Strongly Support

Thank you for leading the way to a healthier environment for all students. The policies proposed harm no cis-gender students and are justified by research to lessen the harm and mental health issues faced by gender non-conforming and transgender individuals.


I stand with Transgender Youth

This is needed and necessary progress toward respecting the rights of all children, regardless of their gender identity. Research shows that trans children have extremely high rates, not just of suicidal ideation, but of suicide attempts. They also suffer from high rates of discrimination, bullying, violence, of being thrown out of their homes, of homelessness, depression. We must support these children. Love them, accept them. Acknowledge the scientific reality of gender identity, of gender dysmorphia, of the social construct that is gender. Please adopt this policy. Thank you, Maria Stein (she/her/hers)


Ill-advised.

Rules and policies, serve to promote and protect the values and standards we ascribe to, but what happens when there is a conflict of values? I do not believe this proposition positions our children for what is in their best interest. We know that children undergo critical developmental stages, that overlap with their educational journey. This is why we have educational programs that promote awareness toward issues that can adversely affect our children’s safety and lives. The very fact that we identify the topic as “gender confusion” speaks to the reality that there are different genders, and that each has defining characteristics. Children are not afforded the right to legally access alcohol, tobacco, pornography, firearms, and other items that can undeniably cause them harm in their limited development. If we truly believe that a child has the ability to determine at a young age, a rational need to associate as a different gender, or CHANGE genders (which implies being something different, from what you are currently), then we should have a bunch of firemen, soldiers, princesses, and doctors running around. Yet, everyone is aware that overtime we continuously change our minds.


Strongly support as a conservative position!

First, I believe that support for diversity, equity, and the rights of all individuals to be left alone to be who they are is a strongly conservative stance.  Whether it's Rand Paul writing "I stood for ten and a half hours on the Senate floor to defend your right to be left alone," or Grover Norquist writing "the center right coalition in American politics ...the issue that brings them to politics what they want from the government is to be left alone." That's all our kids are asking for - the right to be left alone, to live as who they truly are. Failure to enact this guidance, or worse railing against it, is contrary to everything that conservatism claims to be. Let's leave our kids alone to become who they are. They're already confused by why their old-folks parents would have a problem with them using the bathroom that they want to use, or dress how they want to dress. Biases are learned, not inbred. All this document does is give them the right to leave biases behind. "Equality, rightly understood as our founding fathers understood it, leads to liberty and to the emancipation of creative differences; wrongly understood, as it has been so tragically in our time, it leads first to conformity and then to despotism." - Barry Goldwater


Oppose!

No child should be bullied. But the rest of this is nonsense. No child should be disciplined for mis-speaking or failing to remember that someone who looks like a girl to them doesn't think she is a girl and wants to be called a "he".  No child should have their own beliefs questioned at school.  No child should spend time they could spend learning valuable math or reading or science or music on discussing gender identity issues.  And no girl should have to be afraid to go to the bathroom because someone who was a boy yesterday, but today says he's a girl is in there!


Strongly Oppose

From The American College of Pediatrics: “Human sexuality is an objective biological binary trait: “XY” and “XX” are genetic markers of male and female, respectively – not genetic markers of a disorder. The norm for human design is to be conceived either male or female. Human sexuality is binary by design with the obvious purpose being the reproduction and flourishing of our species. This principle is self-evident.” “No one is born with an awareness of themselves as male or female; this awareness develops over time and, like all developmental processes, may be derailed by a child’s subjective perceptions, relationships, and adverse experiences from infancy forward. People who identify as “feeling like the opposite sex” or “somewhere in between” do not comprise a third sex. They remain biological men or biological women.” Stop imposing morals that contradict the Word of God.  Genesis 1:27


Strongly oppose, not safe

This is unacceptable. The majority of students are not transgender. Permitting students who say they are to go into an unsupervised restroom without question will only lead to sexual advances whether they are wanted or not. Our youth will find work arounds to this permitting for heterosexual males/females to enter the opposite bathroom warranting inappropriate and risky behavior. While a transgender male/female may simply just want to use the restroom a male may want the chance to hide in a girls stall and do whatever he wants. You see where this is going. It is not safe for our CHILDREN. These kids are KIDS they are not healthy adults who have the capacity to make decisions/weigh risk/assess a situation for safety. teachers will be put in a position where they have to question a students word on whether or not they are transgender and permitted to go into the opposite sex bathroom. If they step up and not permit a student to go in the opposite sex’s bathroom out of concern this also presents a liability.


This proposal will save lives!

The suicide attempt rate of the young transgender population is appallingly high. A large contributing factor to this devastating pattern is the lack of support and acceptance from family and community. While little can be done about specific families’ acceptance of their transgender children, schools can easily make changes to create a safe and welcoming environment to support children and teens who might not have that at home. This proposed policy presents schools with guidelines and information on how to create a nurturing and stimulating educational environment for ALL students. It does not ask much of the schools, teachers, and students—only to treat trans and non-binary students with the same respect that they would a cisgender student. Small changes like these can drastically improve the outlook and quality of life of students, and allow them to explore who they are without fear of socially constructed repercussions. Additionally, it will create for the students the expectation that they will show respect for others, which will hopefully spread to the larger community. Big changes start with small steps and this policy is a great step forward.


Transgender

Strongly Oppose/Disagree.


Strongly Oppose/Disagree

Strongly Oppose/Disagree.  You want to help our children, then you won't subject them to such sin.  By misleading them in this way you are leading them down an eternal path that leads straight to hell.  Now that is cruel.  Because this is something you and those mislead children will absolutely answer for.  It is absolutely disgusting that your even proposing this.  Shame on you.


Support trans kids!!

Trans youths are some of the most vulnerable kids we have, with criminally high rates of depression,  suicide attempts and homelessness - all due to the stigma of being trans, not being trans itself. When trans kids receive proper support and care, including a lack of abuse and stigma, and treating them as as gender they identify with, they are able to thrive. Virginia is becoming one of the most trans friendly states in the US. And it starts with kids.


Guidance Document

Oppose - anti bullying policies currently in place covers all, so what is the real reason behind this proposal.


Transgender? Don’t push that.

I am a very  concerned  parent of three young girls, whom I refuse to have this transgender/gender confusion nonsense influencing my children. We send them to school to get an education. To learn things such as math, history, language arts and so on. We do not however send them to be influenced  by nonsense. This is inappropriate on so many levels. Who other than a sick individual would take advantage of how children can be influenced and molded?! No. This cannot happen. Children have enough going on in life trying to figure out the whole growing up aspect, adding that to the mix is absolutely unacceptable!!


transgender in the schools

By allowing transgender influences in the schools, you are taking more rights away from the parents.  No young boys/men should be allowed in a ladies bathroom, locker room etc EVER.  By allowing such actions to take place, Christians will be discriminated against. Do  not pass any legislation such as this.  There are rules and policies against bullying, but legislation like this will cause MORE distress and confusion among kids.


Please reconsider

Not enough is known at this time about the true condition these children are experiencing. I don't feel comfortable allowing biological males into female locker rooms, or females into male locker rooms. The potential backlash these trans kids will face is scary and our society is not yet ready for a drastic step such as this. Please, please, please for the protection of these children, so not allow this to happen.


Strongly disagree

I strongly disagree with this proposal. It would force my children to adhere to ridiculous policies that I do not agree with. There are programs in place against bullying already. Kids could take advantage of this new policy and identify as whatever they want and when they want. I don't see how it helps the community it is intending to help. It is enforcing crazy regulations against the mass majority.


Opposed to Draft for Transgender Policies

I completely agree that we must have policies in place to provide safe places for students who associate as transgender. However, I don’t believe that those policies should be placed above the safety or comfort of students who are not transgender.  All students deserve access to education in an environment that feels socially, emotionally, and physically safe.  I feel like it is difficult for leaders at the state level to make policies that are going to benefit students in every community. I think all students should be given equal opportunities to learn and therefore, these policies might be better handled at the local level to accommodate students in the cultural context where they reside. I think the proposed policies are opening the door to many more problems, which is then not necessarily a fix for the current one. For example, often transgender students don’t want the attention drawn to them and rather than be given full access to any bathroom, really just would like access to a single stall. Why open a whole can of worms when an accommodation for a small population can be made, much like we do for students with special needs?  Again, this is an issue that needs to be addressed; however I don’t feel like sweeping policies are going to fix the problem. Thank you.


Absolutely Opposed

As a mother of five children in public schools, this gravely concerns me. Schools do not and should not, be allowed to make decisions for children regarding transgender that goes against parents, or hides information from parents. Also, letting kids who "identify" as a different gender than their birth gender use their "identify gender" for restrooms, changing rooms, etc is a slippery slope. We are creating an open door for assult and abuse...take it from someone who was sexually assulted in high school. Children are not informed enough to be making transgender decisions without the help and guidance from their parents...these new policies are a disgrace to our children and the parents who want to be able to fully support the mental and physical health of their children. I strongly oppose these policies by all means.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I object to forcing involuntary acceptance of gender confusion in Virginia's public schools. Medical experts AND scientific studies have shown that most children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach puberty. As a registered nurse, who has worked with infants for over 35 years, I can assure you that sex (gender) is NOT arbitrarily assigned to newborns at birth. That idea is ridiculous. And you are expecting parents to just accept this? Basic science and biology dictates that a baby is born male or female, unless he or she has a rare disorder called ambiguous genitalia. I realize that the 1-2% of children who are struggling with sexual confusion should be protected from harm and harassment. Virginia already has a strong anti-bullying law. This draft policy says its purpose is to ensure a positive, safe environment for all students. So how will girls feel safe and positive as they are forced to shower/change with boys who think they are girls? How will these girls feel? AND the girls' parents? NO WAY. Don't force this on the parents and families of Virginia!!!!!!!


This Policy is divorced from the Ultimate Truth revealed to us by the Creator

God, the Creator of this World and each individual Human Being has revealed to us his Ultimate Truth, of which He is the source and author.  This policy totally rejects his Ultimate Truth by teaching and promoting a view of Human Persons that contradicts His revealed Truth.  Human beings are created male and female - there are no other genders or sexes.  It is a dangerous false philosophy to think otherwise.  Our schools should be teaching Truth, and not something far from it.  The fundamental principles behind the words of this document are WRONG.  Start over and interview persons who know the Ultimate Truth and go from those principles.


Support

As an educator, I fully support making our public schools inclusive for all of our students. Historically, trans youth are at higher risk for suicide, depression, and other negative mental health issues due to the discrimination that they face. Our schools can make an impact by providing our students a supportive and safe environment in which to grow and learn. The arguments against this bill on the basis of science are not fully informed of the science of sex or gender. Even biological sex is not binary, and not all people fall neatly into a category of XX or XY chromosomes.


Strongly Oppose

We should not redefine the biological truth that are two sexes. We should not force boys and girls who live within natural and actual biology to pretend this basic fact is not true. Others can choose to express themselves as they see fit UNTIL that expression interferes with the majority of persons who  want a safe environment for their children. Biological boys, regardless of their chosen sexual expression should not be mixed in with biological girls and vice versa. Do not sacrifice the many for the few.


Let Children be children and ask Adults to act like Adults

Most children do not have gender issues.  But many like to experiment with using controversial language and try on different clothing and mannerisms.  This does not suggest anything is different about them. They are just being children.  Let them be different.  Let them be courageous.  It's OK to be a different kind of girl, or a different kind of boy.  But please don’t go along with them when they say things suggesting a different gender.   And PLEASE don’t suggest to them that their gender is something to select, like changing their hair color. Children also say they want to be a train or a dinosaur.  We know that these things pass and reality sets in without us having to do anything requiring legislation.  We don’t have to make bathrooms for Dinosaurs or refer to them by their Train names. Each child deserves to be allowed to say crazy things without being put in a box.  Sometimes a child will say they want to shoot someone or they wish someone was dead.  They are horrible words, but the child hardly understands the power of their words.  They should not be thought of as violent or evil.  They are experimenting to see how you will react almost like a child pushing a button to see what will happen. Let kids be kids.  But please don’t start catering to their childish ways.  Guide them to a good life where they embrace who they are, without labeling them into a life overly focused on childish whims.  To do otherwise, will bring unnecessary confusion and heartache to our vulnerable children. When they are adults, if the phase still has not passed, they are free to act on whatever ideas they have.  But please do not have schools interfere in and encourage them to make decisions they are not fit to make. And certainly do not propose anti-parent, anti-family policies based on agendas which lack scientific data and lack even common sense.  I oppose this policy.   It appears to be a model of how not to respect and care about children.


Strongly oppose policy

This has gotten out of hand....I am a mother of 2 girls..I don't agree with having both sexes in the same locker room....will my girls be in trouble if they refuse to change clothes because they feel uncomfortable??? I think not...I will stand behind my girls.......I'm so tired of the people who don't support some of the ideas of others automatically being called racist or whatever...why aren't we entitled to our opinion??? What about what offends our beliefs...I am not just goin to join in and go along...so fed up......strongly oppose...not just going to accept this????????


Strongly oppose.

I strongly oppose this proposed model as it jeopardizes parent rights with regards to their children, no matter how gender confused, and it threatens the sanctity of family. Considerate compassion should absolutely be extended to every child with every personal issue, but this model's proposed mandates are terrifying.


Opposed to transgendered policy

Opposed to transgender


I support

I whole heartedly support! I'm a little short on time at the moment but to any trans individuals reading these comments you are love, you are light, you are beautiful and you belong here <3.


Support

I support this. As someone who has a degree in Psychology and has looked at extensive research of how important pronouns are, there is no reason not to support this. Transgender students need our support to help them feel heard, seen, and understood.


Support!

As an educator to many gender fluid children, I fully support the Virginia Department of Education's model policies. Children deserve equitable representation and recognition by their schools. I've seen first hand how this recognition can impact young children in their formation of self.


Opposed to transgender policy

Opposed to transgender


Model policies for transgender students

Strongly oppose!  I oppose all mandatory teaching/ policies in our public schools!


Oppose Transgender Policy Not Anyone Who Is Transgender

Dear Council, This is very dear to my heart. I am not against transgender individuals. When it affects my child’s  education that is when it becomes a problem. When someone is a believer and believes in only two genders how can you force a teacher or students to comply with something that they do not believe? You can say well just send your kid to a private school. Well, you know how hard that can be with finances and all. Also, what makes me upset is the policies state that the parents may not get informed about these certain policies occurring at the school. Parents should be notified of what is going on at all levels of their schooling especially if they are under age. Next, I don’t want my child or my future children suffering from not being able to play a sport because someone transgender took their spot on a sports team. Where are my kids rights. I don’t want my children to encounter talks before the age they really need to talk about if we as believers do not believe. That is why we live in America. We get to decide for ourselves what we believe not the government forcing this on us or not on our kids. Please re-think this because it doesn’t just affect transgender kids or families but the entire school system. Thank you for your time!


Strongly  Oppose

God made male and female only, read Genesis 1:26-27 KJV


Transgender Curriculum in School

This is not appropriate in the public school system, there are only two genders, male an female the way that God intended it. The Board of Education an the Government of Virginia have gone completely satanic!! Idiots!!!


Strongly oppose

I think this  goes against everything a family stands for and I want my grandchildren to be proud of who they are and say they are male or female and definitely not to use a transgender bathroom. This has gone way too far leave our children alone.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

“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.” As a former public school teacher, and a mother of three girls, I am appalled at the lack of protection for girls in a bathroom or locker room. Instead of being concerned about privacy and safety of girls, this agenda is more concerned about the a boy’s comfort or discomfort. It is terrifying and alarming to consider that a boy, at any given time can claim he is a girl, and have access to a girl’s private facility. How can she be safe? I would have been afraid to go to the bathroom or change in a locker room, if I knew at any given time a boy could walk in, and I would have to WELCOME him—as though it is perfectly safe and appropriate for him to watch me undress, or use the bathroom! This is a terrifying policy, and simply ONE of the policies that are disturbing with this curriculum. Please consider the safety of our vulnerable children, and THEIR mental health with this lack of rules/parameters.


I Oppose transgender education or any other kind of sex education to children in public schools.

The school system is to educate what is going to help them make a decision regarding their future interest to make a living. Sex education and transgender education does NOT belong in a school system. What would be beneficial is a good strong lesson in History of the country an d how this country was based on principles. Stop indoctrinating the children with special interest group agendas. They see enough of that on the internet. Sex education of any kind is a families responsibility.  The school system is far behind other countries in education and that is watch the focus should be.


Strongly oppose

This has no business being part of public school education. I strongly oppose this.  Teacher have enough on their plates and parents should have the right to know what is happening with their children. This is in no way ok.


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

I have read Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools and I find it thoughtful and reasonable. I am particularly impressed by the numerous opportunities in it to create a better learning environment for all students. When the ADA required curb cuts, those of us who thought they were just for wheelchairs discovered how useful they were for strollers, wheeled suitcases, grocery carts, etc. In the same way, greater respect for student privacy will benefit all students. Avoiding unnecessary separation into boys and girls will help ensure equal treatment for all genders. Professional development and training will prevent misguided efforts to police student identities and expressions to fit dated stereotypes. School boards that make the effort to thoroughly understand and use Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools should avoid a lot of headaches and bad publicity. Statistically, all but the very smallest school districts already have students who are transgender, so at some point the school board will be glad to have a well thought out policy. Many of the comments reveal that there is a lot of fear and misinformation circulating about people who are transgender. These comments demonstrate the critical importance of careful policy development that involves public engagement, It is tempting to avoid that engagement because it will be difficult, but it is better to have the discussion as part of policy development than as a traumatic incident involving a particular child. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.


Protectors or Progressives!?

As one who just recently became a new mother to a beautiful little girl, this whole dissuasion feels especially important to me. What the public school system in my home state is considering is both terrifying and sickening, to put it gently. When we no longer can recognize and celebrate the God-given biology of each man/woman or boy/girl then we have stepped outside of our created design and are giving higher credence to one’s emotional or mental state - on any particular day. By opening this door (literally and figuratively), you will be inviting an onslaught of abuses into your schools. Your education centers will become a breeding ground for all sorts of atrocities and more specifically those with growing appetites as sexual predators. There was little to entice me to send my daughter to a public school before this, but this consideration is only solidifying my decision to keep her far away from this disgusting “progressiveness” that is fundamentally destroying everything good within America. When teachers and public school officials start overriding the direction of one’s biological parents, then that should be a warning to all. Unless your school funding comes from those in power that prey on children and use them for their own pleasures and abuses, then your priority should be as educators and protectors OF our children. All precautions should be put in place and remain there to protect the young men and women that will become next generation’s leaders. The time to take a stand is NOW. For the love of all that is right, good, and pure. May you all find the courage to do just that.


Support this policy

I support the policy.


I STRONGLY DISAGREE ON THIS TRANSGENDER POLICY

I dont believe that you should allow kids to choose which bathroom or locker rooms to use. It should be if you have a penis your a male if you have a vagina your a female that's shouldn't be sharing bathrooms and locker rooms.  If they are "confused" about their sex they should have their own bathroom and locker room.


Strongly opposed!!! Transgender Policy

This policy is flawed in many ways. It contradicts freedom of religion and speech. Sexuality should not be discussed with children by anyone but their parents. It’s not the schools place. Keep this horribly policy out of our public schools and make counselors available for children struggling with these things. You don’t have to alienate the majority to appease the minority here!! I’ll pray for anyone that thinks this is ok!!


Opposed to transgender policy

Opposed to transgender policy. This is sick and should not be allowed in our school system! Children have enough to be concerned about while in school, much less some sick pervert in the restroom or locker room!!!


Opposed to transgender policy

I do not approve of VDOE transgender policy guidelines.


Transgender Policy

Strongly object


Irreparable harm to innocence - irreparable harm to natural identity forming process

Implementing such policies in VA's schools  would do irreparable harm to innocence - irreparable harm to natural identity forming process. Activist employees in educational state government organizations who do NOT have the necessary medical training seem intent on imposing a culturally Marxist agenda that threatens the very fabric of society by engendering so much confusion among our children. Activist tyrants ignoring the negative impact that the issue of transgenderism inflicts on children of all ages, [considering that the seat of judgement isn't reached until well passed the early teens] should be immediately replaced. The issue is drastically reducing the competition field for young girls and women. So much for equality. The issue is drastically threatening natural development that could bring about devastating effects such as stunt growth, infertility, psychological disorders etc. So much for protecting our future generations. No to trangender Policies of any sort in Virginia Schools. Let nature, let innocence follow its course.


Strongly support safe spaces for all children

All children deserve to feel safe at their school. One way to make a vulnerable group feel safer is to enact policies to protect transgender children.  Every child I know who is transgender has had to fight to be heard and understood by their school leadership.  Passing a bill such as this would help those children feel supported by the adults around them.  Transgender teens have staggeringly high rates of death by suicide.  We can help curb this crisis by having every public school ready and able to support their transgender youth.


Irreparable harm to innocence - irreparable harm to natural identity forming process Implementing such policies in VA's schools  would do irreparable harm to innocence - irreparable harm to natural identity forming process. Activist employees in educational state government organizations who do NOT have the necessary medical training seem intent on imposing a culturally Marxist agenda that threatens the very fabric of society by engendering so much confusion among our children. Activist tyrants ignoring the negative impact that the issue of transgenderism inflicts on children of all ages, [considering that the seat of judgement isn't reached until well passed the early teens] should be immediately replaced. The issue is drastically reducing the competition field for young girls and women. So much for equality. The issue is drastically threatening natural development that could bring about devastating effects such as stunt growth, infertility, psychological disorders etc. So much for protecting our future generations. No to trangender Policies of any sort in Virginia Schools. Let nature, let innocence follow its course.


Strongly oppose

I strongly urge you not to pass this. You are setting up a he said she said and no one will come out ahead. Children are quick to learn how to manipulate the system. They will use this to get back at anyone that they feel has wronged them, that they don't like or that they want to see get hurt or embarrassed. This is not a good idea.


Transgender Curriculum

This is so wrong on so many levels. This not safe at all


I support these model policies - these students are our CHILDREN first and foremost

It is fairly clear that many of the commenters who say they oppose these policies have not taken the time to read any of the Model Policies document, and heart-wrenching that our children would be denied equitable educational access due to their gender identities. I support the adoption of these policies into the public school system. Childhood and the expected challenges of biological development are difficult enough. Please don't deny any of our kids their right to an education. The policies are those you would advocate for any educational institution: deter bullying, treat each child with respect, and honor their privacy for their individual physical and emotional development.


Vehemently Oppose

I cannot express how fundamentally wrong these policies are.  If implemented, it will not only affirm children into an identity they may not actually be, but it also discriminates against all those who wish to have privacy from the opposite sex.  Mark my words, as one who was once a student, and knows how mean they can be, this policy will be abused by predators, and our daughters will be victims, and even our sons.  Victims to a society who is impotent to know truth and right from wrong.  My children will never see the inside of a public school with these policies in place.  The supporters of this bill are child predators.


Roni Kingsley, Peace & Social Concerns Committee, Richmond Friends Meeting

Support

The Peace & Social Concerns Committee of Richmond Friends Meeting (RFM) strongly supports this guidance document. RFM openly affirms that our spiritual community strives to be a safe nurturing place for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. We further clearly and energetically advocate for full social acceptance and full legal rights and privileges for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. We therefore believe that it is essential that all students, especially those who are trans and non-binary are able to receive an education in a safe and inclusive environment. The guidance in this document is  tremendously helpful. We must protect and nurture all of our youth.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!

Why do you think it’s the schools right to implement these policies on OUR children??! When did school become about being politically correct? Stick to teaching math, science, history, English and  PE. Why would you think the majority of the parents would be okay with allowing boys in girls restrooms and locker rooms and encouraging our children to not identify with who they truly are and if it’s thought their parents called their own children a boy or girl that we are at risk from having our children taken away?! You think that’s effective? Threatening American citizens to take away their kids and report them for child abuse? This is INSANE!!! Public schools are EVIL!


Strongly Oppose This

Strongly Oppose


Family Matter Alone

This is a personal matter that is between the child and the parents / guardians of that child.  Period. Bureaucrats and professionals (usually without children ) have no right to use human beings for their social engineering experiments.  We are human beings not lab rats.


Gender Dysphoria & Public School Policy ~ VA Department of Education

As a State of Virginia tax paying citizen, I DO NOT SUPPORT the proposed policy involving students with gender dysphoria. Because of this issue, I am very thankful that I no longer have a child attending the Virginia Public School System.


Strongly Oppose

As a 19-year-old girl who spent all of my elementary, middle, and high school years in the Virginia public school system, I do not support the radical agenda behind these new policies. I can’t even begin to comprehend how immensely destructive and harmful these regulations would be towards young students. Allowing high-school age biological males to use the same bathroom facilities as women puts young girls in danger under the guise of “non-discrimination”. A school system that is willing to so blatantly disregard any differences between the sexes clearly does not care about the health and well-being of its students. The examples of “discrimination” listed in these policies directly target teachers who have traditional, scientific views of gender and prevent them from being able to hold to their convictions between and right and wrong and keep their job at the same time. It is inexcusable that these policies encourage a child’s desire to be called by a different pronoun to be deliberately kept secret from their parents, allowing families to be kept in the dark about what goes on in their own child’s life at school. How can purposefully creating a disconnect between a child and their parent ever be “healthy” for the child? These kinds of a policies have absolutely no place in the Virginia school system, and their incorporation will assuredly drive many to never send their children to public schools again.


Strongly Oppose

Imagine the ramifications of these policies in the future. Girls may be topless during PE and swimming? Any student or staff member could take photos and distribute them as child pornography. Also staff members would be encouraging behaviors without the consent of the parents/guardians? These situations need to be dealt with in therapy offices with trained professionals providing psycho education. Teachers are teachers and should not be placed in therapeutic or mentoring roles unless it is after school.


Transgender

STRONGLY OPPOSED!!


Strongly opposed

Strongly opposed. Only parents can make these kinds of decisions.


Mom and FEMINIST - advocating for girls' rights.

STRONGLY OPPOSED- what about girls/women's rights?

We are a very tolerant family and are fully opposed to bullying, harassment and discrimination. We love and have a heart for LGBT individuals that are in our lives. I draw the line with this policy where it becomes unconstitutional and you take away my daughter's rights/women's rights. No one thinks about women's rights (or boy rights). Everyone is trying to be "woke" and now at the expense of our children, who are being discriminated if they do not fall into a "Justice" category. AND further insult is to say the STATE will now "teach" parents how to raise their children.  Teachers turning parents into CPS because they are not accepting their child being a transgender. This is ludicrous and totally Marxist! VDOE and VA legislature is going to forever destroy Virginia and America, but most importantly our children.


I REJECT THIS IDEA

As you try and redirect there sexuality and confuse them to what they already see themselves as, I will not hesitate to pull my child from school and homeschool instead of having her confused. That will only cause problems to the ones to who know what they are. You take God out of school and you think parents neglect there child causing harm from telling them what they really are a girl or boy with such body parts. God only made 2 genders and that's what my children know. If you end up putting all kids together and let them walk into which ever locker rooms or bathrooms they want, there will be a chance that they will get raped. Its bad enough ya'll tolerate bullying, but this is too far. The only time something finally gets done is when something happens to the student(s). Our children are how we raise them, this is just education not yall telling them that there are more then 2 genders which its not. You either have a penis, classified as a male/boy or a vagina, classified as a female/girl. No amount of surgery will change who you were born as. If parents decide to pull children out of school because of this then you will end up like most Americans now and have no job. That wouldn't be fair would it? Why would it be fair to reset our childrens minds of their sexuality that they already identify themselves as. Its not safe for any students mind as this will cause psychological problems. I REJECT THIS IDEA.


Disagreement with This Concept

This proposed VA Dept. of Education policy promoting certain new gender concepts in K-12 public schools 1) puts students at risk of sexual harassment or assault; 2) compromises the role of family in attending to a child’s most intimate developmental needs; 3) distracts all education stakeholders away from academic matters; and 4) promotes a chaotic social and psychological environment by not only allowing students so much leeway on subjective or ill-defined matters but also imposing penalties on victims of student whims or exploitation. Would female teachers or administrators want high school males in their bathrooms?  Or, more generally, do ANY teachers or administrators want ANY students overrunning their dedicated break rooms and staff-only spaces?  And what about teachers that abuse these rules?  We can’t expect some magical age-based distinction to prevent teachers from taking advantage of youths in these sexual matters.  These rhetorical questions are meant to reinforce that, generally, the level of distraction created by this policy will be enormous.  “Distraction” is being gracious; the severest problems will be physically dangerous and psychologically unnerving. I have friends and family that are public school teachers or administrators.  They care about instruction in basic academic topics.  The VA Department of Education is ideologically betraying not only our state but also their own rank and file employees.  Classroom management and SOLs weren’t enough of a work load?  Good luck teachers!  The VA Dept of Education is re-writing your job description:  “Mere Observer of Chaos and Logical Bankruptcy.”  Forget reading and math unless it’s all about linguistic gymnastics and calculating how many liters of blood are required for a transgender surgery.


Is there a term stronger than strongly oppose?

The fact that the VDOE is even considering such action shows the folly of having such an organization in the first place.  How dare a group of faceless individuals hiding behind policies, ignore the wishes of even one parent, much less the countless millions who do not want their child mandated to witness these actions.  The department needs to stick to what it does best---dumb down the education for all!


Strongly Oppose

Honestly, consideration of such policies is beyond ridiculous. Along with tons of other problems, these policies impose burdens on others due to the "decisions" by a very small minority.


Strongly oppose this transgender policy

I strongly oppose.


Totally illegal/unconstitutional- open2 lawsuits- school choice/charter schools are more rational so

Wow! Attention all VA parents. VDOE this goes into effect Feb 4th. Feb 3rd is the last day to comment. Firstly, why aren't these issues being handled democratically and locally within each community voted on by the residents and parents who are affected by such drastic changes? #totalitarianism Secondly, how many transgender students per highschool are there for such costly measures to be taken and parental rights to be violated? Thirdly, wouldn't the ability for each parent to choose the school their transgender student would want to attend be a more optimal, feasible, and safer solution ? Would it not be more rational and cost effective to offer a school specifically for these children and those that aren't opposed to this than forcing this down the throats of those who are? What happened to "believe what you want and live your life but don't force your beliefs on me?" ____________________________________________________


Strongly oppose

If this bill passes, not only will I pull my three children out of school, but I will also quit my job at the school. This is pure insanity!


Support for Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

As a former teacher and a parent of 2 public school students, I am writing to voice my support for the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  It is important that all students enjoy an education free from harrassment and discrimination and that all students be treated with dignity, modeled by school policy and leadership.


Totally naive and unsafe for all children.

Who protects biological females from opportunists and rapists? Who protects the other 99% from false rape accusations in this politically divisive world. Very impulsive and naive among those of you who are supposed to be educated.


ABSOLUTELY NO

Absolutely no to your policy! My job as a parent is to protect my children and lead them down the best path to become an adult.  Your role is to prepare them for adulthood to help them gain the intelligence to obtain a good job.  My role as a parent is to tech life lessons and prepare them for the real world. Teaching about being transgender is the responsibility of the parent not the schools that have trouble teaching a regular curriculum!  Our school system can’t prevent bullying, fights, and discrimination!  There is no way I will allow my children to be taught something I am responsible to teach.  And I will not allow my child to use the restroom with anyone with the opposite genders genitalia. I’m not against others life decisions but I do not trust anyone’s word in this world today. Some people who truly chooses to be transgender are one thing but it only takes one predator to claim it and then what. If the school system can’t control bullying, fighting, or discrimination then I won’t have them put any child in harms way. We don’t live in a fantasy land where everyone does what they should it’s just the sad truth.  And as a child they shouldn’t be intentionally put in a situation of that magnitude. I can teach my own child how life is and prepare them for anything that may arise that way when they can mentally handle the truth of how people are they can make their decision.  So in turn I will say if the schools decide to do something that can potentially put my child in the way of harm I will remove them from that situation myself. That’s my job as a parent! I will protect my children from any potential situation even if it’s the school that decides to put them into it.                            SIGNED PROTECTIVE PARENT


Strongly opposed

This jeopardizes the privacy and safety of our children and families. God help us.


Strongly oppose this!!!

Strongly oppose this!!!


Strongly oppose

This is inappropriate and does not support family cohesiveness nor the safety of all children


School choice/charter school for those open to this idea would be more feasible and rational

Why would you not offer a "safe charter school" for those who agree with this idea as a test run before assuming liability for all schools? This is very poorly planned.


Absolutely not ok! Not safe and not according to our Christian faith! No more public schools!

As a parent of 3 school aged children and a Christian this is so wrong! This will be detrimental to these kids safety and their mental health. I am not okay with a male student coming in the locker room with my daughter while she is changing. Nor would I want my son to go in with someone else’s daughter that is just asking for problems and lawsuits. Let these kids be kids and stop pushing adult issues and agendas on them!


Strongly oppose

strongly oppose


Please Do this and Protect Trans students (Who are children as well)

Life is hard for trans/GNC students. School should be an enviroment of learning regardless as to whether or not you agree with the identity that a student is exploring. Making school a better place for our youth to not only learn, but to explore themselves is important. Enforcing the use of a name that does not cause this learning and growing being pain is important to allow education and learning to happen. Please, protect our youth.


Unnecessary

It looks like there are sufficient regulatory citations at the beginning of this policy to render the policy itself unnecessary. Bullying is already not allowed, 14th Amendment, Title IX, &c. If the redundancies were removed, all you'd have remaining is a permission slip for select kids to cross-dress at school while using the restrooms Ally McBeal-style.


Strongly Oppose

Schools should not be permitted to make any decisions regarding a student gender without the parent knowing.  Schools should not have any say so at all.


Gender Education Protect the rights of parents and children. I oppose this bill

I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIZ BILL ON GENDER EDUCATION.  THAT IS THE PARENT'S JOB NOT SCHOOLS!  TEACH CHILDREN TO RESPECT OTHERS.


Transgender policies of the D.O.E.

I strongly oppose the policies being put forth by the D.O.E.  Their role of educating our children should pertain to academic subjects. Parental rights should be supported by the D.O.E. and not weakened.  Our children do not need confusing situations going on in school.  Our girls need to feel safe going into bathrooms and boys likewise.  President Biden signed a new executive order supporting science in policy making. Prevailing science and psychology goes against progressive, unscientific views on child sexual development and is counter to this executive order. Please don't make life confusing and unsafe for our children.


Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Schools

"I t can be emotionally harmful to a transgender student to be questioned regarding the use of restrooms and facilities." Where is the documentation for this claim? Have there been any scientifically conducted studies in Virginia (or anywhere else for that matter) to support this claim? What is the proportion of formally proclaimed transgender students in relation to the normally gendered students attending school in Virginia? Have there been any studies or surveys documenting the emotional trauma on normally gendered students having to share bathroom facilities with transgendered students of the opposite biological sex? I suspect there are many more questions and genuine concerns than there are honest and sincere answers to this issue which affect the welfare of the vast majority of our students. Let us not forget the sound philosophy of John Stuart Mill in advocating for the role of good government to do the most good for the greatest number of citizens possible. As presented, the proposed changes in policy are about as close to a textbook definition of insanity as I can image. I strongly oppose them.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Trans youth need systematic support against bullying and harassment. Representation is important and necessary. This bill would not harm any cis gendered students, but would benefit trans youth who commonly suffer from depression and mental illness because of the discrimination that they face. I support!


Oppose the idea of girls and boys using the same bathrooms and locker rooms

I absolutely oppose the forced idea that my children should have to share a bathroom or locker room with anyone born with opposite genitalia. This is absurd that we should even be discussing this. It is a doorway to pedophiles and perverts to prey on our young children. It gives the pervert easier access and does not protect our children. Also, there should be no education that is taught without the parents consent when it comes to sexual education. That can be taught at home. There is no school system that needs to teach my children about Transexual or heterosexual behavior. I can handle that. I am the parent.


Oppose

I don’t believe it’s “safe for all”!  Some girls are already uncomfortable in the locker rooms and restrooms. Now add a male identifying as a female to their concerns. It’s not right to forget about these girls and boys...and why put a transgender person in that position?  It’s not healthy for them either. This is not a good plan at all. This is opening a door for any gender to enter any restroom - who are you so say they won’t have malice intentions?


Strongly Oppose

I am strongly opposed to this legislation.  It is harmful to teachers, our children and those who choose to live a transgender lifestyle.  Teachers should never be made to keep information from a child’s parents and our children should not be subjected to sharing facilities with those of the opposite sex.  Instead of passing this horrible legislation, please consider providing facilities for transgenders to use exclusively.  Passing this legislation will prove to be detrimental for many.


Strongly Oppose

Strongly oppose this bill.  Children are being brainwashed at a young age to thinking they have gender identity issues because they play with toys that don’t conform to their sex.  As a female I loved to play with my brother’s toys.   I hated to wear dresses.  Had I been born today, I would have been told to “explore” my identity and made to feel like something was wrong with me and I should identify as a boy.  And I also would have been shamed for expressing any opposition to so-called psychological experts in gender identity issues.  Kids are impressionable.  You tell them something over and over...they will believe it.  That’s child abuse.  No different from emotional abuse.  So yes I strongly oppose a law that will allow the school to take it upon themselves to talk to my kids about sex and sexual identity and brainwash them.  I also think it’s nonsense to punish another child for “bullying” because they didn’t call another kid by their preferred pronoun.  All you are doing is creating confusion for kids.   Sex is assigned at birth.  If some mentally screwed up kid thinks they are the opposite sex of their birth sex....you should be removing that kid from their home because they suffered some serious abuse there to think otherwise.  I oppose Virginia enacting laws that inflict emotional and psychological abuse on our children.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose the sharing of bathrooms/locker rooms between members of the opposite sex, who were born with different genitals.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

As someone who has in Virginia my entire life, I find it outright disgusting that so many of these comments are just genuinely anti-human rights. People should have the right to do as they please, and this just facilitates an entire lifestyle of people to live their genuine lives. We should always fight for the lives of people, minority or not, and this bill serves in the best interest of the most people. It should be common sense, shocking that it's not.


Transgender bill

I do not support this bill. Get back to teaching basics in education to prepare students for jobs and real life.  Stop this transgender teaching and taking away the rights of anyone who questions the reality of biological gender by using different pronouns. Changing the pronouns gets confusing. And having biological males in the locker room and bathroom with biological females


Strongly Support

The amount of transphobia and bigotry I'm seeing in the comments is frankly appalling. Trans kids should be able to live their lives free of this discrimination.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

My children have rights as well. We are a "traditional", God fearing Christian family. We do not hate people that think differently than us, but I am sick of having others opinions and desires always come before ours. If the school system decides to pass this ridiculous law, I will be praying for anyone that had a hand in it. If these transgender students can't figure out what bathroom they need to use then maybe they need to be educated. Not my sons, or the majority of students in the Virginia education system. It's simple, if you have a penis, then use the male bathroom and if you have a vagina, you use the female bathroom. If that is too difficult then the state needs to fund school systems to add a 3rd option for restrooms where transgender students can go. Label it with a question mark since they are the ones who are questioning what they are. That way, the majority of people can still have the right to feel comfortable when having to use the restroom. Stop trying to shove these liberal ideas down everyone's throat and just teach the academics. Some things are not the responsibility of the education system. It is absolutely the responsibility of the families. When you spend time on these ideas, you are taking away from the time you should be spending on the academics and how to improve on a flawed system.


Strongly oppose

We are writing to let you know that we strongly oppose this passing in our public schools. we send our children to school for their education. we expect for them to be in a safe environment during their school day amongst peers who are there for the same reason. There has always been bathrooms and locker rooms for each sex (boy and girl) and kept separate for a reason. At no point do we feel it would be safe or responsible for the opposite sex to be using the restroom or changing together. we stand for what the Bible teaches us which is there are two genders. We are not saying we don’t love someone who may be struggling with identifying their sexuality but we do believe they need help pointing them to what the word says they are and who God made them to be. Not just pacify the situation and allow them to do whatever they want in the school setting. In doing this you can believe it will set our school system up for way more issues to arise in opening these doors. If this is to pass we will be pulling our children from the public school setting and home schooling. But we will not back down and will continue to fight for our religious rights to be recognized and respected.


This is extreme

The school can provide a respectful and safe environment without the threat of taking children away from their parents. This puts educators in a tough situation. If they don't agree with all aspects of this, what happens to them?


Oppose

I oppose this legislation.  In terms of restrooms, direct children who are questioning to use the restroom in the nurse's office or designate  another bathroom for that purpose.  Secrecy or separation from a minor child's parents should not even be considered. Given the state of many VA schools related to Covid-19, it should make everyone wonder why attention is being taken from getting our children the best education.


Oppose VDOE Model Guidelines

I oppose the proposed VDOE Model Guidelines  because they do not provide safe and sound guidelines for students and teachers and would open the public schools to litigation. They should be revised to protect the rights, dignity, privacy, and safety of everyone involved.


Strongly Opposed. Creates more problems than it solves.

The majority of the students and their families would be affected negatively. Most of the none-transgender students would be uncomfortable using the bathrooms and lockers room in the presence of transgender students. The number of transgender students in these facilities and sports teams may become highly disbalanced. It opens the door for policy abusement and accusations in either direction. Instead of solving a problem, the policy leads to higher tension between students, staff and families as the policy comments suggest.


strongly oppose

You are putting thousands of kids at risk or humiliation or sexual attack for the needs of a few.  We all have to do things in our lives that makes us uncomfortable so using your gender specific restrooms and locker rooms in school is not going to kill anyone. As a parent of a teenage high school girl it is appalling to think you would even consider putting her in a situation of not feeling safe to change clothes or use a bathroom.


Dangerous Policy

This policy I dangerous to the mental health of young children and will create confusion and instability in vulnerable youngsters. I do NOT support this. Students should be safe from gender confusion. This policy will encourage gender confusion. It is contrary to science. Please do not pass this.


Strongly opposed

I can only see really negative things coming from enacting this. As an adoptive mom who is raising children from institutions this policy just screams trauma and abuse to little children and teenage girls. And quite bluntly I would also be concerned about teenage boys who are straight and "unpopular" being bullied by "strong jocks" forcing them to use the girls bathroom. This is also strongly against a trusting parent/child relationship and Christianity. Why not just make some individual bathrooms?


Transgender policy

Where's the science behind this? There are only two genders. Male and female. You are what your DNA says you are. You are promoting confusion. It's is your job to teach factual biology not make believe tales. Thank God my kids are out of school but I'll make sure my grandkids do not attend public indoctrination camps. And the teachers and faculty that go along with this nonsense should be ashamed of their selves.


Strongly Agree

Public schools are a place where all children should feel accepted and valid, regardless of their race, sexuality and, yes, gender identity. Federal, state, and local governments all have an OBLIGATION to support the children within the education system, and Virginia is no exception. Parents who are opposed for religious reasons have alternative schooling options. Religion and school are kept separate for a reason. Locker rooms shouldn't be a concern as they are monitored by school staff. "Predators" can exist as any gender or sexuality, so keeping them out of the restroom they identify with really only affects them. Along the same lines, there is no evidence that has shown transgender people to be more likely to be predators, nor has there been evidence to show that there has been predators who pretend to be transgender for these reasons. I believe public institutions should treat everyone the same, especially when it's somewhere they're forced to be. And thinking anything less is the least patriotic, least free thought anyone could have about this issue.


Strongly oppose

Strongly oppose gender promotion in tax payer funded schools for the protection


Strongly Support

I strongly support the guidance. As a member of the GLBTQ community and having experienced bullying and harassment as a student growing up I strongly support any policies that make our schools a safer place for transgender and non-binary students.


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

Strongly oppose this mode of thinking.  It's short sighted.  You should be able to see the Pandora's Box of woes that it will bring.  Instead of making things easier for children, you're welcoming them into a downward spiral of confusion and misery in living life.


Strongly oppose. Creates a punitive environment.

Violates the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. I’m disappointed. I thought we were last this, but here we are, 100 years later...


Treatment of Transgender Students

No response to this email is necessary. Thank you for the opportunity to share. I am opposed.  God created man in His image and assigned to each person our gender.  It is not our decision and to promote gender change should be kept out of our schools.


Transgender Policies

I am strongly opposed to any policy that ignores the natural biological gender of an individual.  If they are biologically male then they are male and should be referred to as such.  If they are biologically female then they are female and should be referred to as female . The state of Virginia should stop this nonsense and stay as far away from the transgender ideology as possible.


strongly oppose

I would like to be able to write something that would convince everyone that this is such a terrible idea and will open the doors for so much hurt and discrimination of children that do believe they are male or female. This is already happening to kids who do not agree with the new norm. The confusion of our young children and loss of parental guidance will be overwhelming. I do not know why we want the school system raising our children and teaching them our values. I really don't think anything anyone writes here will change the minds of people though. I just wanted to go on record as being opposed to this . l I pray for our school system and the children of today. God helps us all.


No

i most definitely do not want this allowed anywhere! There are to many sick people out here that will take advantage and go into what ever bathroom! Boys should stay in boys and girls in girls bathrooms. If your a person with a gender set that you where not born with then use the one you where born with not hard and doesn’t cause any harm to u or anyone else. Causes all these bad things of peepers and wrong part touchers or even rapest to keep away! Don’t allow them to be able to go into the opposite bathroom!!!!


Strongly Disagree

I do not even see how this should be voted on.  Talk about overreach.


Oppose

I oppose this


oppose

Bigotry and discrimination should be condemned and legislation should be created to protect the weak. But this model policy does none of that. By continuing the sexual confusion in our adolescents the VDOE is not helping transgender students but is simply harming all students. By allowing students to create a vision of their own gender identification, we are creating a school system that will lose any sense of sexual identity and sexual difference. This false reality will not only confuse our kids, but it will harm many.


Absolutely not!!!!

Please say no! I am not agents anybody not of different genders or skin color but this is just asking for trouble! There are to many peepers, touchers, dirty talking/minded, sexually assaulting people out there! I don’t want to worry about my children or myself or anyone for that matter being wrongly looked at or touched or even video taped in the bathroom! Say NO! It doesn’t harm the transgender or anyone else to use the bathroom of the gender they where born with and it keeps them and everyone else safe and away from all the wrong that would come from this! If they wanna do something like this have a offset bathroom for both genders but allow the usual two that are strictly for boy and girl!


Va Policy for Transgender Students

Oppose


Oppose Va policy for transgender students

oppose!


Support

I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. my 18 yo nephew was murdered 3 years ago today.    He was openly gay and killed by a (closet bisexual) openly homophobic older man  he was bullied in school and never felt part of any group.  Maybe,  just maybe if schools were tolerant he would still be alive.  Maybe if schools taught tolerance and equality the murderer would have not hated himself and killed Cole.  Every child deserves equal love, support, and education from all teachers. To some people equality threatens them,  to others it is life and death.   While the average life expectancy of a trans person is up for debate, we call all agree it is not that of a cisgender.  If school equal rights can change that, why wouldn’t we consider the change. Every small step counts.  We are all humans.  Please consider my nephew and other LGBTQ as humans not sexually charged freaks. Thank-you, Sarah Campbell


Strongly Support

Enough of the religious indignation - they are human beings who have rights, too. Inclusivity helps everybody adjust to and appreciate what they aren't going to be able to erase with the verses from a holy book they've choosen to interpret their own way. I served for all Americans to have equal rights.


Strongly Support these measures

Thank you for considering these measures to ensure the safety and well being of all students.


Strongly Oppose

I am opposed to any special treatment or provisions for transgender people.  I don't dislike or "hate" gay people, or any person if they choose to become transgender.  I, myself am a flawed person with plenty of my own shortcomings, but the desire to become transgender is clearly a sign of being deeply insecure and/or confused at their core being.  What I would be in favor of would be our state and federal agencies helping with counseling for those who are at risk of falling prey to such a destructive way of life.  Sadly, there are so many underage children who are deceived by their own parents and peers who steer them toward becoming transgender.  So sad and such a deception.


Elwood Schrock - former high school coach

Very strongly oppose VDOE Transgender policies

As a former high school coach, I strongly oppose the VDOE policies for the treatment of transgender students in the public school system.   I believe adopting the proposed transgender policies would eventually mean the end of girls' high school sports as we know them.  And the physical safety of girls as well as the emotional stability of all students would be endangered.


DOE Proposed transgender policies

I and my family are totally opposed to the new proposed transgender policies by the DOE.  What are you thinking?  Parents are at the center of decisions regarding their child and this new policy completely bypasses them.  I would not want my daughter changing clothes or going to the bathroom in the presence of a biological male or the reverse for my son.  You all have gone off the deep end if you think we are going to stand for this. In addition if I were a teacher I would not want my job jeopardized by the inadvertent use of an incorrect pronoun on such a fluid thing as gender identity which on any given day can change without my ever knowing about it.  Please grow a brain and reconsider this dangerous and ill-advised policy change. Thank you.


As a school nurse I know how confusing sexual identity can be for students.  They want clarity, not more confusion.


Oppose  Dept. of Education Proposed Transgender Policy

I strongly oppose the Virginia Dept. of Education's seeking to impose a transgender policy on public elementary and secondary schools.  Forcing schools to allow boys to use girls' bathrooms, and vice versa, and teachers to have to use 'preferred pronouns' for confused children is asking for more mental and emotional confusion in our children.


Strongly Support

Our children, whatever their needs, require schools to support them and to have plans to meet their unique needs.  Children spend hours a day in school and how safe they feel at school dictates how well they learn and their future success.  These recommended policies will ensure our children have the space and acceptance to be who they are and to have their needs met.


Strongly support


The plan needs a lot of revision

Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and no one should be subjected to harassment.  That being said, this policy has some glaring issues: Page 11, para 2: “Regardless of the circumstances, the school should support the student’s need for privacy and not disclose a student’s gender identity to other students or parents.” Not informing the parents.  I could see this maybe for a HS kid, but what about the younger ones?  You really want to keep parents in the dark about stuff their child may be going through in elementary school. Page 12, para 2: “School divisions should accept a student’s assertion of their gender identity without requiring any particular substantiating evidence, including diagnosis, treatment, or legal documents.  A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth.  This should involve more than a casual declaration of gender identity, but it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity” Which is it?  The student needs to be consistent, or they do not need to provide any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity? Page 17, Para 2: “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom” So no time in gender requirements (see page 12 para 2), and no questioning, I could see a few lawsuits heading your way VDOE. Page 13, para 1:  “In the situation when parents or guardians of a minor student (under 18 years of age) do not agree with the student’s request to adopt a new name and pronouns, school divisions will need to determine whether to respect the student’s request, abide by the parent’s wishes to continue using the student’s legal name and sex assigned at birth, or develop an alternative that respects both the student and the parents.” This is not your lane VDOE.  This is a family concern. Page 16, para 2: “It is important that school divisions adopt policies and procedures that are focused on the safety of all students and seek to address privacy interests in situations involving individuals undressing or showering.” Agree. Page 17, para 1:  “Students should be allowed to use the facility that corresponds to their consistently asserted gender identity.” Wait what?  Did you read page 16 paragraph 2, or page 12 paragraph 2?


Please reject the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools as they are harmful to children and undermine the rights of parents and families.  Thank you


transgender leg

Iam strongly opposed support of transgender ed and acceptance


Focus on Education

I want my kids to go to school to learn how to read and write. I want my kids to learn how to do math, learn about history and science - the foundations. I agree that all people deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Teachers in the school system have enough pressure and responsibility to education a classroom of 20-30 children at a time. To enter this topic into the equation and have all this policy change makes no sense. The government is trying to get way to involved in the nitty gritty. I oppose these new policies.


Very Strongly Oppose VDOE Transgender Policies

Seriously? "biological male using same facility as daughter", "all students use any bathroom they choose", "parents who encourage their child to embrace God given sex are at risk of child abuse".  What is the matter with your common sense? How can you put children through such a thing? Where is your sense of moral behavior or protection of children's modesty? How can you say you appropriately represent voters in this state?


Oppose this  policy

I believe adopting the proposed transgender policies would eventually mean the end of girls' high school sports.  And  the emotional stability of all students would be endangered.


a parent who wants to be engaged in education

Oppose this destruction of the family

Parents should train the child and school support the parent not the other way around.


Transgender in schools

I oppose trangender policy in schools.


I am against this policy

This policy of hiding information from parents will be detrimental to the children's development, the elevation of teachers' control (without the love and the compassion and understanding needed to deal with the emotional needs of children) and breakdown of the family unit.  Secrets never help.


Oppose the policy -- teachers do not know my child

Any parent/parents with emotional, ethical and moral maturity mindset know that their knowledge of what is best for their child,  or have the time to deal with the underlying   issues.  There must be deeper problems here if child has to hide truth from parents.


School Transgender Policy

I do not approve of the guidelines proposed for how schools handle the transgender issue. God has given parents the responsibility to raise their children.  For them to be denied the knowledge of issues in their child's life at school is to deny them a basic right.  Children are very vulnerable and for the majority of children in schools under such regulations there will be cause for much confusion, fear and anxiety every day that they go to school if they will have to be exposed to what you suggest in the restrooms and locker rooms.  Imposing these regulations on teachers and students will surely produce children who are mentally and socially unstable, and cause many good teachers to leave the profession.


boys joining girls' teams will wreck the programs

If your daughter is working hard at learning and strengthening for a sport and a group of boys join the team who are better equipped physically, this will seriously damage my child's spirit of competition and school spirit.


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

I strongly support the model policies for transgender youth. Transgender rights are human rights.


SUPPORT VDOE Model transgender student policy

I strongly support the Virginia Department of Education's model policy for the protection of transgender and other non-binary students in Virginia public schools. Like all students, these students deserve the chance to get an education free of harassment and discrimination. My support is grounded in my Unitarian Universalist faith, which supports "the inherent worth and dignity of every person." Thank you.


Support Trans Youth

As the Mother of a spectacular 15-year old trans boy, I encourage the adoption of these common sense guidance.  Ensuring that ALL children are kept safe, treated with respect and support should be the objective of every parent.  I want my child to thrive AND I want EVERY child to thrive.


Strongly oppose

I oppose this policy that is set to go forward. This is NOT the schools system duty.  This is wrong on many levels. I OPPOSE!


School Counselor emphatically supports!

As a school counselor, I see the strong need for a policy such as this. For some students, it could literally be a matter of life and death. Suicide rates and mental health issues are MUCH higher in LGBTQ+ youth typically related to a lack of support systems. For those that oppose this policy, please consider that all individuals have the right to explore their identity and that is a big piece of what this policy is about...supporting young people and providing a safe space as they determine who they are.


STONGLY OPPOSE

Please consider our women and girls. Once again women are not being treated fairly. Not only is the safety of our girls being compromised, but their ability to fairly compete in sports is being taken away. I'm appalled that this is even being considered. Where in the world is common sense anymore?


Absolutely disgusting.  God gave us genders. Strongly disagree

Absolutely disgusting.  People need to read your Bible's God gave us a gender when we are born .


Strongly OPPOSE Transgender Policy

Gender does not determine sexual preference. During a time of such growing, forming, and changing in our children's lives, they should not be allowed in the same locker rooms/bathroom with opposite anatomy. If any penises are allowed in girl's locker rooms and lusty eyes are allowed to watch our daughters in a state of undress, irresponsible! And having a daughter who was bullied, I know the lack of teeth the school has for dealing with any kind of bad behavior. Biological boys should not be allowed to compete with biological girls in sports. And any school that refuses to talk with parents about their child's mental health should be sued for every last penny. Schools are supposed to be helping us raise our children in a cooperative way. Parents should be notified if their child feels uncomfortable at school for ANY reason. I think this will be detrimental to both sis and trans kids. Yes, protect children who believe they are the wrong gender. But do not do it at the detriment of them, their parents, and all the other children. Reform these policies, or scrap them.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!

I strongly support the draft model guidance. These policies, as drafted, do not fringe on any students' rights while affording basic civil rights to transgender/nonbinary/gender fluid/diverse students. We must support all students, and these policies do just that.


Strongly oppose VDOE draft policy for the treatment of transgender students

While I affirm the dignity of all people, I strongly oppose the VDOE draft policy on treatment of transgender students for several reasons. The policy includes inaccurate statement of the law in the “Related Laws” section.  The Supreme Court has not yet interpreted the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution to include gender identity or sexual orientation as a protected class.  These protections do exist in some of the other laws quoted in the policy. The group developing the policy did not reflect the principle of diversity and inclusiveness it purports to champion.  In addition to the many professional educators, a number of LGBTQ advocacy group representatives were included.  However, the group clearly did not seek to include viewpoints, such as religious groups, that need to be considered in this conversation.  Only a policy that is developed after being informed by all viewpoints, whether or not those views are ultimately adopted, will ultimately be fully supported by students, parents, and school staff. The policy would allow a transgender person's expression of their gender identity at the expense of the other students' right to privacy.  Unless school districts will have coeducation locker rooms with individual changing stalls, and bathrooms similarly configured for privacy, a heterosexual young man or young woman will be compelled to undress in front of someone who, while they may identify with one gender, nonetheless maintains the physical characteristics of another gender.  This will cause embarrassment, and perhaps even trauma, on many, many students.  Any government policy to accommodate transgender students may not be at the expense of the privacy rights of other students. 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. “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) 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. “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) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) The policy unreasonably interferes with the rights of parents to raise their children with a worldview that is informed by religious beliefs.  This is not to say that public schools cannot teach about transgender.  However, parents need to be involved in any conversations about sexuality, particularly in elementary school age children and adolescents.  Under draft policy schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing.  Parents who encourage their children to embrace their birth gender could be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “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) “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) Finally, 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.


oppose this policy of undermining the family

Oppose school intrusion into the family


Trangender policy in schools

STRONGLY AGAINST


strongly disagree

This is disgusting I strongly disagree


STRONGLY OPPOSE- protect our school children

You need not look any further than the absolute corruption in our society to see that mixing girls and boys in locker rooms, bathrooms, etc. is a bad idea for regular students just wanting to play sports, go to the bathroom, etc. Why not have a single locker room which is gender neutral, in addition to the men's and women's SINGLE SEX locker rooms/bathrooms? This protects the gender-confused person and the straight ones. Please don't impose a sexual slippery slope on our children. I know that when we give the state a little, you will take a lot.


STRONGLY OPPOSE transgender policy.

For these reasons, please safeguard the physical and emotional health of our children by vetoing the proposed transgender policies. Requiring school staff to facilitate a student’s feelings regarding gender expression without the knowledge of his/her parents, is an egregious power grab by the state and undermines the God-given authority of parents to insure their children’s welfare.  Children live with parents precisely because they lack maturity and experience. Allowing students to have access to the bathroom of choice exposes girls, in particular, to all kinds of sexual violations. It is the business of public schools to facilitate the development of intelligence and instruct students to become productive members of society.  The school should not be in the business of promoting highly controversial social policy. From a scientific viewpoint, children’s frontal lobes are highly undeveloped.  To allow or even encourage them to make irreversible hormonal and surgical decisions is incongruous, heightening their risks of heart attack, stroke, diabetes. Lastly, these regulations provide no exceptions for those who disagree with them.  I urge you to guard the wellbeing of our children by refusing to adopt the new proposed policies.  Thank you.


STRONGLY support

I strongly support the draft model guidance. As drafted, these policies do not fringe on any students' rights while affording basic civil rights to transgender/nonbinary/gender fluid students. We must support all students, and these policies do just that. Transgender/nonbinary/gender fluid students deserve a classroom free of harassment and discrimination, strong protections from bullying and consequences for those bullying them, and the other basic protections afforded by these policies.  Thank you for keeping our children safe and treated in a manner which supports every student in achieving his, her, or their success.


This policy will NOT protect LGBTQ children

Students who are LGBTQ-confused should not be encouraged to act out in these various sexualities, but should be empowered to identify the way they were created with counselors that encourage them in the ways of virtue . A co-ed locker room is only adding to their sexual confusion and will therefore create more mental health problems. I'm seriously concerned about the mental health issues in these poor confused children, and think that a gender-neutral locker room is the answer.


Transgender School policy

Strongly Oppose!


New transgender policies: ignorance or cowardice?

Are we too dumb to follow the science? Or are we simply being cowed by political correctness? Have we thought through the ramifications of these policies?


Oppose in the strongest terms

I’m all for equal rights for every single child, and I’m extremely anti-bullying. That being said, please use some common sense. This is a terrible idea, and it will lead to dire consequences. Bathrooms are based on genitals, not gender identities. Common sense idea: Build private bathrooms for those who don’t feel safe using the communal bathrooms. That’s the real issue here: safety. No one deserves to be bullied, and no one deserves to feel unsafe - especially when using the bathroom. I could tear this whole proposal apart point by point, but this is the only thing that really matters to me in the long run. I don’t agree with any of these proposed changes to school policy, except for the idea that we should be working to improve the safety of the school for the good of our children. If you really want to do some good for the children, actually enforce your anti-bullying rules and stop letting violence go unpunished.


From a transgender student...

As drafted, this policy gives what I wish I had while growing up in Fairfax County Public Schools. This policy will protect and help transgender students, without infringing on the rights of cis students. This policy will protect transgender students from discrimination, as well as giving cis students more resources to educate themselves and be more mindful of their friends. This is a wonderful policy, and I support it whole-heartedly.


Supporting Trans Youth

Hi, to anyone who reads this. As someone who attended FCPS from secondary school onward, I think that this policy will be very beneficial to trans students, their families, and to their friends and allies. This guidance will allow trans students to feel safe, welcome, and protected in their school environment. Guidance creates an avenue through which understanding can be found for school faculty too, so they can make decisions that empower students. Discrimination and bullying are very real, and I am pleased that FCPS could have this in place for future students.


Strongly Oppose the VDOE draft Transgender policy


There's a reason mental health continues to deteriorate in this nation. Supporting policies like this only act to worsen mental health for kids and societies as a whole, and will lead to increased self-harm due to kids experiencing heightened cognitive dissonance based on how they were raised and society trying to change their beliefs and throw out Christianity. I will find an alternative school system for my future children before I will allowed them to be polluted with sinful ideology propagated by an inept school system.


THIS HARMS GIRLS.

These outrageous, disgusting proposals deny basic biology, human nature, and common sense. How dare the schools allow adolescent males into ladies' bathrooms? What is to prevent a man from "identifying" as a woman so he can go assault one of them? Our sisters and daughters will never be able to enter a restroom without fear of being preyed upon by the opportunistic sex predators this document empowers.  Are its writers blindly naive or diabolically malicious?


I strongly support the VDOE model policy for the protection of transgender and other nonbinary students in Virginia public schools. Like all children, these children deserve the right to obtain an education free of harassment and discrimination. My viewpoint is grounded in my Unitarian Universalist faith, which supports "the inherent worth and dignity of every person." Thank you.


Regarding Justice

As a former student of Fairfax County Public Schools, I think it important that all children of future generations be granted the opportunity to experience education without discrimination because of who they are. I will posit this as a question of justice. Justice, per St. Thomas Aquinas, is found in pursuing the good of others. How, then, might these policies in support of transgender students bring about justice? Let us first consider the good of transgender students. It is surely to their good that they be treated with dignity and inherent self-worth, like all other students. It is to their good that their gender identity not be made a point of judgment or disapprobation. It is to their good that not be judged for the bodies into which they were born nor over which they have much control. It is to their good that it is made clear that society values them for who they are as opposed to who others might prefer that they be. It is to their good that they not be forced to repress their true selves to their own physical, emotional, and psychological detriment, even to the point of suicide as is the case for too many transgender members of our society. For non-transgender students, it is to their good that they learn to be accepting and tolerant of those that are different from them. It is to their good that they not grow up around societal structures that reinforce prejudices, particularly those rooted in identity. It is to their good that they examples of positive inclusion. It is to their good to see others thrive when they are given the chance to do so. For teachers, it is to their good that they not be asked to enforce unjust and irrational policies that injure a portion of the students in their care. So, I will say that it is, as much as it is anything else, in the interests of justice to pursue this policy. I am in support.


Strongly opposed to proposed policy

I am strongly opposed to the DOE proposed transgender policy.  I will not send my child to a school that withholds information about my child, or has conversations privately without my consent with my child that are outside of our religious beliefs.  I will not be removed from my child’s life and have my duties as a parent removed by a government institution.


VDOE transgender proposal for schools

My husband and I strongly object to the VDOE draft proposal of a new policy regarding transgender ideology in our schools It would interfere with parental rights and responsibilities, puts more stress on teachers and students alike (re pronouns and names in everyday speech),privacy issues regarding bathroom and locker room facilities, even proposes to enforce clothing issues. In addition it disregards the sensitivities of teachers, students and administrators whose religious faith or conscience prevents them from accepting the “transgender “ ideology. All people regardless of their inclinations are entitled to safety from bullying and harassment but the policy is extreme and unacceptable.


Strongly oppose!

Strongly Oppose!


Strongly Support

I strongly support the measures outlined by this policy proposal. Young transgender people experience hoards of violence and discrimination in all aspects of life and their schools should be doing all they can to support them. Protections like these are long overdue.


Strongly Oppose

My husband and I strongly oppose the VDOE implementing this transgender policy. The government has no right to step into the role that parents have been given to guide their children in these types of matters.  Also, what are you even thinking allowing both genders to use the same bathroom?  This is going to lead to all kinds of other issues!  We need to be protecting our children, not caving to those who want everything politically correct.


STRONGLY AGREE

TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. EVERYBODY PEES.