Wholeheartedly disapprove of the policy superseding parental authority, religious rights, and...

I've reviewed your proposed policy on the treatment of transgendered students and am grieved as a mother of 2 girls, ages under 7, who are/will be in the public school system in Virginia. The policy is radical and threatens parental authority, my kids' safety, and my and my children's religious rights. The policy is based not on biology/science but instead people's feelings, which we know are ever so fickle especially in children. Gender identity by definition is subjective, opinion-based with no objective measures that can be applied, but this policy has potentially extreme punishments for people who are perceived as not being supportive of those who decide to make themselves a new identity. It's so bizarre to me that in this nation where we have and celebrate technology that can tell us the sex/gender of the unborn by 1) a blood test as early as 7 weeks after conception or 2) the amazing ultrasounds of today (3-D, 4-D) and simultaneously fight for the right to deny such celebrated information post birth.  Have you pondered how we so comfortably talk out of both sides of our mouths? I do not want any school member having conversations with my kids without my knowledge or frankly with my knowledge on this subject, no thank you to "helping them explore or make decisions" about gender identity.  Anything you do in secret is wrong. I expect transparency. I am not abusing my child if I disagree with her stance on this and am saying so, despite kids' big emotions and reactions. On the same topic, your policy states that I wouldn't be notified if one of my kids did something perceived as an offense against another student/teacher that the school investigates. Parents are to be partners in the educational process in everything else except this?  Teachers reach out to share concerns about other behaviors, grades, etc. but can't about this topic unless it needs resolving at the school level?  I would want a chance to ask my kids about it, address with my kids how one should behave, my expectations going forward, etc.  I can't even try to help my kids or intervene on their behalf with this. My family's faith is the foundation for our home.  If I choose to continue to teach my kids about how God created male and female, that they are different and complementary, and he imprinted them with DNA and body parts that shows this as well, then my freedom to practice my faith is called into question when your policies say I could be reported to CPS if I continue the same conversations I've had with my kids since their birth.  "You are a little girl.  He is a little boy." None of these conversations have been to hurt others. They state biological facts. I also teach that we are supposed to love one another (which we can do by the way without being supportive about every opinion they have or decision they make) but to what extent are we supposed to reshape everything to fit the whim of the moment? On that point, kids need stability and to know the rules and expectations.  This policy makes it so that the rules are really whatever an individual says on whatever day they say it is. Today, I feel like a female, so today you must all refer to me as she.  Tomorrow, I feel like a male, so call me he. Does this make sense to anyone but the person?  How can all others appropriately handle this situation, which is a legitimate situation?  Just look on social media to see how often some people change their minds about these things. I am not comfortable with anyone choosing their bathroom or locker room whenever and without notification of why. Maybe this is less of any issue in elementary school but after puberty begins, I have concerns of the abuse of this rule, safety of my daughters, or any potential of my daughters seeing male genitalia in person while students change into and out of gym clothes. There is no way to make things work for all, but this policy seems to tip the scales out of balance for the majority who abide by the belief that the sex they were born equals their gender and for a lifetime. Will there be a fear of offending transgender people?  People across the board are so easily offended by everything these days. So most will tiptoe around it, not out of acceptance but fear. Is that progress for anyone? We teach children over time that they are capable of managing their feelings and are expected to but that they are also entitled to their opinions. How do we navigate this fairly between children with different viewpoints on this? If one voices an opinion that is contrary to transgenderism/fluid gender identity, then feelings are inevitably invoked for those transgender students.  It appears that when one does not support this choice or has a difference in opinion about this topic, then it's automatically discriminatory. But the feelings of the transgendered student are not expected to be managed in this case, nor is mutual respect ensured. The choice to go against one's born sex is choice made by a subjective opinion by the transgendered individual alone and still that one's opinion is more important/valid than any another's. When situations come up, maybe it is more fair to also expect that feelings can also be managed and opinions of all can be respected. Ultimately, 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. If this moves forward, and I hope it doesn't, there have to be exceptions, as this entire policy is made for the exceptions to the biological understanding we have had since the dawn of man. Anything less is hypocritical. Also, it's important to note that I do not want any kids to be bullied or to be in emotional pain.  I can't think of a single person growing up that wasn't bullied at one time or another by someone or made to feel lesser- the popular kids for being popular, the smart kids for being nerds, short kids for being short, red-haired kids for being red-haired, less than athletic for being less than athletic, poor kids for being poor, overweight kids for...well you get the myriad of scenarios that could be played out. I saw literally all of these scenarios and more. So we need something more than this far from fair policy that only covers only a sliver of what can happen in our schools, aimed only for a few. I think that's where Jesus's restorative love comes in. If only we in our own brokenness could figure out how to apply it like He lived it.  That would be transformative! Thank you for your consideration. Please see the following excerpts from the policy that prompted my above response: “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) “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) “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) “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) “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) “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 shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13)


Keep up the good work!!

This is a fantastic step forward! Please continue to protect the rights of ALL people and all students. Arlington has had a similar policy for a while. Thank you for this work!!


Opposition to  proposed transgender legislation

I wholeheartedly disagree with the proposed items listed on the transgender agenda.  Please vote against it.  Do not enact thsee rules.  They will only help to break families apart and make parenting, an already challenging job, a lot harder for parents. tina held


transgender students

I do not agree with the proposed bill addressing transgender student treatment. The bill is an attempt to legislate language and penalize those who do not agree with the "transgender" agenda. The science of biology supports male or female sex for every individual. We have a government that supports free speech for everyone. Children are not the property of the state.


Dangerous and Unwarranted

This is a dangerous usurpation of parents' right and is founded on identity politics, not science. You will actually endanger the lives of children.


DO NOT APPROVE

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 is not right!


The Wisdom of Man Without God

Oh, the wisdom of man, void of God.  Pure insanity.


How far we have fallen!!!  Check the plumbing!!!

There is absolutely no evidence for the notion of transgender.  Just because someone wants to dress differently does not mean a physical change is in order.  It's plain sense that men and women are put together with different parts and functions.  Now I know some can lob off parts and claim gender change, but that  is no where near becoming someone of the opposite sex.  How foolish for our legislatures to spend time on this subject.


I support this policy

I support this policy as a parent in Fairfax county.


I support this policy

As a Fairfax County parent, I support this policy.


Support for Trans* students

All students deserve to be safe, protected, and to learn in a supportive environment.  Don't allow ignorance of biology and what it means to be human the ability to create unsafe places for trans students. It's 2021, and Virginia needs to be leading the way when it comes to human rights and a solid understanding of science.


Educate / Don't Indoctrinate and Confuse!

Stop!  Equality / safety, etc.. should be offered to ALL students.  No group needs to be called out.  By doing so w/ regard to 'transgenderism', you're crossing into the realm of sexuality and identity that should be handled and owned by parents.  And then fostering the confusion inherent to this flagrant disregard for nature. Teenagers, particularly boys, will have a hay day with this naive and inappropriate policy.  What teenage boy wouldn't use the excuse to claim gender dysphoria, to have a look at our vulnerable teenage daughters in the shower or bathroom?  With this policy, any push back would be claimed as 'discriminatory'.  You're catering to a loud, whiny, less than 1% segment of the population, and screwing the rest of us. You've lost your minds!!!!! Protect our children and THROW THIS FOOLISH POLICY IN THE TRASH.


I support the Model Policy

As a proud graduate of Fairfax County Public School system, I thank the Virginia Department of Education for working to create a safe and supportive environment for all students.


Guideline document on transgender

I am totally opposed to this being proposed for Virginia schools. This matter belongs in the hands of the parents, not the schools. The thought of taking more of our parental rights away  on how to raise our children, along with our God given right to bring them up according to our beliefs is appalling. Stick to the basics and leave the parenting where it belongs, in the homes, not in the schools.


Human Rights in Schools- YES

The model guidance document related to gender is a huge leap forward in protecting our students basic human rights in public schools. Every section outlined was thoughtfully researched, as seen in the references section, and discussed with a diverse committee including student representation. Gender identity and expression is an important aspect of our students growth and development. They need our support to feel safe and respected. That type of support comes from the top down and we will be teaching our students (and unfortunately some staff) to respect each other through these policies. Students deserve a safe space in their school, especially when they are rejected in their homes as some of these other comments may hurtfully suggest... After reading this new guidance I am proud to say I teach in Virginia public schools where we support and honor ALL of our students


Wonderful. In full support

I cannot thank you enough for this draft in supporting trans youth. I hope that those who are approaching this subject in fear will learn with experience that this support only improves lives; a person’s gender is their own, and it is not the end of the world. I wish this had been in place when I was in school.


I support the proposed transgender policy

As a Fairfax County parent, I fully support the model transgender policy. I am dismayed by the ignorance and cruelty displayed by the policy's opponents in their comments.


I oppose this kind of rule, it is against Natural Law. It es the climax of corruption and perversion

I oppose this kind of rule, it is against Natural Law and Morals. It es the climax of corruption and perversion. Only abortion is worst than this legislation. If approved it will be one fundamental factor to destroy our Virginia and the U.S.A. Bring this proposal to be voted directly by the people. There is no chance it will be law ever. Also, if you there include abortion in the ballot, and you find that people do not follow your amoral goals. God have mercy on our legislators.


Transgender in Schools and Public Spaces

Thank you for reading my comment. I want to start with my experience working as a preschool teacher in the afternoons while attending college when I lived in Ogden, Utah, in 1990 or 1991. I was a teacher in the three or four year old classroom.  There was a boy who thought he was a girl in the class.  When we asked the girls to line up to go outside or use the restroom, he always got in line. We had to remind him that he is a boy and to get in the boy's line.  He was a good listener and would always get into the boys' line. What struck me about this young boy was his lack of desire or inability to play with other children, and he looked confused and emotionally absent.  He was quiet and would sit for hours playing with girl dolls.  Kids play with dolls.  I get this, but this was different. I told my supervisor about this, and she was aware of the circumstances.  The boy was being raised by a single Mom, and the Mom did not want a boy, so she decided to raise him as a girl.  I understand now that the Mom had most likely had experienced great trauma, abuse, and rejection in her life most likely by men and that she didn't want to have a boy as this was a reminder of the hurt and abuse she experienced. From my experience, it appears our wholeness or brokenness comes from the family life - the parent or parents and their parenting choices and techniques. Everyone has the freedom and right do what makes them happy as long as it is does not harm another person.  It seems that Mom was harming her son because she was rejecting him and his behavior showed it. Why aren't the parents or guardians being held accountable for parenting choices and techniques that confuse their children?  Is it not neglectful and abuse if a normal functioning child cannot read by third grade, for example?  Why is it not viewed as neglectful and abuse if the child does not know if he is a boy or she is a girl?  Why is the emotional and mental part of a child's well-being being separated from his or her academics?  Why is the entire classroom or school forced to change due to a few's perspective or understanding about what they believe? Aren't we ignoring the rights of whole and natural laws? What harm is being caused by forcing children to accept something that is is confusing?  Does this not cause more and widespread confusion?  These are the first questions we need to ask before accommodating when working with children. I ask: "Where is that boy today?  Is he okay?"  I still think about him.


Let parents decide what is best for kids

Sex and physiology related topics is not appropriate to be taught in schools. Parents and guardians are the right folks to do this. Let kids be kids The scientific evidence for gender dysphoria is unequivocal in saying that most kids grow and identify as their birth sex. in addition, transgender treatments are irreversible with too many people regretting them. So, kids should not be taught/deciding on these topics outside the nuclear family


UNACCEPTABLE & Dangerous

These proposed policies violates parental rights, deliberately excluding parents from knowing about what is going on with their child at school. As parents we are morally, financially and legally  responsible for our children. Thus, we must remain informed and decide what is right for our child and NOT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. These policies also place undue burden on school administrators whose only job is to teach- not raise our children for us!! Additionally, these policies jeopardize safety, opening the door for boys of all preferences to enter the ladies rooms creating rape zones. This is completely unacceptable! Anonymous


In support of VDOE to support transgender youth

Every child deserves to have systems in place that allow them to be kids, free from discrimination and harassment. These guidelines use an evidence-based approach to give tools to educators and other individuals in power to better support all their students. I support the dissemination of these tools to all schools in Virginia. When we know better, we can provide more equitable and inclusive opportunities to promote success for all youth. Thanks to the professionals who developed the guidelines and to the legislators who support transgender youth.


VA school policies that support transgender students

Absolutely, 100% support for these students!


Referendum

Let the people decide


A message from a trans adult in the community - VOTE YES!

It's hard to write about something that hits so close to home. As a trans adult who faced inequity growing up, I can't stress enough how important it is to support our trans kids. We need to support them in who they are, not who you think they are. Using religion as any sort of argument against protecting trans children goes directly against the separation of church and state and should not be considered. Using biology to justify bigotry towards trans people is factually incorrect and has no place in our laws and schools. As a marginalized group, trans people need the support of our schools to stop allowing harassment and discrimination from those who don't take the time to understand our experiences. This guidance will hopefully be the start to a better learning environment for all people, regardless of how others feel about them. Vote YES!


Strongly Opposed

Strongly oppose!!! Children are considered minors for a reason. To put a policy in place that would discipline a child without notifying or involving the parents is a complete loss of rights and trust in the school system. I don’t agree with any form of bullying and it should absolutely be addressed but to say for the privacy of the transgendered person you wouldn’t notify the parents is absurd. You will lose several students and teachers if you approve this policy. The school is not the place to enforce such a policy. Your sexual preference/orientation does not belong at school. School is for education. Just like my personal home life does not belong at my place of employment. This is not the answer at all.


Support

I strongly support adoption of the proposed transgender guidelines for schools.


Sound Guidelines

These guidelines are reasonable and let schools meet the needs of their trans students. As a Virginia educator, I support these guidelines and believe they will lead to more equitable treatment of all students.


There are only 2 genders

There are only 2 genders. Male and Female. Anything else is a myth. We should be talking about how to bring back Christian values back into the school. Not spreading lies to our children. Jesus said whoa to you who hurts one of these little ones or leads them astray. “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” ??Matthew? ?18:6? ?ESV??


SUPPORT AND PROTECT TRANS STUDENTS

Trans students deserve to go to a school that recognizes their identity and that allows them to literally just exist safely and comfortably at their school. It is the responsibility of the public education system to provide a safe learning environment for all students, including trans students, by protecting their rights and privacy. No trans student should be forced to advocate for their own right to be treated with dignity and respect.  School policy needs to protect them. Protect trans students.


Strongly Support!

As a concerned citizen, I strongly support this measure! All measures to make our children safe in their learning environment should be taken. This is a huge step forward, and will improve the mental health of all students by ensuring they can safely and respectfully express themselves in their learning environment. This is important for trans and cis children alike, as well as children questioning. For our children to be actively accepting and healthy adults, it is on us to support this measure to show them that we can build a better world for all of us.


Support! Protect trans students.

Strongly support. We must protect our trans students.


Support

support!!!!!


Support

I support the guidance. All children deserve to be protected and feel safe in school.


LGBTQ

This would be a great opportunity and progressive step towards including LGBTQ communities n schools.


Support

I support the guidance.


Strongly Support!

Trans students deserve to be able learn in a safe and nondiscrimanatory environment!


Protect TRANS STUDENTS

protect trans rights they deserve the world


This is why we need school choice

This is exactly why we need school choice. Divide up the Education budget per kid and send that money to the school of the parents choice. Let’s get that on the ballot for the next election.


Supporting Trans Students Keeps Students Safe

It is imperative, for the life and safety of our trans and non-binary youth to support them and keep them safe. It's no secret that being trans is difficult, and many trans folks deal with mental health complications and unsupportive or abusive families. Trans folks are at a higher risk for suicide and homelessness than many other groups. Here are some facts about trans suicide rates: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/suicidality-transgender-adults/ Schools have the unique opportunity to accept trans and nonbinary students for who they are, and to model positive behavior for these students' peers so that as adults, trans folks may have more opportunities to lead a healthy, supported adult lives in Virginia. If the government's job is to protect our society, it's important to consider the most vulnerable of us, which includes trans and nonbinary youth. In this way, the government can also help ensure that trans folks can live and thrive as adults.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!

It is vitally important that all people are accepted and treated as equal.  This is especially true with children. They yearn to be heard and valued and accepted by the adults around them and their peers. We can all do a better job of opening up our minds and hearts in the name of inclusivity.


Support

I support the guidance


Strongly Oppose

This just opens the doors for predators to target our children.


Strongly support

I strongly support this proposal to protect transgender and non-binary children from discrimination in Virginia public schools. Policies should be based on research and science, rather than religious ideology. There are thousands of transgender and non-binary children in Virginia, and they deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity, regardless of what school they attend.


Support - It's for them, not you

When reviewing this policy, I ask those who oppose to consider where the concerns lie. If it's how this will affect you as a straight person and what types of conversations you may now be forced to have with your children, then understand this policy is not an infringement of your rights. This policy is to provide a support system for the victims in the scenario who are bullied for how they live, for who they like, for how they dress, etc. It's a call and a request for standards of decency for these students. This policy is one effort to help a group of marginalized people in our community. There will always be more options and ways in which people can be helped or laws in place, but this immediate policy is not such a dramatic step. This policy creates a structure that can be adjusted and developed with time as necessary. Currently, there is not a structure, so people are receiving disparate treatment from jurisdiction to jurisdiction in our Commonwealth. If you believe that there is a concern for your children's safety, then those concerns can be vetted under this policy. You can address your fears, and if there is a legitimate concern to be addressed, it can be included. However, if you feel that something that has never happened may happen to your child, then you also have to address this fear on a personal level. For example, there are plenty of myths about LGBT+ people and whether trans people are trying to harass straight people in bathrooms. If this is your concern, then dig into the data or ask the school board to do so. Listen to what is presented and reevaluate if it's something worth your time and stress. I won't say everyone has illegitimate fears out there, but if you don't know the circumstances, then it's on you to look into it. This policy is meant to help those students who are suffering, so let's get a policy in place and help our community better take care of our kids. If you had a trans child, then you would want them to be taken care of and supported in school. That is what is requested here. Please support this policy so that we can support the kids and the Commonwealth as a whole.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!!!

Trans rights are human rights and everybody no matter their gender identity/expression DESERVES FAIR TREATMENT. It sickens me to see how many close-minded individuals actively want to TAKE AWAY rights from fellow human beings just because they don’t agree with how they were born. Transgender individuals already through hell please give them the support they need and deserve


SUPPORT

Support$$


Strongly Support!!! Protect trans students!

Trans youth is valid and must be protected and made to feel safe in their schools!


SUPPORT

I support the guidance!!


Transgenders

Transgender is a metal health crisis and not a third option. Regardless of the facts transgenders will totally destroy female girl sports . This isnt moral or decent and to force these opinions on people is wrong .


I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students. I am 77 years old. A lot has changed as I have aged, and I have learned a lot and been made aware of a lot of things I was not previously aware of. While we have always known that there is a wide range of intelligence and may other things about humans, we were somehow not aware of the range of sexuality that could exist between/among our friends and families. Many time we heard from friends or even religious organizations that people who were not like us or not a certain way, racially, religiously, or sexually, were different, inferior, or just bad or evil. As we have matured and learned more about humanity, we have come to realize that we need to change our understanding about things. In particular, we must learn to accept humanity in all its forms, racial, religious, sexual, or whatever. We do not understand how all these things happen in life, but also we cannot change them, we need to accept them as long as they are not injuring others. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school. None of us has decided to whom or where we are born, or what our minds will be like. The thing we are learning is that we all have to work together to help each other and not diminish any one of us for the way we/they were born. One of things that bothers me the most is the suicide of young children. Not accepting them as they are is a major cause of suicide in children, and we can avoid some of it by accepting them as they are. Young children particularly are easily influenced and prone to embarrassment or depression if they are not accepted as they are. Therefore, I believe that all students should be treated equally and accepted as they are, racially, religiously, or sexually, and have equal access to education as long as they are not interfering with education which is the purpose of school. I believe all students should be allowed to thrive and reach their full potential.


Strongly oppose!

Strongly oppose! A person’s sex is determined physically at birth, along with those DNA. Transgender identity issues is a psychological problem, not a physical mistake and should be dealt with by a psychiatrist! The Lord didn’t make a mistake when He determined the sex of baby while in their mother’s womb. It should be no surprise people have this mindset on transgender issues, cause the Lord did say, “in the last days people would would have a reprobate minds”. They will call what is evil good and what is good evil. The consequence of this issue will not only affect children in schools but eventually in every area of our lives to an extent we have never known. Please don’t allow this to happen!!


Ansolutely Not

What gives you the right to threaten and cajole us to either conform or face threats of removal? The trans community represents less than 1% of the student population, yet everyone must be severely impacted by this proposed legislation.


OPPOSE!!!!!!!

I oppose this absolute insanity!!!!


Strongly Support!

Trans lives are the most vulnerable lives. They also are some of the most brilliant mines that contribute to our society! Must protect.


Vehemently Oppose

I believe the subscriptions set forth in this document are morally and ethically wrong.  No long term environmental study has been made on this proposal.  It is increasing the moral pollution of Virginia and demoralizing the general populace. Removing thousands of children from a loving and protective parent’s home as enforcement to make a small minority “feel” better is  not democracy but unconscionable child abuse. Why are lawmakers now so hateful and unwilling to be democratic any longer? Discourse and discussion is looked upon as an act of terrorism by those in authority.  I strongly object to this measure on the grounds of the first amendment.  It is an infringement upon our religious beliefs as well separation of church and State.


Strongly support

I believe we should be doing everything possible to protect the rights of students who are transgender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary, etc. These kids have the right to feel safe too.


Oppose!! This is extremely dangerous!!

In order to tolerate and include everyone, you have to exclude others. This is Orwellian.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

I strongly support the policies to support trans students. Research shows that such policies have significant positive impacts - not only on trans students but all students.


Support! Protect trans students.

Strongly support. We must protect our trans students. C'mon now!


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Trans rights = human rights.


Strongly support!

Please support the protection of trans lives! Forcing medical treatment shows a misunderstanding of transgender health care and does not reflect equal rights for all persons in this country. Surgery requirements would not only be a barrier for all trans lives but it would increase monetary stress as many trans lives are unemployed or under deployed due to discrimination.


transgender     u are either a woman or a man  no man claimed woman in womans bathroom

u are either woman or man   that is it    no man claiming to be a woman should be allowed in a womans bathroom   this is sick


Transgender policy

Strongly Opposed.  It opposes God.  It takes parenting out of the hands of the parents and provides power to the state.  It creates more problems than it solves.  We need more teaching of the fundamentals of education and less teaching and discussing the social issues of our time.


Policy for Trans Students

I stongly support the well-researched and evidence based proposal.  Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide inclusive and safe learning environments. This policy would protect this very vulnerable group of students and provide a safe and inclusive learning environment so that they and all students can be successful. Sincerely, Alice Hall


Strongly Support

Imagine being opposed to this, I can't. A lot of you seem to have advanced biology degrees all of the sudden. Don't have kids if wont accept who they are.


Strongly support

strongly in support of supporting and protecting trans students’ rights


Strongly Support!

Students should be allowed to explore and express their gender identity/presentation in a safe environment without fear of retribution. Transgender children deserve to be protected just as much as cisgender children, especially in schools.


Strongly oppose

I am strongly opposed to this. Where are my daughter's rights to feel safe and not have to dress or use the bathroom in front of a biological boy? This is tyrannical and contradicts biology and science. One cannot change their biological sex because you can't change the x and y chromosomes. It's child abuse. It destroys families. Children are already protected in school but if this passes, only transgender kids will be protected. Children need their innocence protected and not exploited.


Mental health treatment stops suicidality

A mother, a nurse, and a researcher = OPPOSE

Evidence-based? The only evidence-based studies on transgender youth are from 7+ years ago (making them no longer viable) where the majority of trans youth was the persistent and insistent desire of a young boy to be a girl. Today, we are seeing a new phenomena of teenage girls wanting to be boys. It happens in clusters of friend groups. The data support it, look it up. Transgender youth is the ONLY area of the medical field where the patient dictates their illness and the course of treatment. There have been multiple doctors that have spoken about the dangers and long-term consequences of providing affirming treatment which includes hormones, top surgery, bottom surgery, etc. without question. I support the rights of every individual to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, regardless of sex, class, race or background but I do not support changes without facts to support it. There is no evidence this treatment is effective. Suicidality remains high, well into adulthood in the trans community.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Yes please do everything in your power to protect and support transgender students and the entire LGBT+ student community. To do anything less would be a betrayal of our students' human rights. Children should not face institutionalized discrimination of any kind, for any reason, ever.


I fully support this legislation

I believe all children need to be accepted for who they are and supported throughout their life journey. Validation of identity without judgment fosters healthy citizens. This legislation will save lives. I fully support and urge you to pass it.


Nudists don't force Naturalism on others!!! dont force LGBTQ on our Kids!!

Strongly Oppose!


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students.  As a parent of three girls, these policies have a very real potential to put them in very harmful situations.  When anyone is allowed in spaces that have been private and secure spaces for girls, you take away their rights to privacy and violate their safety. It is also highly concerning that this allows schools to help your child make huge decisions about themselves without involving their parents.  Multiple parts of these policies specifically state that parents will not be informed about what is happening at school, especially things that could affect a student negatively and that is not alright.  Parents have a right to be informed about their child at school and by taking away this dialogue you interfere with family relationships.  As an educator, I should have the right to not be a part of something that I don’t agree with and violates my beliefs.  This is not something the schools should be involved with in general.  Please DO NOT ratify these policies!


Support

I support this


Symone Walker, Arlington NAACP Education Committee

VDOE Model Policy for Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Schools.

I strongly support the adoption of this Model Policy for Treatment of Transgender students in Virginia Schools.  Transgender rights and civil rights and human rights, and fully supporting and protecting transgender students is the only moral choice.


Support

I support the guidance.


Support trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students

I strongly support the model policy for trans and non-binary students. All students deserve a safe and supportive school environment, and in fact need that support to fully access their education and thrive.


STRONG SUPPORT

This is an important step in creating a safe environment for all VA students and help foster inclusiveness.


Strongly Support

Children can not learn in an environment where they do not feel safe, welcomed, or valued. The policy recommendations will provide much needed guidance, procedures and supportive materials so schools can provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, especially LGBTQ youth. I believe the education and training recommendations are particularly important for the many educators, counselors, and other school staff who deal directly with the students on a day to day basis. When our children succeed, we all succeed. I am a parent of two children who graduated from the Virginia public school system, and I very strongly support this policy recommendation.


Oppose!

I strongly oppose and will take my children out of school if this passes!


Strongly Support

I am a gender non-conforming adult. People would describe me as a woman who looks very much like a man. I have always been gender non-conforming ever since I was little. Sadly, I did not have a successful school career because of the way I was treated. I was not able to graduate high school due to low attendance. I was bullied by other students, and the administrators and teachers in my school did nothing in my defense. I was prevented from using the bathroom at my school because of my appearance. There were many times when I feared for my safety, and knew that the adults at the school didn’t have my best interest in mind. It saddens me greatly to think about the opportunities I have missed because of the gap in my education. I was not able to attend college. When I think of kids today, I hope they have an easier path than I did. I want them to be supported and defended, and I want them to be given access to education and opportunities no matter what they look like or identify as. Not understanding someone else, or disagreeing with them politically, is never an excuse to mistreat them. We can’t force kids to suffer because some grown adults think that they don’t matter. Every child deserves the right to safety, health, and an education. We cannot allow kids to be discriminated against for being their authentic selves.


Strongly Support

Supporting children being themselves should be a no-brainer, no matter what.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

I strongly support this proposal.  Why would anyone not be in favor of protecting a child? Public education systems are entrusted with the responsibility to serve all of our students and provide inclusive and safe learning environments. This policy would protect this already vulnerable group of students and provide a safe and inclusive learning environment so that they and all students can be successful. (also no child is going to fake being trans to prey on your child in the bathroom, grow up)


Homesexual students

Everyone is entitled to respect and freedom from harassment and bullying.  There are already policies in place about that issue.  Perhaps it needs to be made stronger or enforced more consistently. The Bible tells us God created everyone either male or female and each one is a unique person.  Everyone should be able to accept males who are more sensitive and females who are tomboys.  They each have a valuable place in our society and have many valuable things to contribute to our world.  There is nothing wrong with them that needs fixing or changing.  If God hadn't been removed from public life (including our public school system) it would be easier to help students see the value in differences in peoples personalities and to accept those differences as good, normal and given by God to benefit all of us.  Tomboys help us females concentrate more on having a healthy body and active lifestyle.  Sensitive boys grow up to be nurturing men who are good fathers, good husbands and good employees and employers.  They show concern when it's needed and help make life more pleasant especially when things get rough. I know several people quite well who are or have been homosexual.  They all had a father who was absent, very dysfunctional or they had endured sexual abuse as they were growing up.  Several have gotten counseling from professionals who specialize in these types of issues and are now happy they didn't have access to or encouragement to make permanent, life altering changes with surgery or hormones.  They are now adults who say they are happy and they act like they are.  Those I know who are still practicing homosexuals admit they are still unhappy and dislike themselves although they've gotten counseling to accept themselves as homosexual. Allowing biological makes in the same bathroom or locker room with biological females is a recipe for potential rape.  How would females protect themselves from males who are only pretending to be female?  Allowing biological males to compete in sports against biological females pushes female sports back years.  Males have a different body makeup than females and their DNA hasn't changed even if the way they think about themselves has.  It's unfair to females to have to compete against males and to try to make them think they have an equal chance to succeed. Parents should be part of their children's lives and decision making.  Parents have a long term interest in and relationship with their children unlike most school personnel.  Parents and their adult children will be left to pick up the pieces and try to correct the damage that was done by those who are no longer part of their lives.  Unless parents have been deemed in a court of law to be so bad they have lost permanent custody of their children they have a right to know what is happening in their children's lives and be able to get their child the help they think they need.  Most teenagers think they know more than their parents.  I know I did but I've reversed my opinion about that a long time ago.  Whether the school system agrees with parents' values and views makes no difference as to who is supposed to be in charge of minor children. I hope most of this policy will be struck down.  It's dangerous to experiment on people.  We all know the teen years and early 20s are times of figuring out who we are and what our values will be.  People need time to work through all that without being influenced to accept what is seen as the latest "great" ideas that will likely be discarded as time goes by.


STUPIDITY AT ITS BEST

This is the most ridiculous thing that I've ever heard of being pushed in the public schools. As an educator this brings so many negative actions to our attention that will happen. Who will monitor these bathroom/locker rooms? Our children will NOT be safe in the public schools anymore. There are so many other ways this could be handled. How about a private bathroom, with only one at a time allowed?!? If this is passed, public schools will lose a ton of employees and students! There are private schools that can keep our kids safe, and home schooling will be a big hit! I'd love to know the ridiculous, idiotic, moron that came up with this plan!


Support for Trans Students

Societies across the globe have throughout time have not only seen, but embraced individuals with genders different than what was assumed by their sex organs. Trans people, whether public with their gender identity or not, have contributed to and supported our communities since ancient times. But humanity, not history, should compel us to protect our trans friends, neighbors, children, and peers. We teach our children from their earliest years to be themselves and care for others. Yet, adults every day allow trans youth to be the target of vicious harassment and attacks. Trans students should be uplifted, not alienated, by school administrators. Students learn by example, and in allowing individuals to express their gender in a way that is authentic to themselves while not tolerating the bully-ish behavior from closed-minded individuals (who have not bothered to learn about gender and sex, and are unjustifiably interested in someone else's genitals) is how we build a society that is compassionate, collaborative, and interested in the success to all.


Transgender in school and sports

Absolutely NOT!! Males have absolutely no place in Female sports or any other female organisations. The same holds true for Females.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!

Trans rights are a human right!


Support

I support the guidance. My children in Virginia public schools deserve a safe and inclusive school community, and their transgender friends and classmates do as well.


OPPOSE- parents should maintain authority on these critical issues

Oppose these guidelines. Parents have authority over their children. The government shall not dictate how parents should handle gender related issues with their children. Parents and staff should continue to work together to teach against bullying of any kind. We must not create more confusion and chaos for our students.  Keeping biological males and biological females separated into gender specific bathrooms and locker rooms is non-negotiable to maintain privacy and safety. Or create multiple single person bathrooms/changing rooms. Allowing biological males and females to intermingle in these ways would be completely irresponsible, damaging psychologically, and dangerous physically.


Strongly oppose transgender school policy

I oppose the requirements being considered for the Virginia School transgender policies.  These policies provide no exceptions for faith based beliefs and block parents access to have gender discussions with their children.  It is taking away the rights of many to serve a few.  There has to be a better solution to ensuring transgender students are not bullied and have resources available to them than to take away the rights of the majority.


Support Amendment

Protect trans people from this awful oppression. Shame on you for creating this hostile environment for this community.


Transgender in Schools

The fact this needs addressing is sick- Science is built on 2 genders: female and male.Anything additional is a family matter and needs to be handled by that family. The fact we actually have a medical doctor as our governor (cough, cough) and he is not only promoting this but allowing it is disgusting. Teaching this or allowing this to proceed borders on child abuse. Children waiver on their sexual being for a period of time naturally- promoting this as anything more is so sad.


I strongly support this

I strongly support our LGBTQ+ kids, and this is no exception. It should be a no brainer.


Support trans rights!

Support trans rights!!


Strongly support

Trans kids need support and recognition. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.


Support

Under no circumstance does anyone deserve to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. It is during these formative years that schools teach students how to succeed, they also teach students how to treat each other. It comes as no shock that transgender and nonbinary students report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all. No matter what side of the aisle you are on, it is a fact that these students are our future. We cannot sacrifice their mental health and physical well being on divisive rhetoric. It is our responsibility create an environment set up for equitable success. Not failure.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Trans rights are human rights.


Support

I strongly support.


opposed to the proposed transgender bill for VA schools

I would like to express my concerns about the proposed transgender changes in VA schools. As a retired school teacher, I see this as putting teachers at odds with their religious beliefs and whether they will be able or want to continue teaching in the public schools. It will not promote empathy between student and teacher, rather alienation. "Let's see, is Susie a he or she or a they today?"  It also will destroy the fabric of the family structure for families whose beliefs do not concur with these changes. The proposals will set a barrier between parents, child, and school.  As far as allowing transgenders to go into restrooms or gym locker rooms of their "identified" gender, what  about the other students who have low self-esteems and regard their bodies as less than perfect? This also puts students at risk of sexual harassment and abuse. Students of the middle and high school age are very body-conscious, and have not the maturity that goes with age to "look the other way." Younger children flip-flop from day to day in their chosen activities, one day playing with dolls, the next trucks and trains. They do not have the idea of gender-identity unless or until it is introduced to them by outside influences. I feel that these proposals are very detrimental on many levels. Please do not enact these changes in the public schools.


Strongly SUPPORT

Trans rights are human rights! Strongly SUPPORT


Strongly Support

Strongly support.


support amendment

Support amendment


TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

if you guys are actually in support of the zero tolerance policy in your schools, you will do everything and anything you can to make sure that trans and gender non-conforming students such as myself feel safe and cared for at school. trans rights are human rights and its time you all start acting like it.


Strongly Support

As an elementary school educator, I strongly support this guidance to protect trans and non-binary youth. Schools need to be places where all children can be safe.


Strongly support

Trans people are people. It has no effect on others the way an individual decides to live their life and we should respect how others choose to live without inhibiting them.


STRONGLY SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS

Trans rights are human rights, allow trans youth to be accepted and be who they want to be!


Transgender Policy in Virginia Public Schools

We are strongly opposed to this proposed policy change.


Transgender policy

Strongly disagree.   I have 3 boys and I would never want my kids in the same bathroom or locker room  as someone of the opposite  sex.  Especially if I had teenage girls.  This is taking away our kids rights to make a few students comfortable.   The school system has no right to make these decisions for the rest of our children.


No

These children need our love and I strongly oppose this. My tax dollars my voice.


Support

I support the policy.


HELL No!!!!!!!

This is the most ridiculous thing ever!!!


Support

I believe we must make systemic change.


Strongly Support--Trans Rights are Human Rights

I stand in full support of legislation to protect the health and well being of Transgender youth in Virginia schools. We know that transgender students are more likely to experience harassment, bullying, and violence at their schools due to their gender identity. This must change and policies must be implemented in schools to allow all students to grow and thrive.


Strongly DISAGREE!!

STRONGLY DISAGREE!!


Strongly oppose

All children's rights need to be protected. All children need to be treated with compassion and understanding and you are taking away safe spaces for girls.


Strongly Support

I think these new regulations are wonderful and should already be in place. School should be a safe zone. If someone wants to be transgender they should have the right to do so. People even parents and grandparents are so unaccepting to this subject at times, when that’s not going to change the outcome at the end of the day. They will be who they want to be, school should be a safe place for anyone to be who they want to be. I feel this will lower bullying and suicidal rates for Virginia Schools!


Support but also increase mental health accessibility

I strongly support this but I also think a related topic of equal importance is increasing accessibility to mental health resources to students throughout the commonwealth.


Support!

Totally support!


I guess this preps little children for Pedo State Representatives. Elementary school, get them early, so it's easier for government employees to groom them later. Sick pedophiles!


STRONGLY SUPPORT HUMAN RUGHTS

I support the identification of transgender students as their chosen gender - let them be happy and comfortable with who they are. Everyone wants to be happy so why should we deny people that? Anyone who opposes is a backwards hick who lacks empathy and care for anyone but themselves and is not a model for the future of humanity. We don’t need more hate in this country. If you someone can identify as a racist, sexist, backwards, fear loving member of a triple lettered, fear based home organization, then others should be able to identify as a harmless gender they seem fit to themselves because that would literally harm no one.


Disagree

The  proposed policies articulate views, such as the view that " Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five or six" , that go far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotels rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would be uncomfortable if they encountered  a member of the opposite sex, particularly adults, in gendered facilities. 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 policies infringe upon parents' rights and duties to rear and care for their children.


Vote NO!

As a parent, I am completely appalled by the guidelines that are suggested in this document.  While the intent of providing guidance on how transgender students are to be treated and protect them from bullying behavior, this guidance completely infringes upon the rights of everyone else.  To treat others as gender neutral is one thing, to allow completely co-ed restrooms and locker rooms without question is unacceptable.  Until you are able to reconfigure ALL schools to gender neutral restrooms and, more importantly locker rooms, (which is cost prohibitive), I do not want a boy (biologically) walking into the locker room with my daughter.  Not because I care about one way or another about the boy's choice (or preference), but because it would make MY daughter UNCOMFORTABLE.  Why does she need to be subjected to that environment?  In reverse, why does my son need to be subjected to a girl (biologically) who identifies as male having to get undressed in the same locker room or walk into the restroom while he is using a urinal?  Where is the protection for the MAJORITY? As for the protection of the students' preferences from their parents, who do you think you are?  Are school officials legal guardians now?  Where does this stop? These guidelines are unworkable.  That is without even getting into the moral implications.  Stop this madness now!


Strongly oppose

As a concerned parent, I strongly oppose this! For one, the government and the school system need to stop trying to be the parents/family. Elementary and secondary school kids are just that... STILL KIDS. We need to hold onto their innocence as long as possible and stop allowing KIDS to make these adult like decisions - especially without the parents knowledge! The passing and implementing of these bills can be very dangerous and I oppose them!


Support Transgender teens

i absolutely support this and any piece of legislation that will support transgender teens and people. Don’t drop the ball.


Trans people deserve death, not support

ABSOLUTELY SICKENING that our society has come to accept such people. This country was founded for men and women.


Oppose the current policies in this proposal

I oppose the detailed proposal written in the attached document. The policies being pushed forward are promoting a new standard of keeping parents in the dark regarding big ideas. The policies encourage children to seek guidance from the public school system, rather than partnering with the family to create a support network for the child. I will never support policy which intentionally eliminates the parent in any part of the child education. These policies also force those who do not religiously support it, to conform. I expect that regardless of the outcome, parents will receive FULL disclosure, communication on expectations, and options for those who oppose it based on religious beliefs.


Transgender should not be pushed in our schools.

I do not support this in any way shape or form. If someone wants to change themselves it shouldn't be pushed down my throat nor my child's. God created man and woman, if you choose to be something else that's on them. I don't and won't accept their sins, just as I would not expect them to accept mine. I will treat them with respect, but will not cater to it. If that's the case put beer in water fountains and give drugs to addicts. Trans don't need to be in women sports either.


Support saves lives: put the health and safety of our students first

Trans youth are disproportionally at risk for suicide and mental health distress, and supporting their identity is a concrete way to substantially reduce the risk of both. Our public schools should be putting the health and safety of our children first, and validating a student's gender identity is a simple way to do just that.


Oppose transgender legislation

This will be so confusing for children who already have so much emotionally on their plates. It makes teaching more difficult because it adds so much more pressure on the teacher. It basically creates chaos in our schools.


Oppose

While there’s no place for bullying, there’s also no place for giving a public entity the right to usurp parental rights. These issues are difficult and families must work through them without interference from the public school. This is a major overstep of the role of public entity.


Transgender issue.forced compliance

I strongly oppose any idea that infringes the rights of one to support the other ....come up with another solution.....it is not up to the government to force any type of rule that will discriminate one against the other . This is an infringement on one's right to support the right of another COME UP WITH A BIPARTISAN SOLUTION....THIS IS NOT THE WAY.


Absolutely Not

First let me say by reading the comments from others I am pretty sure most of the people who are for this do not even have kids in public schools. If that is the case they have no dog in this fight and should not be able to push there opinion on others when it will not effect them whatsoever. Second lets go back to the start, a man has parts different from a woman at birth. Therefore they are different, if a boy chooses to be a woman I don't think anybody cares same thing if a woman wants to be a boy. This is America go ahead. But to have the state push these type of ideas on our children is unacceptable. Parents have the right to know what is going on in there kids life and although the school may not need to call and tell them if the parent reaches out the information should be there. They are not considered adults until they are 18 years of age right? you have to have the parents consent for anything until that point. If a child is bullying another student the parents should be involved to help correct the issue not left in the dark. The school does not decide how we discipline our children. If a child decides to be Transgender the parents need to know, this should be a conversation between parents and children not the school system. The fact you want to take kids away from parents if they do not agree is unconstitutional and highly inappropriate. These are kids who don't even know what they want after graduating high school mush less there identity. LEAVE IT TO THE PARENTS. To not allow religious exemptions is also unconstitutional. I don't care if your muslim, christian, catholic or budist. freedom of religion is being taken away primarily to the christian faith the country was founded on. Our currency still says in GOD we trust, so why are we doing things that go totally against that? Every student has the right to learn no doubt, no child should ever be bullied. These ideas come from the far left and in no way should be allowed as I have said before we are talking about innocent children. Its awful interesting how all this comes up like the people at the top really care about the students. Where have you been since last March? Why are we not back in schools full time? Why does no one really care about the kids and just stupid policy for a very small group of students? why would we add all this for a small group and potentially harm the large group? There are better alternatives that could be considered but our commonwealth and governor appear to join the far left in most cases. If you really want to help the children get them back in school learning from teachers, bring back the pledge of allegiance and focus on the child's future not liberal agenda.


I stand in strong support

I strongly support this. Adolescence is hard enough when everyone is figuring themselves out and what they believe. Such a precious time deserves to be protected. Protecting these individuals hurts no one, but failing to do so will irreversibly harm them for the rest of their lives.


Do Not Support - You are disregarding women's rights

I wholeheartedly vote NO on this proposal.  I do not agree with the pressure by the media, hollywood, leftist politicians and inept parents to allow young children whose brains, body and emotions are not fully developed, to make such an uninformed, uneducated and dangerous decision to "change" the gender God had blessed them with in this life.  To me this means that you are saying God is fallible, which is wrong.  I do not want to go further into my beliefs nor judge a person for their actions (or inactions), but it does concern me that there is a promotion of something that will bring harm to an innocent child. This I will leave to God to make the ultimate judgement. Regardless of what the parent and child decide, be careful that you are looking to remove the rights of the majority (girls and women) in order to appease a select few.  Several years ago there was the "Me Too" movement to empower women to ensure their voice, safety and well-being.  This so-called policy will silence and discriminate against women - biological women.  Argue either way, I believe that becoming transgender is a choice.  If you believe that science is real, then you cannot in good conscience place a biological male in a situation where they are exposed to women in the locker room and bathroom. Science will not refute that biological males are more powerful in body, size, strength than biological women. The potential risks of severe bodily injury or even psychological and emotional injury during "supposedly fair" sporting competition will have a last effect. As the father of a teenage girl, I fear that you are placing emphasis that she and other young women, DO NOT MATTER.  You have a responsibility to her and all young women to encourage and support them in our public school system.  Again, being transgender is a choice.  If someone chooses this, then they have to accept the consequences that go along with it.  You are trying to please everyone, which is impossible.  Find a better solution that makes sense without taking away or disregarding the rights and opportunities of my daughter and the other young women in our school system. My children choose to pray in school.  Would you consider their First Amendment rights? Is that something you are willing to propose to the state? How is their choice of freedom of religion any different?  How about their right to peaceful assembly or to have a voice to be heard? Food for thought....


Vote no!

I do not support this bill. It takes the rights away from parents dealing with this delicate situation as a family matter also it is unconstitutional to severely punish people for accidentally mispronouncing a person's preferred pronoun.


OPPOSE!!

STRONGLY OPPOSE the undermining of parental authority!


STRONGLY SUPPORT!

Wholeheartedly support! Trans rights are human rights! Every student deserves protection and a space where they are able to be themselves in a compassionate and inclusive setting; where they are safe. We are not a binary society. All are welcome!


SUPPORT TRANS KIDS

Trans rights are human rights. No child should be discriminated against for expressing themselves.


Male & female

I do not support this bill. This should not be a thing for a child. DNA will always tell who you are. You can't hide from God. We were made male and female and it should remain the same for any trans to use the correct desigated restroom for the gender God made them. If otherwise, we will see more sexual assault in our schools. A lot of children will be pulled from school and they will lose a lot of grant money. That is a promise.. Just saying.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose the legislation/amendment regarding transgender policies. This is not the role of our government to mandate such requirements of the tax payers. And this policy is detrimental to society in general.


Support

I support House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 16. As a faculty sponsor of a high school Gender-Sexuality Alliance, I work with trans students every day. They are keenly aware of the challenges to their safety that exist under current public school policies. I believe the actions in this bill are necessary, and a first step towards creating an equitable learning space for trans, nonbinary, and gender-non-conforming students. I hope that this will be the groundwork for further legislation.


I support the guidance.

I support the guidance to protect trans students.


I Support for Trans Kids Everywhere

I support the guidance in favor of improving the lives of trans and non-binary kids in schools! Thanks, have a great day.


Protect and support transgender youth

I strongly support these policies. All children have a right to an education in a safe and healthy environment, including LGBTQIA+ identifying children. Supportive measures and inclusive alterations to things like dress codes could have changed lives when I was in school.


Support

I wholeheartedly support these guidelines.


100% support

Please support the guidance for protecting LGBTQ+ and trans youth! The safety and well being of these young people depends on steps like this happening.


do not support

I do not support all the parts of this legislation and therefore cannot support it as a whole


Support trans kids

Transgender kids have an equal right to safe and harassment-free public education, and it is imperative that school boards are given the guidance to be able to provide that.


Supporting all students mean supporting transgender students

Transgender individuals have some of the highest rates of suicide and are victims of violence at much higher rates than the average. We need to do everything we can to protect and support our transgender students. Transgender affirming policies in our school system are a necessary part of protecting and affirming all students!


Protect Children Struggling with Mental Health Issues by Opposing This

I believe those struggling with gender dysphoria greatly need help and support.  But by treating them as if they are completely normal only hurts them.  There are countless examples of people who have gone through a sex change and have greatly regretted it.  These individuals need help and need to be protected by not making this a "normal" thing.  Any other mental illness has many options for counseling and help. True love does not turn a blind eye nor does it support an individual in the guise of acceptance/tolerance while that person is doing something harmful to themselves.  By truly loving another person, one wishes what is best for that person.  Good parents will seek medical attention for their child if he is struggling with schizophrenia.  Parents who tell their child that their condition is completely normal and don't seek medical help are not helping their child.  The same logic applies to people struggling with gender dysphoria.  Let parents be parents and make these decisions for their children.  I do not want the state to decide when my child learns about this because they do not know my child.


Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary schools

I am totally against the regulations you want to implement into the Virginia school system. I am against you trying to usurp parental authority, you allowing children to decide which bathroom/locker room they want to use on any given day, and most of all these regulations provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodation for students, parents or teachers whose religious faith, conscience or understanding of basic biology that prevents them from adhering the radical transgender ideologies.


Strongly disagree with this proposal

I strongly disagree with this proposal. While our schools need to focus on inclusion and less bullying across all areas, this will not help that. I strongly disagree with any proposal that silences one group. And this does that. It cuts the parents out of what is happening with sexual identity of children. It silences families that believe in sons, daughters and mom and dads. It cuts out any supper of families who do not agree with any part of this proposal by saying not agreeing is bullying. That’s not true. You can disagree and still love and include someone. Focus on inclusion of ALL. Also this seems to be a medical and mental health diagnosis which schools have no ability to make or hold up. I know because CCPS tells us all the time they cannot diagnose or even use the words dyslexic for my child, who is dyslexic, because it is a medically diagnosis and they cannot diagnosis medically. Gender should also be something a parent and medical is discussing. Once a family and medical team has established this, they may approach the school to create needs for child. But the public school should be doing nothing but including that child as every other child. This proposal doesn’t do that. Also, as a parent I have a right to know what body parts my young child may be exposed to at school. As in shared bathrooms and changing rooms. Again this proposal is not ok. Focus on inclusion not silencing groups as this does.


SUPPORT

I support this policy


I strongly oppose!

I oppose the proposed VDOE transgender policies. They will add to the confusion and stress that our young people already experience. They have enough to deal with as they grow physically, mentally, academically, socially, and spiritually and don't need another layer of correctness so as not to hurt someone's feelings.


I fully support the proposed protections for trans and non-binary students.

Supporting the equal rights and equal protections of young transgender Virginians (transgender includes binary and non-binary trans people) is imperative.  Trans youth don't deserve to be bullied or threatened just because of who they are.  They don't deserve to be assaulted or killed just because of who they are.  Their murderers shouldn't have the right to be shielded by hateful trans panic criminal defenses in court.  They don't deserve the indignity or public humiliation of being dead-named or misgendered by administrators, teachers or other students.  They don't deserve be excluded from gender-segregated spaces because of the sex they were assigned at birth.  Or barred from using the bathrooms or locker rooms that align with their brain gender.  They don't deserve to be denied social transition when they are pre-pubescent.  They don't deserve to be denied hormone blockers to avoid unwanted puberties when as they enter the age of puberty.  And they should be allowed transition hormones when they are fully secure in and confident of their brain gender, which often is well before they hit age 18.  I am sick of the anti-trans commenters who have peddled harmful myths and twisted exceptions as the mainstream, going so far as to deny trans people's very existence.  Lastly, extremist religious views, wrapped in the warped veil of "religious freedom," should never entitle anyone the right to harm transgender people like me, especially the most vulnerable -- transgender youth.  Ever.  Please, please, please, pass these proposed protections for trans and non-binary students.


trans rights are human rights

Trans rights are human rights. Protect trans kids


Strongly oppose! Work on your bullying policies.

This is scary. I agree with those who say, what if a random boy says he classifies as a girl and goes into the girls bathroom just to peek at girls or vise versa. That is sad that children would have to worry about this..


Proposed transgender policies

As  citizen, I am appalled at the interference of the state in our lives. These new regulations are disregarding the core unit of the family, even actually undermining it. This discriminates against the religious values that we live by and disregards the science that sex is determined at conception and evidenced by every cell in the body (not just genitalia). These laws put the state above the family and pit the children against the parents. Please vote against this.


Support Trans Youth

Support Trans Youth. it’s hard enough to be a teen let alone to be LGBTQUIA+ having everyone on the same page to support students is important!


Unequivocal support by a pediatrician

As a pediatrician, I have the privilege to work with many LGBTQ and gender non-conforming children. I am very disappointed by the huge amount of negative comments here; the casual cruelty is on display for children like my patients, and can have real harm. I fully support the proposed measures, which have precedent elsewhere in the country and can have a tangible, positive impact on children's lives.


Concerned Mom!

I oppose!! The consequences being set forth are absurd and go against all legal rights of the child , and freedoms that both child and adults have. When a student or adult decides to be transgender and come out as such, that is a personal decision, therefore it should remain the personal decision of everyone else to accept it or not. Until gender reassignment surgeries are done, students and faculty should continue to use their birth given gender restrooms. That would protect both parties from false allegations that would arise. There are freedoms in place, and having such ridiculous proposal goes against freedom of speech!!!


100% support . Vote yes!

I have no "skin" in this game. But I want to protect the rights of other peoples children.  The world has moved on since I was born in the 70s. And laws needs to be changed to support the changes in all our children. Protect Trans kids rights! And let them pee in peace!


OPPOSE TRANSGENDER POLICY

As a parent and educator I strongly oppose even the thought of this. It goes against everything . How can this even be thought about being implemented.


Andy Reyes that’s right I used my government name

STRONGLY AGREE AND SUPPORT, protecting trans kids

I strongly support this! You can not say you support our youth if you don’t support the ones who will need support the most. This is not forcing legislation down any parents/tax payers throats, it is being open to every child that wants to have the freedom to be who they truly are. Also for those who oppose, it is laughable you do not put your whole name in the comment. Cowards.


Protect Trans and ALL Kids

As a parent, I can’t understand having to fight for this-For BASIC protection and rights for a child. ALL CHILDREN deserve to feel safe and supported in their school with no exceptions.


Strongly Opposed

These bills violate the rights of Christian families. These policies attempt to alter scientific facts. What does this teach the children? Furthermore, these bills attempt to take parental control and place it with the school. We are strongly opposed & MY children will NOT attend VA public schools if this nonsense is passed/enforced. Leanne Hyler


Support trans youth at all costs

Support trans youth at all costs. Support trans youth at all costs. Support trans youth at all costs. It’s our job to protect children, full stop.


Include all students

If we support all children in our schools, than that means children that identify as transgender. Our schools are filled with kids from various backgrounds. This has always been the case. We are learning how to be more accepting. By not moving forward, we are subjecting our transgender kids to discrimination and stigma.


Support

I support this guidance because, at the bare minimum, a school should be a place where everyone feels safe. Everyone deserves to learn in an environment that feels comfortable and welcoming to them. Everyone.


Proudly Support this legislation! Trans Kids Need Our Support!

Please support this legislation to continue to provide resources to Trans Kids in our schools!


Wesley Wilde, Social Science Major, Richmond SPCA

STRONGLY SUPPORT. Protect our youth!

Children need support and love no matter what. If you would only love your child if it conformed to what you consider ‘normal’ than you do not love your child unconditionally. Trans and nonbinary youth deserve support! Opposing this bill will not change them, it will only make them feel ostracized from their classmates and society and will cause depression and even suicide in some cases. It is imperative to support our children no matter what.


Completely support

The messages of hate left in this forum are EXACTLY why this needs to pass. Educating our children to be accepting of all people, regardless of gender identity, will prevent vile comments like what are left on this board from happening again. I was in Virginia’s school system for 10 years until I graduated in 2016, and I was constantly disappointed by the regressive ideas being taught. It is your responsibility to do better, so do better. Trans rights are human rights.


In strong support

We must protect all of our children and especially those who are the most vulnerable. Trans children need administration and teachers to support and affirm their gender identities. This is important for their survival.


Very much in support!

This is wonderful progress and will be very beneficial to the health, safety, and general well being for transgender individuals!


All students include trans students!

Transgender individuals have some of the highest rates of suicide and are victims of violence at much higher rates than the average. We need to do everything we can to protect and support our transgender students. Transgender affirming policies in our school system are a necessary part of protecting and affirming all students.


Support for LGTBQ+ youth

I feel this is a step in the right direction for allowing people to be themselves. It is important for young folks to be supported by adults that are in positions of power and influence in their lives. I'm sure there are many out there that feel ostracized by their peers and also those within the administration. Hopefully this will help strengthen these students' self worth.


Support!

All students including trans and non-binary students should be supported and protected in Virginia schools


fully support!!

I live in fredericksburg though my son hasn’t yet told us if he is a different gender than the one assigned at birth, we fully support him as he loves pink, wearing dress, and makeup. no kid should feel ashamed for how they identify or who or what they like. we should be teaching kids compassion, not judgement.


No No No

Absolutely oppose all of this!!! My children have rights as well and you are disregarding them!!! My daughter should be able to have privacy in a GIRLs bathroom!!! My son should be able to have privacy in a BOYS bathroom. Letting children use whichever bathroom/changing room they want to use that day is ridiculous!!!! My children's safety is on the line here and this is unacceptable!!! A school should be a safe zone for all children. Put in bathrooms/changing rooms at the schools for individual use that are for female or male (family restrooms) like they have at stores!!! I am absolutely appalled that the schools are even debating that this is a good idea. You should be ashamed of yourselves!!!


STRONGLY SUPPORT. Trans individuals are still people and deserve to be treated w basic human respect

Trans individuals are still people who deserve to be treated with respect. Trans children deserve to be protected like all other children are protected for who they are.


Trans rights are human rights.

I strongly support this legislation and believe in upholding protections for trans people as a matter of inalienable civil rights. I hope that in time those who are so ardently opposed to this may come to see the necessity for the protection of such rights as well.


Transgender youth

I support transgender youth


STRONGLY oppose. This is completely insane to push this kind of abuse

Please do NOT pass this. This is incredibly harmful to our children, and the threat of action against those who would oppose it is insane


Trans rights are human rights! Protect trans youth!

All children deserve to be protected, supported, and seen. To not offer basic rights and protections to these children is basic discrimination. Please help these children.


Absolutely NOT

I do not believe it is the right of the government to mandate how parents can raise their children.  All this bill will do is discriminate against all other children.  The opposite sex should not use the same bathroom or play some of the same sports.  This will create a divide that may never be fixed.  I have taught my children to be respectful to everyone, but this will be undermining everything I have taught.  Basically, a transgender child will be in charge of a school system and that is fundamentally wrong.   Put policies in place that would hinder discrimination just like there is for minority groups, but do not place this group above anyone else.  If this passes, there will be an overwhelming decrease in the public education sector and more private and homeschooling.


Support

The arc of the moral Universe is long, but it bends towards justice.


Oppose Transgender guidelines

I am a public school teacher and a mom and while we need to increase anti bullying efforts, the schools  are not the place to figure out your thoughts on gender. That is something that needs to be dealt with at home and young children especially don’t even know what they are deciding. This totally goes against my religious beliefs and if I can’t push religion in my classroom then others shouldn’t be able to push their views on me. Some of these policies would make me not want to teach anymore


Reject the Model Policies for treatment of Transgender students

Oppose as they undermine rights of parents and families.


Support! Protect Trans Kids!

I strongly support the protection and safety of trans children.


Teacher in proud support of our trans students

I am a middle school teacher in proud support of trans and gender non-conforming, gender-exploring students. Students have a right to feel safe in exploring and solidifying their identities in the public school setting. Normalizing the acceptance of trans youth will pave the way for greater acceptance of trans and LGBTQ+ people. We need to uplift the trans and queer community and begin building a strong foundation of love and understanding early on in our future generations.


Strongly oppose

Strongly oppose


Protect Trans Students!

I am 100% in support of the guidelines proposed to protect Trans students within the Virginia school system. They deserve safety just as much as cisgender students. This decision should not be influenced by fear, lack of understanding and education of those who are opposed to this proposed guideline. As someone who works within the public school system it is important we continue the work of decolonizing and addressing white supremacy practices and this is one of the ways we can work towards equitable education for ALL.


support transgender students

i support the model policy protecting transgender students!


Support Trans Students!

Trans youth deserve the same rights, protections, and priority we assign to all children in our society. These comments show that there is a lot of misinformation amongst the opposition as to what Gender Dysphoria actually entails and how we can best support trans students as they navigate their adolescence. There is also an apparent paucity of medical knowledge amongst the general public as to best practices for caring for trans youth and trans populations in general. Most concerning is the overwhelming amount of hatred and fear that these oppositional comments display--it's telling that most of those were submitted "anonymously" or without an actual identifier. I urge you to pass this in support of our trans youth who so desperately need the community love, acceptance, and support that we seem to so easily provide to cis youth.


Trans rights are human rights!

Strongly support this! Trans kids are one of the most at-risk groups of young people and deserve better treatment and protection! Protect trans kids!


Transgender Policies

I am against these transgender policies being brought into our schools. We are talking about children, who are not old enough to make decisions for themselves. Why should our schools try to make decisions for them? Especially introducing one sided ideologies that everyone doesn't agree with. If this should occur, this allows any gender to go into any restroom or locker room without being questioned with other children who may not be comfortable with this, which could lead to those children to not use the restroom at all. This could result in medical issues from them holding going to the restroom for the whole day. Why should my children have to do this? This also could lead to an increase in sexual assault, teen pregnancies, and many other serious problems. If this bill should be approved, my children will not longer be attending a public school.


Wholeheartedly support

A good education is paramount to success in life, and key to a good education is a safe, supportive environment for all students to learn in. That safe, supportive environment must be gender affirming. Not only will it drastically improve the lives of trans or questioning students, it will improve the lives of cis students as well. So much of the stress of middle and high school revolves around trying to conform to the arbitrary standards of masculine or feminine imposed by society. Breaking down those barriers, showing male kids it's okay to like "girly" things, or female kids it's okay to enjoy "masculine" activities, as well as just more activities that put male and female students into the same arena where they can interact in non-gender segregated ways will help students grow up without many of the toxic stereotypes that infest our thinking. Support for Trans kids is support for all kids. Making schools safer for trans students makes schools safer for all students. I fully support this proposal, and note that those in opposition aren't actually concerned for students. They're simply uncomfortable with the idea, or just straight up bigots.


Please weigh everything carefully!

Please consider every angle.  I am deeply involved in helping youth heal from various traumas.  Most children who suffer from gender-dysphoria need in-depth counseling and NOT a life-long medical path.  I know kids who were pushed down this path and then killed themselves when they understood that they had made a grave mistake and could not undo the harm.  This is a travesty and one of the largest medical experiments on children in all of history.  I am liberal and left-leaning and what is being proposed is WRONG. Do your homework - before many more children are harmed and sterilized. https://www.segm.org/ Thank you.


YES! Support!

I support this guidance because, at the bare minimum, a school should be a place where everyone feels safe. Everyone deserves to learn in an environment that feels comfortable and welcoming to them. Trans rights are human rights!


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Everyone deserves the respect this guidance looks to provide.


Strongly Opposed!!!!

You can choose to believe what you want. However, you will not force your thoughts and beliefs on my child or myself. Then on top of this nonsense, you threaten to take my child from his home if he and I don't do as you say! I will remove my child from the public school system and home school him.


Vote NO!

Putting all other children at risk, giving the school the ability to let children be sexualized in the classroom and taking away parental guidance is over stepping so many boundaries! This is dangerous on multiple levels and there will be no turning back!


I SUPPORT the guidance

I strongly support the guidance. Protect our youth and their rights.


Strongly Oppose

These bills violate the rights of Christian families. The policies attempt to alter scientific facts.  Furthermore, these bills take parental control and rights and place them with the school which is damaging to our free American society.  Please withdraw and do NOT re-introduce these terrible bills.


Strongly Support

Imagine being in the year 2021 and still not caring enough to protect our trans youth. They are some of the most vulnerable students and this policy could be lifesaving. All LGBT youth deserve not only to survive, but thrive - and this starts NOT ONLY (as some suggest) at home, but in the school system as well. There is no reason to oppose this other than a fundamental bigotry within yourself. Do better, and allow LGBT youth to thrive.


STRONGLY SUPPORT. It's long overdue!!!!

We need to stop treating transgendered and non binary children as less than just because of who they identify as. They deserve ALL of the same rights as children who are cisgendered. In a 2018 LGBT youth report 12,000 children were surveyed, only 26% of children said they felt safe at school...ONLY 26% and that's not the worst of it. Only 5% of those surveyed reported that all of their teachers and school staff suppored them and their lgbtq peers. Legislation must be in place so that ALL children can be safe in schools.


Support Trans Students!!

Please do all that you can to support the most vulnerable among us at such a critical time in their lives. All children deserve to feel safe and protected even if their identity is not understood by all. All children deserve the right to be educated without fear


Science Based Strong Opposition

First, there is no science that supports affirming a trans identity. More and more research is proving this and more and more countries are tamping down their "quick to affirm" approach.  In addition, more de-transitioners are coming out daily. As well as doctors, specifically endocrinologists, are coming forward about the harms of medical/hormone transitions.  Long term effects are still not known.  Educate yourselves:  segm.org has over 100 experts speaking out.  Another resource:  www.transgendertrend.com/schools-resources/.


Trans rights are human rights!

Trans rights are human rights.


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose the transgender legislation in many many ways. First of all God created a man and a woman exactly the way he wanted to. And one of those purposes is to make babies.  You don’t get to change that.  I will not allow a child or grandchild of mine to attend a public school that I pay taxes for every day to ultimately confuse children to the point that there is absolutely no other explanation then God made you that way. By allowing such conduct you are inviting illegal and immoral acts amongst students. I will legally fight this all the way to the Supreme Court Or as far as I can possibly take it. If you want to make our country less divided then put religion (love) back in school.  I am at awe as to how this country has gotten to this place.  The only way to get it back is to put religion back in our country and in our schools.


I support trans students!!!

I support trans students! Seeing some of these comments on here is deeply disturbing


Support

Support


Grade A Screwball idea!

This messing with gender is NUTS!  This is solely a family issue to be solved by parent and child. Don't hurt these children! Schools and agencies must stay out of it!


SUPPORT!!

I fully support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. This is important for all students to be treated fairly and safely. Transgender and non-binary children face discrimination that no person should have to experience and school should be a safe place.


Transgender Policies

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


Strongly support the guidance

I strongly support the guidance and am hopeful of virginia becoming more supportive and inclusive.


No Way

While I support the transgender community, I feel that this is VERY concerning and honestly frightening. Our children are being put into dangerous and uncomfortable situations. They should be able to have the comfort of knowing that they are ALWAYS safe in their schools. This is crossing the line. Students should always be supported, but when its ethical. I don't know how the school(s) think that this is a good idea. It is absolutely absurd. This is support of child harm.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

STRONGLY SUPPORT !!!