much less keep up with someone’s “preferred pronouns” on a daily basis if it can change DAILY. And you’re going to allow MINOR girls to go topless around boys and men that are potential PREDATORS?! How absolutely moronic can you be?!


TI stransgender policies proposed by the Virginia Department of Education.

I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policies by the Virginia Department of Education.  Transgenderism is NOT a topic for children or teens.


PURE EVIL! Transgender school policy.

Parents are relinquishing their rights to parent while also allowing the left to dictate that you have the right to doctor assisted murder.  Which is it far left...abortion (right to choose) or parenting?  As for me and my household we will serve the Lord and raise our children to honor life and those that are born with difficulty.  Parents think they have the right to choose their child’s gender ...no kindergartener wants to be a different gender.  Only the selfish parent does.  But we all have to live with their inability to parent by submitting to cultural abuse.  Forget it!  You will lose the right to teach ( not that you are teaching anything of truth anymore). The Zinn facts are non facts.  Look into it!  You are adding stupid to the qualifications of being a teacher.  It isn’t their right to tell me how to parent.  I will no longer support the school system.  I will fight my taxes going to schools.


This proposed transgender policy is irrational and completely bizarre. Bring back common sense!

The proposed transgender policy is irrational and completely bizarre. Let’s get back to common sense!


Transgender equality?

Obviously those that support this policy did not read it.  No one is trying to oust the child who’s stupid parents choose their gender.  This doesn’t help anything .  This policy is against everyone else and totally lacks help for the child who is hurting and feeling left out to ever fit in.  It doesn’t answer any problems it only makes for more.  Have you ever seen a healthily, normal, transgendered child.  They are on medications and aremutilated at a young age to satisfy their stupid, selfish parents.  Ask any doctor that has dealt with these children. Pure stupidity!


I will never acknowledge such a human travesty

Natural law is the basis for our US Constitution - observe it!


I do NOT support this forceful over-reach

I strongly oppose this indoctrination process. It is unbelievable at what our society is devolving into. This is not natural and is being pushed by a self centered immoral fringe of humanity; even animals don't condone such actions.


Strongly oppose!! What a travesty!

This is taking matters way too far beyond gender choice. This is eliminating parental guidance as well.


Strongly & Adamantly OPPOSE

This is indeed the craziest and most irrational thing I have ever hear of... Our society is in absolute decay for even considering such nonsense. I, along with hundreds of others in our church, do not support such a thing as this immoral and illogical policy.


Objection to Gender Confusion Institutionalization in our Schools

I find it disturbing that our Government and Education Boards continue to codify policies that entrench gender confusion into our society, especially in age-inappropriate settings.  Our biological sex was determined by God, when He allowed conception to occur at a specific point in time and location, to create us to serve Him and each other with our lives.   Any attempts to alter His will and purposes for us are personally risky, with eternal consequences. But when governments attempt to institutionalize these personal relationship issues, it caters to the "me-centered" approach to our lives and society, which continues to disrupt our nation. The president we elected 60 years ago said," Let us not seek the Republican answer, or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix blame for the past.  Let us accept our own responsibility for the future."  If 300 million Americans continue adopting "me-centered" approaches to our lives, then there are no right answers and we will continually argue and fight over what we perceive to be right and wrong by our own imperfect standards with no moral compass.  And as we are seeing, our "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" will cease to exist.  The Bible says it much better in Proverbs 28:2, "When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily."  Daily, we are seeing too much of this truth in our struggling United States.  The proposed transgender policy in Virginia education is another step in that direction.  There are better ways to show our love for "me-centered" people -- especially in the sexuality domain -- than enabling the confusion of the few to confuse the many.  In God we Trust.


Come on man - kids are failing and this is what you are focused on?

Focus on the education of students- that is your responsibility in the school system. Look how many kids are currently failing. Fix that problem.


Support guidance to support transgender youth

Please show some compassion to these children and teens. They need to be safe and protected from discrimination and hate.  Please.


Strongly opposed to these transgender guidelines

Schools should support parents, not be parents.


Let parents be parents and schools be schools.

Parental rights matter. Keep the the school focused on education and preparing students to work or pursue advanced education.


Strongly Disagree - This is a priority with so many kids failing?? So so wrong...

How has this been circulated since families I spoke to never heard or seen this proposal? Where is the science/studies/analysis behind this proposal that examines the ramifications on the non-gender-challenged kids?  There needs to be transparency on if ANY study has truly been done to show this. Teachers - this truly can have a significant negative impact on teachers and could end their lively-hood if vindictive kids purposely change their choice everyday to get rid of teachers.  STUPID. So wrong to exclude parents on what the school would do and to ignore the parents.  Kids belong to the parents NOT the STATE!!! Focus on educating kids not this social engineering.  Not your job.


No. No. No.

This will harm students and teachers. There are already adequate accommodations available.


This policy endangers young girls.

Letting any student choose which bathroom and locker room they want to use with no explanation needed will only lead to a dangerous situation for all girls and women in Virginia schools.


Transgender School policy

I fully support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE for transgender students!


NO!!! I strongly Oppose this!  NO!

THIS WOULD ENDANGER THE PRIVACY AND SAFETY OF ALL STUDENTS!!  It would also take away our parental rights!


Mary B. : Mother, Wife, Veteran and Humanitarian

Bigotry and Prejudice is alive and well in this town hall

Each generation has faced thier time to end prejudice and bias. Transgender children and young adults need to be treated with dignity and respect in all regards. If needed we can have a bigots only bathroom for those still living in the 50's.


Transgender oppression is not a "Family value" it's pure hate

This is long past due. I am horrified by the backwoods and ignorant people that are opposing transgender equality. Shame on you!


Strongly support

I strongly support this and wish this could have happened sooner for the sake of all transgender youth.


This is an inclusive environment

Inclusive public school means a school for transgender children, too.


An outrageous usurpation of parent and human rights

These grotesquely intrusive and unnatural regulations attempt to make comfortable students who are suffering with gender dysphoria, by twisting everyone and everything else (other students, parents, the English language, sincerely held religious and other beliefs) into a distorted pseudo-reality.  Respect ALL students, respect the right and responsibility of parents to teach and raise their children, respect civil liberties, respect religious freedom.  It is NOT bigotry to believe that gender should align with sex - it is simply recognizing that one must align one's feelings with science (objective reality of the presence of X-X or X-Y chromosomes).  Accommodate and affirm students without forcing transgender orthodoxy on everyone.


The VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed.

The draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools ( HB 145 and SB 161 ) regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children and school staff against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity. 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”.


Opposed to "draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students"

Respectfully, I plead with you to not pass these draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students. I will begin my argument against these policies with noting that referring to people in non-binary terms and without respect to their biological gender goes against many religious peoples religious beliefs and practices. It is not only Christians of a more conservative stripe who will have an issue with this. More conservative Muslims and Jews will also take issue, not to mention Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and many others. What protections are in place for them? Secondly, in Virginia one must be 18 to change their legal name. Citizens of the Virginia are not allowed to drive until they are 16 years and 3 months old. The minimum age for enlistment in the U.S. military is 17 years of age. One cannot consume alcohol or tobacco legally in VA unless they are 21 years of age.   You have to be 21 to rent a car. Did I mention that we cannot change our names till we are 18? Why then does it follow that children as young as five or six are ready for the great and life-altering responsibility of determining their gender identity and appropriate pronouns? Third, although students are prone to take advantage of any school policy (given their youthful lack of maturity), these policies will lead to stupendous abuses. The future manifestations of possible abuses seem almost infinite. For example: a 7th grader who dislikes her teacher thereby changing her pronoun every day only after being "harrassed" by the teacher for using yesterday's pronoun. Another example: an 11th grader who likes to see girls undress identifying as a girl so as to be in the girls locker room. Another example: a student who is fed up with their parents rules in the home purposefully begins to identify in a way that they know will get them out of the parents house forever. Yet another: a student is not clear with each and every student and teacher regarding their pronoun and then is back in the office every other day accusing people of gross harassment. Finally, many students may threaten to do drastic things (and in some cases carry them out) if they are not given the authority to choose their gender and pronouns. That is truly sad and tragic. Yet, although this may be hard to hear, that is not a sound way to determine if authority should be granted. My daughters, ages five and two, want the authority to make all kinds of decisions that are harmful to them. A good parent, I believe we all can agree, will not allow them to make and take action on those decisions - even if it leads to whining, complaining and even dire threats. I have no doubt that some who are proposing these policies do so from a sincere belief that it will lead to a more just school system. My question for you is: Who are the authorities that you are listening to and why are they so worthy of your trust? Why are you so persuaded by them? It is possible they are wrong. Why not take more time and create study committees before enacting these policies.


Transgender Students

I am opposed to this draft.   Schools need to educate our students.   This policy would try to influence our children who are too young to fully understand their sexuality.   This policy would take away a parents rights related to their children.   Stop all this nonsense.  Allow teachers to do their job of educating, not influencing.


This is a power grab and an insult to parents

These policies are insulting. Rather than serving the best interests of the students of Virginia, the only real agenda here is to enact and enforce gender ideology in our schools. I believe my daughters are truly endangered by this proposal, not to mention the thousands of students targeted by radicals who'd MAKE us believe one's feelings define us. I endorse the comments by Jeff Caruso of the Virginia Catholic Conference for his clear and well-cited explanation of MANY good reasons to oppose these policies. Virginians, call your government to account for engaging in this radical power grab.


Support

I support this guidance


OPPOSED

The model regulations infringe on the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of ALL students.


Strongly Support

Times are changing and so must we. We must teach our children to accept everyone regardless of their beliefs or gender. Stop living in the past and join the rest of us in the present.


VDOE Transgender policies

As a public institution and taxpayer funded department- You should not disregard the role of parents in public education. By alienating children from the nurturing values they are raised with at home- you are forcing children to make decisions they are not mature enough to understand. Focus on their education and leave the important lessons in life to their parents/ guardians.


Doc does not support all students

The intent to establish the school environment as safe and conducive to the study of knowledge is noble. However, the pervasiveness of the separation of gender from biological sex in learning areas and environments outlined in the guidance document will be detrimental to the learning environment. This will further encourage the growing division between families with the financial means to send their kids to private school and those who rely solely on public education. Already the effect of this division in socioeconomic class is apparent when considering the in-person learning environment offered by private schools during the pandemic versus the virtual learning environment offered by public schools. There is a real brain drain in the potential creativity and talent of future Virginian youth in the public education system. Those "left behind" in public schools are unfairly disadvantaged.


Kathy J. Mother and wife of Retired Police Officer

Strongly Supported by a deeply conserned parent

For too long the same formats for justifying discrimination have been pushed by people that spew that same rhetoric as close minded racists. Yes, the same that called for the "preservation of segregation for the safety of thier children". It is just as ugly now towards the civil rights for trans youth as is was back then towards the African American Youth. When will we as a society learn???


An excellent interpretation of the two bills

I'm not sure why there are so many individuals in opposition to these model policies.  I guess they did not read where the bills state that policies MUST exist.  It seems that the opposing individuals are not necessarily opposed to the wording of the policies, which I think is the feedback being requested, but rather to the idea of LGBTQ+ individuals and their rights.  However, that ship has sailed!  All individuals have the right to attend school in a safe environment free from harassment and bullying.  That is all these policies do....make sure that students are free to be themselves without fear.   These policies ensure that students who are LBGTQ+ no longer face a hostile environment on a daily basis in their schools.  Public schools are inclusive places and should support everyone.  If you do not agree with this, then send your child to a private school.


I do not approve

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


NO TO ALL. OF. THIS.!!!!

Firstly, can we please focus on one crisis at a time?? Also, this is pure insanity. Completely inappropriate and totally irresponsible to let children “decide” what gender they are! Topless girls?!..er I mean “girls”?! Have you all lost your minds?!


STRONGLY OPPOSED

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 VDOE “Transgender guidelines

Oppose VDOE “Transgender guidelines... While I fully agree that any student should be treated respectfully, I absolutely do not approve of these proposed guidelines! They are a state overreach of power based on radical, unscientific theories thatseek to eradicate all distinctions between male and female and treat our school-aged children as social experiments in sexuality. Rather than making children feel safe, these policies create chaos and confusion in the hearts and minds of children. Additionally, these guidelines especially endanger girls, making them subject to possible abuse and/or harassment in bathrooms, locker rooms, etc., and also subject to biological inequities in sports competitions. Furthermore, the family is the most foundational and fundamental unit in society, and these policies only serve to destroy that family unit by undermining parental authority and involvement in their children’s lives. Unquestionably, the vast majority of parents love and care more about their own children than the state or anyone else ever will. What automatically qualifies the state to be more loving/caring/responsible in handling these crucial, life-altering matters than the parents themselves? This usurping of parental authority by the state sets a dangerous precedent for the abuse of public power in other arenas as well.


Enthusiastic support

Our children deserve all of the understanding and safety that we, as trusted adults in their lives, can extend to them. ALL of our children. I see a lot of uninformed fearmongering in these comments and I have great hope that our children will outgrow all of us in time.


Strongly Support

I support the guidance.


I oppose this policy

I oppose this policy.


Strongly opposed to pushing transgenderism opinions

I am writing because I am shocked and strongly oppose the measures being pushed regarding opinions on transgenderism in our public schools. These opinions do not align with those of a vast number of our families as well as science, and have no proven grounds in actually supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our children. These efforts will absolutely keep me from enrolling my children in public schools, and I am deeply concerned for those families who are unable to seek other options like homeschooling or private school, which we will have to do. Specific points I have: 1) Most importantly, schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. 2) 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. 3) No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. 4) 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. 5) Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. 6) The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. Thank you.


Absolutely not!

I could not be more appalled and disgusted! This is insane and inappropriate on all levels. Our Children need to be protected and kept innocent. I wholeheartedly object to the approve is such nonsense within our schools. In God We Trust, Military Christian Wife of 4 children