Students can't have skirts too short, but now they can see the opposite gender naked???

I 100% agree that students should not be bullied for their beliefs. Absolutely no issues with that. None. Definitely should be implemented. However. Here are some MAJOR concerns. The most recent statistic is 0.42% of people identify as trans.....0.42%. Let me say it again.... 0.42% ......why in the WORLD would the 99.58% of the population need to submit THEIR thought processes, values, beliefs and rights for less than 1% of the populations opinion? Our country is literally founded and runs on majority rule. But we are going to use this one circumstance, based on 0.42% of the populations FEELINGS to completely strip away the rights of the 99.58%??? The rules about students being able to choose which gender they can be is ABSOLUTELY unacceptable. A person cannot drive until they are 16, vote until they are 18, drink or smoke until they are 21....but they are considered mature enough to change their entire identity based on feelings??? Students cannot even wear baggy pants to school....but they can now see the opposite sex naked? Non-transgender children have rights as well. But their voice or beliefs no longer matter? So if my son wants to go into the locker room to change, he now has ZERO choice to go to a place where there will be no females. This also opens up opportunity for harassment in the OTHER direction. If a teacher or a student accidentally refers to another human being by she/her he/him based on appearance ( a normal, natural and logical response) and that student gets upset for not being called the "proper" pronoun. Who/what then is at fault? Logic? Or feelings? Will the student or teacher be the one at fault for assuming a perfectly logical thing? Again, we are opening the door up to further issues. If a young, perverted male student decides that he wants to go into the girls locker room (or vis versa). There will be NOTHING stopping him after the words "I'm a female" are uttered. These rules are not protecting young women or men from this kind of sexual harassment. I am absolutely appalled that society is allowing, no, FORCING this ideology on young impressionable minds. Students are no longer encouraged to be themselves but to instead, fall under the delusion that the only way that they can be "truly themselves" is to change absolutely everything about themselves and mutilate their bodies. If a person cannot change other biological factors about themselves, then it is absolute insanity to believe that there is an exception. Why then could a student not identify as a graduated 20 year old and have a relationship with a teacher? Where are the boundaries if rules about nature and biology lie within oneself and individual decision? It is disheartening that there is such a strange shift in society that now accepts psychological disorders in children that need HELP and counseling as realities instead of doing everything they can to actually understand the child and what they are dealing with inside. Please don't even get me started on the suicide rates of transgenders persons... You are opening the doors for other students rights and voices to be completely ignored, for harassment in ways you are not even considering, sexual assault, lawsuits, and harm to children who may actually be needing your HELP. Stop the bullying, of course, but do not take away the rights of the 99.58% for this.


Strongly Disagree!!! to Statewide Transgender School Policies being proposed

Faculty and students should not be required to use “preferred pronouns,” which may change from day to day (Recommended Standard, p.10). Schools should not be permitted to help students explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression, without the knowledge of their parents (Recommended Standard, p.12). Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex should not be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect (Recommended Standard, p.13).  A gender-neutral dress code should not be allowed; this includes the fact that boys should not be permitted to wear skirts, and girls should not be permitted to go topless in activities where boys can do so, such as swimming activities or team activities (Draft Policy, p.16).  All students should not be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose (Draft Policy, p.18).  The ability of any person being permitted to use any bathroom/locker room is alarming for the safety particularly of children. The thought of boys/young men in the same changing facilities as girls/young women is shocking and an invitation for all kinds of sexual violations and abuse. This should not be allowed. Everyone should have to use the bathroom that represents their medically defined biological sex at birth.


Strongly Oppose - Protect Children

Children are not of the age of moral reasoning until they are close to 26 years of age.  That is why insurance allows parents to carry them on their policies till 25.  There is a reason why children have parents, the schools are not qualified to enter into this area with children.  Science and studies show that the majority of children that are confused over these things, grow out of them and if for some reason they do not then seeing a doctor or a therapist is the avenue to take.  Schools  are supposed to teach reading, writing, math and teach problem solving skills, not life choices, stay out of this lane, not your call or area of expertise. Children think that eating snacks all day is healthy, we do not let them do it because it is not good for them to fill up on junk.  Children think that it is okay to stay up all night watching TV, we do not let them do it because it is not good for them, they need their rest.  Children want to drive cars way earlier than is legal, we do not let them drive till they have had a learners permit, because it is not safe. Many more examples, but please stop pushing this agenda on little minds.  It is cruel and wrong  to manipulate children.


Strongly Support!!

My niece is a transgender student in Virginia public schools.


Support

SUPPORT


Strongly Opposed

This is not appropriate


Oppose this policy

This policy is not needed in our public school system.  Transgender students are already protected by policies in place for ALL students.  In fact, policies in place for ALL/EVERY student prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying (which is being proposed by this policy).  It is not the schools job or purpose to push this policy especially when a pre-existing policy covers ALL students.


Equitable oppression.


Please pass these Bill's and protect transgender students

How someone performs in society should be the deciding factor of acceptability, not their sexual orientation or gender identity. Protections for transgender students are as important as protections for BIPOC students or even female students. Emotional and physical trauma that occur in our public schools can have devastating and long-lasting effects on our citizenry and we should protections should be provided for all at-risk groups. Please pass these bills. Protections for our transgender students are needed now more than ever. Thank you for your consideration. Andy Nishida Richmond, VA


encourages children to deny or disdain their biologic gender

This policy mischaracterizes watchful waiting as unsupportive. Schools should acknowledge that changes happen as the brain develops and that the ultimate outcome is unknown at an early age.  Children should be allowed the freedom of self-expression without having to  adhere to a label that may not fit in the future. As it pertains to bathrooms, this policy encourages transgender children to ignore or perhaps even mourn their biological gender.  We can affirm the rights of children to explore and develop their identity without encouraging them to disdain their anatomy.  There is no compelling reason why bathrooms should be selected on the basis of identified rather than biologic gender. There is clearly a need for more research on safety and long-term outcomes of a gender affirming approach.


No

Girls should not be subjected to this. I’m all for others having what they need, so give it to them separately. Girls if any age deserve privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms and penises should not be allowed. Girls have rights too.


Protect Trans and Non-binary Youth!

As a clinical mental health provider for youth and families and a college educator, I fully support this guidance which affirms the health, safety and well-being of transgender, non-binary and gender nonconforming youth.  It is a widely established fact in the fields of medicine, psychology and education that best practice for the health, safety and well-being of youth is affirming gender identity.  In light of the wealth of research on the impact of hostile and discriminatory school environments on the mental health of transgender and non-binary youth(thetrevorproject.org; hrc.org), adopting this guidance to ensure all schools in Virginia develop and implement specific, explicitly affirming policies and protections for transgender and non-binary youth is not only best practice, it is life saving action.


Oppose

Not a good idea folks!!


STRONGLY WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORT

Transgender and nonbinary rights are human rights.  Schools should be inclusive.


Strongly Oppose - Protect the Children

Please do not do this to our children.


I strongly oppose this policy

I strongly oppose this policy.


I love these changes!

These changes will help so many youth lead better lives. Thank you for recognizing them for who they are and who they may become if they're treated humanely.


Trans and Non-Binary Student Protections

I fully support these guidelines. Schools must serve ALL students. It is our responsibility to meet them where they are and teach them to successfully navigate their individual challenges. We cannot do this if we are also having to protect them from their colleagues and ours. ALL students deserve to feel safe and welcome in school.


Approve: Follow policy, law, and science over bigotry

Please pass this. It’s comprehensive, compassionate and based on law, policy and science. It’s hard enough to be transgender. School support is essential. ALL students need a safe, affirming, welcoming environment to learn and grow. Religious bigotry and fear mongering hurts everyone. Please pass this and unite our county.


Protect and support trans students

trans students deserve to feel supported and safe at school. These measures are an absolute minimum to help students feel safe and able to learn. In no way does a trans student being protected in school harm any other student unless they think that being a violent transphobe is a right. Teaching kids about diversity and learning to love and accept others is an important part of school, and definitely something many of the adults writing comments could learn more about. To every trans kid, you are loved and so important.


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose your recommendations and guidelines for transgender students/people in school bathrooms and locker rooms. I am the mother of a female student and you are infringing on her rights to privacy in the girls bathroom and locker room. As a young girl and even now I don’t feel comfortable changing clothes around other girls much less a MAN!!! You are putting my child’s safety at risk when you say it is ok for a biological male to go in the girls bathroom/ locker room because he feels like he is a girl. This gives boys/men the excuse to go in the bathroom to look at a girl naked or even  rape her! There is no problem with you giving transgender people their own bathroom or changing area but their rights should not be more important than other peoples rights! The transgender population is less then 1% of the population and you are giving them rights over the majority! I hope in your liberal ways your child or daughter don’t get raped from choosing to do this! Wouldn’t that be a shame!!! sincerely ed Va citizen! DJamerson


Regarding the transgender bathroom policy in public schools.

I strongly oppose!!! No!!!


Transgender support

As a transgender person, I fully support this policy. It is the Kind of well thought out and kind thing I wish was implemented when I was still in school


Strongly opposed

Among many other concerning aspects of this policy, it undermines the rights and responsibilities of parents to protect and care for their children. This policy seeks to place the state, in the form of school personnel, between parents and children.  There are myriad challenges that children will go through, especially during adolescence, and parents should always be the most trusted confidants, coaches, allies, authorities, and advisors.  Just as children will make mistakes in childhood, parents will make mistakes in parenting, but this is certainly no justification for blanket policies that wholesale supplant parents with agents of the state. In the most general case, if a child and parent have a disagreement over an issue, that child and parent need to work through the issue.  Policies like this one would provide an avenue whereby a child, unsatisfied with the resolution provided by a parent, could simply obtain the outcome in secret with the help of a state employee.  Even for the most benign case this is extremely troubling.  In the case where potentially irreversible and life-altering decisions are at stake, this is unacceptable.


transgender students

Strongly oppose allowing a transgender male in a female restroom/locker room. Strongly oppose allowing a transgender female in a male restroom/locker room. Strongly oppose allowing transgender males to compete with female athletes. Allowing so harms our girls by forcing them to compete with biological boys... something we fought against for many years! (Remember Title 9?)  If a CHILD makes the decision to be transgender, they should use the facility and compete with children who are BIOLOGICALLY like them. Follow the science. This does NOT disenfranchise transgender students... they would be allowed to compete!... with students who are BIOLOGICALLY the same.


Transgender Guidelines

I am writing to ask you to put in these guidelines so that discrimination against transgender students stops.


Strongly opposed

This would be a huge mistake.


Strongly oppose transgender new school policy

I strongly oppose any biological males who identify as girls, participating in girl's athletics of any kind.


Don’t allow transgender

I do not support


I adamantly disagree with The Education Dept dangerous transgender policies

As a Mom of three, a Nana of two, and a Commonwealth of Virginia registered voter, I completely disagree with The Department of Education’s views on the adoption of transgender policies & guidelines.  How is it parents are required to send written permission to school, in order for their child to be given a Tylenol to relieve a headache and yet, some within our state want to advise, assist, and support children who are confused about their gender and want to explore a gender transformation, WITHOUT any parental notification and permission??


Strongly support Transgender and Non-BInary Youth

According to the Trevor Project's 2020 LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Survey, the largest of its kind, more than 50% of transgender and non-binary youth have seriously considered attempting suicide within the past year, over 60% have engaged in self-harm within the past year, and over 75% have experienced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder within the past two weeks.  When it comes to protective factors, studies show that LGBTQ+ youth who attend schools with a Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and anti-bullying policies, who can use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity, and who have their chosen name and pronouns respected report better mental health outcomes (up to 50% decrease in suicidal ideation).  These findings are consistent with the abundant social science research out there that substantiates the need to create and adopt policy guidelines like the ones we are presented with today--ones that celebrate gender diversity instead of stifling it. We must have policies in place that hold all school districts accountable to the same standards of equity and inclusion so that all young people can get an education while being their authentic selves.  This will also help ensure that rural youth can enjoy the same protections and supportive environments as urban youth. These guidelines will not only actively foster inclusive environments for transgender and non-binary students, but they will also provide binary, cisgender people (adults and youth alike) with meaningful opportunities to examine and discuss their own privileges related to gender identity and expression.  I strongly support these guidelines.


Oppose VDOE Latest Transgender Guidelines

We must value the home and family and be making efforts to strengthen home and family at all stages. My desire would be to cast a vision for the heath and wellbeing of people beginning at home from the first days of birth. Children need eye contact, loving communication and to have their needs met: food, shelter, play, rest and cleanliness in a predictable routine. Beginning life and early childhood they need to know they are loved and special!! I can get behind these changes! These transgendered children are troubled and at risk. I don't think hiding their identities from their parents is helpful at all. We need to all work together. School is for 12 years and a family will be there for the duration, especially if we work together.


Trans Rights Are Human Rights - Support Our Trans Students

I strongly oppose this bill - there is no reason to define someone’s gender and identity for them. Trans students should be allowed to dress and participate in events as they please, as any non-transgender person should as well. We are ALL human and are entitled to the same right. All should be treated with equity. Trans Rights Are Human Rights! Please support our Trans students.


Strongly Oppose

The first issue is, it is not the schools place to parent children. Gender issues should not be addressed by teachers, it is not their responsibility, nor should it be. There is also concerns for safety that adolescents or teens may abuse this policy stating they can go in whichever bathroom they please and not be questioned. The likely change of that happening is far greater than the statistical likelihood of a child being transgender. Make policies that support homeschooling for these children, or “safe zones” but do not make policies that undermine teacher authority, parental authority and safety of the 99.9% of other children


STRONG SUPPORT

I strongly support this 100%


Strongly SUPPORT from a Counselor

As a school counselor I work to make sure the social and emotional needs of children are fully recognized and supported, to ensure their success growing and learning. If a child's identity is disrespected, if their humanity and agency are denied, there is a much greater chance they fall behind in learning, in making friends, and in developing into fully-formed, confident, successful people. Our job as educators is to respect, uplift, and support the youth we teach, with no exceptions. Transgender students must be respected, uplifted, and supported, and this begins with explicit messages of support coming from the top. I fully support this guidance, and any conscionable educator, politician, or parent must support it as well.


Strongly support!

Support trans youth and respect their right to identify properly!


Support of trans gender students

The support of transgender children in Virginia's public school system is exceedingly important and I am happy to see it being addressed. After reading the model policies proposed by the VDOE it surprises me that not everyone is on board for these policies to be implemented. A students goal is to gain an education while at school, with other top goals being socializing and growing as a person. If a student is distracted with what detractors would consider mundane issues, such as incorrect pronoun usage, proper locker/bath room access, and which dress code to adhere to, these goals become distant and unimportant to them. Allowing students to pick their gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity will go a long way in showing that all students are accepted and acknowledged properly in the Virginia public school system. Imagine if you were called by the wrong prefix (Mr., Ms., Mx.) all of the time, and if you tried to correct people they dismissed it? It is disrespectful and distracting. This goes in step with the other policies mentioned in the document. The goal is to create a place where learning can happen equally for all students. It is tolerant and communal. A possible encouraging by-product of these policies is that it provides a forum for open discussion of why these policies are being brought up at all. Virginia is a diverse state that may have students that have not been able to talk to and learn about the transgender community. Thank you.


SUPPORT/Virginia Department of Education model transgender student policy

I strongly support this model policy for the treatment of transgender and non-binary youth in public schools. As a 64 year old gay man, many people did not understand me when I was young. My sexual orientation scared many people. Discrimination and bullying at school, by adults and peers, was common. Today, it is transgender youth who are misunderstood, bullied and irrationally feared.  Public schools across Virginia must be held to this minimum standard to ensure that transgender youth are afforded the same opportunity as any young person to a safe and supportive school environment. Thanks to the Virginia General Assembly and to VDOE for developing such a comprehensive and sensitive model policy.


Strongly oppose

I can’t believe this is being considered, absolutely shameful!  Parents should always be involved in their children’s life, school/government should never supersede parental oversight.


Support for the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students

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. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know that when LGBTQ+ students' safety, including physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, are taken into consideration, we are able to attend school and grow into our full potential. Everyone deserves to feel safe and have access to education. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Meira Harris


Strongly Support

I strongly support trans youth support systems to be a regular part of Virginia schools. All students deserve to feel safe and accepted for who they are.


Strongly supporting all youth

I'm a educator. I want my students to feel comfortable - how are they supposed to focus on a lesson if they're scared to express themselves? We used to shun interracial children, children with disabilities, children that had crushes on people of the same sex. We don't do that anymore because it's wrong. Just like it's wrong to ignore our trans youth when they need our support. Trans people are real and we need to acknowledge that and support youth that question their genders. This bill makes all youth feel safer by creating formal protection from bullying and discrimination. It allows the creation of single stall restrooms for safety and comfort - a great compromise for schools that don't want inclusive bathrooms. Our trans students are more likely to struggle in school because of depression, anxiety, bullying, and discrimination. This will help.


DO NOT SUPPORT THIS MISGUIDED INDOCRINATION

I repeat what someone else said so perfectly - "Two of the foundational institutions in American culture are the family and the church.  These polices/regulations take rights away from the family and faith communities while supposedly giving rights to the transgender population.  That is to say, you are thwarting family law and canon law by creating a form of administrative law.  This is not a wise move.  Undermining family and faith--the pillars of society--will not offer more stability for the Commonwealth.  It is a long-term recipe for social collapse.  Start down this path, and you will regret the results.  Please do not support this!" If you do this, you are taking away parents right to teach their children right and wrong.  Schools systems have become nothing but indoctrination factories.  2+2 does NOT = 5.


Strongly support

I support the guidance.


Transgenders in school

I’m so glad that I don’t have children. This has no place women’s sports or restrooms. Totally unnatural and should not be taught as morality. Grow a backbone and stand up for what is right.


Regarding the new suggestion

This right here is completely absurd!!! What in this world are we thinking? You have got to consider all of the potential dangers your putting people in by letting this happen. And how in this world is there so much confusion about what gender You are? A male is a male and a female is a female and there is NOT any confusion about it. I am definitely not in favor of this passing. Never will be


Strongly oppose transgender policies

I strongly oppose this policy.


Strongly support

I support the guidance


Transgender persons language

I am totally for the proposed changes. There is nothing wrong with caring for and respecting transgender persons.


Strongly support

Every student should have a right to a safe and supportive environment at school. And I hear that many in the LGBTQ community don't get the support they need nor do they feel safe. They have the right just like every other person to safety and supportive environment. It doesn't matter what I believe or don't. Just as I wanted to be treated with care, they should to. Maybe one day we will be in a society where we don't have to spell this out. But we are not there yet. So we need this Bill & measures. It breaks my heart to read each episode of LGBTQ victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average. That's not OK and we should so what we can to help.


Strongly Oppose

You are either born male or born female.  A public school system should not join in on a matter like this since sex was established at(before) birth.  Children born male, are male. Children born female, are female.  Any question of a child's sex should be evaluated and then the child and family should be notified of assistance with seeking mental help.  Public school children should not be exposed to opposite sex children in the bathroom, locker room, etc.  A situation such as this potential exposure would be a detriment to all children's lives and cause mass confusion.  Sorry but my child does not need this exposure! The anti-discrimination, anti-bully programs that are already in place should be used in this situation. Also, teachers and staff should not be secretive about this or any other subject as stated in the proposal.  A child's parents rightfully should know of any behavior that is outside of normal.  Teachers and staff should also not be tasked with the chore of becoming mental health professionals. This whole discussion is disgusting to me.  My family lives a life of love for all but in no way, shape, or form will I ever support this!


STRONGLY SUPPORT.. DUH!!!

I STRONGLY support the model policy working to help and protect trans and non-binary students. All students deserve to learn in a safe and supportive school environment, and the fact that this is still even up for negotiation is absurd. The closed minded individuals who argue that these policies would put their children in danger or would mess up their sports teams, for example, are extremely misinformed. What a ridiculous and inconsiderate thing to say. Why are folks still treating Transgender people as if they are someone that everyone should be afraid of? C’mon now... Trans children aren’t trans because they want to bother or hurt your kids in the locker room. They are Trans because that is part of who they are. It is very real (I promise) and it quite literally has nothing to do with anyone else. Trans kids are amazing and brave and should be celebrated, or at the very least, be given the  opportunity to feel safe and welcome in their learning environments. This policy will not have a negative impact on the lives of cisgender children/students (unless they are bullies) and it will have a positive impact on transgender students. Sounds great to me. Weve got to protect and uplift Trans children!


This is PURE EVIL!!

Absolutely disgusting how the state of Virginia is promoting this degenerate mental disorder. The are only 2 genders. There is no such thing as a transgender person. There only are males and females. Anything else is made up psychcobabble masquerading as compassion for people who are sick in the head. There should be zero compassion for evil, there didn't used to be until this state was usurped by Godless degenerates. This road the state is going down leads directly to hell.


Support!!! We are all loved, and God creates us all. Transgender youth are supported!

Absolutely support. Bullying for ones identity is immoral and disappointing that it still continues to this day.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

Totally opposed to this totally gross overreach and abuse of power to inject the state  into the private lives and dynamics of families.


I strongly support

I strongly support this, all trans people should be treated the same as cis people.


Strongly support for our trans youth

Submitting strong support for our trans and non-binary youth. We must step up to protect them as evidenced by all the bigoted and transphobic comments already submitted. Being transgender is not a choice.


Oppose

I oppose these draft model policies.  They allow a student to choose which bathroom or locker room to use, thus eliminating the privacy and safety of students.  Parental rights are ignored.  Schools would deceive parents concerning their child’s transgender status.  Parents would not be notified if their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or be able to intervene on the child’s behalf unless the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.”  Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex could be reported by the school for child abuse or neglect for “not affirming” a transgender student.  These policies violate Virginia’s parental rights statute.  Also, 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 going along with the “transgender” ideology and policies.


Oppose. Antibullying measures already exist. These policies infringe on parents' & teachers' rights.


Transgender Issue

I oppose.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

Oppose!!!


Young mother of 2

What happens when these children grow up and some start committing crimes? Are we going to have males in female jails because they "identify" as a female? If this begins, then I will identify myself as a doctor. I shouldn't need to go to school to prove anything. I can identify as whoever and whatever I want to be. This is NOT okay. We are males and females. That is our part of our genetics. If you try to change this, it is only the beginning of the chaos that is going to unravel. Please don't make this mistake.


Just, No....

This should be at the sole discretion of the parents. Maybe if this was an elective in high school or college, but this has no place in children's classrooms considering this subject, to many, is still considered a mental illness. A child's mind is like a sponge. Its still soaking in all of the other new content they come into contact with everyday. They aren't mentally mature enough to handle such a complex subject. Anybody that thinks a kid can digest information such as this is severely mistaken. Children have enough to contend with everyday thanks to us. Don't add this to the pile.


INDIA ALSO VOTES NO TO LGBT

SUPER STRONGLY OPPOSE!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I strongly oppose this proposal. This will only cause damage to the child and society as a whole. A child is way too young to change or decide their own gender. It's irresponsible to give that kind of power/pressure into the hands of a child. Male and female are gifts and a human's first identity at birth. Don't take that away. Gender should be celebrated, not changed or confused. Please oppose this for the sake of all. Thank you.


Strongly Oppose

I understand that every single child—including and especially those struggling with sexual confusion—should be protected from harm and harassment. There is no question of that. And Virginia has a good anti-bullying law. But this new, proposed policy goes way beyond prevention and crosses the line into mandatory promotion of politicized, sexualized ideology. Considering that scientific studies and medical experts make clear the majority of children outgrow gender confusion by the time they reach adolescence—it’s, at best, irresponsible to push involuntary promotion of gender confusion in a public education setting—and, at worst, actually damaging to kids who are still developing. (See statements about most kids outgrowing gender confusion in this Psychology Today article , as well as in this study and this one .)


Strongly Support Protections and Support for Trans and Non-Binary Students

We live in a non-binary world, and navigating our sense of self and identity is a process of awareness, discernment and trust.  Trans and non-binary students are subject to harassment, intimidation, violence, ridicule and condemnation from peers, teachers and the larger community.  It is sufficiently challenging to navigate childhood and adolescence; anything we can do as a community to support, affirm and empower our young people is crucially important.  I urge you to take steps to ensure the safety, well-being and thriving of all our students.


Support Trans Youth

Trans youth are the gender that they say that they are. Treating them as the gender they were assigned at birth is traumatic and can lead to despair and suicidal ideation. Trans people are not deviant. Trans people are not confused. Support Trans Youth.


oppose

What has this world came to????? This is highly disturbing for the children presently in school and the ones to come. More children will be subject to sexual assaults this way. Is that what you people truly want. Think to your self for a min. if I had a child that was in school how would I feel if someone claiming to be what they were not born as came into the bathroom of your child and sexually assaulted your child. You would be highly upset. think people. THERE IS ONLY 2 GENDERS!!!!!MALE AND FEMALE. YOU ARE WHAT YOU WERE BORN BY GOD.


a

fart


Strongly Approve

All children, regardless of gender identify, race, religion, ability, disability, or sexual orientation should be treated equally.  Individual differences should be acknowledged, honored and accepted.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I strongly oppose this. Stop trying to confuse our children! Anti-bullying measures are already in place. Stop trying to promote all this weird crap.


OPPOSE Transgender indoctrination

I am absolutely OPPOSED to forcing this agenda on Virginia's Children


Support the youth!

I have met youth who need this support. We must prove to have unconditional love, care and support for those of our community. This includes policy and showing the youth things can move away from prejudice and hate and towards communal care.


Vehemently opposed

I am vehemently opposed to the proposed new policies regarding transgender students in Virginia public schools. As a mom of 4, including 3 daughters, I believe the policies outlined will effectively end girls’ sports. Once transgender males are able to compete on the team of their choice, young women will be at a grave disadvantage, both on the athletic field and in the locker room. These proposed policies are extreme and confusing to young kids, pushing and affirming a radical choice in childhood with grave consequences for their whole life. In addition, the disregard for parents’ views and wishes discriminates particularly against religious families, making a mockery of the toleration for others the policy framers profess to believe in.


Support.

We must support this bill. The prejudice has gone on too long. This is a health crisis. Children are dying.


NOT This, I Support all being who they are, but not this

All individuals should be allowed to be themselves, without fear of their safety. However this is going way to far with it. Schools should not be aloud to push or make decisions like this without talking with a child's parents first. Then to say that parents could be reported for abuse or neglect if a child makes a comment that their parents want them to embrace their god given sex, that is going way to far. Myself will always support my children, i believe others should as well, but abuse really. Now i strongly oppose schools letting kids just pick whatever bathroom they feel like going to. Kids will be kids and i see this becoming a real problem and could be unsafe. i think schools need to step back and stop trying to get involved with things that should be up to ones parents. Again i strongly support safety and one being themselves but this is going about it the wrong way.


Strongly oppose transgender policy proposal

As a Christian I strongly oppose the proposed accommodations for transgender students. These allowances for transgender students puts cisgender students at risk for sexual assault and misconduct. As Christians who hold to a biblical worldview that we are created male and female there should be protections for teachers, students, and parents who do not want their children exposed to this ideology.


Oppose-Well Intentioned Misguided Overreach

This is overreach at a profoundly disturbing level.  The gender confusion issue has become a runaway fad that schools should not be endorsing, which is what you are proposing. This policy is opening the door to endorsing such confusion. It needs to stay a private matter. In about 10 years, the wave of mental health issues is going to start. Where a student might once have had normal confusion and curiosity during development, we're now labeling it as a gender identity disorder... a label that they can't just walk away from.  This is not the job of the VDOE. This is a private matter.  I oppose bullying and I oppose getting on a bandwagon for the flavor of the month social agenda topic, as well.  Both are wrong. You're giving young people, who are at the most unstable times in their lives and, frankly, in history, too much power and not enough stability. I believe it is shameful that you would allow the whim of a young person to dictate the firing of a teacher, when teachers have been working their hearts out, this year. Any young person who has the whim to follow a fad and declare themselves a different gender can use that to seek control in any situation with an authority figure.  Do not establish that. Additionally, CPS  needs to be reserved for genuine cases of child abuse. Do not encourage the destruction of families. There are not enough social workers or foster homes and a misguided teacher could cause more harm than good by supporting such a reckless policy. Schools have enough problems. So do teachers, parents, and students. Stop trying to appease the social flavor of the month crowd. This is irresponsible.  Establish a separate bathroom and leave it at that.  This is none of the VDOE's business.  A few years ago, the trend was that we were all completely colorblind. Now, that's no longer appropriate. Now, we notice all differences. In 5 years, this gender confusion trend will be wrong.  Don't jump into it.  Leave it alone.  Stay in your own lane.


Support

If you don’t support this, you aren’t a real christian.  You’re just toxic. If you want to make your kids feel unsafe and unloved at home, go for it.  At least allow them to feel safe in school.


NO Transgender in sports

Why would you want boys and girls competing? If they were born a male keep them in male sports or maybe put them in some kind of special Olympics for children with identity issues.   Don’t make our children pay for other children’s mental illnesses


STRONGLY OPPOSE

the bible says there are man and women.. you are what your born as. people generations ago didn't walk around a born lady and say they were a man, born men didn't walk around claiming to be a lady. they were what they were born. MEDIA like it is WITH EVERYTHING HAS made people think stuff they should not. THE MEDIA SHOULD BE DEFUNDED!!!!! THEY ARE MORE THEN HALF THE PROBLEM IN THIS WORLD!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE this creates more sexual assault on children. innocent victims!!!!


Strongly support treating people as as they wish to be treated

I strongly support the implementation of the proposed guidance document. It appears well-researched and addresses many issues which concern the transgender individuals. Treating people as people and how they want to be treated should not be a revolutionary concept. It is basic human decency.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

I graduated from the Virginia public school system, and I feel that Virginia has some of the best public schools in the country. However, I was only able to learn and grow and succeed because I felt safe, welcomed, and valued in my school environment. I STRONGLY SUPPORT these policy recommendations because they will provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for ALL students, including and especially LGBTQ+ youth. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth face a higher rate of bullying, and are at higher odds for depression and suicidality -- this is something that educators and school staff (nurses, counselors, administrators, etc.) must be prepared to address, and such training will benefit ALL students regardless of whether they are LGBTQ+. These policy recommendations directly address the need for education and training for educators and school staff around these issues, and for that reason I strongly support them. Please do not let students go uncared-for; ALL students, including LGBTQ+ ones, deserve a safe and welcoming school environment in which to learn.


Strongly Approve

To me this is very simple and should be a non issue .... these children must be treated as every other child.


We Will Speak Up

This is absurd. This cannot be allowed to be enacted in our school systems. It is a sad day when the safety of our children is no longer important to these power-hungry boards... These people should be doing their research on statistics of these policies that have been enforced in other countries and they will find how the cons outweigh the pros... Sit back and realize that no matter how a child is raised or taught, kids will be kids; these policies are a HUGE lead into bullying and suicides.


Strongly Oppose

Strongly oppose


Concerns from Mother of 4 Public School Children

As a mom of 4 children, 3 of whom are daughters, who have all attended public schools, I strongly oppose the current VDOE proposal for policies regarding transgender students.  These policies: 1) overstep the role of schools in family matters, denying parental rights and responsibilities; 2) in an effort to protect one group of students, actually threaten other students who would now be denied safety and privacy; and 3) deny parents, students, and faculty members their rights regarding issues of conscience, subjecting them to harassment and discrimination for simply holding to their constitutionally-protected rights to have their own beliefs and convictions.


Strongly Support.

Creates the accommodation for any child that is uncomfortable, transgender or not.


OPPOSE!  STRONGLY OPPOSE!  Why is this ok with you to not follow the science on this & teach lies?

Why is it ok with anyone to teach/allow things that go against science? The biology of human makeup has not changed, nor will it. A male has chromosomes that say he is male. A female has chromosomes that say she is female.  A male and female are necessary to procreate.  Why is it ok to force others to agree with things that are not based in reality? Why is it ok with anyone that parental rights are removed? Why is it ok to teach children to be secretive and lie? Why is it ok to require adults to be secretive and lie?  Why is it ok to subject young students to give up their privacy in locker rooms and bathrooms, where one should feel safe?  Why is it ok to not protect children who don't suffer from gender dysphoria?  Why is it ok to not protect the rights of parents and teachers?  Why is it ok to bring ideas to children's minds that they wouldn't have thought about except for your bringing it to their attention?  Why are these things ok with any of you?


FULLY SUPPORT

This new policy provides inclusion for ALL students! Children need to be accepted and supported for who they are, not what we think they should be!


Opposed

Where do you draw the line? Right now this will pertain to students but how long until there is reach for this to also apply to adult staff? By appeasing one small group you are displeasing a larger group, and then a game of cat and mouse will exist that could never possibly Then stems the question of making separate bathrooms specially for transgenders. That would take us back to the days of segregation. We should not be worried about what bathrooms should be used. We should be asking ourselves if each student is receiving equal education. Education is the main goal.


Strongly oppose

I am protesting vigorously against this policy. No one should be bullied or demeaned.  Period.  Ever. But this draft guidance does not accomplish that.  Instead, it indoctrinates falsehood, which is not a kindness to a person that is already suffering.  Counseling and assistance should be made available for students suffering from gender dysphoria disorder (most if not all children that experience this have been traumatized, either physically or mentally [even unintentionally], and it is cruel to not help kids address the root of the problem), but brainwashing all students and staff, and proposing to spy on and turn-in parents to CPS, is not only wrong-headed, it is an assault on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy, and religion. Additionally, this draft guidance also seeks to undermine parents' authority to educate their children in the area of sexual mores. And in the end, it doesn't even help the gender confused child. Kids and adults that struggle with gender identification have much higher suicide ideation and suicide attempt rates than people who do not struggle with these issues.  The idea has been put forth that if these folks felt "accepted", this would lessen the suicidal tendencies.  Sadly, that is incorrect.  That is not the source of the initial problem, and can therefore, not be the source of the solution.  When a person has body integrity dysphoria (feels their physical body does not match their mental image of their body, i.e. I shouldn't have a left arm, or I shouldn't have feet) it would be obviously cruel to just say, "OK, we'll agree with you and help you cut off your left arm, and this will "heal" you."  NO!  It is cruel, a lie, and completely ignores the aspect of the Hippocratic oath that says "first, do no harm."  Likewise with someone dealing with anorexia who "feels fat".  They are not fat.  Joining them in their mental disorder will not cure the mental disorder and could in fact lead to their death.  Sadly, gender dysphoria is the same, but is not being treated as such in this public school guidance.  These children need help and truth, not people to join them in their confusion and call it "true".  That is a lie. Many folks who have gone so far as to have gender reassignment surgery have realized that it did not really fix their problem.  Sadly, they believed the lie that it would... though there is no scientific evidence to that effect.  Suicide and depression rates stay dramatically high.  And now their bodies and lives are irreparably changed.  They are trying to share their stories to prevent others from sharing the same sadness, but they are often censored.  See www.sexchangeregret.com if you want to read more. The real key to helping these people is to get to the root of each of their individual problems.  Not to start brainwashing kids at even earlier ages, and also encourage spying and distrust among peers and parents.  Speaking truth to a child and trying to help them resolve an issue is not child abuse and should not be treated as such.  It is calling good "evil" and evil "good".  We must stand strongly against all forms of such things. This is a dangerous draft policy. I do not know if whoever reads these comments knows the Lord God Almighty, YHWH. If you do not, I would urge you to seek Him. He exists, even if you do not acknowledge Him. If you do know Him, I would point you toward Zechariah 8:16, Eph 4:25, Prov 8:7, and everything in Eph 6 about the full armor of God. You have been given a special position in your community. You are responsible to the Lord for what you choose to do with that position. I see many people on this comments page that seem to think they are being protective and kind, and yet the truth is they are being the exact opposite.  Truth and love are kind.  Falsehoods disguised as "kindness" are pure evil.  Children will be harmed by this guidance if it goes through. I hope you will join me in taking action to do everything in your power to protest against this appalling draft policy.


Strongly oppose

One's sex is not a matter of personal choice any more than one's species.  Legally enabling such profound confusion will cause more harm than good.  Sadly, such harm will be irreversible in many cases for those individuals submitting to a twisted ideology.


Please No!

Strongly oppose!  Please No!


Strongly support protections for trans youth

Please do not let the bigots commenting here dictate public policy. Trans youth deserve formal, guaranteed legal protections & these are an excellent start.


I Strongly Oppose H.B. 145

I strongly oppose passage of H.B. 145. This proposed legislation is contrary to the rights and responsibilities of parents  who are the first and best teachers of their children including matters related to their children's sexual development. Sexual identity is a highly individual, private and critical component of children's healthy psychological, social and biological development.  It is wrong and unwise for the state to interfere, with unnecessary and potentially harmful "cookie-cutter" approaches to solving the problems of children and young adults K-12 who, with the guidance of their parents, physicians, psychologists, etc. must work out physical, social and psychological issues of gender confusion as appropriate to each child; this should happen within the confines of the family, medical professionals and psychologists. State interference with gender identity issues only adds another level of complexity for children and teens -- the majority of which do not have gender confusion issues -- parents, educators, school administrators and local children's service agencies.


Not up for debate

I cannot even begin to fathom where anyone would think it is okay to allow this to take place. If a child wants to identify as a different gender than they were born with then it is that child’s right to do so. What is not right is to say children are forced to acknowledge their god given gender and then accuse parents of child abuse! How is this even rational thinking? The individuals in school are their for our children’s education and that alone! They are not health, mental health or reproductive professionals but we will allow them to help our children identify with what gender they want to be? Their are far too many instances where teachers are pushing their political beliefs on students now which should be immediate grounds for dismissal as well but to think this would ever be work on any level...as a medical professional...not with my children!


.42% of adult population = transgender

Why are we wasting time and resources on this when .42% of the adult US population identifies as transgender (I would imagine MUCH lower % at the elementary school level)!? Don’t we have bigger issues to deal with?


Protect Trans Youth

Children should able to live their lives freely, and exist in a way that affirms their gender identity. Protecting trans kids helps to ensure they grow up healthy, and happy.


sexual education

I strongly oppose the State taking it upon themselves to sexualize children under the pretext of education. It is highly inappropriate to undermine parent's rights to assess their own children's unique level of understanding in this area.


STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS APPROACH - ENTIRELY INSENSITIVE AND UNFAIR TO EVERYONE!!!

This policy is incredible bad in how it is put together.  Rather than balance and think through all of the people involved and the related rights, this policy tramples numerous well-established constitutional rights and therefore is guaranteed to provoke litigation and end up being overturned.  Why attempt something so horrifically one-sided that tramples existing rights and will be lost. Rather than consider everyone's concerns, this is horrifically one-sided approach that ignores parent's rights, constitutional rights (including freedom of religion) all using a terrible threat that if one disagrees, one will take their children away. Also, the policy is supposed to be sensitive to students wrestling with this issue.  Instead, this is written as an over the top advocacy/propaganda document - one will not create sensitivity by being entirely insensitive to other concerns, which is the case here. This is bad for transgender students too because their situation will be thrown up in the air when this policy is overturned through litigation and outcry leading to political action and reversal.


Strongly disagree

You know what really grinds my gears? Trannies.


Trans Lives Matter

Trans people aren’t monsters, they’re just like us, they lead lives just like ours, we shouldn’t exclude them just for their gender identities, because that isn’t what matters. We should support everyone, no matter what.


Strongly Oppose!!

To push this radical indoctrinating agenda on children is wrong! You are harming these “trans” children far more than you are helping them. We have reached a place in this country, where we are warned in Romans chapter 1. Most of this country, unfortunately, have been given over to a reprobate mind. That is why you see this path they are blazing towards self-destruction. Like crabs in a bucket. They are descending, and trying to take as many with them as they can. If they can’t abort the babies, then they will destroy their minds. We are well beyond a political solution! Help this country Lord Jesus, please!!


Strongly Oppose

This over-reach is madness.  What happened to parental rights.  Where is the science to support the need for these proposed policies.  There will never be enough psychiatrists to undo the psychological harm to our kids.  And for what purpose?


Trans kids deserve respect but portions of these proposed policies go too far

Children and teenagers who profess to be transgender deserve to be treated with love and respect, but portions of these proposed policies go too far and should be revised. For example, the proposed policies tell a school to withhold from the student's parents information about changes in the student's gender identity at school if the student does not want parents to know.  As indicated in other comments, these children often suffer from higher incidences of mental health concerns, including suicidal ideation.  Parents of such children need to be MORE aware of what is going on in their childrens' lives, not less, to be able to watch for concerning behaviors and take protective safety measures in case their child becomes suicidal (given it is at home and out of school they are most likely to try to act on such feelings).  To withhold this information from the parents potentially puts the children more at risk, not less. In addition, the portion of the policy dictating that school personnel should not be allowed to question a student going into a bathroom or locker room given it can be traumatic to a transgender child - while the intent is understandable, fails to take into consideration that children will be children and seek to exploit such rules for mischievous and potentially nefarious purposes.  Such a strict guideline does not provide room for school staff to question a student clearly entering the other gender's area for unsuitable purposes, such as if the teacher overhears students talking about going in the other gender's area on a date or to play a joke on the other students (let alone anything more nefarious).  How many teenage movies and books have scenes where one gender expresses a desire to sneak a peek in the other gender's locker room, etc.?   Such rules would enable students to act on such impulses without risk of censure.  There must be a middle ground on respecting transgender students and providing them suitable bathrooom and changing areas, while guarding against potential abuse that can be damaging to all students.


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

Strongly oppose.  There are 2 genders - period.  School activities, etc. which are gender specific must be limited in participation to those of the specific gender designated.  Those students who are conflicted as to which gender they belong, should be treated respectfully and given counseling and guidance, but this is essentially a private matter which also impacts the family of the conflicted child.   No separate toilets, no participation in boy's athletics for girls who "think" they are, or would prefer to be boys, and vice versa.   This subject has been hijacked by pop culture and driven to a level of absurdity unimaginable a few short years ago.  Common sense must be regained.


Strongly OPPOSE

I do NOT support Transgender being “taught” in our school system! Gender should be discussed between the parent and children/s privately!


FULLY SUPPORT!!

It is vital to allow all students to exist safely and freely. Policings people's identities and gender expressions is wrong. Everyone self-identifies, most people just happen to identify in agreement with the gender they were assigned at birth. Allow your students to feel safe and respected.


Let God's children be children of their birth, NO altering of sex, confusing young children's mind.

Please let God's children be children of their birth. Altering of birth sex confuses a child's mind, distracting them from their foundation of learning which is essential for a healthy life. I strongly oppose transgenders in public school. Transfer them to a public alternate school where they can be with among their transgender kind.


Thalia Hernandez, Southerners on New Ground and First UU Richmond

Strongly Support the Guidance!

February 3, 2021 Dr. Samantha Hollins Virginia Department of Education 101 N. 14th Street Richmond, VA 23219 RE: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools Dear Assistant Superintendent Hollins, Thank you to the VA Department of Education for their hard work on this comprehensive guidance on model policies for the treatment of transgender students in Virginia’s public schools. I am writing in strong support of this guidance and urge you to consider the friendly edits listed in GLSEN and Equality Virginia’s public comments. I am non-binary transgender woman, a young non-profit professional, and an active community member in various organizations including my congregation. Growing up as a queer child, I felt alienated from some of my peers and teachers due to anti-LGBTQ comments and there were times I was scared of social repercussions of being known openly queer. I was lucky that was the extent of my negative experiences. Thankfully, I found a supportive niche in my high school so I was able to be an openly queer kid without too much struggle. I also was not out as transgender back then, and I can only imagine how different my experience would have been if I had been the *only* openly trans student in my high school at the time. Unfortunately, many LGBTQ kids across Virginia go through much worse than I did, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Brown students who are transgender or non-binary. When you are focused on your day-to-day safety and comfort, it’s very difficult to actually focus on learning either inside the classroom or in extracurricular activities. When kids are not included, safe, and comfortable in their learning environment, they cannot thrive and they face negative outcomes like lower GPAs, lower graduation rates, and even physical and verbal harassment. Every Virginia student has the right to a safe and equal learning environment. The status quo of school districts across the Commonwealth has violated that right for transgender and non-binary students. These model policies are a much needed intervention to provide school districts with the clarity, guidance, and foundation to fully support all students’ rights, particularly trans and non-binary students whose education has been undervalued as a vulnerable population. I urge you to adopt the guidance (with minor edits as mentioned above) and do the right thing by all students to address issues of equity, belonging, and safety. All students cannot succeed until and unless trans and non-binary students succeed. Thank you for your efforts! Sincerely, Thalia Hernandez


Strongly Support

Trans children and teenagers are among the most vulnerable in our population, and enabling them to lead authentic lives as their true selves provides immense mental health benefits to them without harming anyone else. Despite what opponents say, policies like this have never resulted in any increase or crime or harassment. It helps trans kids and doesn't hurt anyone else.


No

Strongly oppose!!!


Trans rights are human rights

Trans youth need extra love, kindness, and a support system that fully believes and accepts who they are. Trans is beautiful. Please give these young folks, who are brimming with hope and potential, the understanding they need <3


Concerned parent/grandparent/citizen of this planet

Transgender Policy - Disturbing overreach, void of science or reality. Who’s minding the children?

THE most disturbing thing I have ever seen related to public schools is that educators are signing this document in support of this policy. The quote of the day lately seems to be ‘Follow the science’. Well, I’m asking you to follow the science here as well. Do you want to destroy a generation? If this passes there needs to be a mass exodus of students from public schools to private schools or home-schooling and quick. We are losing time and ground with our youth. It’s time to stand up and stop this attack on the minds of our most precious ones, as well as this attack on our faith, and our freedom to remain in reality. If ANY child struggles, they need the support of qualified professionals and of their families, AND they need boundaries that are based on sound judgement and reality. Stay out of our families! Teach our children the subjects you are paid to teach, notify us when there are issues that you are not qualified or entrusted to deal with, and stop trying to push your agenda.


VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED

My wife & I are VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED to this.


STRONGLY OPPOSED AND IRATE!!

I can’t even believe we’re even talking about this! I strongly OPPOSE transgender kids sharing a restroom/locker room with my daughter! I do not want her surrounded by a bunch of male genitalia when it is her right to go into a female bathroom and feel secure to talk about female related issues with her female friends and not feel restricted or uncomfortable. This is just a way for male perverts to get into a female locker rooms. How many pedophiles/sexual predators are going to use this opportunity to “say they are a transgender“ just so they can go in and spy in the female bathrooms. This is gross! Have we not learned anything from Jeffrey Epstein? Larry Nassar?? And now you want to include these people in our female sports? After all the strides women have overcome to be equal now you want to taint that by having them join female sports!!?? Are you crazy? Why do we have to suffer just because someone does not like who they are? It is a genetic fact that men out power women in both speed and strength.  If boys want to be girls then great! Let them play with a boy team, wear your wig and your fake bra and play with your boys! My children’s soccer teams discourage boys and girls playing on teams that are above their age, why? Merely because one year in age provides a substantial size and strength advantage which can be a safety hazard. So if this is the case why would you have a man play on the same team as a woman and not think you were jeopardizing that woman with the same size, strength and speed advantage? There’s been countless movies on this particular problem and they’ve all been comedies! It’s because this is a comedy! I think the real issue is trying to understand why these people want to change to a different gender to begin with, start with that, solve that! STOP pushing this liberal crap down our throats. Let little girls be little girls.  Don’t deprive them of their innocence, their female camaraderie, and safety! And for God sakes start focusing on some real damn issues, this is nonsense!!! This is all a  cover up so you don’t have to focus on anything that really matters to us Americans!!! Do your job!


No to new transgender rules

There is much discussion about genders. If you look to science, we see that there are two genders and people either have an xy chromosome or an xx chromosome in every cell of their body. Why Virginia would adopt these new policies that basically deny reality to accommodate the few, in opposition the reality of the science, the harm that can come to children, taking away the rights of parents and the harm to girls and girls sports is incomprehensible. Middle school children almost always outgrow gender identity issues. Unless they are prevented by teachers and counselors who now have the right to usurp the rights of parents in this dubious ideology which with puberty blockers and surgeries will do irreparable damage to children. This is absolutely horrifically wrong.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

This is not the 'public school' I grew up in!   How immoral you have become!  Public schools are now controlled by the media, by television, by Hollywood, to tell children what to think, how to behave. You encourage children to behave immorally and give them justification! I am absolutely against public schools, public school teachers, and administrators teaching their views of sexuality to my children.  My children are members of my family with my husband and I.   We have our traditional family values that honor God.  Public schools have no right to push their immoral transgenderism on to my children.   My children need to learn to read, write, compute math, study astronomy, earth science, geography, geology, and that's it. Sexual habits, dress, gender, opinions, values, are off limits to public schools!


RAPE AND VIOLENCE WILL INCREASE IN SCHOOLS - VEHEMENTLY OPPOSE

I can remember being a young girl. I would have died if I'd had to share a bathroom or locker room with someone I knew to be male, and that is still true today as an adult. Forcing gender integration at any age is wrong. Most of these kids grow out of these feelings in late teens/early 20's, so hormones and surgery on growing humans is really unethical. IF YOU ENACT THIS, RAPE AND VIOLENCE WILL INCREASE IN SCHOOLS. These kids need lots of mental help, which I fully support. They do not need to have the world buy into their delusion. These interventions don't work, anyway. Depression and suicide rates for transgender people remain high, even after transition. The state should expect multiple lawsuits forthcoming if regulators insist on forcing this issue on constituents.


God bless our Transgender youth - STRONGLY SUPPORT

We are all God's children, perfect and beautiful. I strongly support all measures to better care for and support our transgender youth. This is a necessary direction for our school district. Othering children through hetero-normative policies is violence and can have terrible consequences. It's time for a change.


Not just the bathrooms

Not only would sharing bathrooms bring on further issues or push for other policies, especially those that would include adults, but integrating genders in sports would cause problems and that’s been proven. Males naturally have an athletic advantage due to their chemical makeup the females lack. Even with hormones and other treatments the naturally ability already exists. How would you feel if you were a female competing against someone with male genetic makeup? I know I would have been discouraged and probably would not have competed.


Strongly support this inclusive policy. Support Trans Youth!

Strongly support this policy


Strongly support

I fully support this legislation to better the physical and mental well-being of transgender students in the Virginia community. They are among the most abused and overlooked minority groups and they deserve better. Trans lives matter!


I oppose this transgender bill.

I oppose.


STRONGLY DISAGREE!

I cannot believe this is happening!!!  What is wrong with this world??  These innocent children should not be subjected to such things!   It is against all that we believe in as Christians to let this happen.  I never would have thought we would see a day such as this.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

I 100% support policies which protect transgender students. They need our support and protection to feel safe in schools being themselves, which is crucial to their happiness and success.


Oppose

I oppose this measure.


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

I vehemently oppose these policies.


Strongly Oppose This Evil

Any adult who rejects their gender from birth is in need of serious mental help.  They are rejecting reality.  Any parent who pushes their child to physically / chemically try to change their gender and call them "trans" deserves to be put in prison for horrific child abuse.  Same for the doctors recommending it, as it is the ultimate betrayal of the Hippocratic oath.  I refuse to tolerate this terrible evil and act like this is "science".  The doctors supporting and pushing this are worse than Josef Mengele. We Christians must TRULY love our neighbors, which means giving them TOUGH LOVE when you see people suffering from mental health issues and ESPECIALLY when we see children being permanently abused by the people who are supposed to protect them.  I WILL NOT tolerate this evil being pushed on our children.  To all of you supporting this agenda, may God have mercy on your soul.


SUPPORT Our Trans Children

I am encouraged to see this legislature finally taking steps to protect our trans kids. School should be an encouraging and protective environment for ALL students.


Support for this bill!

Support


Support Trans Students

I fully support any guidance that protects our students who are transgender. Please help keep them safe while they are learning.


Strongly support

Transgender youth especially need protection in schools!! Protect our children and allow them to learn in a safe environment!


Strongly support

I appreciate this positive approach. All students deserve our support, and it is our job to provide for them whatever we can.


Support Homeschooling

Support homeschooling


Support

I am commenting to support these guiding principles to better serve our trans student population. I hope we as a commonwealth will continue to support evidence based policies in our schools and not allow our children to be bullied by bigots, no matter what their age may be.


Supporting trans rights

Trans children deserve protection and their identities should be affirmed. Bullying of them should in no way be tolerated.


STRONGLY SUPPORT. Trans kids always have and always will exist.

The provably variable nature of sex chromosomes, gonads, genitalia, and secondary sexual characteristics clearly indicates that gender is neither fixed nor binary. This is a biological fact backed up by vast amounts of scientific research. Transgender people always have and always will exist; schools can either protect their trans students from those who would deny their very existences, or they can be a force for the destruction of trans lives. I mean that entirely literally, given that trans students--particularly trans students of color--have verifiably higher rates of self harm and suicide than any other group. Transphobia, whether it is overt or the passive refusal to acknowledge the trans individual, has dire consequences for its victims. Please consider that trans children will not go away, but with progress in normalizing the protection of their physical and emotional well-being, transphobia very well could. The feelings of those who have chosen to use religion to excuse their own discomfort with the fluidity of gender simply cannot take priority over the health of trans students. Gender affirmation doesn't just feel good--it saves lives.


In support of protecting trans rights

I am commenting in favor of supporting protecting Transgender students in Virginia. By protecting Trans students, non binary students, we are also protecting human rights. Prohibiting discrimination for marginalized communities is common sense legislation. Let’s keep our kids safe.


Strongly Support

We are not gods or dictators. Who are we to tell others to hide themselves? Be kind.


In support!

As a trans educator the proposal is very comprehensive and I would like to express my 110% support! This is well-researched and an evidence-based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental, socio-emotional, and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments. "


Strongly Support

Wow! As a 3rd grade OST teacher, I support this well-researched and evidence-based proposal. Students benefit from policies that support their heath and autonomy, as it keeps them interested in school and safe to express themselves at important points in their development. Great proposal.


against it. forced manipulation on captive defenseless children.

theres a reason they dont try this in adult workplaces first.


Communism

This is for the transgender policies to be voted on. I, personally feel uncomfortable with teaching science/ anatomy in schools thats covers that boys have a penis snd girls have a vagina and boobs, to just turn around and contradict that with saying " except for Johnny.....he is a girl because he wants to be." That's the biggest bunch of horse ive ever heard. You dont send boys in girls locker rooms r bathrooms.....snd you sure as hell dont punish someone else because they wont call " Johnny " a girl, muxh less think you have the authority to not tell parents about what is happening to their own child in school. The school has zero legal authority to do any of the above. If passed, I will petition, seek legal counsel, and boycott/ protest at every public school in Virginia i can muster up people for. If you support this bill, ypu are as crazy as Biden and as dumb as Pelosi.


VDOE Drafted Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender & Non-Binary Students in Virginia Pubic Sc

As the grandparent of a transgender grandson, I know how important it is to affirm the identity of every individual. My grandson has been very fortunate to have support of family, friends and community, including his public school teachers and advisors. I know that this isn't the case for too many transgender and non-binary young people in our society. I applaud my state of Virginia's General Assembly for its passage of legislation that protects and supports these identities and I applaud the VDOE for its commitment to protecting and supporting these identities as demonstrated in the recently drafted Model Policies for Transgender and Non-Binary Students in Virginia Public Schools.This is demanding, but necessary work to ensure equitable treatment for all students. Thank you, VDOE, for your commitment to it!


Support for the Guidance Document

I support the right of every student to feel safe and represented in their learning environment. Part of a productive learning environment is the ability to feel safe and know that your rights are acknowledged and protected. Anyone who is against this on the grounds that "it's forcing different beliefs on my children" is incorrect and has clearly not read the purpose of the guidance document - it is to PREVENT DISCRIMINATION and I think we all know there is no good argument against that. I am a cis-gender alumna of FCPS schools and I support the rights of the next generation of students to be represented and protected in an equitable manner that is recognized in official school R&R policy. We are not teaching or forcing any beliefs on students - simply preparing them for the real world which is diverse and full of people of all different identities. We are not teaching them what to believe in, simply that their beliefs can be practiced in a way that does not antagonize or minimize quality of life or learning for other students. The US Constitution is very clear on one thing: we have the right to believe anything we want, and exercise those beliefs - AND, that our rights END wherein they infringe upon those of OTHERS. Essentially, if you "don't believe in" trans identity, you are entitled to that belief, however you are NOT entitled to harass or otherwise disrupt the learning experience of trans and non-binary students. Discrimination is unconstitutional, and I'm glad our state is making strides to stamp it out in our education system.


Support the treatment of ALL people

Support the treatment of ALL people, not one specific group.


Vote No on transgender

this document will increase more issues than it solves. for one if there is no such thing as gender division how will they teach anatomy? how can students learn to trust when from one day to the next they are told that the reality they see doesn't exist? Its difficult enough for students to keep track of the people they know - now they are required to remember who wants to be called him or her which can change on any given day ?  I agree people should not be bullied - but now its ok to bully people who happen to believe in the reality of male and female?


Oppose!

Oppose !


Vote Yes - Support Trans Rights

Trans rights are human rights, especially when pertaining to younger people in the school system. This should be a non-issue but some folks seemed to be trapped in the past and unable to move forward. When someone asks to “think of the family” when they are opposed to trans privacy policies, they are only thinking of their family. They are either not ready or not willing to accept and talk about Transgender folks to their children. This is an opportunity to help the future- to progress the work that has already been put into trying to help make the Trans community feel safer. Our children can grow up in a world where they are more understanding of Transgender issues, where these policies aren’t even debated. Where they can come home from school and are educated enough on the subject to talk with their parents and friends and family who may not understand or are even too afraid to understand- and they can help them understand. That work starts here. Vote yes and help build a school system that supports children who do not conform to traditional roles because the idea of those roles in general is simply the least important thing this world needs to concern itself with.


Support

I strongly support. This is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality.


Guidance document Transgender students

I support policy that recognizes the worth and dignity of all students, including transgender students.


Educator Strongly Support

I strongly support The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools guidance because trans rights are human rights. As a school counselor, I have seen first-hand the detrimental effects of mistreatment and misgendering has on a trans student's mental health. There is not enough protection in our current education policies to protect trans students from discrimination from staff and their peers. Having these policies in place will ensure that our schools are more inclusive and providing safe learning environments for all students regardless of their gender identity.


Strongly Support!

I support this legislation because trans youths are VALID and deserve the same treatment as any other kid. I have seen a lot of negative comments from parents about the fear that their child will be exposed to sexual violence or misconduct given that trans children are allowed in their correctly corresponding gendered bathrooms/locker rooms...and that cannot be farther from reality. The reality is that trans youth (especially trans girls) are the more vulnerable population to peer sexual violence. Imagine your teenaged girl being forced into the boys locker room...thats exactly what it's like for trans girls - if not worse. Please listen and educate yourself about the trans community before you clutch your pearls in fear.


Yes Support

yes support a fair school environment for all students please don’t let this fall through


I vote no

There are many disturbing policies in this draft. One of the most egregious, is the proposed authority given to school personnel to withhold vital information from parents regarding the wellbeing of their child and provide guidance while withholding vital information from parents.  Parents have God given authority over their child, and have the right to be made aware of all issues regarding their child. This would not be in the best interest of the child or the family unit.


Support

I'm been advocating for years for many of the kinds of protections and supports listed in this document. For just a few examples, guidance on student privacy, dress code, and access to facilities is very much in line with what our trans students so badly need. Thank you.


Oppose

I believe in equal rights, but not with this guidance.  Find alternatives.  Youth girls will be at an even higher risk.


You are born male or female period!!!

I strongly oppose having transgenders use whatever restroom they identify with. This is totally ridiculous!!!! You are either born a male or a female and that is the restroom you should use! This nonsense has got to stop!!!!!!!!!!!


strongly support!

Protect and support trans students. Refuse to equate them with predators. Permit them to live their lives unashamed. Respect them as human beings. Listen.


Serious concerns with this document and proposed policies

While it is entirely appropriate to seek to provide a safe educational environment for all students, I have serious concerns about certain basic assumptions that stand behind the development of this guidance, as well as various logistical concerns. 1) The Model Polices document says that “Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity” (p.6) and that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six.” (p.8) There is much evidence, however, that a significant number of children who adopt behaviors and identities associated with a different gender from their biological sex do in fact end up identifying with their biological sex by the conclusion of puberty.  In the words of the DSM-5: “In natal [biological] males, persistence [of gender dysphoria] has ranged from 2.2% to 30%. In natal females, persistence has ranged from 12%-50%.”  (America Psychiatric Association, “Gender Dysphoria” DSM-5, 455, quoted in Lawrence S. Mayer and Paul R. McHugh, “Sexuality and Gender: Findings from the Biological, Psychological, and Social Sciences,” The New Atlantis, No. 56 Fall 2016, 106.) Although some children do explore a gender identity that differs from their biological sex during childhood (and this can be for a variety of reasons, including experiences of abuse and trauma) this very often changes by the time puberty is concluded, such that their sense of gender identity corresponds with their biological sex. Also from Wikipedia: “According to prospective studies, the majority of children diagnosed with gender dysphoria cease to desire to be the other sex by puberty, with most growing up to identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, with or without therapeutic intervention.” (“Gender Dysphoria in Children,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_dysphoria_in_children , Date accessed February 2, 2021) There are also studies indicating that social and peer dynamics might play a role in some teens, particularly girls, who adopt a trans identity during puberty. (Brown University, “Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria,” Science Daily, 22 August 2018, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180822150809.htm , Date accessed February 2, 2021) While it is important to treat all children in schools with respect and to find practical ways to help them feel safe in their environment and with teachers and peers, this unexamined rush by adults to categorically affirm and “solidify” children’s and teen’s identity perceptions is enormously concerning and seems far more ideology-based than fact-based. Rather than science-based and “evidence-based best practices,” the contents of this document seem to rest on the adoption of many untested and unproven assumptions, which is a dangerous habit of mind that is not at all conducive to cultivating a “safe” learning environment for any child.  Will children who come from homes in which gender is considered to have biological and ontological aspects and not simply a chosen, subjective construction be safe in this environment? Will children (or their parents) who are concerned about their privacy and who have a different point of view on these matters be respected? Will they face discipline for their views? Will they face stereotyping, stigma and discrimination?  Are there compromises that can be found that can help students and adults with differing views work and learn together, or will implementation of policies like this become a one-sided, unilateral demand for compliance? 2) Another concern, as one who has worked in FCPS with special education and who had special education needs myself, it is very concerning how little evidence is required for a student to be considered “transgender” and be treated as such with accommodations (see 1st paragraph of Student Identification on p. 12). This is certainly not the way it works in order to qualify for recognition and accommodations in special education. What does this communicate to students with special education needs whose parents often have to provide extensive outside documentation and evidence in order for their children’s challenges to be recognized and to receive accommodations? 3) There are many other concerns with this document, but will conclude with a logistical concern. The section titled “Access to Facilities” says, “It can be emotionally harmful for a transgender student to be questioned regarding the use of restrooms and facilities. School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom” (p. 17).  This appears to effectively mean that any student can enter any restroom at any time. Having worked in a middle school, I am aware of the potential for many problems and challenges with this lack of clarity in policy. Is it necessary to make bathrooms an unaccountable free-for-all considering the potential for abuse that a policy like this would open up?  Is this safe for other students?  Is this fair to teachers who do in fact have to deal with various inappropriate uses of bathrooms by students, but who would have vastly reduced authority to respond?  Most of us have to go through the day at school or at work with some level of emotional frustration or distress over a variety of things. Does it help students who identify as transgender to communicate through policy that their emotional needs override the needs and considerations of all others? Surely there is a workable solution for bathrooms that maintains an appropriate level of safety and accountability for all involved that does not involve this level of vague open-endedness. Dear public servants in the Virginia Department of Education, please consider slowing down and providing time for more community engagement and discussion. Please also do not assume or encourage the assumption that everyone who disagrees with the contents or various aspects of this document and its policies are culturally illiterate bigots or religiously intolerant. There are many very real and valid concerns that need to be brought to the table and carefully considered. Thank you.


Compulsory Speech is the most fascist thing. These policies are fascist.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose this as it violates our religious and educational freedom as citizens and especially as parents.


Strongly oppose

My family and I are extremely uncomfortable with these changes! I vote no! My children will be pulled out of public school if this happens.


Support for this proposal

I strongly support this proposal. Public schools should support all students and provide them with a safe learning environment. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments.


Transgender Student Safety and Protection

Good Afternoon, I'm writing to support protections for transgender and non-binary students in all of Virginia's public schools. These students deserve a safe place to learn and succeed, and protections will help facilitate a positive learning environment for everyone. I'm a veteran educator of over thirty years. As a counselor I have worked with transgender students and their families on inclusion and safety issues. The state of Virginia must protect every student who walks into a school building ready, willing and able to learn. It is our duty to serve everyone. Please do what you can, to protect all LGBT students under the care of the entire Virginia school system. It is the right thing to do! Thank you for your time, John Clisham Wakefield High School College & Career Counselor Arlington, VA


Fully supporti

I think ALL children should feel comfortable while getting their education


STRONGLY SUPPORT!

Trans Rights are Human rights!


NOT SUPPORT

NOT SUPPORT


Human Rights

Transgender people deserve the same basic human rights as cisgender people. Everyone should have access to education, regardless of their gender identity!!


Strongly Opposed - This Bill is Overt Violation of Social Order - Pandora’s Box

Hello. Any bill violating the natural and rational sanctity of the family unit in this proposed manner will surely undermine the foundations of true justice. This bill eliminates the role of the loving family, of natural society and supplants it with the arbitrary power of the state. This is far too dangerous to entertain for political points. This bill must be put away immediately for the good of us all. The precedent would be completely without rational limits. Thank you for your time.


Absolutely not!

Kids will abuse this situation. What if a boy decides he identifies as a girl just to use the girls locker room/bathroom? Many parents are talking about sending their kids to private school.


Oppose!

This change is not ok! Public schools need to be concerned with the childrens EDUCATION! That’s IT!


Strongly support

I strongly support this. Trans children and teens need to be able to use facilities that align with their identity. Lack of social support in schools has been proven to lead to depression and anxiety, and further ostracizes an already marginalized group.


ABSOLUTELY NOT SUPPORT

ABSOLUTELY NOT SUPPORT


Transgender students

These people must be fully supported


Support vulnerable kids!

I strongly support this well-researched and evidence-based proposal. Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environments. Policies that actively support transgender students are associated with higher rates of school attendance, higher academic achievement, and improvements in both mental and physical health. As public entities entrusted with student safety, we should always act with the most vulnerable students in mind. This policy would protect previously vulnerable students and create safer, more inclusive learning environments.


Strongly Oppose Transgender Policy

I oppose the government pushing an agenda upon us that goes against what we believe in and what we are not comfortable with.  This is supposed to be a free society.  We want to preserve our First Amendment rights to oppose transgender policies that we unequivocally disagree with.  As an alternative, how about a policy to support the rights of those that oppose transgenderism?  In the end, this comes down to morals, not rights.


Strongly oppose

strongly disagree with this indoctrination of our children from their younger age. Conversations about LGBTQ should be initiate at home with parents at their own discretion based on their value. Stop deciding on our behalf.


Absolutely NOT SUPPORT

Absolutely NOT SUPPORT


Model Transgender Guidelines

Strongly oppose! Please vote NO!


VA would be ahead of other states in finally supporting a traditionally underserved population.

We must protect our kids. All of our kids.


Support this

I support this. Protect trans kids


Strongly Support

I strongly support guidance for students, administration & educators to support trans & nonbinary youth in our schools. This is extremely important as these are foundational years, and the students deserve to feel safe and acknowledged during this time. The school system should aim to set all students up for a confident and content adulthood. I have seen other negative comments saying trans & nonbinary youth are just kids going through a phase, and that simply is not true. Kids just like adults are complex humanbeings, and not all fit the generic gender mold. Children and teens are in a time of growth, exploration and expanse and they should feel safe to express themselves as this majorly impacts their mental, and therefore physical, health as a youth and as an adult. Saftey & acceptance is extremely important and should be the golden standard, without question, in our school system.


Strongly Support!

All students deserve the right to feel comfortable and supported in their learning environment. This includes students who are transgender. No child should ever go to school afraid of their teachers, peers, and school authorities. They deserve protection, and should have the ability, like any other student, to learn in a safe environment. Let's remember we're talking about people here, and not robots or villains. Children are so much more open to kindness, and it's us adults that let it slip away. Protect transgender students. Give them a school system that will treat them fairly and promise to keep their privacy and their rights safe.


Strongly support, this is a human rights issue!

I strongly support this, I don't see how making kids feel more accepted and comfortable at school is a bad thing? Transgender kids just want to be accepted and respected as any other kid. They just don't identify as the gender that they were defined at birth, they're not hurting anyone. Everyone deserves respect regardless of their race, gender, sex, etc.


Absolutely oppose!

This is not about caring for students at all! This is just another attempt to promote an agenda that contradicts the natural law and exploit the most influential members of our society: our children.


Absolutely opposed. Please vote NO

Absolutely opposed.  Please vote NO


Strongly Oppose!

I am strongly opposed to this guidance! Having a 10 yo daughter in Virginia public schools is becoming very worrisome to me as I don't know what she might be 'exposed to' (pun intended).


Equal Opportunity For All Students.

Supporting evidence-based policy is crucial in addressing the needs of all students in Virginia schools. As a mother of three children in Richmond Public Schools and a graduate student at VCU pursuing a School Counseling degree, I value students’ mental health and right to equal opportunity. I am excited to see this policy be implemented in order to provide a safe and equitable environment for our students to thrive. Transgender rights are human rights and I fully believe in supporting a policy that moves away from discrimination against our students.


Elisabeth Taurino, Rainbow Connection Healthcare RVA

I support the guidance

I support the guidance


Strongly support.

I strongly support this bill!