No bullying

I am very much opposed to bullying in any form.  I agree that all students, including LGBTQ, are entitled to be safe from bullying and harassment.  Having said this, it is important not to go too far in the other direction.  Excluding parents from the discussion because "they wouldn't understand" is misguided at best, sinister at worst, and labeling them as abusive or neglectful for not using the child's chosen pronouns takes it to a whole new level.  Allowing boys into the girls' locker room and the other way around is a recipe for disaster.  (And if we're throwing out the norms for gender, how can we have boys' and girls' sports teams anymore?)  And if anyone calls a TG by the "wrong" pronoun, they are considered bullies.  I have to question who is bullying whom here? As of 2018, our high school students were ranked 38th in the world in math scores and 24th for science, according to the World Population Review.  despite having one of the highest budgets in the world.  Maybe we should focus more on core subjects, especially since many have missed the entire last year, and less on pushing forward a political agenda that has nothing to do with education.  Get rid of the bullying and let the kids learn.


Please oppose

This policy transcends all basic common sense, human reason, moral decency, and empirical science.  A policy of this sort will have far-reaching, unintended, and injurious repercussions for many years to come, up to and including possible emotional and/or physical scarring of the "normal" student population.


Respect for all

It is important to have respect for all. The proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students elevates the needs of some above the needs of others. For instance, the identified need of a child to express his or herself in terms of adopting stereotypical feminine or masculine dress or expression is elevated above the parents' rights to guide and care for their child; the need of a child who does not conform to their biological sex is elevated above the rights of children who conform to their biological sex by preventing the latter from privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms. Interestingly the policies are written claiming to remove barriers for one group, without recognizing they are creating barriers for others. For instance a biological boy who is allowed to compete against biological girls may eliminate the biological girl from advancing. Remember back in the 70's when women's sports was created to recognize that girls and women needed a separate space to fairly compete in athletics? All children need love, respect and safety, but these policies are not considering "all" but are elevating one class above another. Thus, I oppose these policies.


Strongly Opposed

Please reconsider the proposed transgender policy guidelines since they divide families - children from their parents - in pushing a one-sided transition agenda. All children that deal with gender dysphoria deserve the help of their parents to make informed decisions.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

Writing in opposition the the transgender bill. People are either boys or girls. This bill opposes freedom of speech and compels people to certain forms of speech against their conscience and reality. It is not love to let people persist in delusion. Boys and girls want to have separate bathrooms. I don't want penises in the bathroom with my daughters. Plain and simple. No one wants that. Transgender people are not killing themselves because they can't use a certain bathrooms. They are committing suicide even cause they have been lied to and feel despair and desperation I'm their souls. Pray for them, but do not go along with this diabolical attack on the family, reason, freedom of speech, and natural law. The language used in this bill is contrived. We are not "assigned" genders. We are one thing or another. The amount of people who are actually intersex due to chromosomal abnormalities is vanishingly small and the grand exception and does not prove a rule. Propagating this ideology further will lead to further destruction. I will pray a rosary for all those demoralized and captured by the transgender ideology and for all those who propagate it that they may turn back to Christ and cease this diabolical, in the true sense of the word, against humanity.


Schools have more rights than parents with regards to children?

I am all for anti-bullying, treating other with respect, etc, and I teach those ideals to my children. That being said, I do not think it is appropriate that children can sit down with a school team and decide to change their gender/pronoun/name/etc in student information systems without the approval of a parent. Be who you want, experiment, do what you need to do, but taking those rights away from parents is incredibly inappropriate. When a child turns 18, they are a legal adult and can change what they need to. Until then, children are minors, and parents should be required to sign paperwork or change gender/name/pronoun/etc.


Feedback from a Student Born and Raised in Virginia

I was born and raised in Roanoke Virginia, attending the public school system. When I came out as trans to close friends and family in middle school, people were afraid of how everyone else would react. When I came out publicly in high school, some of those fears were realized. Myself and other trans students were often harassed for simply existing, though many students and teachers were positive and supportive presences. I'm lucky that many people in my high school attempted to create a physically safe, at least, environment for trans students but even that isn't guaranteed everywhere. Please push for protections for us. By being more formally protected by the State's education department, trans students can be better protected from discrimination to focus on being kids and doing their schoolwork, extracurriculars, and living their childhoods to the fullest like everyone should. No child should face discrimination and prejudice and you have the wonderful opportunity to protect future kids! Thank you.


Guidance for transgenders in school

As a concerned law bidding citizen of this great nation and virginia, I am appalled that we have what should be moral, law bidding individuals in governmental offices supporting something so immoral as transgenders. This goes completely against the laws of nature that should be protected the same as man made laws. The gender is established in every living being at birth. It shouldn't be decided by some sick minded person. That's is exactly what is happening. As leaders of the people you need to develope education and rehabilitation centers just like those on drugs or alcohol and oppose such immoral behaviors. Continuing on this path of immorality is going to destroy families, our culture and our nation. You have a responsibility to do what's right. I will be praying that you do.


Parents and privacy left out by this bill

I oppose this bill. These issues should be between a parent and a therapist if there is confusion not kept from parents as the bill states, or that a child would be considered abused if they are secure in their identity as male or female and that is how they were born and designed by God. Also privacy of any child in a changing room should be of the utmost importance no child should feel they are open to viewing from anyone. This bill is demeaning and leaves children vulnerable to long lasting damage. Do not pass this bill.


Opposition

I strongly oppose any policies or legislation that undermines the ability of parents to raise their children as they see fit regarding social issues. Also, parents have a right to know what is happening with their children, struggles their children are facing at school, and other challenges related to their children. For school personnel to intentionally keep information about a child from their parents is unreasonable and inappropriate


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

My husband and I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  As parents of six children we are concerned that this policy will undermine the rights of parents who send their children to the public schools. You will see even more of an exodus out of the public schools if you enact this wrong policy!


Are you considering the new victims who you are creating?

If your goal is to help students, are you interested in helping the students who will become the new victims here? I attended Virginia schools. I graduated from high school in which I was intensely sexually harassed every single day. I guarantee you that any of the boys and men (those who had failed a few years) would have followed me into a restroom or locker room if they were allowed to do so with no questions asked. I ask you to seriously consider the safety of girls. Please consider the fact that you are telling girls that you don’t care if they are scared, if they have privacy, if they are protected. You are telling half of the population of the school that you are willing to make them victims. This concern has nothing to do with transgender children. Please provide gender neutral restrooms for people who need them. Please provide safe restrooms and locker rooms for girls. You are responsible for the safety of girls. This is not a religious argument. Refer to utilitarianism (a secular theory). Does this action produce the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people? The consequences of any action will determine if it is right or wrong. How do the consequences affect the majority?  Apply Kantian ethics, judge this action by how it would appear as a universal code of behavior. How does this work when it applies to all people, at all times? There are very logical reasons to explain how this is detrimental. There is a very simple solution, provide gender neutral restrooms and locker rooms. Children are supposed to be kept safe in school. Keep the girls safe. Please try to use logic. Please keep half of your school population safe and feeling protected and secure- that is your job.


Guidance for Transgenders

Putting aside any arguments regarding the morality of promoting transgender ideology, this law strips innocent youth from their rights and protections by forcing them to participate in social activities and interactions that would require them to be exposed to and accept transgenderism. Further, this strips parents of their ability to protect their child from being immersed in an environment they don’t agree is healthy for their child’s mental, emotional and moral development. Essentially, this law forfeits the rights and protections of the majority for the promotion of an agenda that ignores and denies natural law. Further, no matter what labels you assign to any self-reported identity does not, can not and will never change the fact that, with the exception of very rare conditions, each and every individual is born as a male or a female and nothing can change that. Surgeries and body mutilation will never change that person chromosomes, which is what has always and will always define one’s gender. This abomination needs to stop before these perverse ideologies destroy our youth, rob them of their innocence and continue to foster and promote mental illness.


The Policies are Evil and Institutionalize Sexual Abuse.

This must be stopped at all costs because the damage done to the next generation will be so great... I can't even fathom it.


Justice for transgender students!

Our schools should embrace transgender students. All students need to be heard and feel safe at school. Schools are the reflection of the community. We can talk about diverse and inclusive communities when the schools are diverse and inclusive places. No one should feel left behind in educational settings. Provide safe spaces for your students Virginia!


Strongly opposed

You don't have the right to decide that boys enters into our daughters' bathrooms in public schools. Besides, there are more important issues to resolve: COVID, skyrocketing crime and better job opportunities. Reject it. Spend time on real issues.


Strong SUPPORT

It is absolutely about time we introduce and adhere to policies that support our LGBTQ youth and enforce a zero tolerance for bullying. Policies like this can save lives.


No judgement...

I believe a safe, respectful environment in schools is not a privilege, but a right to all. Male, female, all races, and transgender kids. Everyone. I don’t think it’s my place to put judgement on others, in particularly kids who have faced unbearable internal struggles with their gender, because it’s something that neither I, nor my child, has ever had to face! If you don’t know that persons struggles, why would any loving person want to add to that? They are someone’s child, and as a mother, it would break my heart if someone treated my son badly. For any reason! The suicide rates for these kids are incredibly disturbing. Providing a safe environment at schools where kids spend the most time, and the most formative of their years, is the least we can do.


I STRONGLY OPPOSE

I strongly oppose!! The schools job is to educate children on facts. If schools educated our children on every feeling we’ve ever had then you would run a circus instead. Feelings of being a different gender, an animal, or anything else is strictly that- feelings. The dangers of putting a male into the girls locker room based on feelings will open up a whole new set of problems including rape, sexual abuse, among many more. Males will “feel” like a female to get into the locker room and do harm. It would be insanity for schools to be inviting this type of misconduct. Where is the protection for the girls who don’t want to take their clothes off on front of a biological male? If schools are caving to feelings now then I support a separate neutral changing area for those children who’s “feelings” do not match their body. This is the only way to keep EVERYONE safe. Also, schools should NEVER replace a parents role. It’s is absurd that children would be allowed to do anything outside of their parents wishes and then keep that from the parents. Every statement I’ve ever signed from the schools state “we (parents/teachers) are a team and we work together”. Doesn’t that seem like a better idea? I strongly oppose the upcoming rules on transgenders based strictly on feelings. Insane.


Strongly Oppose

Strongly Oppose


STRONGLY OPPOSED!

Strongly opposed! Children are children! They are not your puppets! Young children are very vulnerable to the things you teach. Do NOT confuse them or encourage them into thinking they are something they are not. Penis=BOY,  Vagina=GIRL. There are no other genders! Introducing this agenda will only further the current problems we are already facing in society not to mention it's complete child abuse!


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose transgender students to pick whatever gender identity they want.  I strongly oppose children who are boys going into girls locker rooms and vice versa.


Strongly Oppose

This decision is looking at the impact of a minuscule portion of the population and not weighing the impact to the large majority of students.  This decision would violate the teaching and moral fabric of all Christians and make those students very uncomfortable.  Furthermore, it could put students in compromising situations and lead to instances of inappropriate and unethical conduct.


Utterly oppose mandatory transgenderism for school children!!

Encouragement of adolescent youths in the 'normalcy' of transgender beliefs and experiences would be the worst sort of child abuse.  Adult sanction of a homosexual orientation would merely foster thinking and behavior contrary to the child's best interest, at a time in children's lives when experimentation with self-destructive behavior has long, dire consequences.  To tacitly urge a child to experiment with abominable behavior would sow the seeds for his or her psychological anguish, later in life.  Homosexuality and transgenderism amount to behaviors that bring terrible suffering, because the Creator judges them as severe sin.  Youths naturally rebel against injustice (real or imagined), but the actual injustice would be encouragement of young people to experiment with homosexual behavior!  If homosexuality were genetically determined, it would have become extinct long ago, due to much-lower reproductive rates by gay couples.  Instead, transgenderism and homosexuality would be unwise responses to demonic temptations, remediable by the LORD Jesus Christ and the application Christian sound doctrine.


Strongly Oppose

The fact that this is even being an option in schools in disgraceful. There should not be an option to share bathrooms or locker rooms just because you “think” you are a different gender. This should not be introduced to children.


Strongly oppose

These transgender policies assume that everyone agrees on the issue. There are rational and reasonable people on both sides of the transgender issue. Therefore, the opinions of all must be respected. This is first and foremost a moral issue. Parents should be free to teach their children on moral issues without having government-run schools countermanding the parents’ views.


Press Release:  Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Richard Salmon salmon_richard@hotmail.com 571-926-1671 Prince Wm Group Observes Biological Sex Is The Difference That Matters MANASSAS Virginia, January 18, 2021 --The Prince William & Manassas Family Alliance opposes recommendations of the proposed Virginia Department of Education policy, Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools (virginia.gov). This policy document promotes the transgender ideology. This policy document treats gender identity as more important than biological sex. If implemented the policy would even force teachers and students to echo back what those who have “transgendered” themselves want to believe about themselves. Forcing people to say things they do not believe violates the First Amendment. Our public schools should be safe for all people, not just those troubled with ‘gender dysphoria.’ --The Alliance opposes recommendations to accommodate transgender students in all public school restrooms. In comments filed on a draft the Prince William County affiliate of the Family Foundation urged the State to protect privacy and modesty of all students rather than require schools to allow all students to use any restroom based on a temporary identification with a sex other than that of their birth. --The Alliance explained that it believes that in the beginning “God created man in his image, in the image of God He created him: male and female He created them." Our gender is in our DNA.” While it said that it condemned bullying or mistreatment of any transgender persons who doubt their birth gender, the proposed transgender policy does not take into account its potential detriment to transgender students. Physicians claim that in the majority of cases young people who question their birth gender come to terms with who they are by young adulthood and move forward in their original gender. Transgender students adopt clothing and a hair style like their ‘gender identity,’ take a different given name and use preferred pronouns when referring to themselves or when being addressed. Giving them access to bathrooms and showers of a gender other than that corresponding with their genitalia will not satisfy their ‘gender dysphoria.’ Rather it will reinforce the confusion and intensify their focus and that of their fellow students on this narrow aspect of their self-image. Many transgender youths take hormones that will induce irreversible sex change. Though it sounds simple, the hormones weaken bone development and possibly affect brain development that continues into young adulthood. In most cases the hormones render them sterile. The secondary sex changes induced by hormone therapy are permanent: girls develop facial hair, a deepened voice and often the girls have their breasts surgically removed to appear more masculine. Boys are feminized to develop breasts, a higher-pitched voice and again, are rendered sterile. If, later, transgender individuals regret their decision, they cannot reverse the damage done to their bodies. This often leads to depression and even suicide. Family Alliance President Ruth Dale says her group endorses kind and respectful treatment of transgender students but emphasizes “We also want the student body of which the transgender students are a part be to be treated with equal respect and dignity. They have a right to privacy and modesty. Sharing bath and shower rooms with students having different genitalia does not serve that end.” Therefore, we oppose ‘open’ use of bathrooms and shower rooms by transgender students. Instead, single-person toilet and shower facilities should be provided for transgender students’ use. It is the most equitable way to help all students.” Alliance Secretary Richard Salmon also requested that Virginia senators and delegates who last March mandated local school boards adopt the State Board policy not then yet in existence, suspend that requirement until the state department adopts a final policy and the General Assembly conducts oversight hearings on the resulting “model.” A draft has been published at Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools (virginia.gov) . The public is invited to comment between now and 11:59 pm. on February 3 ( CLICK ON => Guidance Document Public Comment Forum (virginia.gov) . We encourage all the citizens of Virginia to comment on the proposed policy. We believe the parents and grandparents of school age should be irate about this policy proposal. Please let your state legislators know how you feel. Their contact information is available here, Who's My Legislator. ### The Prince William & Manassas Family Alliance is composed of citizens of Prince William county and the City of Manassas from many occupations and religious affiliations. Our mission is to stand for and protect family, moral and religious values. Our web site is: www.familyallianceonline.org .


Oppose!

Encroaching on the majority of the student’s privacy for the sake of a few is not okay! Kids who are not comfortable using their biologically assigned restrooms/locker rooms could be allowed to use private staff restrooms or have a restroom made specifically for them. But, allowing students of the opposite gender to use the wrong restroom, without any questions asked, will lead to disaster. This WILL be taken advantage of and imagine all of the lawsuits that could stem from that. It’s NOT okay!


Oppose

Strongly Oppose


Oppose

In your considerations, please lookout for ALL the students not just those who have political power or money behind them. Keep all of our children safe. If transgender students don't feel safe in their appropriate bathroom please build them private bathrooms throughout the building to use. Imposing broad new mandates so often has destructive unintended consequences. Reverse the trend of modern government and actually fix the problem, instead of making it worse.


Oppose Transgender Model Policy

Although I empathize greatly with the challenges of transgender students, I strongly oppose the DOE’s model policy for several reasons. First and foremost, regarding school interference in determining gender identity, the recommended standard reads: “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity.” A child’s gender and greater identity are intimate and personal. They are not the business of the school or the government. This is a topic and discussion that should rightly be handled within the family unit, and the government (and by extension schools) should not interfere with family business and the personal decisions of students and their family members. It is not the job of the school to impose their viewpoints on such personal matters, and it is certainly the job of the school to communicate personal concerns with family members. Just as a school would have an obligation to communicate to a parent or guardian if a child were experiencing depression, engaging in risky behavior, considering suicide, or demonstrating addictive personality or behaviors, parents should be informed of all substantive issues regarding their children. A student’s gender identity and personal beliefs, thoughts, and worries are between a student and their family, and it rests solely within that boundary lest we continue to give the government more control over our ability to raise, parent, and advise our own children. Secondly, can you please explain how discipline and consequences for not using correct pronouns will be enforced? I would like additional information on the punitive steps that will be taken against faculty or students who violate the “pronoun” policy. The draft policy reads: “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” I oppose this. Parents should be notified immediately if there child is called in for remediation or discipline for violating ANY school policy. Parents should be informed and actively engaged in any disciplinary consequence (short of a verbal warning) the school enforces on their child at any level. Further, the standard implies consequences to the family as well. It reads: “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming.” What would this look like? Would the school report child abuse if a family was not “affirming” of their child’s proclamation regarding gender identity? Sexual preference and sexual decisions do not belong in the schools; this is not the job or purview of public education. Please keep these topics out of the public school system, and let families handle personal decisions regarding students. I am unsure what qualifies teachers, administrators, superintendents, or even counselors in the school system to have the authority to “help” these children with their decisions without consultation with parents who have birthed these children, raised these children, paid for all their needs and necessities, and cared for them throughout their childhood. There is NO outside authority in this facet of a child’s life but that of the parents. And frankly, whether or not a parent “affirms” a behavior, proclamation, action or stance of their child is of no business to the school. The school, nor any of it’s agents, are not a parent. Period. Finally, I believe there are major safety and privacy violations that would follow the decision to make bathrooms openly available to both genders. The draft policy requires “ Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” Further, faculty and students cannot confront a student regarding their entry into the restroom. As an adult woman, I can think of nothing more humiliating, embarrassing, or uncomfortable than being a pubescent girl having to share a bathroom with a biological boy. Although I can’t speak to their experiences, I would imagine boys might also feel the same discomfort in sharing a bathroom with a biological female. I feel like not allowing young ladies their privacy is gender discrimination. Have these recommendations been based on research and data regarding the safety of such decisions? Since bullying and bad behavior often take place in areas within the schools in which teachers have limited access, I would urge you to reconsider putting ANY student (transgender or otherwise) into a situation that might further perpetuate bullying and violence. Why is it not possible to put a single transgender bathroom in schools—much like a family bathroom found at many stores and mall areas? It seems that this would be a better decision to allow transgender students the spaces they need while ensuring the safety and privacy of ALL students. Please don’t make decisions that benefit one population of students to the detriment of all the others. I want every child to have a safe and productive school experience, but I believe this policy does not allow that for ALL students. Thank you for allowing a forum for parents to voice their concerns.


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

Sir, Ma'am: Thank you for the opportunity to comment. I have serious reservations on aspects of the "Model Policies for Treatment of Transgender Students in VA Public Schools" and request substantial modification or rescission. While I am supportive of efforts to reduce bullying and harrassment, these guidelines go far beyond supporting a safe school environment by endorsing positions on transgenderism that include controversial and harmful ideas such as male and female being being defined as a 'cluster of physical features' or that gender identity is declared at age 5-6.  These ideas are harmful, particularly when shared by authority figures (the public school).  They directly oppose the firmly held and scientifically based reality of men and women.  I fear for the confusion we introduce into children that will bring them long term harm. If the intent is to reduce bullying and harrassment, please focus on respecting the dignity of the individual and do not accompany these guidelines with definitions and education that are firmly rejected by science and the Judeo-Christian faith.  Parents must have say in the education of their children.  The concepts of transgenderism are complex and should not be promoted in public schools. ---------- The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. - Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children.


Strongly oppose!

Absolutely not the school’s place! This shouldn’t even be a question. Absolutely absurd.


Strong support!

Strongly support as a parent of a trans child.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!

How is it that public school teachers will be charged with harassment for not using the correct pronoun? How is it that any person can enter any locker room or bathroom, and claim a certain gender? What sort of protection do ALL students receive from this sort of bill?


Transgender Guidance

Very strongly opposed!


Opposed

I have no issue with the transgender community, but do not believe that is the school's place to facilitate the transition. I am also concerned with the fact that the plan states that schools will support the initiative without the approval or knowledge of the parents, and also will have parents reported to child protective services if they are opposed. Educate the children, but remove yourself from their personal lives.


Opposed Parents should know what is going on with their kids.

Parents have a right to know what is going on with their child. As their legal guardians. Also the thought of any boy or girl walking into the opposite sex restroom without question is wrong. You’re opening that up for more sexual harassment issues.


OPPOSED!

I support and love all students but oppose this policy!  The school does not have the right to take parental rights away and to make decisions for a child.


Strongly Opposed

These proposed regulations are fundamentally flawed and should not be imposed upon Virginia schools. Actual gender, as gender has been defined for thousands of years, is a biological fact, established by a person's chromosomes at conception -- not at birth as is asserted in these draft regulations.  Although male and female genitalia are outward signs of ones' biological gender, rare cases of birth defects do occur where the genitalia are not formed normally which may indeed foster gender confusion.  Most gender confusion, however, is a psychological condition where a person feels or self-identifies as other than their biological gender. Accordingly, any discussion of school policy concerning students suffering with gender confusion or ambiguity should be predicated upon truth, the primacy of parental responsibility for the health, welfare, and education of their children, and a profound respect by the state for their dignity as individuals.  This dignity must be in equal proportion, neither greater nor lesser, to the dignity of the majority of students who individually identify with their biological gender. The definition of the condition must first be predicated upon objective biological gender as established chromosomally.  Gender identity becomes a policy issue in cases where an individual's subjective perception of their gender assignment differs in some way from their biological gender. Second, the role of the state is to support parents as they guide their children through their development.  Any language that discourages educators from discussing the outward manifestation of a student's gender identity with their parents or presumes that gender confusion should be encouraged by educators against a parents' wishes should be stricken from the policy.  Similarly, any language that presumes that a parent supporting their child's gender identity with their biological gender is inherently abusive is fundamentally flawed and should be stricken. Third, all students should be protected and treated with equal dignity.  Any policy that allows individuals who are not truly gender-confused to use gender identity as a ruse to gain access to the private facilities intended for their opposite sex (e.g. bathroom, showers, changing rooms, etc.) should be stricken and modified to protect the dignity of all students equally. Finally, and most importantly, no state educational regulations should infringe upon the citizens' free exercise of their religious beliefs.  Where these beliefs intersect with gender identity, the regulations must respect the primacy of these religious beliefs and allow parents to educate their children consistent with these beliefs.


Transgender bologna

We Strongly oppose any and all motions to allow transgenderism in our schools or any place. It is demonic and will allow the devil into our schools worse than he already is!  Anyone who is in making a notion in favor should be fired!


Strongly Support - We Need This

As a non-binary high school student, I'm unable to use restrooms at school because there aren't any easily accessible gender-neutral restrooms. Additionally, I love sports but can not participate because I don't feel comfortable on the girls nor boys teams. Gender-neutral athletic opportunities are strongly needed for students to feel included. Also, FLE courses need to include normalization and discussion of LGBTQIA+ individuals to help students feel like they belong. There is both subtle and overt discrimination for LGBTQIA+ students at school. For example, students laugh and make fun of a sign designed to promote positive LGBTQIA+ support. It's isolating when classmates are laughing at who you and your friends are. The VDOE Model Policies would make school safer and more inclusive for me and other LGBTQIA+ students.


Support for the VDOE’s guidance on creating inclusive school environments for trans and n

I wanted to comment in support of the VDOE’s guidance on creating inclusive school environments for trans and non-binary students. I direct a church choir in Richmond, and I am grateful to a transgender member of my choir who has taught me much about the struggles of our transgender siblings in Christ. I am in awe of the bravery of trans kids in Virginia's schools.


transgender bathroom

As someone who is trans, and once went to the public schools in virginia (i’m graduated now) i highly support the transgender bathroom law that is trying to be passed. most of these comments are bigoted adults , or transphobes themselves who don’t really support their kids, or kids at school. trans kids using their preferred bathroom doesn’t affect anyone in any sort of way. us using the preferred bathroom shouldn’t be a big deal to anyone. we literally just go to the bathroom to go pee, and what have you. we literally bother no one. i used to not go to the bathroom at all during school, and it affected me a lot. take it from someone who is actually trans this is a GOOD idea. don’t listen to trans phobes.


Parents Rights and the True Abusers

Caring parents and other adults who do not support adolescent transition are not abusive as this document calls them. No one who cares about children would encourage a child to embark on a path of irreversible damage to their bodies because that child is experiencing some discomfort with their body. There could be many reasons for that. Why not try to help that child get down to the bottom of why they may be feeling that way? Adopting a new persona (pronouns, names, dress, etc.), hormone therapy, and surgery are all things that can not easily be taken back. Encouraging children to experiment with these things and aiding them in hiding it from their parents is the real child abuse. I strongly oppose these policies.


good idea for trans bathroom

i support the transgender law trying to be passed, and consider it a good idea. trans kids going to the proffered bathroom doesn’t affect anyone, and trans kids should be able to feel safe in the environment they work in.


Trans bathroom, good idea

Unless you are trans yourself it’s hard to understand the struggles that every day trans kids go through. Trans kids being themselves is NOT a person, nor should be treated such. trans kids using their preferred bathrooms harms no one in any way. it would make trans kids feel more safe at school, and feel like they’re able to use the bathroom that they belong in. they wouldn’t have to prove themselves. no one should have to prove themselves to anyone on why they’re the person that they are. trans people aren’t trans to go against anyone. they’re trans because that’s who they are, and should be able to be who we are without questioning, so this law is a wonderful idea !!


Please stop this cruelty - opposed

I do not approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. This indoctrination flies in the face of science, reason, and faith and is utterly cruel to our students. Please stand up for truth. Now. Before it is too late and more grave damage is done to our children.


Opposed - Creates Significant Problems

We all agree that bullying is not acceptable and that thought is a good one. These proposed guidelines, however well intentioned, are simultaneoisly going against science, going against religious beliefs, setting up students for unnecessary discipline, and creating environments where sexual harassment will flourish. Students can not be expected to ascertain a gender identity if it is constantly changing and is only in a specific student's mind. Furthermore, a school system should encourage scientific studies. Scientifically, a person's gender chromosomes are one thing at birth and remain that thing. It does not change during the course or a week, month, etc.. Furthermore, Scripture and science strongly agree that there are two genders. These policies are going to cause innocent students to be disciplined for no reason, for science to be thrown out the window, and for religion to be ignored. Meanwhile, the allowance of any student to use any locker room and restroom they would like WILL cause instances of sexual harassment and discomfort that are grossly unacceptable. The final result of these policies will likely be a mass exodus out of the VA Public School system. These guidelines, as written, would cause massive problems throughout the state in every county and community.


A Child is Either Only a Female Girl or a Male Boy

Ignoring basic facts is ignorant and dangerous. A child does not have the wrong genitals by accident. It’s impossible. There isn’t anything legitimate about making the truth illegal. Adults entrusted with the care and well being of OTHER people’s children should take it  more seriously as opposed to pretending there is anything sincere about enrolling minors into a socially constructed perverted Cult based on highlighting the differences in the genitals of minors while seeking money to confuse kids about loving themselves as is. What clothes a child wears doesn’t determine male or female. It’s threatening, violating and dishonest to claim there is or ever was some kind of need to accommodate the enabling of state ran child abuse that strips the rights of Parents and Girls that have already been begging for common sense practice while Ignored by those invested that make money to force participation in encouraged self hatred, dangerous drugs that are harmful and genital mutilation. The fact that since 2016 ed Parents in school board meetings have pointed out the obvious hidden agenda nationwide repeatedly and also been ignored just points to how insincere it is to ask for a public poll to beg for sex based rights to safety, privacy and protections to be upheld in an environment of CHILDREN where the practice of forcing voyuerism onto minors is the discussion. Adults don’t even practice and most have no idea what’s being attempted. There are already far too many cases of Parents losing custody to a gross opportunist marketing to a minor that the only way to be happy is to hate themselves and claim a label based on sexual ideas. There wasn’t a physician in Virginia that  used a treatment plan for a child exhibiting confusion about whether they were Male or Female that included dangerous drugs, genital mutilation and forcing everyone else to play along with inaccurate pronouns. NOT 1 I have evidence that supports those facts. Facts like socially constructed confusion forced is blatant evil. I’m not scared to share those facts. I am scared that lawmakers and people of influence turn their backs on society and aim to use children as bait knowingly and don’t care about reality. Selling kids the idea their parents may not know whether their child is male or female couldn’t be more dishonest. God knows the truth so do the Global alliances  that include witnesses to the manufactured self destruction assembly line. Girls privacy isn’t yours to give away. Boys being told their personality determines whether they qualify into manhood should’ve MATTERED DAY 1. The fact that when the truth is pointed out and that includes the ZERO acknowledgement of the already known dangers and harms being ignored and dismissed of value SAYS IT ALL. There is enormous EVIDENCE and still here we are begging for the TRUTH to remain legal while the argument is whether to allow state ran child abuse to get by with holding a persons child hostage and forcing participation in child abuse painted to look pretty with the illusion that practical discretions is somehow discriminatory. You already know what is a Male and Female and so does over 99% of the population while it’s being sold as a mystery and a particular party falsely claims the ownership of those terms.


oppose with gentleness

I will spare all of you the details of my thought process.  However, I feel compelled as a parent (first of all) and taxpayer (secondarily) to oppose what seems to be a misguided effort to confirm basic rights. I do not believe these policies, as written, are aligned with simple logic.  If we were to extrapolate these policies to a natural next step, we are quickly asking policy-makers to establish guidelines where I dare to say that NOBODY (except perhaps the policy-makers themselves) wants to live.  (myriad examples come to mind that I dare not codify in writing...but if you disagree with me, do yourself a favor and let your mind wander to places this sort of policy might inadvertently cause harm or confusion) Establishing basic rights was done in the constitution.  It needed to be clarified a few times in history and we are better for those clarifications.  This 'clarification' oversteps grossly and creates an environment, in my opinion, where we have lost sense of what should be intuitive.  I strongly oppose the proposal as it is written, although do not oppose the heart of the individuals wishing to create a 'safe space'...I acknowledge that language is my own.


Principals & Teachers Need Guidance

I retired after more than 35 years as an educator, and I’m proud to support this guidance. As a high school principal, I always wanted to do everything right for struggling students and it was often a learning process while we reached out for information on how to support them. I know it was tough for students with sexual identity issues to have their role models at school not knowing how to treat them with the full respect they deserve. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth.


More consideration

More consideration to articles and information on children deciding before puberty one way and after puberty another... The space for children needing accommodations for uneasiness will be larger than the amount of students wanting to change their identity. Not to mention,  sexual curiosity will be allowed and children will be bouncing from bathroom to bathroom and locker room to locker room to fulfill those curiosities. If you take the parent out of the conversation you are denying families the growth TOGETHER. People are more tolerant today they are just oblivious.  Every parent has an idea about their children, sure,  but this doesn't mean they will turn their back on their child. They may see it and don't know how to help or navigate and the child FEEL that they will not understand. You can't pick and choose the trauma, worry,  etc. of a child... if you are going to hide this and be the only asset to the child then you need to be available 24/7 to all children going thru something in these formative years. You're an adult at 18, vote at 18... we can address this on a much more smaller scale than disrupting an entire school for this small group of children.


Strongly Support

Anything we can do to  help schools create safe and inclusive educational experiences for all students, especially our LGBT youth is important.


Be led by Science and Compassion

I am asking that in making decisions that affect the children of other people, we be led by Science and compassion. Children are either male or female in their DNA. Changes cannot be made prior to adulthood. Therefore, we must protect the rights of all students to feel safe in their own body. We do that with different changing rooms, different restrooms, separating girls and boys during sensitive portions of health education. Please take into consideration the needs of many young children who have been victimized in the past. They must be allowed safe places to change and take care of bathroom needs. We can respond in a compassionate way to confused youth by allowing them separate facilities if necessary but they must not be allowed to choose to violate another child's right to change in an area free from opposite genders. Robbing the innocence of little girls by exposing them to the penis of a young boy who wishes to become a girl is not appropriate. Images are powerful. We can protect all of our children and still be compassionate. Further, I ask that you show respect for the Christian and Muslim members of our community who have deeply held religious beliefs that prevent us from calling a lie the truth. I must not refer to a boy as her, they, it, them. I must not call girls him, non-binary or other things that are not factual. As a follower of Christ and an educator, I must be truthful with my students. To attempt to coerce me to violate my deeply held religious convictions is both illegal and immoral. We can work together to find compromises that show compassion and that respect the differences of all. School should be a safe place for ALL children. Children must not be pawns in a game of adult choices.


this places an undue burden on teachers and restricts parental rights. please do not pass this.


Safe Schools

This teacher wants safe schools for all students- please pass.


Oppose

You people are going too far.  Anyone with a penis should not be allowed to go into the girls bathroom and vice versa.


Do not deny our shared humanity by adopting this guidance

Part of what it means to be human is to be male or female. This new and misguided guidance, from the definitions and terms it adopts to its insistence on demolishing safe spaces for girls’ athletic competition, denies this and other key features of our humanity. In so doing, the guidance will end up creating misunderstanding, loneliness, and sorrow for students, families, and our Virginia communities. When we deny the very nature of who and what we are, when we institutionalize that denial as this woebegone guidance seeks to do, we teach our children to live not in accord with reality but in bondage to a fragile fantasy that will break them one day. Oppose this guidance. It will hurt so many, just as the denial of humanity always does. This counsel is said in love and friendship for all, especially for those dealing with the confusion wrought by this sort of guidance and gender dysphoria more generally. There are real problems to be settled in this regard. This guidance does not address them, but rather compounds them. Sincerely, A fellow lover in and of Virginia


Strongly Opposed.

This will create more problems than it will solve, unless the bathrooms are a one person at a time type.


oppose

oppose


Strongly Oppose Transgender policy

I strongly oppose the transgender policy as a parent, as a teacher, and as a woman.  This slippery slope will eventually lead to so much more including biological males competing in athletics as girls against biological females.  This has happened in other states and is already filling up the court system with discrimination cases filed by these biological girls.  I beg you not to pass this policy.


strongly oppose!

This policy is damaging for all children! Let's set simple biology aside- this is a damaging policy for all children. There is no wonder children are in a mental health crisis! How is it that the more control the government and the school system gets, the more screwed up these kids are. Do us all a favor and get out of our children's lives & their schools! You are ruining these poor young souls!


Strongly oppose!!!

I vehemently oppose this policy.  Schools ought to be teaching the facts about biology and not be cradles of social engineering.  This policy would violate the safety and security of a vast majority of students, not to mention confuse most young children, in order to accommodate a tiny minority.


Oppose

I strongly oppose the Policies set forth in the document. Children should not be fed a narrative that sex is just based on "a cluster of anatomical features". I hope this never passes anywhere but the internet


Transgender policy

The transgender policy does nothing to protect non transgender students from infringement on their rights. The transgender or self determined gender identity student can alter their gender at will as there is no physical expression that confirms or dictates biological conformity. Thus a student can use gender morphism to create a hostile environment for teachers and staff. This policy infringes on religious rights and imposes responsibility of identifying arbitrary sexual identity on persons who have no ability to know what the person has determined to be their gender. It is impossible to enforce equitably and encourages greater distancing of opposing view points.


Gender confusion

Strongly opposed to this.  It should not be taught in the schools!!!


Strongly opposed

Strongly opposed


STRONGLY OPPOSE.

This policy is unsupported by science and an affront to those with religious objections. We need mental health services for Trans, not accommodations.


Trans students are entitled to equal protection under the law

In no way, shape, or form should public education facilities and staff be provided the tools to successfully discriminate against ANY child within the walls of their school/classroom. All children are entitled to a safe, supportive learning environment where their integrity is maintained and harassment is prohibited. Black or non-black, male, female, binary or non-binary, old or young, poor or otherwise, trans or non-trans-- ALL STUDENTS ARE OUR STUDENTS. As a special education teacher, we do not have a say in which students we educate and which we turn away, which students we provide full access to civil rights and liberties and which we do not. Trans students are not a new subgroup of students; they've existed within our system for decades. It is only now that we are speaking candidly about their presence and placing direct effort into welcoming them into our rooms and schools. Insisting they're not entitled to the same rights and protections, both under FERPA and the US Constitution, is abhorrent and erroneous. If we're going to insist that we label/mark students according to specific demographics, we must still be dedicated to providing equal protection to ALL. If not, we are complicit in actively discriminating against the very students we are called to educate.


I do NOT agree with this policy!

This new transgender policy is not right! As a minor, parents have full legal rights and guardianship of their children. This means they have a right to know everything that is going on with their child. This is a sick and corrupt policy that will psychologically harm a child in thinking that they cannot have real relationships with their parents. It also fosters gender confusion which is not only unnecessary, but harmful to their mental health. Childre do not have fully developed brains until they are 25 years old. There is absolutely no reason for them to be exploring any kind of sexuality or confused gender identity at this point in their lives. Let them be CHILDREN. They can use the bathroom that their parts match and leave the rest for them to decide/experiment with as an ADULT. If clothing is a problem, make a dress code that all children are to wear pants and polos. You are not only making an unnecessary change in policy  but a COMPLETELY unnecessary distraction for the children. School is to get education and to a smaller extent socialization. There is no need for this complex idiocracy. And it is completely wrong for anyone to encourage hiding things from a child's parents. Especially something so ridiculous. You also don't have the right to implement this policy without the public voting on it. It will be brought to court. We are paying you with OUR tax dollars. Therefore we get to decide on such a policy so completely absurd and not even related to our child's education.


Strongly oppose this guidance.

This guidance does not take into account and actually endangers the rights of those individuals who are not identifying as transgender. No child should be subject to fear in the classroom, bathroom, locker room for the endorsement of such confusion.  All children require & demand our adult protection, support & guidance, without endangering others. This guidance is of ideological basis and the VDOE has no place commenting or directing guidance on such matters.


Strong opposition to transgender school policies

I strongly oppose transgender public school policies. All students kindergarten through twelfth grade should have to use the gender assigned to them by God at birth.


Strongly Oppose

Please do not adopt this policy nor push it on our schools. I agree with you 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. Furthermore, these new policies are not equitable or supporting family life in any way. This policy opens the door to defining Christian, Bible believing parents—or others of faith—who aren’t deemed to fully embrace or comply with transgender politics as “abusers.” For instance, it states that in situations “when their families are not affirming,” the school should “be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students” and then encourages schools to report abuse concerns to Child Protective Services immediately. This begs the question, exactly how will “affirming” be defined and who will define it? I completely oppose this policy and do not want it forced on Virginia schools. Tracy


Parental Right to Teach the Truth

The Good Lord created us all male and female. The proposed VDOE policy does not allow parents that believe this truth to raise their children in that truth. How dare you even attempt to usurp a parent's right to live out their faith, and pass it along to their children.


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

Please oppose this. It is the parent's and child's right to oppose this and not be indoctrinated.


Department of education

I strongly oppose this. It saddens me greatly. II Chronicles 7:14


You are born anatomically male or female.  You are born without a lot of knowledge.  As you grow, parents are responsible for teaching you right and wrong, truth and false.  Gender confusion is a discussion for the parents to lovingly correct.  Gender confusion erodes and corrupts society. Society is supposed to assist the parents through a moral example but not to supplant them.  Our society and government has grown to believe that they know better and have the power to overthrow the parents will.  Unhealth extremist elements of our society have been given too much grace from normal society and their ideas are overwhelming moral perspective.  Their ideas do not improve society.  As their ideas fail, they only claim more education and more money will make it better but it has not made it better over decades of trying. PLEASE DO NOT APPROVE A POLICY OF GENDER CONFUSION.


Strongly Opposed

it is heartbreaking that our government, our state, our school systems would even consider this!! It’s sickening to think of what children will see and go through if school systems adopt this. Many will choose private schools.  It’s lack of common sense, which seems to be poplar these days. I pray dearly for those who support this, God is coming and pray that you are saved and ready.


new transgender policy

strongly oppose


strongly oppose

strongly oppose


I oppose transgender agenda & policies being forced on our children by the government

Please do not allow transgender agenda and policies to be forced upon our children at school.


I support efforts to help this vulnerable population

I am a parent of two children in Fairfax County, VA (3rd and 4th grade) and I support efforts to provide resources, assistance and guidance to Virginia schools with regard to the treatment of transgender students. I personal know two families with transgender elementary school-aged children - one a friend and one a family member. In addition, I know several people with pre-teen and teenaged children whose gender identify is fluid. These are all loving families and wonderful children who deserve to feel comfortable and safe in their educational environment. As a parent, I can attest to the difficulty of raising a child. I do not want to see my children struggle, or be hurt or embarrassed, or not know how to fit it, although I recognize that all of those things will happen at some point in a child's life, probably many, many times. Most of us - children, as well as adults - just want to be accepted by our peers, and when there are circumstances that seem to set us apart from others, it can be difficult to cope. These circumstances can be anything, such race, gender/gender identity, and socioeconomic background, or even things such as recent test scores or the kinds of shoes you wear. These differences will always exist. It is up to the adults in these children's lives to provide an environment that minimizes the impact of these differences and to demonstrate that it's ok to be different. As you consider the comments related to this guidance document, I ask that you particularly consider the comments of people who have personal experience with transgender children. This is not a religious issue, nor a parenting issue, as others have argued. This is about providing guidelines to ensure that children in our state can receive an education in a safe and welcoming environment.  Thank you.


Transgender polic y

Strongly oppose this policy.


Strongly oppose transgender policy

Strongly oppose this policy


Transgender Policy Proposal for schools

Generally, I am opposed to this policy as written.  The first amendment to the constitution, freedom of speech, is not protected for anyone who does not adhere to this policy.  Parents can be reported to authorities who then can remove their child from them without them knowing what is going on until it happens.  They can be prosecuted for being a parent who cares deeply about the development of their offspring.  Allowing students of any gender into restrooms, locker rooms, and showers will be a disaster for innocent students, especially girls.  Why is their right to privacy becoming secondary and unimportant?  What if a pretender boy uses this policy to gain access for sexual exploitation?  What about a transgender girl who wishes to be on a boys swim team wearing the same attire as the boys, topless?  This policy sets up the likelihood of multiple lawsuits stemming from abuse.  Worst of all, it will mentally damage developing young people, perhaps for life. Teachers have enough to deal with just doing the job of teaching without this extra heavy handed regulation.  No wonder it is difficult keeping good teachers.  This rule will only lead to fewer applicants.  Too much to keep up with when you can make more money and better benefits elsewhere. I understand there is a need to protect gender confused students from bullying, etc. but this policy is way beyond the need.  It takes away rights of everyone else while creating additional hostility toward the proposed protected class. Reword it PLEASE!


I lost someone I love to transgenderism

I am grieving the loss of my dear family member to the transgender movement.  I love her very much, but this new person wants nothing to do with me and I don't know her anymore. Watching someone hurt themselves physically and emotionally is the worst thing I've ever experienced.  And I'm supposed to affirm it?  No way. The pain is real, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.


oppose forcing students and people to embrace transgenderism

While we live in a country that allows us wonderful freedoms of free speech and the exercise of religion, I oppose forcing the overwhelming majority of people to embrace the ideology that tells us it is o.k. for us to contradict our God-given biological sex.  To do so not only contradicts nature, morality, and the conscience of the majority, but it also will cause mass confusion on many levels of society and our educational programs.


Kids should not be allowed to make this decision prior to being an Adult

This is wrong that we have to deal with grown adults allowing children to make this decision so early.  Once your an adult you have choices to make but pushing our kids in this direction when other parents are trying to teach their kids the "Word of God" is wrong.  Let schools be a place of learning and let your gender be what God made you until you are a full adult and decide on your own.


Codifying protection for transgender and non-binary students in Virginia Public Schools

I speak in support of strong policies to protect transgender and non-binary students in Virginia Public schools as described in House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161.  I think it is vital to stand up to hateful anti-trans opposition to such policies from individuals who wish to deny any individuals from getting the most out of their right to education in Virginia Public Schools because of their race, religion, sexual identity, or other protected categories.  Public schools are a venue where we all have to show much more tolerance for the richness and diversity of everyone in our society.


Biology not Identity

Please protect our biological girl's right to privacy, scholarships, and sports.


NO

This stuff should not be taught in school! If a parent wants their children to be taught this then it should be done at HOME!


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose these transgender policies. There is not regulation for a student misusing them. I am absolutely against bullying but you cannot put parents relationships with their children in this position. Parents are meant to be the guiding force, if a child is in a bad position the state may intervene, but these policies are confusing and absolutely set the state up for law suits.


I support the guidance

I have lived in Fairfax County for 14 years and my sons went to Fairfax County Public Schools. My sons had straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans friends. Having these friends helped my sons become decent, tolerant, and compassionate adults. During high school, some of my sons' friends were subjected to verbal hazing and other forms of bullying, which school personnel should actively work against. Kids are kids. They all deserve a safe space in which to grow up and obtain an education. Their sexuality is nobody's business but their own.


Oppose

Equal rights is one thing. Ignoring rights of one group over another is a different thing. Perhaps convert some of the male/female bathrooms to UniRooms so there can be an option.


Strongly oppose transgenderism

I strongly oppose transgenderism!


Transgender agenda

I am against the teaching and promoting of transgender program. I feel that it is best suited for the parents to deal with their children and not the public school. It seems the government is trying to destroy the home and take away parental authority. My wife and I have 6 children and 20 grandchildren so we have a vested interest in the education of those who have come after us.


OPPOSE TRANS Bathrooms - BIOLOGICAL GENDER

It is beyond ridiculous that disregarding biological gender in public bathrooms & sports is even on the table.  Only those who are ignorant of sexual abuse or who accept sexual abuse and pedophilia as "sexual expression" support such evil and insane policies. And yes, God is watching.  NOTHING escapes Him.


Strongly oppose

Strongly oppose! I don't need the government or school system making decisions for MY child. Worry about children that are actually abused at home. This is completely ridiculous!


Support HB 145 SB 161

As a professional caregiver and daughter of retired public school teacher I completely expect Virginia’s legislators to do what is best for any student before caving to bigotry and fear-fueled mobs. Our schools should all provide true healthy environments to learn in. You cannot learn if you are in fear or under stress. Adolescence and puberty are especially hard enough without inequality and discrimination that many students contend with in one way or another. Please support the legislation that supports all students to learn in a supportive environment that allows them to thrive. Thank You for reading!


I've been a teacher locally for over two decades and see the need for the proposed guidance, YES!

I've been a teacher for 23 years, In Albemarle County and Cville and I'm proud to support this guidance. Most of my colleagues haven't dealt with a transgender student and appreciate the guidance proposed. We want to do everything right for them, but it is a learning process while we reached out for information on how to support them. It is tough for all trans students to have their role models at school not knowing how to treat them with the full respect they deserve. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth.


STRONG SUPPORT

This proposal is so important for preserving the mental and physical health of trans and gender nonconforming children. These measures will help prevent them from experiencing further gender dysphoria and causing them distress. Following these guidelines will create a more welcoming, supportive, and healthy environment for students that will lay the foundation for their futures, and the futures of our nation. Thank you for this important work!


Support

As a teacher and tutor, I have experience working with trans kids and am familiar with their struggles and successes when dealing with school admin who are not always understanding and/or knowledgeable about how to best support trans students. I support this guidance because I want all kids to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming.


Strongly object

I am categorically opposed to model policies on transgenderism within the public school system that remove parental rights from their children, particularly in regard to health and safety issues. It is unconscionable that policies are being considered that would allow the school to hide health and safety issues regarding transgenderism from the parents. It is equally unconscionable that, in a country founded on free speech, we are considering forced speech. If this policy is enacted, students and faculty will be told, "You will speak in a prescribed manner, or you will be punished." Use whatever wonky pronoun a kid demands you use, or else! Equally unconscionable is stripping female athletes of the opportunity of competing on an equal playing field while simultaneously setting them up for career ending injuries as they make contact with boys who are competing as women. There is no escaping the scientific fact that human beings born as boys have greater muscle and bone strength than women, and will win against women in competition 90% or more of the time.  All the gains made under Title IX to open up sports for women are being erased by allowing men to compete as women. I also believe it is a form of child abuse to encourage young people in transitioning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , and a similar society of psychologists and psychiatrists, most of these confused young people have treatable psychological issues and need counseling, not hormones and therapy. It is immoral to encourage transgenderism in children of such a tender age, while telling the parents that they have not say in the matter.


Oppose -  psychological grounds

I oppose this policy for several psychological reasons. Since gender is considered fluid and subjective then identifying children as "transgender" is damaging seeing as they could decide later that they are not. The subject of "transgender" is fluid and by the very definition of the word "fluid" it is not permanent, labels are. These children will have to carry that label with them and it does damage them psychologically. Not notifying parents of something this important to their child's life is not only detrimental to the child who will feel like they are leading double lives, but also drives a wedge between the child and their parents.  This creates a breakdown in the family unit which will harm the child.  Causing this type of psychological torture is not what the Board of Education is supposed to be doing. Those who are not "transgender" have to comply with a vocabulary that is unsustainable.  Making  children use many forms of gender pronouns for, quite possibly the same person, is confusing and detrimental to all of the children including "transgender".  It is a form of verbal bullying, which we know to have profound psychological effects on children. The entire idea of even applying "transgender" to a child is damaging as we all know that the complete psyche of a person is not set until the early twenties.  So labeling, separating, or otherwise identifying children as "transgender", this includes restroom facilities, not only damages the "transgender" child, but also the non-"transgender" children. This is a dangerous, and harmful policy due to it's wide range of psychological tortures to the children.  This policy is not under the rubric of the Board of Education. It is a family issue not the State.


Support

As a teacher in the state of Virginia, I know how important is to show all students that they are valued, supported, and loved. These guidelines do just that for our Transgender students, who are among the most vulnerable in the student population.


Transgender Policies

Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000I do not approve of the VDOE purposed draft of the Transgender Policies.  These purposed guidelines are based on radical theories that remove the distinction between male and female.  This is a radical indoctrination of our school children. As a public school teacher for 39 years, I do not believe that VDOE should draft or approve Standards that are contrary to parental rights of supervision and family values.  We should not become a socialistic state where government overrides parental and family guidelines. Bullying is never acceptable, but placing birth gender children in situations where they are uncomfortable, such as bathrooms and locker rooms,  will cause more anger and resentment among peers. Children who identify with their birth gender are being abused and threatened by these standards. If a teacher has to second guess the appropriate gender and pronoun on a daily basis, it puts added stress on the educator and does not contribute to the  educational process and purpose of a child’s education in our schools.


Transgender Policies


Transgender Proposal for K-12

Of course,we all agree that every single child should be protected physically and emotionally in schools- free from bullying, harassment and discrimination. In a perfect world I might add . After reading the proposal all of this is very familiar in regard to politicizing sexualized ideology; just like the Family life Education “mandate”when teachers were given a “choice”to about teaching it. If there was “disagreement” well you just had to go along to get along. Disagreeing with policy proposals does not mean one will discriminate the children in the classroom.Parental Rights have been eroding ever since Family Life Education and embracing these Transgender Policy proposals will only further erode them.These proposals not only essentially mandate promotion of gender confusion, but also create an atmosphere of discrimination toward those students and or teachers and or parents who disagree with them. Yes ,it will definitely be opening a Pandora’s box. All the children will be equally harmed by this confusion in the classroom. Who will benefit by it- oh yeah the 15 new lawyers hired by the AG and Del Marcus Simon who threatens to come after the Christians. Cha-ching Cha-Ching $$$$ Dont buy into this hidden agenda folks-


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Strongly support all of this. People need to stop getting upset by how others live their lives and stop ignoring reality. "Shielding" children from the reality of transgender individuals only hurts everyone in the long run. Educate yourselves, think beyond your biases, accept it, move on, and enjoy life.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!

As a lesbian mother of two teenagers, I'm fully in support and very appreciative of this proposed policies document for Virginia schools. LGBTQ students should feel safe and respected wherever they are, but especially in schools. And all students should know they have a responsibility to be welcoming, kind and supportive of everyone. We cannot have peaceful communities without everyone feeling safe and responsible for each other. Thank you for writing this document and providing the public an opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Paula Prettyman


Support for inclusive school environments for trans and non-binary students

I am fully in support of the VDOE’s guidance on creating inclusive school environments for trans and non-binary students.  When my two children were in Fairfax County schools they and many of their friends suffered from harassment based on their gender identity not fitting what some considered "normal".  As a person of faith I am committed to working towards a society where all people are accepted as they are, as God made them. Please do all you can to make sure that all students in Virginia schools have a safe and welcoming environment where they can devote themselves to learning without fear.


Gender isn't a choice

Gender is based on biology. You either had XX chromosomes, meaning you are female, or XY chromosomes, meaning you are male. It is fact, not a choice


Karen Wolf, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax

Support

I strongly support guidance. I have been a volunteer with Fairfax LGBTQ Youth group, and have worked with many transgender youth. Trans youth need our support and the support of their schools. Second to parental support, school support is the second most important factor in mitigating the high suicide rate of transgender youth. Every child, no matter their sex, gender, sexuality, expression, or identity, deserves a safe and supportive place to learn. As a person of faith, it is important to me that Virginia support the inherent worth and dignity of all of our young people.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

This is a simple matter of fairness and recognition of individual differences.


Strongly oppose. Confusion vs wisdom

Please help the kids who are in confusion! Adults should help steer their kids into REALITY ("no, you can't jump off the balcony because in REALITY, you aren't superman").  Adults who think they are helping by encouraging this stuff have a sad day coming.  And so do the poor kids who are introduced to this madness. This isn't a game of pretend.  God have mercy.


Strongly recommend

As a mother and a retired teacher, I support the guidance. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all. Please give the kids what they need, love and understanding.


transgender policies

I do not agree with the "model policies" or proposed guidelines regarding transgender students that are being looked into by the department of education. You state that you are trying to enhance education instead of getting distracted from it, however these guidelines aren't working towards that at all. At some point, the education department needs to step back and see what is happening to the school system. You are implementing so many rules and regulation & standards for personal development that the education is gone. I work with recently graduated individuals that can't count back money, help elderly people write checks or even properly count a till at the end of the day. These are things that ARE NOT BEING TAUGHT. It has nothing to do with how they see themselves. What are you going to do when a straight male who is a potential danger to society (because lets face it they will be out there) walks into the girls locker room claiming to be recognizing himself as a girl that day and rapes an innocent female student. Well you won't really be able to take that back will you? If you are so concerned about the transgender community then give them their own locker room and bathroom. Stop making 75% of your students uncomfortable to please the other 25% ( my own made up numbers for sure ) This has become more than it needs to be, transgender people do not need policies and resistance and more trouble and arguments.  I am more concerned about the doors that you are opening for pedophiles than the opportunities you are opening for transgenders.


Transgender policy changes to K 12 teaching

I am totally and vehemently Opposed to the proposed changes K through 12  on transgender Policy.  Male students allowed into the female students Restrooms  is only one example Of possible situations that are ripe for abuse. I hope this department of education of Virginia will consider the safety of our female students and possible harm that might come to them. Also the VDE Should consider lawsuits that might result for them Should harm come to female students.Parental authority and input is totally overridden by these changes also -they need to be scrapped!


STRONGLY SUPPORT

I strongly support this guidance because I want my non-binary and trans friends to feel comfortable and safe in their school environment.  Kids have to feel safe to be able to concentrate on their work. Whitney, age 12


Transgender studies

Strongly Disagree this needs to be taught in a school setting to our kids. It’s difficult for grown adults to understand much less a child.


Strongly AGAINST

This entire proposal is absolutely disgusting. You are without a doubt, creating a completely hostile environment for children. DISGUSTING!


K through 12 transgender policy proposals -vehemently oppose!

These changes ignore parental authority and input into their child’s Well being and puts  it entirely in the hands of the schools. That’s just one of the problems with this -Not to mention all the problems that could surface with the girls restrooms  being permitted to be entered by males. This plan as proposed needs to be totally scrapped!


HB 145 and SB 161

I strongly support VDOE's Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools. It provides expertise and guidance to school boards in preparing their policies, and providing a more uniform approach statewide. It is beneficial to the administrators, teachers, and all students, regardless of their sexual orientation. Attending school is much more than academics. It is an opportunity to grow and learn about yourself and others. All children should have that opportunity to grow and shine without fear of what others may say or do. These Model Policies enhance those opportunities.


This Legislation Should not be Appoved

I do not believe that this proposed legislation actually helps any if our youth. I feel that to force this small minority proposal on the overall population of our children is irresponsible given the ongoing data related to high rates of suicide among people who believe that they are transgender. I do not believe that we really understand the consequences of these policies and should not take such broad societal change with potentially tragic consequences based on the “feelings” of a vocal minority. I also strongly believe that these policies are harmful to the healthy development of non transgender children and provide a clear safety risk to the all children whether trans or otherwise. Physically mixing minors in bathroom, locker room, and sleeping accommodations is abuse, and has been clearly seem as inappropriate for the vast population throughout history with clear examples of the terrible outcomes of ignoring this reality. Finally the presumption that the administrative state knows better than parents and has any power, obligation, or right to interact with children in any environment without the full knowledge and consent of parents is absolutely unacceptable. This is a fundamental violation of basic rights and has no basis in law. Public servants and politicians that have so fundamentally lost sight of their authority and roles in our society to even propose this are in violation of their oaths of office, or the professional standards of their job, and certainly the basic American values that our society is based.


Proposed transgender guidelines

We are retired Virginia Public School educators and grandparents to seven current public school students spanning grades 1-10. We adamantly oppose these proposals.  They undermine parental authority and threaten the wellbeing of children.  They should NOT be implemented across the Commonwealth of Virginia!


STRONGLY SUPPORT!

I STRONGLY SUPPORT the VDOE's guidance. Trans, non-binary, and all LGBTQ+ students have the right to protections in every educational setting.


In support of our LBGTQ+ students

As both a parent and an educator, I support protections for LGBTQ+ students in our schools, to allow them to present their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or harassment.


Defend Common Sense

Our children should not be pawns to be manipulated for the sake of activists who stifle the voices of anyone who disagrees.  Policies should reflect the fact that males and females are different yet they can be treated equally without sharing locker rooms, bathrooms or athletics.


The Collective Responsibility of Liberty

The God given liberty America enjoys comes with a collective responsibility to do what is right and leave a legacy of the core values our nation was built on. Putting our children and youth at risk is not one of them. Adding to the confusion and deep issues the younger generation is dealing with by trying to enforce laws that have no merit just to score political brownie points is what should be removed from this conversation as we truly search our hearts and conscience to know if pursuing against what nature has instituted is the right and wise thing to do at any point in time. Laws that are for the good of all and for the younger generation should be what should be pursued. We can do better than this!


Let's not be so extreme.

Children, because that's who we are talking about, are curious by nature. I would hate for this to get out of hand.. as worded now, there will be times when these rules will be taken advantage of. Children are Children and their parents SHOULD know what is going on at school! Stop trying to push more confusing things onto our children..


Respect is a minimum, strongly support

Respecting each student for who they are is a minimum. Using a student's pronouns and not outing them to the whole school does not disrespect or effect other students. Having a dress code that isn't sexist does not disrespect other students. Creating a more inclusive learning environment is beneficial to all students and saves lives, which from my understanding would make this a pro-life policy. This policy does not change a school's curriculum to require any further education in regards to transgenderism.


Transgender proposal in our schools

Transgender is wrong besides being stupid.  The President's effort to make Transgender same as Male and Female is terribly foolish.  He should be stopped and it should never become allowed in our Schools.


Fair and reasonable

I support the model guidelines.  I've read them.  They seem fair and reasonable.   The approach of respectfully accepting our differences could have made my own school experience in Virginia as a gay kid, much better.  I was struck by the observation that transgender kids often feel disconnected from their school.  That was certainly my experience as a gay kid 50 years ago.


Proposed policy goes way beyond prevention

Dear Virginia Department of Education, I’m writing today to OPPOSE the “ Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools”. 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 already 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. Below are ten reasons why this should not be adopted: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing. “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are not only unworkable, but will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. Please do NOT adopt the “Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools”. Sincerely, A concerned mom of 4


Support

I support this policy for the respectful treatment of transgender students. The proposed policies (using proper pronouns, prohibiting bullying and harassment based on gender identity, respecting student privacy and confidentiality, and allowing students freedom of gender expression in their attire/restrooms) not only help protect trans students, but also showcase standards of respectful behavior to all students.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!

I strongly oppose this indoctrination of our students!! Students need to spend time learning things that will help them in life, not waste time trying to figure out what pronouns they are supposed to be using each day around other kids! A simple mistake in forgetting what gender another student happens to want to go by can cause the speaker to get in trouble. How is that not abuse for the child who inadvertently uses the wrong name/pronoun? Comments have been made that the transgender students need to feel "welcome." I agree that bullying should never be an answer, however, they should not be allowed to enter into the bathrooms/shower rooms, etc. of the opposite sex just because of this. What about the girls who won't drink enough during the day hoping to avoid the bathroom because THEY are uncomfortable because a "boy" is in their bathroom? What about the potential for some boys to take advantage of this policy to "prey" on girls? Where is the safety for our girls? People are getting so over concerned about transgender people, that they are willing to stop all over the majority of us who want our privacy in areas where we should be able to have it!! The school did not "bring the children into the world," parents did; why does the school system get to indoctrinate our kids? Please say NO to this dangerous policy and stick to teaching reading, math, science...


Transgender proposal in our schools

I STRONGLY disagree with this proposal.  All children should be protected from bullying!  It doesn't matter who they are.  Transgenders should not have more rights than any other child.  The major issue I have are the boys that classify themselves as girls will be allowed to go into the locker room with other girls and participate in female sports even though they have the genetics of a male!! Therefore they will be stronger and be able to beat most girls in the average sport. This is setting our girls up for failure! Please STOP this nonsense!  This is happening in our Olympics today!


if you allow your child to be taught these things there blood will be on your hands REPENT!!!!!

IF YOU ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO BE TAUGHT THESE THINGS , THEIR BLOOD WILL BE ON YOUR HANDS. A NATION THAT REJECTS GOD WILL NOT PROSPER. WE ARE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD , SATAN LOVES DESTROYING THE IMAGE OF GOD. SATAN KNOWS HIS DESTINY , AND WOULD LOVE TO DRAG YOU DOWN WITH HIM FOR ETERNITY. WHEN WE AS ADULTS WERE CHILDREN WE DIDNT HAVE A GOVERNMENT AS SLIMY ,GODLESS AND CORRUPT AS WE DO  NOW. DEAR JESUS COME QUICKLY , IF YOU DONT KNOW JESUS  AS YOUR SAVIOR PLEASE COME TO HIM BEFORE IT IS TO LATE. REPENT !!!!! STEVE SHANK WEYERS CAVE VA


Strongly Support

As a mom living in Fairfax County, I think it is very important for schools and administrators have high quality guidance on how to best assist and understand trans children. I support this guidance because I want all kids in Virginia to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming.


Transgender.  Strongly OPPOSED

The schools or the state or any government agency does NOT have the right to force feed a minority of students actions, beliefs onto the majority.  I am strictly OPPOSED to these actions.  Stop bullying YES, no one deserves this, but to force kids who may not understand to follow your absurd actions is wrong and then to threaten to have them removed from their homes is insane.  You have managed to remove God, the pledge, holidays and now this. NO!