Strongly Opposed to Proposed Transgender Guidelines

I am strongly opposed to the new transgender legislation.  I support teaching children to be respectful of everyone.  My opposition is not to intended to be disrespectful of others who have chosen a different path in life.   However, the rights and opinions of parents and all children need to be considered and protected here.  Any education my child receives regarding alternative lifestyles needs to come from me as the parent, not educators.  My religious beliefs include compassion, respect and understanding, but I do not support this proposed legislation.  My children deserve privacy, as well.  They should not have to share a bathroom or shower facilities with someone of the opposite sex.  They also should not feel they need to isolate themselves in a private facility in order to avoid that situation.  Transgenders individuals should not be allowed to compete in sports with their peers.  A biological male who is transgender should not be allowed to compete with other females.  Understanding basic biology tells us that this would create an unfair disadvantage for the female students.  I do understand there are anomaly's in nature and I am a proponent of teaching everyone to be respectful of others, but the basic norm is that people are born to be either male or female.  If you menstruate you are a female.  If you have a penis you are male.  If you commit a crime and leave DNA behind, that DNA will show that you are either male or female.   I feel that many mental health issues in young people are due to confusion because of things they hear on social media, TV, music or well intentioned people who propose legislation such as this.  There is no data that even supports the anti-bullying campaign that has been present for years.  I am curious to see real data that supports this type of legislation.  Is there data that support the mental health issues transgender people have due to issues within the education system or perhaps their own struggles.  Where is the data?  These types of studies take years.  Are you prepared for the lawsuits that come when you violate other students rights or do their rights not matter anymore?  I believe I read that CPS could be called on parents who do not support their child's choice.  What about the parent's beliefs and opinions?  Do they no longer have the right to parent their child or is that up to the state now?  CPS cannot even respond to the unbelievable number of problems many children experience everyday with neglect or abuse.  I clearly do not support any parent abusing any child for any reason, but it sounds like CPS could be called if they do not support their choice.  You are opening a can of worms here.  This type of legislation does not represent the rights of all children and violates the rights of many.  You need more studies/more data before you can conclude the effects of this type of education on all students, not just LGBTQ+.  Does providing education of the history, culture, etc... cause unnecessary confusion for other students.  It is difficult enough for children to navigate through life without adding to their confusion.  Ask yourself how this may impact the mental health of all students before approving any type of legislation as this.  Where is the data!!!


Oppose

Sexual abuse. No no no


Oppose

Say no and protect our children.


Strongly Oppose!

I do not support this bill.


Strong opposition

Where will it end? More teen pregnancies! More abuse. Exposing kids to sexuality at a young age. WRONG.


VERY STRONGLY OPPOSED TO THE TRANSGENDER POLICY

This cannot be forced upon our children. Transgenderism is NOT normal and we should not be forced to accept it. God created male and female... those are the facts!!


Concerns regarding proposed transgender policies in education

The proposed policies regarding transgender protection and  rights do not seem to also equally consider the rights of others in regards to free speech, protection of conscience and religious rights and the authority of parents . Parents should be the authority, not the state, when it comes to the raising of children . A parent should know if their child is requesting to be treated as a different gender . Also a student or a  teacher  that does not agree with pronoun changes should not be forced to use them or be discriminated against for refusing to use them.  While teasing or malicious bullying should never  be excused or supported , the right to have ones own opinion should be allowed. Teaching others that folks often don’t agree but have a right to be heard without prejudicial discrimination should go both ways.


Oppose transgender policy

By implementing this policy, children would be exposed to circumstances that many parents do not want their children exposed to at a young age. Yes we need to teach children the difference between our bodies, but by not separating male and female you are potentially opening a door for sexual assault or rape. We are created differently, our bodies clearly identify as male or female. We need to adhere to the separation in order to protect our children.


Strongly Support-Model Policies for Transgender Students in Schools

I support these model policies. As the parent of an transgender young adult, and an ally and advocate to the LGBTQ community in general, equality is top of mind for me. Virginia has long lagged many other states in being equal for all of its residents. It’s time to correct this, especially for our trans youth who are especially vulnerable. After making the mistake of reading some of the opposing comments, it seems that many of  those opponents haven’t even read the document. Seems sad that adults aren’t willing to stand up for kids. Thanks for your time.


NO, Opposed

If you were born a boy, you go to the boys room.  If you were born a girl you go to the girls room.  Showering the same, born girls to girls and born boys to boys.  Records and treatment should be with respect.  Bulling of course should not be tolerated period. they say this is to keep the kids who are confused from being unconfortable, what about the kids who are not confused and prefer to go to the bath room with real girls not confused boys. Only way to really solve the preceived problem is to do single people bath rooms, closed individual stalls with real door's.  You want to pay for that, renivations of all bath rooms in Virginia.


Strongly Oppose

As a teacher and parent I am strongly opposed to this legislation. Students that are minors do not have the ability to consent or make informed decisions about these issues. This is the same reason teens who wish to enter the military early must have parents sign consent forms. The rights of minors must always go hand in hand with the rights of parents. I also believe that until a student undergoes sex reassignment surgery, they do not belong in a bathroom for which they aren't gendered. The other students and staff have rights too. My research into similar laws in CA has determined for me these laws would be terrible for VA. I highly recommend anyone interested in this issue to read... Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier


Strongly Oppose-

I strongly oppose this bill. Young children, in particular, do not need to be exposed to this material. It is certainly inappropriate for children. Overall, this is not something that the state should be attempting to integrate into the public school curriculum.


Strongly oppose!

I am a teacher and have children who attend public school in Virginia. I am fervently opposed to the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools policies. The public school’s role is not to teach a belief system and especially not to attempt to eradicate the belief system that children have been taught by their parents. These policies mention, “maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students“. By  this, am I to believe that children who do not buy in to this belief system that your gender is arbitrarily assigned to you at birth and you can choose whether you want to be a boy or a girl, the children who disagree with this, will not be harassed or discriminated against? Or will they no longer have their rights? Certainly not a right to freedom of speech or freedom of thought? And what about parental rights? These policies will demand secrecy from the parents about gender confusion if the student wishes. These policies are political, they are evil, and they are an attempt to indoctrinate our children. I am 100 percent for teaching children to respect and treat with kindness all people regardless of our differences. We should continue to teach anti bullying. I expect the schools to hold their students accountable and to have a zero tolerance for bullying. If these gender identity policies are passed through, who is going to protect the children and families who disagree with them from being bullied?  Also, how many wonderful teachers will you lose because of these policies? I will not stay. No, I cannot teach my beliefs, but I will not teach ideologies that completely contradict my faith either. Please oppose these polices. Protect our children and families.


strongly disapprove

Strongly disapprove of the wording of this bill. You are confusing children even more.  As educators you should  be helping them. This is absolutely crazy.


Strongly opposed

Strongly opposed


Some of it is fine, some is not

I do agree in some aspects of this Bill. Partially with the proper use of pronouns to child’s liking, even using same rest rooms. Locker rooms where children are required to change in front of each other is not okay. Honestly requiring them to change at all the Even in front of the same sex is not okay. A great compromise to these situations would be individual changing rooms and gender neutral single person unisex rest rooms. I do not approve of my children being counseled on being transgender without my knowledge nor consent. This is overstepping your boundaries in a personal matter that is for family’s to navigate. I will definitely pull my children from public school should this Bill pass and occur. There are better ways.


Strongly disagree

No male needs to be in a female bathroom or locker room, we need to teach kids right from wrong. Allowing them to be a sexual pervert is not a good thing. Male parts=male. Female parts=female. There are not any gray areas in this.


Gender identity

nature don’t not support this what so ever. It’s only two genders male and a female end of story!


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose the proposed Transgender policy.  This population accounts for less than 1% of the entire country!  Please do not impose these policies for the benefit of this tiny group.  Are you aware that people who experience gender dysphoria have a 43% suicide rate and those who transition have a 42% suicide rate?  They need deep dive therapy or their issues follow them through their transition.  Choosing pronouns is a bandaid.  Keeping this information from their parents is criminal.  Parents are the caretakers of their children until they are legal adults.  How dare you usurp that in a school setting.


On this Guidance Document (Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s

Strongly oppose.


I very strongly oppose

I believe that GOD Almighty made males and females. We will STAND ACCOUNTABLE one day. I stand on what GOD says about this.


I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in VA's PS

I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. Gender Dysphoria should be treated as such.  It is irresponsible as well as reprehensible to accommodate, promote, celebrate or force such confusion on taxpayers and most certainly not on our children. This is not a matter of equality.  It is a matter of simple biology and healthy psychology. This does not mean to ignore those who suffer or encourage maltreatment of those affected.  It means address the dysfunction as such and give help. These proposed policies do not help; they hinder and deceive... all at the expense of the children.   Our society can not survive if we are duped into promoting deception of nature.


Opposed to proposed trans-related policies

I am a parent with children attending Fairfax County public schools. I am also a Registered Nurse with 12 years of pediatric experience, including in the specialty of pediatric endocrinology, where cases of gender confusion are addressed from a medical perspective. I oppose the proposed policies related to gender identity for the following reasons: 1. In these proposed policies, the gender exploration process is to be hidden from parents. “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) Parents are full partners with the school system, to whom they are entrusting their child for a time and purpose, that being for academic education, and should not be legislated out as primary caretaker and decision maker in a minor child’s life. The natural exploration and examination that naturally comes during adolescence (Erikson’s stages of development label the teen years as “identity vs. role confusion”) should be done in concert with the family and not hidden. The state is not better informed, equipped, or designed to be a loving parental figure. In general school systems do not have better knowledge of a child’s history, interests, or contexts whereby they are able to guide a child through the maturing process as they develop into autonomous decision makers. 2. The capacity for a minor to choose for themself a different sex than biologically assigned at birth and then dress, use bathroom and changing room facilities, and participate in sports as a different gender generates confusion and tension where there need not be. I believe that the emotionally vulnerable and labile time of adolescence is not where life-altering decisions about choosing one's gender should be made. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression. Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Instead, I want parents to be always fully involved in decisions relating to their child. While it may appear easier to allow operate under the mindset that "whatever the student says, goes", in the long run for the child, family, and community's best health there needs to be open communication and dialogue. And ultimately, decision making on such an important topic resides with the parents. Sincerely, Sara Geyer


Transgender STRONGLY  OPPOSE!!

STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS TRANSGENDER


Support!

This is desperately needed policy for the health and safety of transgender students.  It is thorough, flexible and respectful of both the student's rights and the needs of parents. If schools do not have policy guidance in place for transgender students, they are complicit in furthering the stereotyping, bullying and tragic outcomes of unsupported students.


ABSOLUTELY DO NOT AGREE With this CRAP..

I am tired of the left wing liberal mental illnesses being shoved down the throats of everybody else. There are 2 genders male and female thats it. GOD DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES..


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

strongly oppose


Rev. Kenny Callaghan, Pastor Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond

Support of Transgender Youth

As a pastor, parent, uncle, former teacher and school administrator I'm honored to support this guidance. I am fortunate to have friends who are transgender and many friends who are parents of transgender children. It is heartbreaking to hearing stories of the ways transgender youth are treated and the confusion parents face in knowing how to support their transgender child. I also hear stories of the difficulties transgender youth encounter with unsupportive parents combined by the trauma of being bullied at school. If it weren't for their safe places for transgender youth to share their stories with unconditional love and the support of friends, many would turn to alternative ways of coping which often lead to the unthinkable. We can't change their home life, but we can make sure they are safe and welcomed at their school. I want every child to celebrate being made in God's image to have the same chance at a happy and successful life, and that starts with their education!


Opposed

I am opposed to the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. The document provides no support for students, faculty, or staff whose religious or personal beliefs are inconsistent with transgender ideas. The document discusses how transgender children may be uncomfortable when questioned about the use of restrooms and locker rooms, but makes no mention of how girls may be uncomfortable sharing a restroom or locker room with a biological male who identifies as a girl. The document should not support one group of students while discriminating against the beliefs of others. Every human deserves dignity. The Department of Education should respect the inherent dignity of each and every student, faculty, and staff member while focusing on actual education instead of advancing a particular set of politically charged ideas. If the Department of Education approves the Model Policies for the 2021-2022 school year, the Department will be engaging in religious discrimination.


Strongly oppose the transgender policies

I strongly support letting children be children and keeping public schools out of sex education and sexual manipulation of children!  I oppose the model policies for the treatment of transgender individuals.  All individuals should be treated with respect but no one should be forced to have someone’s sexual preferences pushed on to others.  There are only two kinds of DNA and you can’t ever change that in a person!  How about you stick to the science and not meddle in alternative psycho-babble nonsense!  These are peoples lives you are messing around with!  This is abuse to screw with the mind of children!  If someone wants to be another pronoun then they can do that when they are an adult. Keep your dirty, stinking hands off of these kids who are having serious emotional problems!  Teach kids math, reading and science (oh wait, you don’t want kids in school because you are all so lazy and using covid as an excuse) and leave your sexual re-engineering out of the schools! Get kids back in school and stop thinking you are all the enlightened ones!


Transgender policies are trash

The state and public schools has absolutely NO business being involved in any child’s sexuality and any part of figuring out what their sexuality is. It is not the schools job to teach them, or explore sexuality with our children, nor do they have the right to push a minority narrative that is HIGHLY controversial on any child.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools. Gender Dysphoria should be treated not encouraged. Schools should not promote, celebrate, or force such confusion on our children. Children are learning and growing. Affirming that which is not true is tantamount to child abuse. This is not a matter of equality.  It is a matter of simple biology and healthy psychology. Science is based in facts not a passing feeling. We should offer support to the children and families who are suffering. Schools would work with families to address gender dysphoria not contribute to it. These proposed policies do not help. Schools and families should work to together for the well-being of children. Schools should not violate parents rights and harm children.


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students. When a baby is born, the doctor tells the mother if it's a boy or a girl. That's it! Nothing else. Whether or not a person is confused about their gender, they should not be allowed in the locker room with the opposite genders. This is not okay! This will make other students very uncomfortable.


Strong Support

Trans people deserve love and safety and validation of their identity. Trans people are made in the image of God. Don't let your fear of an experience you don't understand stop you from loving people that God loves


Christ came for all, no exclusions.

As the body of Christ we are instructed to seek justice. (Isaiah 1:17) There is no limit on who we are to seek justice for. It is our mandate to do  justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8) God is not constricted to gender identity and we are all created in the image of God. (Psalms 139: 13-16) Nothing is more sacred than human life and God created us to live peacefully under God’s protection. (Hebrews 12:14) Jesus did not come for the select few, but for all creation that we all may be joined to God in spirit and being. Because Jesus calls us to offer hospitality to all who are created in the image of God (Matthew 5: 46-57), Because Jesus Proclaimed that He was sent to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free (Luke 4: 18), Because Jesus taught that others will know we are His disciples by the love we have for one another (John 13: 35), Because the Apostle Paul taught that there is no longer male nor female in the realm of God, but all are one in Christ (Galatians 3: 28), Because people of all gender identity were welcome in the Christian family (Acts 8: 26- 40). We support the guidance because Jesus came to welcome all those that are treated as outcast or less than others. Because under God,and the gift of Jesus, all are meant to be treated equally.  We at Forest Park recognize many have been turned away from Christ because of the church. It is our mission to uphold our Christian values and stand up for the right of our transgender brothers and sisters, because that’s what being the church means, and that is exactly what Christ does.


OPPOSED to HB 145 and SB161

I am stridently opposed to HB 145 and SB161. These bills deal with matters that should be left entirely up to parents. Furthermore, it will put pressure on private schools that will unfairly place them at a disadvantage. These bills are clearly unconstitutional.


Strongly Oppose

Strongly oppose new gender guidelines and policies. Parents should be supported and not undermined. Parental rights matter.


I am strongly opposed to new transgender and bathroom policies. Girls should not be afraid to use a

I am strongly apposed  to the new transgender  and bathroom laws being considered. To subject  girls to be fearful  to use a bathroom  that she could be attacked or spied on is criminal. You cannot take away a parents right to talk to their child about their sexuality or anything  else. This is a God given right of any parent to guide and educate their child in there  own beliefs. What you are suggesting is morally wrong and not in the best interest of our children or their parents. Grandmother of 3 girls.


Transgender policies/ gay and lesbian normalism being taught in schools

I strongly oppose these issues being taught as normal in our schools. Our children's minds are vulnerable and this type of stuff is detrimental for them.


Strongly Oppose

Protections against bullying, harassment, etc. are already in place for all students. What the model guidelines do is take parents out of any role of raising a child. Moreover, allowing children to use whatever bathrooms based on so called “identity” and the repercussions of not using “preferred “ pronouns are, in a word, ridiculous. At what point does this left wing, PC, woke madness stop?


Strongly Oppose

Romans 1:18-32 (NASB) "Unbelief and Its Consequences" 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures. 24 Therefore God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is contrary to nature, 27 and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations with women and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males committing shameful acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper, 29 people having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unfeeling, and unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.


Strongly oppose

Students should not be allowed to choose their bathroom. Teachers should not have to call children by the pronouns of the children’s choosing. School officials should have to report to parents if a child is help because the child is questioning which gender they are. Parents should not be punished in any way if they choose to encourage their child that the child is their biological sex and should identify as such.


I oppose out of love for Virginia schoolchildren

These policies from the Virginia Department of Education are ostensibly intended to protect transgender students (and I don’t doubt that many in favor of these policies support them because they believe they’ll protect a minority group from harm), but Virginia already has an anti-bullying law that prevents any student from being harmed or harassed at school. No, the “discrimination” that these policies aim to undo is simply the conviction of the reality that biological sex does indeed determine gender and that the world is divided into boys and girls, as every young child can see. Thus, these policies aren’t just about the very small minority of students identifying as transgender, they require the indoctrination of all Virginia schoolchildren down to kindergarteners with this historically novel and radical alternative. I oppose this new orthodoxy wholeheartedly because it will cause (and in fact is already causing) confusion, grief, and harm to our children.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

In the name of my kids, I fully support the proposed regulations for gender expansive students.  My transgender kid and is currently attending of the Virginia educational system. My son, socially transitioned this school year,  in elementary school. Support can only come from regulations that include educating faculty, staff, and students about gender identity and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.


Rebecca Felts, LCSW and concerned parent

Emphatically OPPOSE

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the Virginia school system for several years and worked with children and youth who as individuals,  and their families, will suffer tragically should this policy pass. This policy would allow for a host of physical, mental, and emotional abuses for children of any and all sexual orientations. Furthermore, as a parent, this policy opens the door to directly violate my parental rights to lovingly guide my children through their sexual development by allowing schools to usurp that role.


REJECT THE PROPOSED HARMFUL TRANSGENGER POLICYThese standards inject the government into a sensitive

These policies harmfully insert the government into a sensitive area properly reserved for parents. The parents know their children best. Don't sundermine the paren7u tal role any further.


Strongly oppose this

I strongly oppose this!  As a father I don't want a boy to be able to use the same bathroom or locker room as my daughter.  The parents should have the final say in this, not the school system.


Oppose

Not a core subject Are you going to start teaching religion too?


Christian Action Network et al. (as I.D.'d in the comment)

Violates Va Statutes and Va and US Constitutions -Part 3

Supplementing our comments submitted in parts 1 and 2 posted January 28, 2021, the VDOE model policies unconstitutionally and unlawfully create a religious test for public employment prohibited by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 16 of the Virginia Constitution. Torcaso v. Watkins , 367 U.S. 488 (1961).  As we noted previously, Genesis 1:27 states the biblical – and biological – truth that God created man and woman. The Guidance model policies demand that school employees pretend there is an undefined number of sexes or genders:  man, woman, nonbinary, LGBT+, and whatever else some disturbed person might dream up. We recognize that there are individuals who believe themselves to be psychologically different from their biological sex. We agree that these disturbed individuals should not be discriminated against, harassed, or bullied because of their disability. The drafters of these policies may disagree whether transgenderism is a disability as opposed to a normal condition, but it is not necessary to force that determination (either way) to prohibit discrimination, harassment and bullying. Merely to prohibit and prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying, VDOE lacks the legal and moral authority to establish whether the transgender condition is normal or a disability and violates §22.1-23.3 by attempting to do so. To prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying, VDOE may not lawfully establish what is effectively a religious test for employees. Many employees will have religious objections to using unnatural, made up pronouns on demand. To prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying, It is not necessary for school divisions to demand that school employees disavow the religious teaching of every major religion on earth as well as the scientific biological reality that human beings are conceived as either male or female in the DNA. Humane and sympathetic treatment of these individuals will prevent discrimination, harassment or bullying by school employees. Using normal, typical English pronouns does not constitute harassment. We have been unable to locate any reported court case in the United States that says otherwise. For school employees with a Christian background, it is a core Christian teaching that they should love all persons, including those with a disability (or is nontypical in their sexuality) as part of loving one's neighbor as oneself as commanded by God, Lev. 19:18. To force the use of unnatural, awkward English pronouns on pain of discipline action constitutes a religious test for employment in violation of United States and Virginia Constitution. These proposed model policies are not about equality, they are about conformity. Toe the radical line, or else. Commenters: Christian Action Network by David W. T. Carroll, Chairman; Benjamin and Shannon Green individually and as next friends of their children Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2 and John Doe 1. And Gregory and Amber Mosher individual and as next friends of their children, Jane Doe 3 and John Doe2.  (All children's names withheld for privacy)


Strongly oppose

This is a terrible overreach of states rights. My family is my business, teach my children how to read and write, not sexuality. This is disturbing.


Strongly Oppose

As a former teacher and mother of 4 students, I strongly oppose this guidance document.  It assumes a level of truth and belief (starting with the definition and acceptance of terms) that opposes science and undermines the role of parents.


These policies are only a model for psychological & emotional abuse of children

There is a pervasive and perverted plan by the LEFT and the well-funded LGBTQ lobby to manipulate and change our society (values, language, vocabulary, behavior, families, parental rights, religion, and science) via our tax-payer funded public education system. What is being implemented in these proposals is the product of: 1) the mentally-disturbed "sexologist" Alfred Kinsey - who believed infants and children are hyper-sexualized beings, and 2) Queer Theory - an ideology concocted in universities by academics such as Judith Butler and Gayle Rubin - that demands people believe that biological sex is fluid and even meaningless.  However, this is scientifically wrong and medically dangerous. The key concept of "Queer Theory" is the idea that heterosexuality is privileged and reinforced in society through institutional arrangements and accepted social norms.  Those perpetuating Queer Theory wish to eradicate these norms. Now the goal is to indoctrinate every student in America with highly potent, ideological, and hyper-sexualized rhetoric that emotionally and psychologically confuses children and completely alienates students and families, and especially those who rightfully object to homosexual lifestyles and transgenderism, and know that there are only 2 genders. All one needs to do is to look at the myriad demands and changes recently made to our pre-K through grade 12 curricula to understand that race-baiting, anti-Americanism, anti-Capitalism, pro-Socialism/Communism, re-writing history, sex, homosexuality, and gender fluidity are the topics du jour in our tax-payer-funded schools.  Instead of relaying and teaching factual concepts and actual academics, our children are now intentionally confused, indoctrinated with false rhetoric, and trained to be activists. Let's not forget:  we live in the United States and we are American citizens - period!  And the law of our land is the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Amendments.  Any law, regulation, or policy implemented by a federal, state, or local governing body that requires citizens (children and adults) to violate their freedom of conscience, religious beliefs, understanding of biology, the human sex binary, and/or freedom of speech must be vigorously opposed. It is also highly inappropriate and even dangerous for government employees to be given the right, much less the mandate, to violate parental rights by perpetuating (explicitly or deceitfully), celebrating, and/or concealing gender confusion and transgenderism in schoolchildren. Truth and First Amendment rights are paramount, not ideological fads and unconstitutional mandates enacted by a rouge President, state General Assembly, or Board of Education. Let's be clear:  homosexual and trans activists are not centrally concerned about ensuring "equity" and eradicating bullying.  Rather they are hell-bent on deconstructing society and pushing their agenda.  To achieve their goals, they must infect our schools, manipulate our children, and strip away true equity to glorify those embracing their ideals, and punish those who don't play along.  And they achieve this via big money and BULLYING tactics. Ultimately, it is the job of the schools to partner with parents and to protect the innocence of our children, not to manipulate, obstruct, or corrupt.  We tax-payers fund and own these schools. We pay the salaries of the school administrators, teachers, staff, school boards, VA Dept. of Education, and VA General Assembly.  So the BIG QUESTION is:  Why are these citizen-owned entities only marching to the edicts and bullying tactics of the loud, well-funded and well-oiled LGBTQ activists? Do the job you were hired and are paid to do, and let the parents do their job of parenting. For your perusal: 1) https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2020/01/the-billionaires-behind-the-lgbt-movement 2) https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/how-lgbt-nonprofits-and-their-billionaire-patrons-are-reshaping-the-world/ 3) https://activistmommy.com/lgbt-activists-reveals-goal-to-completely-smash-heteronormativity-through-education/ 4) https://c-fam.org/friday_fax/un-lgbt-czar-takes-aim-against-religions/ 5) https://c-fam.org/friday_fax/un-agency-tries-to-impose-abortion-and-lgbt-rights-in-sex-education-everywhere/#:~:text=UN%20Agency%20Tries%20to%20Impose%20Abortion%20and%20LGBT%20Rights%20in%20Sex%20Education%20Everywhere,-By%20Stefano%20Gennarini&text=NEW%20YORK%2C%20August%2030%20(C,promotes%20abortion%20and%20LGBT%20rights. 6) https://mailchi.mp/c8304bb6f443/va-education-policy-for-transgender-students?e=860a7b0282 7) massresistance.org/docs/gen3/19b/Renton-WA-Teen-Pride/index.html 8) https://guides.library.illinois.edu/queertheory/background


STRONGLY OPPOSE Proposed VDOE Transgender Policies

I STRONGLY OPPOSE the VDOE's proposed transgender policies!  Do not take away parents' ability to parent.  This should not be the schools' business.  The schools should be teaching Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, and maybe some Civics lessons would do our children some good!  These policies will take us down a dangerous road!!


Concerned mother of 4, citizen of virginia

Oppose transgender ideologies

These policies which are proposed purportedly to make students safer will actually endanger students-all students. The girls and boys who do not reject their sex will be forced to share bathrooms with the opposite sex, and to speak lies about their classmates. The boys and girls who refuse to accept their biological sex will be further confirmed in their dangerous dysphoria, increasing their mental and emotional disquiet and contributing to further self-harm and possible eventual suicide. They will also be encouraged to hide their unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from those who are best able to help them: their parents. Protect our children: reject these policies.


Strongly Oppose Transgender Policies

I strongly and vehemently oppose this new policy. This is a disgrace and so confusing for our youth. Stop this new policy at once - this is awful!! Our schools are not the place for children to figure out their sexuality. That belongs in the home. Our children who are very confident in how they feel about themselves will only be further confused and scarred by this. I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS!!


Rev. Amanda Hendler-Voss, United Church of Christ

Support Equitable Education for Trans Students

As a Christian pastor and mother I write in strong support of educational equity for trans and non-binary students. I am proud to know many trans and non-binary students, one of whom is my nephew who has courageously insisted on being nothing less than his full self in school, matching his gender expression with his gender identity. And yet he, like many others, has faced great challenges inherent in an educational system not set up for trans and non-binary students. I strongly support these proposed regulations because they can be a matter of life and death for students. My faith compels me to stand beside those who have been cast to the margins, targeted for hatred and violence. Their lives are sacred, and we must protect their educational opportunities.


Strongly oppose VDOE transgender policy

I strongly oppose the transgender policy because it takes away parental rights and student rights.  Parents should be the primary educators of their children.  Children do not have the intellectual or emotional maturity to make certain decisions and in fact are easily persuaded by their peers and their own emotions.  Students who are not transgender will be deprived the privacy they deserve. This is a cause of disunity and disruption in our schools and lays the ground for resentment, hostility and anger.


Transgender

This is horrible! My daughter won’t be in the same bathroom or locker room with a boy! This is overstepping


OPPOSITION to proposed model policies for transgender students

We OPPOSE - in the STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS - the proposed model policies of transgender student s!! This is an enormous safety issue as well as a parental rights issue. The role of the school is not to counsel or advocate, particularly without parental consent , these issues for our children. They need to be handled privately by parents! The majority of the student body (non-transgender) that these policies would adversely effect deserves to be PROTECTED !!


Strongly Support. This is good for all children, regardless of their gender or sexuality.


Oppose in the strongest of terms

I thought I lived in a place where evil was seen as evil and good as good. What on earth is happening? If you think you can allow "boys" into the locker room with my daughter, there will be outrage. I've told my daughter to immediately report to me if a boy is seen entering or changing in her locker room.  Do you honestly think a 14 year old girl will be comfortable with this?  So, one day a "boy" wakes up and decides he wants to go shower with the girls, and I as a parent have no recourse?  Be prepared for lawsuits, sexual assault to rise and for parents to start pulling their kids from school.


strongly oppose this

strongly oppose this - parents need to be involved in their children's lives


Opposed to Transgender Ideology - In Favor of Science and Safety for Boys and Girls

Opposed to Transgender Ideology - In Favor of Science and Safety for Girls and Boys


Transgender use in school

I am strongly opposed to the use of transgender language in the public schools.


Absurdity in our government

This is absurd!! This is nothing more than the government trying to propose an evil upon our children and to remove the ability of the parents to protect their children from it. We as Mothers and Fathers have to oppose this.. We cannot sit quietly by and let our young boys and girls be subjected to the evil that waits ahead if this passes. The government has failed the people!!! under the guise of "progress" it is trying to make the people lose their voice by leaps and bounds. Our children are our future and if we do not act now then our future will be gone.  Ronald Reagan said "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We did not pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free" Will we be the generation that lets it go extinct???


Fully support!

Studies have shown that when gender diverse youth are supported, they have better mental & physical health outcomes. These guidance policies would allow transgender and gender nonconforming youth a safe environment free from discrimination, which students of all identities should be afforded. I fully support the model policies guidance document, and am happy to see Virginia's schools creating policies of inclusion and affirmation of all students.


Transgender Policy

I am vehemently opposed to these transgender discussions and policies that undermine the religious beliefs of a great deal of Virginia residents. Please vote against any such legislation against our children, destroying their innocence and potentially their lives. To say these ideas are insane is a grave understatement.


Strongly support

These are basic human rights and needed to protect an often vulnerable population.


Please leave children alone.

Children should not be sexualized in any way, shape, or form.  They should not be manipulated by any outside entity on sexualization to taint their understanding.  Thank you for letting children be children.  Please leave them alone.  The government does not have a right to program or re-program our children to be sexualized for political purposes of manipulation or government control of our children.  T-Y!  Leave it alone or you may have fewer and fewer children attending public schools.  I don't think that is really what you want, is it?  I went to public schools from K1-12 with no teacher trying to sexualize us at an early age.  My parents answered my questions.  Let children be children and let parents be parents.  Thanks!


Proposed Virginia department of education transgender policy

I strongly oppose this policy which infringes on students rights and also infringes on parental rights.


OPPOSE VDOE Proposed Transgender Policies

I have children in the Virginia public school system, and strongly oppose the proposed VDOE policies for transgender students. I believe ALL students should be treated with respect, but I do NOT agree with special treatment or favor given for any "group" or "class" of students to the detriment of other students.


Oppose this policy and protect our children

Strongly oppose this policy. Protect our innocent children.


Irreversably damaging policy for our children and country

This policy is absolutely damaging to our children. The schools have no right to deny parents to raise their own children. I know of many gender confused people who were not given the correct information they needed in their formative years and began transitioning only to have terrible, terrible damaging consequences. This is a horrendous policy and must be stopped.


Opposed

I oppose the state taking on the role of parent.  Each parent child relationship is different and special.  How does the state think they can make a rule that will be best for all kids. Especially one this egregious. “Do what we say or we will take your kids!” I am sure that won’t have any negative impact on a child who’s brain is still developing.


Constraints of reality

"Male" and "female" are biological constraints imposed on individuals in the same way as one's identity as a human being. Legislating that we teach children otherwise won't change this, but it will cause problems when reality does not match what has been taught, and it will cause worse problems for those who, holding to the truth of those biological constraints, have the force of law and social disapproval brought to bear against them. The right and worthy effort to diminish the necessity, if there ever was such a necessity, for males to fill socially acceptable male roles, and females to fill female roles does not change this. The man who cares for the children; the woman who is the primary wage earner: these alternatives for self-determination should be available. But this in no way justifies the adoption of transexual social philosophy as biological orthodoxy.


Unacceptable and Oppose Transgender "Police"

I do not know when our government (especially the government of Virginian's) discovered the notion that it had the right to be the though police of its own free citizens. . This is unacceptable and if permitted, must result in the prohibition of offending anyone in anything and every element of life or else be subjected to harassment lawsuits. . Where does this intrusion stop?


VA Department of Education (VDOE) in support of protections for transgender and non-binary students

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


Transgender Issues in School

I strongly oppose the school system in any way addressing this issue of transgender.


Support

Our trans students deserve the same respect and safe school environment as all other students. Virginia has been making great progress in dismantling discriminatory policies in all sectors so all Virginia's are treated fairly. Our trans students are among the most vulnerable, it's time we step up as a society to support them so they can live freely and fully as their authentic selves, with the full support of everyone around them.


Strongly opposed

Every student should definitely be protected from harm and harassment, and VA schools already send a clear anti-bullying message.  This policy, however, goes way beyond prevention of bullying and crosses the line to forced promotion of a politicized gender ideology.  I am strongly opposed to this policy. Ben Sage, Ashburn VA


Strongly oppose  VDOE Policy for Treatment of Transgender Students

This is an attack on the role of parents who are the primary educators of their children. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility that their daughter is using. It would allow a student to use any bathroom or locker room they choose. That becomes a safety issue when a biological male can use a girls restroom. Gender neutral dress code could become problematic. Let the teachers concentrate on the subjects they are supposed to be teaching. These policies would conflict with faith, conscience, and biology for many teachers and students.


Strongly oppose

I believe these proposed transgender policies are confusing and harmful to children, and are not the business of schools.  I would advocate to all who are able -- remove your children from public schools!


Confuse and Hurt everyone -  Irreversably damaging policy for our children and country

This is a sad challenge in our society. And up until 5 minutes ago... transgenderism (dysphoria) was known and correctly diagnosed as a mental issue to be dealt with with love and care and counseling. Not something to encourage. ESPECIALLY in children which predominantly auto-correct anyhow after/around puberty. Pushing the agenda is confusing and hurting 99.9% of children who aren't identifying as a transgender. And it's not even helping that .1%. They need real help, not acceptance. There is no scientific evidence that says supporting one's gender identity helps them in any significant way at all down the line. And doing anything permanent (surgery, hormones) to little ones is child-abuse. Let them make these massive decisions, if they still wish to do so, when they are older. Let's show all children that we love them.... and parent them. Not letting them eat candy all day.


Follow the science for Heaven's sake (and the sake of our children)

Is there anything more scientific than the science that people are born as male and female? Science is clear XX or XY.  Why is that so hard to comprehend?  Quit messing with the well-being of our children, and quit trying to change established science!  Why should the well being of normal boys and girls be upended and assaulted, due to the confusion of a few?


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I strongly oppose this transgender policy. Boys and girls should be in their respected biological sex identified locker rooms and restrooms. No need to change that. Let’s protect our children... not elevate the sexual assault risk factor in our public schools.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!

Government officials do not have a public mandate to enforce gender promotion in all taxpayer funded schools and jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS VERY HARMFUL POLICY


DoE Transgender Policy

STRONGLY OPPOSE.


I strongly support

As an educator, I strongly support the proposal to ensure our LGBTQ community and that ALL transgender students are ensured a safe and respectful school environment.  While it is our responsibility as educators to ensure that every student is valued, accepted, and treated with respect, we must stand up for those who have been marginalized and have not been afforded the same treatment and rights as every other student. Please continue to support ALL our students. Thank you, Lynn Orange


Strongly Support

My children are blessed to have friends from all walks of life, and our family supports treating all people in a way that shows we value them, and who they are.  We support the transgender student guidance because we feel it is needed to promote safety, education, acceptance, and equality for all children.


strongly oppose Statewide Transgender Policy draft

Having been a public school teacher for over 30 years in 2 states and a foreign country, and having grandchildren, I object to some of the recommended standards concerning transgender students.  Page 12:  nothing should be done to or with a child without the parents' input.  These are THEIR CHILDREN.  And reporting parents for abuse or neglect (13) is not a frivolous thing and reserved for actual neglect or abuse causing imminent danger to the child.  I cannot imagine good outcomes from the dress code or allowing the use of any restroom the student chooses (16 and 18).  My husband was an athletic director for over 30 years and he can tell you this would not work.  I am an ordinary educated  person and member of a mainline Christian church--not some right wing extremist.  I appreciate the opportunity to express my opinions.  Thank you.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

I STRONGLY OPPOSE the model.  I feel it extends outside the scope and purpose of public education and has no place in the public school system lead by adults with minor subjects in a setting unsupervised by parents.  I do not believe my opinion will be considered or that offering a comment period is genuine.  I do not believe any opinion other than support of the agenda will be considered or acknowledged.  I question and am concerned  about the ability of the institution of the public school system to adequately, properly or truthfully educate children any more in light of such proposed agendas.  I feel the system has shifted from a focus on real education to one of raising, “parenting”, and indoctrinating children and adolescents with disregard for parents or views differing from their agenda.  I feel the public education system as an institution and government entity uses the exact tactics it purportedly opposes - forceful bullying and discriminating those who disagree by enacting policies subject to punishment as well as promoting secrecy and deception (the opposite of transparency).  Nevertheless I feel convicted and compelled to voice my STRONG OPPOSITION to the proposed model that in a supposed effort to protect one segment of society from discrimination and is affects, would inherently subject the remaining segments of society to such discrimination and its affects with punishing enforcement. In attempting to promote and protect the rights of some, the result will be to limit the rights of others.


Transgender policy

I strongly oppose these policy’s , talk about teen pregnancies I think this would be a recipe for that if both sexes were allowed to go topless, and I oppose parents not being able to tell their children what is right or wrong! And there should be separate bathrooms ! I thought this was supposed to be a civilized country not heathen nation!


I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. Thank you!

This is comprehensive support for educators and individuals about gender equality. I support this draft guidance. I support Virginia's being inclusive to all people and protecting the rights of all.


Support

I love my community, do you .. As a child, I learned from family to love and respect myself and others. The basic concept is to treat others as you want to be treated. Just because someone is different does not mean they are unworthy of love and respect; it just means they are not you. Did you ever stop to think how different you are to others and how you feel when singled out for harshness. Respect is easy, natural; hate takes effort and lessens your life in so many ways. Think before you act adversely toward anyone, their reaction back to you might just surprise you. I fully support LGBTQ+ kids because they are part of the community that I love.


ALL MUST STRONGLY SUPPORT!!

My name is Steph Gist.  I have been a teacher for almost 10 years a parent for 17.  If we claim to care about students and stability in society, we MUST support kids in their gender identity.  Embracing an identity different from that assigned at birth is NOT something kids do for attention, or a trend that will spread to others.  Being a trans individual is very challenging. Trans people are simply asking for basic rights as humans, which we are all entitled to in our country.  "All are created equal," not just some, or those in power.  Forbidding trans support leads to violence against trans people.  Our country is too fragile, the recent attack on our Capitol shows "regular" citizens are looking for reasons to be aggressive, and attack those who are different.  We need to take the stand that we will not allow hatred or agression against any humans. People don't choose things to make their lives harder, they are trans because that is what they truly are as a person.  Other people have absolutely no right to forbid proper pronoun use, bathroom use, for another person.  Injustice to some means no real justice for anyone.  Trans people are not asking to carry guns or do things that can infringe on the rights of others.  It is no one else's business someone's pronouns or identity.  We have to stand up for fairness and equality for all not based on race or identity, but on the fact that all humans matter.


Strongly Oppose!

There is no way I would even send my children, grandchildren or any other child into this states public school system. This is not a policy that should be forced on my children etc. There is no way that I would be comfortable with another gender entering a bathroom, shower or locker room. You are attempting to open a door that could lead to consequences that could hurt a lot of innocent children.


100% Support

It is simple; all students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and to feel safe and fully included in the school community.  As an educator, I fully support this guidance.


I am absolutely opposed to the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Stude

I am appalled that you would even consider the Model Policies for the treatment of transgender students.  What are you thinking?  And for students who haven't even reached puberty?  How would they kn ow what there sexual preference it.  Further, it opens the door for bullying and discrimination.


Full support

Full support to help our transgender students


I emphatically oppose.

I emphatically oppose.


Never, it's against the law

There are so many things wrong with this, it's hard to list them all. Please carefully consider these points which need to be investigated and understood much deep than what can be quickly provided here. So in a sense, all of us really need to stop experimenting with our children's lives.  We should not be pushing them towards unnatural states and labeling them, boxing them in for life.   We are born as male and female and that is the Law of Nature - referred to as natural law..  During adolescence, one grows mature and might get confused, which time heals.  Each person develops at different rates. Forcing children into experiments that have dangerous consequences which are not fully understood by many (depression, anxiety, suicide, anger, violence) is the wrong way to go. The answer is simple. The parents are responsible for this area of their children.  The education system should FOCUS on Math, Reading, Writing, etc.   Go back to the basics and leave the radical abnormal aspects out of the classroom. Doing so will drive more parents toward private education and the end of public education as we knew it when it was good and decent.  You are causing premature distress in our children's lives and negatively impacting our society.  Please go back to the basics and focus on what really matters.  Leave politics and social experiments out of our schools or do not take any tax money.


We MUST protect vulnerable youth and SUPPORT

We envision our schools to be places where young people can learn, develop, and thrive with their peers and mentors. Unfortunately, school environments for LGBT youth are often the opposite if children experience bullying or if staff do not have the training or tools they need to best support these young people and protect them. We also need policies to hold others accountable in the event staff or teachers are contributing negatively to the student experience. The McKinney-Vento Act addresses homeless youth and identifies public schools as institutions to help identify youth experiencing housing problems. We know that trans youth in particular are more likely to be experience homelessness or housing insecurity, but if the school environment is contributing to the problem vs offering sanctuary, then we as a society are further failing our young people. This is a moral imperative. For too long, out society has either ignored the mistreatment of LGBT youth and people in general, or actively participated in their disenfranchisement. Supporting young people in exploration of identity and making it clear that we do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, mistreatment, or harassment over gender expression or sexual orientation is a moral imperative. This is also an opportunity for Virginia to set an example for other states which have not yet taken up this issue. Please do the right thing and enact policies to provide protection to some of our most vulnerable young people.


I Do Not Support This. It Is Child Abuse.

Virginia students have the same First Amendment rights to free exercise of religion as anyone else. Many still believe, as they have for thousands of years, that God created people male and female, and that He set up clear boundaries for sexual behavior. They have the right not to be forced into any type of speech or behavior which contradict their sincerely held (and correct) beliefs. Furthermore, encouraging children to believe and behave in ways contrary to natural law is extremely detrimental to their well-being, and is therefore tantamount to child abuse. What you are proposing is evil.


Fully Support

I am a mom of a 14-year-old boy who is in a Fairfax County middle school and will start high school next fall. My son has several friends who are transgender and nonbinary. He has known them for years and seen what they have gone through as they navigated their schools and communities while coming out. I am so glad that my child has been among the circle of support around his friends because what they face is so unfair, so frustrating, so dehumanizing -- and so unnecessary. When a kid's experience is supported and validated, they thrive. They are free to be funny or athletic or musical or great at video games or a fabulous caretaker of horses... whatever their interests lead them to explore. That's what kids and teens should be doing -- learning and being curious. Making connections, figuring out how they want to make their contribution in the world. They should NOT have to be dealing with draconian, backwards policies that invite bullying and exclusion. LGBTQ+ kids face obstacles every day that only impede their ability to learn and grow, and lead far too often to mental health issues and suicide. It breaks my heart to know how much distress these creative, bright kids endure. And how very avoidable it is if we simply put in place some commonsense structures to ensure their safety and inclusion. I want my son to move through the ups and downs of his teen years with the loving encouragement of his teachers and school administrators. That is absolutely what I want for all kids in the Commonwealth. LGBTQ+ kids deserve no less.


Strongly Oppose

I appreciate the opportunity to weigh in on this topic.  I strongly oppose this proposition. The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. 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.


Strongly support

I am in full support of this policy.  Trans rights are needed to protect this vulnerable group of people, and to have equality in our Commonwealth.


Strongly oppose

Please allow the parents to parent.  Teachers and counselors should be educating and assisting students in core subjects that train them for the job market.  You will see a mass exit from public schools if these policies are passed.


Fully support!

Thank you for allowing kids who are struggling with gender identity to have a safe space. While to many this seems like something new, it's always been here; it's just been closeted. These kids are far more likely to commit suicide when families don't accept their identities. This does NOT take the place of family in a child's life. It DOES give these kids a place where they can explore their identity. Yes, IDENTITY, not sexuality. This is another misnomer those who think it's just a "whim" have. Please give children this safe space and respect and honor for their identities.


STRONGLY OPPOSE-NOT THE ROLE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

I am echoing another's comments: I STRONGLY OPPOSE the model.  I feel it extends outside the scope and purpose of public education and has no place in the public school system lead by adults with minor subjects in a setting unsupervised by parents.  I do not believe my opinion will be considered or that offering a comment period is genuine.  I do not believe any opinion other than support of the agenda will be considered or acknowledged.  I question and am concerned  about the ability of the institution of the public school system to adequately, properly or truthfully educate children any more in light of such proposed agendas.  I feel the system has shifted from a focus on real education to one of raising, “parenting”, and indoctrinating children and adolescents with disregard for parents or views differing from their agenda.  I feel the public education system as an institution and government entity uses the exact tactics it purportedly opposes - forceful bullying and discriminating those who disagree by enacting policies subject to punishment as well as promoting secrecy and deception (the opposite of transparency).  Nevertheless I feel convicted and compelled to voice my STRONG OPPOSITION to the proposed model that in a supposed effort to protect one segment of society from discrimination and is affects, would inherently subject the remaining segments of society to such discrimination and its affects with punishing enforcement. In attempting to promote and protect the rights of some, the result will be to limit the rights of others.


Fully Support

I 100% support all efforts to ensure that ALL students in Virginia have equal access to a safe and supportive learning environment.


Support!

These are our children. There are no caveats as to who we keep safe. It is our duty to protect them and to afford them the same rights as all children in our schools.


Strongly opposed

I am strongly opposed to these suggested policies regarding transgender students.  It is absolutely not the place for any school personnel to have influence on this topic without parental knowledge and consent.  Additionally,  traditional students should not be forced into accepting transgender students in locker rooms, overnight accommodations on school trips, or bathrooms.  We should not be causing uncomfortable situations for the many just to appease the few.


Physicians Fully Support

Transgendered students are vulnerable to bullying, violence, and mental health stresses, which are only exacerbated when they are forced to use a restroom that does not reflect their gender orientation. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Taking steps to create safe learning environments and provide access to culturally competent physical and mental health care might be important first steps to improving the health of transgender youths." Please ensure the safety of our children by supporting this measure.


Please support this, for the mental health of our youth.

As a Virginia consitutuent, nurse, and nonbinary individual, I beg you to enact this legislation to support and protect trans youth.  The suicide rate of adolescents is high--but triple that in the LGBTQ+.  Please enact this legislation, to make our community a more equitable and safe one.


Strongly opposed to Commonwealth of Virginia Dept of Education proposed Transgender Policy

I am strongly opposed to the proposed transgendered policies in education based on my Catholic faith.


Support

As a person of faith I have to embrace and support the transgender community.  We are all God's creatures and deserve support and love.  None of us are beyond His love and we all deserve to be treated with respect.


Strongly Support

I am writing in strong support of protecting our transgendered children & teens at school, as well as protecting those who love & support them (their friends, siblings, other family members). As evidenced by this comment thread, there are a lot of people who are very poorly informed on what transgender means, and many who are simply transphobic whether they realize it or not. We need to protect their children, even if they don't want us to.


Support the Mental Health of our Trans Youth

I am a licensed mental health professional in Virginia. I work with teenagers and families. Transgender youth and their families face a wide array of challenges in navigating efforts to live in congruence with their identified gender. Transgender youth are more predisposed to experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, often due to lack of support from family or community, dysphoria, or internalized feelings of shame (as so apparent from some of the other uninformed comments on this thread). Please stand up for Virginia’s youth by supporting their safety and mental health in the public school system. I would encourage the GA to reference the Standards of Care established by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health in learning more about ways to support our transgender youth. https://www.wpath.org/publications/soc


Support

As a mental health therapist who has worked with transgender individuals and witnessed these individuals struggle with the impact from challenges faced from bullying and discrimination, I support this guidance.  These policies help to create a safe and welcoming space for transgender youth and are necessary to ensure equity, equality, and respect for all students.


Transgender policy

I strongly oppose this, and feel it would be harmful to more children then it would be helpful.  Let parents parent and seek help where needed.


Strongly Support

I am writing in strong support of this proposal, of protecting our transgender children & teens at school. Many people on this thread are transphobic, ignorant, and backward thinking. It is crucial that we not entertain their ignorance. Trans people deserve respect and protection in spite of, and because of, the fact that there are people who want to use their ignorance and their religion to fuel their hate.


Do not support Virginia School Transgender Policies

Boys/men allowed in girls bathroom will create fear and unnecessary and bizarre sexual problems.  Are the teachers lounges coed also?  Can male teachers go into the female dressing rooms?  Can we rent port a potties?  Can my child use the nurse's bathroom?  How will we deal with the fear and distrust?


oppose girls going topless

not in favor of girls going topless


Fully Support

I fully support the implementation of this policy. As someone with personal experience with this issue, I know it is critical for transgender/non-binary children/teens (and adults for that matter) to feel accepted and affirmed. I have read literature and spoken with experts on this subject and they all agree that when children's gender identity is affirmed and respected, it has enormously positive impacts on mental health and greatly reduces the risk of suicide. This policy is critical to protecting our trans youth and creating equality in the schools for all children to have a safe space to learn and grow. Enacting these policies is a crucial step in providing all schools with the knowledge and information they need to provide a safe and inclusive educational environment for our trans youth population. The more knowledge that people have, the more they understand and the less they fear! I fully and whole-heartedly support these policies!


let's support the family -- I oppose the transgender policies

it is the parents' job to speak to the heart of the children they love, not the law and an overworked, untrained teacher.


on a dare enter, boys enter girls' bathroom

so sad and scary


Support!!

I support this in providing a more safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all children. As the research shows, children in the LGBTQ+ community are vulnerable to much higher risks for suicide, depression and being kicked out of their homes/running away. Most of these outcomes are because of the lack of support, love and safety all children need to grow, learn and become healthy adults. Outside of a child's home, school is next biggest impact of a child's experience - it *can* be a place that a child goes not only to learn but to feel safe. Right now, without these policies children, more specifically LGBTQ community, school can be a triggering and unsafe place. It impacts so many areas of their wellbeings-for example when kids feel unsafe, their brain is activated by threat, it is neurologically more difficult to learn in a threat-activated state. As you can imagine years in this kind of brain state means they are countless barriers in achieving their potential. I want this for our school systems.


Strongly support this Transgender policy

This policy must be supported in order to protect our transgender youth who have an exceptionally high suicide rate. It is the compassionate way to treat others as you would be treated. It is Not a choice to be transgendered, it just is!


Strongly support equality and inclusion for all students!

I am in strong support of these measures. I stand with and for children of all genders. Everyone, but especially children, deserve to be supported as they come into their own.


Support

Anything and everything needs to be done to protect trans children. I support these policies.


Strongly support

I strongly support this.


all this sounds like a science fiction movie -- I oppose

The state cannot possible love and train or children to be responsible adults without the input from the family.  Hiding the child's transgender issue is just a bi product of other issues that are damaging the child.


Concern for teachers who must go against conscience --- oppose

We are going to lose our compassionate and loving teachers and administrators who are forced to go against conscience or lose jobs.    Assuming many will leave the teaching arena and we will be stuck with militant adults more concerned with the gender - law than the spirit of discrimination and the love and understanding this mixed up kids need.  The gender issue is not the problem.  The problem is deeper and the disruption of the family and the hidden communication with parents who love the children will make it worse.


Strongly support inclusion and equity

Support inclusion and equity.


Oppose this school policy

Does my fragile middle school need to be exposed to curious middle school boys.  Some may even come into locker room on a dare or as initiation.  My girls is being discriminated against in this.


Can we rent port a potties for the front lawn of school

Yes, rent port a potties.


Oppose in the strongest terms

These policies further undermine the nuclear family and promote division within the family and community at large.  It is a complete abandonment of science and biology. It is awful in the extreme.  Children will suffer in unspeakable ways. I oppose it in its entirety!! it in its entirety


Kelly Inge Eichfeld, Community Table Talk

PROTECT TRANS STUDENTS

Support and protect Transgender students. Human rights are for EVERYONE.


Proceed cautiously

Supporting all children is important but these are significant issues which require extensive training to understand and teach.  My fear is schools will rush forward to meet guidelines without the time to adequately research, develop a plan, train teachers, educate parents and implement.  Without all these steps we may do more harm than good.


STONGLY SUPPORT

I strongly support the VDOE guidelines on the equitable, humane, and respectful treatment of Virginia students who identify or express gender differently than their biological or assigned gender. It is well past time for our culture to accept the reality of gender, gender expression, and gender identity. As a 65 year old gay man, I can only imagine how much richer and more productive my life may have been had guidelines like this been in place when I was growing up. I have walked in these shoes and I know the Commonwealth would benefit from people who feel fully valued and accepted.


In the name of my son, I fully support the proposed regulations for gender expansive students

My transgender son is a product of the Virginia educational system.  When he graduated in 2016, his district has just added sexual orientation and gender identity to its non-discrimination policy.  Secondary school was HELL for him!  He was harassed, threatened with injury, threatened with rape, threatened with death, and called an "it" more times than I was made aware of.  This animosity came from adults as well as classmates.  Now I understand the frequent "stomach aches" that prevented him from attending school.  I also understand why he hated his senior year math class and why he wanted to change his freshman Spanish class.  Studies show that absenteeism goes down considerably when a gender expansive student has support from their school.  Support can only come from regulations that include educating faculty, staff, and students about gender identity and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students. Once my son had gender affirming medical treatments (the summer before his senior year) and his school changed his gender marker in their system, he was finally able to use the men's bathroom.  Prior to that, he was told he could either use a faculty bathroom (which was very inconvenient logistically) or use the women's bathroom (which was awkward since he looked so male).  He ended up not using any restroom at school and would "hold it" all day long.  He also stopped eating and drinking in school so that he wouldn't be faced with the choice of using restrooms that didn't work for him.  That practice would cause him to have frequent urinary track infections.  My son never posed a threat to anyone just because he was transgender.  In fact, he was the one who lived with daily threats simply because of the way he was born. In this day and age, we wouldn't treat a student of color in the way a gender expansive student is treated.  No child has the ability to choose their race or ethnicity.  Likewise, no child chooses their gender identity.  It is simply an innate part of who they are.  Nobody would willing choose to live a life that currently puts them in extreme peril and makes them the victim of prejudice and harassment.  I would ask those who are opposed to these regulations to take a moment and put your child in my son's shoes.  How would you feel if your child was treated as a danger and a threat and was subsequently marginalized by the very institution that is supposed to ensure your child's safety and ability to be educated? As a former educator of 22 years, I see the potential and value in all students.  We all know that a good education is the foundation for success for all individuals.  ALL students (regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socio economic status, sexual orientation, and gender identity) must have the ability to learn in a safe environment!  By enacting the proposed regulations, the Commonwealth of Virginia is ensuring equitable educational opportunities for our gender expansive students.  What they will bring to our Commonwealth as a whole is too valuable for us to lose! As a side note, my son, upon his high school graduation, returned to his natal state of California, in great part because of the negative attitudes towards gender expansive people in this state.  Does the Commonwealth want to see an exodus of so many people full of talent and potential?  I am hoping that one day my son will feel comfortable enough to return to this state.  Because I will not leave here until I am sure that I have done everything in my power to make Virginia a welcoming place for ALL, including the LGBTQ+ community!


Include tradition and Love

This gender focused inclusion is wrong as it ignores the obvious: That we should focus beyond inclusion and more on LOVING one another. * Love each other as yourself.  Love God with all your heart, soul, and strength.  Doing this will answer all these issues by teaching respect for life - all life. * Love is the answer not political and social labeling which serves only to divide. * Do not taint the classroom with unnatural ideology.  Protect children by not interfering with the parents right to raise them . * Inclusive: You talk about inclusiveness.... you should lovingly include a prayerful celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, and other religious holidays with honor and tradition they deserve.  You should include a respect for history of our country and founding principals. You should include the respectful reciting the pledge of allegiance at the start of each day at school and you should include a time of prayer.  You should include the parents in all things that go beyond Math, Reading, etc. Invite parents into the classroom - include them on a daily basis.  Include speakers from the local Church and Law enforcement. Include Love of Life. * We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.  Why divide us with labels when we should be one in spirit?


Support

I strongly support this measure


Support the document, with one exception

Almost all of the provisions all seem sensible and well thought out, but I oppose compelling the school staff to use the requested pronoun.  I would not oppose encouraging such use, however.  The proposed nonbinary pronouns may expand to include a plethora of variants.


SUPPORT

Strongly support


Strongly Support

I support protecting all children who want the opportunity to learn in as stress free an environment as they can.


Support!

Strongly support!


Strongly Oppose

While I agree that children should be protected from abuse, this is not the answer.  Children do not have the mental development to make this choice any more than they have the mental development to decide to have an abortion, drink alcohol, or vote.  It could make the schools liable for safety risks and create irreparable emotional damage to girls in schools by allowing teenage boys into locker rooms, bathrooms, and sports.   The children are too susceptible to peer pressure and make poor decisions due to lack of maturity.  So, these decisions are best left to the child and their parents.  The school should not infringe on that right and responsibility. Recommend approaching this scientifically, not politically and making choices based on genetic chromosome makeup - male and female.   There is no scientific method to define gender identity.  It is totally subjective and compromises rights of freedom of religion. Gender neutral pronouns will damage girls and inhibit their development.  All gains in women's rights would be undone.   This does not result in equal rights for women, it will result is a male takeover of women's issues as  transgender boys overtake women physically in compromised environments.


I strongly support

I am a student with a friend that is transgender and I am apart of the lgbtq community. I think that if you are transgender you should be able to go in your bathroom of your gender because you are a boy or you are a girl. School is hard enough for them so why would you want to make it harder. I believe that everyone should be treated equally and if you have a problem with that then leave. Recently I have been bullied but I have also been bullied over my sexuality before so if anyone is reading this and you have kids remember to tell them that it is not ok to bully people over who they like their sexuality or their gender more or less bully people. Because if you do those things can cause tremendous things for people. It will lead to suicide or self harm. Again I extremely support trans lives matter and there is nothing you can do in this world that will make my opinion change.


transgender regulations being considered in public school

I am strongly opposed to laws requiring teachers to use language referring to gender other than the biologically accurate language.  I am opposed to school policies which deceive parents regarding a student's gender confusion.  PLEASE  do not facilitate the extreme political agenda that punishes a standard of biological reality in the developing stages of a child's life.


Support trans youth

It is so important to provide supportive and equitable services for all of our youth, especially those who are most vulnerable. Trans kids deserve the same level of education, respect, and access to opportunity as other people. The dept. of education should do everything in their power to assure all children are treated with respect regardless of gender identity.


Public School Equality

I strongly support the proposed updates. Public School is for all kids, regardless of sexual orientation. Trans students deserve to be safe, heard, and understood. Taking this up is well within the parameters of this committee and public schools in general.


Rights to disagree should be protected no

People have the right to agree with this but should also have the right to disagree. It's called freedom of religion. But by making it law you are taking people's freedom of religious beliefs and making them go against their moral conscience.


Oppose

I appreciate that Virginia already has a strong anti-bullying law, and believe that respect of all individuals is important to teach and reinforce in our school system.  This policy, however, teaches an ideological position at odds with the values of a great number of parents and families in this great commonwealth that the Department of Education serves.


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

Strongly Oppose.   Too much of this is attention seeking behavior by students.  Leave this whole discussion to parents who are responsible for raising their children.  Schools need to but out.


Strongly support Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schoo

Thank you for these well thought out policies.  All children deserve to be respected and accepted for who they are.


Oppose

I support treating children with care and support.Scientifically, the frontal cortex is not fully formed until age 25-So transgender decisions should never be made before that child is fully capable. Glamorizing an alternative gender lifestyle is irresponsible! Kids need love and guidance, NOT incentives to be noticed!


Support

I support this in providing a more safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all children. As the research shows, children in the LGBTQ+ community are vulnerable to much higher risks for suicide, depression and being kicked out of their homes/running away. Most of these outcomes are because of the lack of support, love and safety all children need to grow, learn and become healthy adults. Outside of a child's home, school is next biggest impact of a child's experience - it *can* be a place that a child goes not only to learn but to feel safe. Right now, without these policies children, more specifically LGBTQ community, school can be a triggering and unsafe place. It impacts so many areas of their wellbeings-for example when kids feel unsafe, their brain is activated by threat, it is neurologically more difficult to learn in a threat-activated state. As you can imagine years in this kind of brain state means they are countless barriers in achieving their potential. I want this for our school systems.


Strongly oppose Transgender model


Support

I fully support polices that are inclusive and recognize the lives and struggles of our LGBTQ+ residents. For the sake of every child and adult that struggles with their ability to be who they are in a place and society that is struggling with recognizing the gender spectrum. Please expand considerations for Transgender students.


Opposed to VDOE model policies for the treatment of transgender students

I want to register my moral opposition to the Virginia Department of Education draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students in the public school system. I am referencing the proposed amendment to add a section numbered 22.1-23.3 to The Code of Virginia. I strongly oppose this proposed addition to the code. It is wrong and gives undue opportunity for sexual abuse and harassment when male, female, and transgender students are allowed and even encouraged to share restroom and locker room facilities. Transgender students should not be bullied and should be afforded basic respect and dignity. My reading of the proposed policies leads me to believe these policies are designed to further weaken the moral fabric of our society, elevate transgender identity, and cause additional, unnecessary, and discriminatory stress and confusion for those who support and live by the basic tenets of the Christian faith that supports the traditional family values of Christian marriage between one man and one woman. Do not move forward or approve these ill-conceived draft model policies!


policies for the treatment of transgender students  strongly oppose

School system has no right to impose their beliefs on my family


Unconstitutional

No! You can not control the beliefs of children and their parents. It is against the constitution to make a parent to teach their children something going that is against their religion, it is unconstitutional. What this is trying to is force kids into believing a certain religious belief that I do not agree with. If I wanted my Childeren to belive they were something they were not then I would teach them that. If they want to be something different I will support that. But to expose this kind of religious belief to my kids IN Schools no less! No. I will home school my kids before I let them be in a school where they are foceing this kind of thing on them. If a child thinks that they are not what they are them so be it, but science says different. There are cromizones that tell people different. If a person dose not want to be that certain cromizome them so be it, I won't argue. But don't force this on kids!!!


I strongly agree

Virginia can set the standard and be an example for other states to follow - Please do the right thing and enact policies to offer and provide protection to our most vulnerable young people. Remove the negative barriers to education. Every child deserves the right to feel safe and be treated fairly in any and all school environments. This is a moral obligation and we must follow through.


I support Transgender Youth and these Model Policies!


Emily Powell, Eastern Mennonite University

Good Golly I Support

Hi there, neighbors. Here are some thoughts on this bill and the state of this bit of culture in our lovely wintery state. Trans individuals, including and especially little ones, are beautiful and wonderful. No one can make trans people less trans. Trans people deserve the same rights, protections, and care as cisgender students. Maybe more considering all of the vitriol they have to live with daily. This bill protects children and that should be a no brainer. Loving these kids means letting them define themselves, and respecting them in their decisions. Being queer means always questioning things. That's healthy. Not scary. I am a genderqueer graduate student and have felt the deep pain that comes from not feeling there is space for you, or that people care how degrading their suggestions about exclusion and exception and fuss are. My existence isn't a danger to anyone. The trans girl in a second grade class feeling #fine in her princess dress isn't a danger to anyone. Letting the trans guy try out for the varsity men's soccer team isn't a danger to anyone. Opposing these bills is a fear-based stance. I choose a stance of love, and that means uplifting and protecting trans students as the vibrant, wise humans they are. Let's come together in supporting our children and supporting these bills.


Dont jeopardize the bodily privacy and safety of our children.

DO NOT promote even MORE gender confusion in public schools through your proposed transgender policies—at the risk of students' privacy and safety!!!!


STRONGLY SUPPORT!!!!

I support transgender youth and these model policies!


Words Matter

I support transgender youth and these model policies; those that think that these policies are damaging to their young minds may have lost touch with what a young mind needs.


Strongly Agree/ All human beings deserve to be treated with dignity

As the parent of a trans child I strongly agree with passing any rules that make treating any human being with dignity and respect a part of our public schools.  Public schools cannot discriminate against a child because they don’t conform.  My child’s gender expression shouldn’t give anyone the right to discriminate against them.  Thank you for working hard to make our schools a safe place for all of our kids to learn and grow.


Support!!!!!

These policies are crucial for the safety and acceptance of transgender students. We need to foster inclusive policies in our school systems to make students feel accepted regardless of their gender identity.


Strongly Support

I strongly agree and support this. All children deserve to feel safe and accepted in school. Allowing all students to feel safe and fully included is necessary for their education and mental health. I feel this is needed to promote safety, equality, acceptance, inclusion, education, and equality for all children.


Strongly oppose new transgender rules / Overstepping your role

These are hormone fueled adolescents who still deserve to have the benefit of their parents ability to help determine what direction they will ultimately choose for their lives. The law assigns the parents that responsibility and it is not the role of the VDOE to usurp that role. These regulations will do harm to more youth than Additionally, why would the right of a transgender student transcend the rights of every other child in that school? The straight kids have a right to expect to be kept safe from harm and harassment and not be placed in locker room or bathroom situations with people of a different biological gender. There must be accommodations for the youth who are not comfortable being in those types of situations. To giver them no options will be to invite harm at many different levels. Just as you are trying to accommodate the ones who may be confused over their gender identity, you owe it equally so to protect all the other students as well. Allowing a youth to dictate what pronoun “must” be used on any given day under penalty of the livelihood of a teacher is beyond absurd. The ability for the kids to weaponize this against a teacher or student they may not like is too great. The instances where they have used such tactics is all to common. Use your authority to do well for all the students not just a select few and do not damage the fabric of families and the God and legal rights of parents. You should not try to replace them.


As a student in VA schools I SUPPORT THIS WITH ALL MY HEART

I know many students who go by different pronouns than they were assigned at birth. Even in my accepting area, they are mistreated daily. It is not fair for these children to be bullied and mocked to the point that they are scared to go to school. WE MUST TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY. I physically cannot understand why so many people are pressed about this, they are literally just students who want to be recognized for who they are. This won't indoctrinate kids with the "liberal ideology," but it might help people grow up to be decent human beings - even then I do not believe anything will change in our lessons because the curriculum never changes (that's an issue for another day). It will just help students feel more accepted and valid. WE NEED THIS DRAFT.


Strongly Oppose Transgender Model Policies

We strongly oppose this policy on moral and religious grounds. God created us male and female and He does not make mistakes !  We humans have made mistakes that have gotten us to this situation.  We think we are God and we know everything about everything and if we do not like the truth we should be able to change it regardless of how absurd or untrue "our" truth is.  You can call red green as long as you want to but that will not change the color.  Red will still be red and green will still be green.  Boys are boys and girls are girls; and, no policies, or surgeries will change that. We have lost our moral compass and our God given common sense. We agreed all children should be loved and properly cared for but their fantasies should not be encouraged.  This policy says if our grandson says he is a girl we should encourage him to explore that possibility.  What if he says he is a horse?  Children pretend all the time.  Adults with an agenda should not lead children along to get them to agree with the adult's mindset.  Parents are not abusive because they think their sons are boys and their girls are girls.


Strongly support

I believe these new guidelines fully support transgender students. I believe