A high schoolers perspective

when Christ created this world, He made one man and one woman.  Adam never decided to become a girl, and Eve never decided she was a man.  In the beginning, Christ made male and female, no other. 13 For You formed my inward parts; You [ f ] covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for [ g ] I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My [ h ] frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. Psalm 139:12-16


I am the mom!!!!!!! Not the state.

I certainly support one's rights to determine who they chose to be.  As far as sexual identity issues, that is for the parent's to discuss with their children, in the privacy of "home".  The school and state HAVE NO LEGAL RIGHT NOR SHOULD THEY HAVE ANY LEGAL RIGHTS to dictate how parent's discuss sexual matters, or sexual identity with their children.  Parents are currently able to opt out of "family ed" classes to discuss the issue of sex and procreation at home if they chose.  By setting up a requirement that TEACHERS OR THE STATE can control the dialogue on topics that are suited to parental involvement (or worse, punish parents for their own decisions on these matters concerning their minor children) effectively places the children in the care and custody of the state.  This is a terrifying concept and is akin to practices implemented by the Stasi in East Germany.


STRONGLY OPPOSE !

THIS IS RIDICULOUS  ! GOD CREATED MEN AND WOMEN , NOT TRANSGENDAR  .


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

This is absolutely absurd!  If it were the right thing to do, you wouldn't need parental consent.  However, you are denying parental consent.  That should tell you something.


Support

I strongly support guidance that protects the rights of transgender students in Virginia. Transgender people have high rates of suicide and are abused and attacked at rates higher than any other sexual identity and therefore should receive assurances that they can be be safe while in school.


Strongly Support

(Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools) I believe it is important that all youth are able to learn without harassment, discrimination or fear of violence.


Transgender School Policies

I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. The guidelines express concern for the feelings of transgender students who are a tiny percentage of all students. That is okay. But policies that ignore the effect on all other students are a terrible idea.  Are we trying to make all students confused about their gender? It seems like that is the agenda here. Speaking from personal experience on this issue, the Fairfax County school board has intentionally ignored the overwhelming number of comments and concerns by parents, in favor of highlighting and forcing the sexual agendas of a minority on everybody. Kindergarteners have no need for such discussions! Young teenagers have not even been given time to develop on their own before the schools are forcing these radical beliefs as matters of public discussion. Our whole society is sex-crazy, and the schools are pushing the bandwagon! Let kids get to 18 before we make them deal with this - then at least they can make an adult decision. If we were intentionally trying to destroy our kids, we could hardly come up with a way that is more effective than putting transgender in every school and class. Where are the adults here? Please STOP this transgender initiative.


Strongly oppose

String oppose!


Pro-life means pro-trans lives

A majority of Virginians voted for lawmakers who recognize that we are long overdue in protecting all of our children whether they be cis- or transgender.  More than four in five (83%) trans young people have experienced name-calling or verbal abuse; three in five (60%) have experienced threats and intimidation; and more than a third (35%) of trans young people have experienced physical assault. More than one in four (27%) trans young people have attempted to commit suicide and nine in ten (89%) have thought about it. 72% have self-harmed at least once. The numbers speak for themselves.  Pro-life means we also have to protect the lives of trans-people.


Open Forum-Article by Christine Wingard on Transgender Policies

The opening paragraph of Our Constitution states that "WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, issue domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for the United States of America." I do not believe that these 'model policies' help in any way to acheive any of the goals as stated in the opening paragraph of the Constitution. And in my opinion they certainly WOULD NOT help us to receive the Blessings of Liberty from our Creator...only his curses.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

This is terrible! Stop this nonsense and leave our kids alone!


"Treatment of Trans Students in Virginia Schools"

I strongly support policies that provide a safe and equitable learning environment for Trans students in Virginia Schools.


Support

I support this, because as someone who has family and friends who are transgender I want them to be able to feel safe in this world, as well as feeling like they belong. I know the struggles people go through with this situation and I want to help them be happy and safe. I support this because our country needs more people like them to show them that the world isn't as bad as people think. Also, transgender women are just like any other woman on earth; just like any transgender male is just like any other male on earth.


STRONGLY, STRONGLY OPPOSE

I'm stunned that this is even up for discussion.  Anyone with any sanity should realize that this policy will be exploited at the detriment of girls and boys alike as an opportunity to gain access into the other's bathroom and locker rooms.  Has it been so long since you were a teenager that you've forgotten?  What about THOSE student's rights?  To allow less than 1% of students to set policy that will VERY LIKELY lead to sexual assault is a gross overreach of your ELECTED position. If you pass such an unthinkable thing I encourage every parent to personally sue you for emotional and physical damage on behalf of their children.


Totally against this!!!

please leave our kids alone... concerned parent who wants the right to teach their own kids about all this stuff and not have this craziness that is wrong bilogically and sexually.... they're jsut kids! stop it!


I support transgender policy guidance for K-12 public schools in Virginia

I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Trans youth need respect and support and deserve to feel safe at school.


Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged

It is truly sad to see so many hateful and fearful comments, some of which even invoke religion. Really, folks, let's all just take a deep breath and try to treat everyone with respect and kindness, even if we don't understand what they may be going through. All students, of every race and socio-economic class, male and female, gay and straight, cis and trans, native born and immigrant, documented or not, and whatever other distinctions I've forgotten, are children of God – and people who claim to be religious should not be so quick to judge, so quick to condemn others. Let's protect all students – especially the most vulnerable – from bullying and harassment, whether it's by other students or by angry parents or random trolls. It's the right thing to do, and I'm glad the Virginia Department of Education is working to protect all of its students, and to help them all to thrive. Bravo!


Proposed Transgender school policy

VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED


STRONGLY OPPOSE

THE SCHOOLS ARE NOT THE CHILD'S PARENTS!!!! Stick to teaching Math, Language Arts, Science, and history.


against this - big time! this is terrible...

you need to leave our children alone on this! let the parent's decide what is right to teach on this.... stop trying to force this indoctrination of non-biological crap that just confuses our kids....


Great help

I personally think this would help me and some of my friends so much. Dead naming is a big problem for me at the moment and since I am going to high school next year and will probably not have any people I know in my classes I really don't want to be dead named because of what my papers say so it would be really great for me and help me feel more comfortable if others won't know my deadname. Bathrooms are really strange for me because I have been out for about a year which means the pandemic started before bathrooms could confuse me but knowing that I could possibly not need to worry if one day I need to go into the bathroom not assigned to me because of my gender assigned at birth would be so amazing. I also thing the dress code part would be great considering most of the time the people who get dress coded are girls and it's for having shorts that are too short or something along those lines, maybe if guys get dress coded it could open up more peoples eyes about that topic. Also having teachers get trained for LGBTQ+ situations will probably help a lot when people who aren't out are in a weird situation which is a pretty big thing when you have to come out anyway. Thank you for getting all of these things started.


Support

I support this as a mother.


Guidance document transgender confusion

This is not appropriate.  I strongly oppose transgender and gender confusion policies to be implemented in our schools.  This has no place in the curriculum of a school.  These policies are not fair to subject any or all students to in a school setting.


I fully support legislation which furthers the positive health and wellbeing of trans youth


Oppose

I strongly oppose this and can’t believe such harsh consequences are even on the table. Yes, students should be able to explore their identity if they choose, however parents 100% should know about it.


Opposed- Whatever Happened to Women's Rights?

I don't see how allowing biological boys to go into girls locker-rooms, bathrooms, and sports is supposed to help further women's rights. Democrats claim to be the party that champion feminism, and women's equality, yet they are now going to force girls to change in front of their male classmates? Genius. Are the people pushing this bill really naive enough to think that a bunch of high school boys are'nt going to claim to all of a sudden be girls so they can now go into the girls locker room and change? Let's not pretend to be shocked when things go wrong.


BAD for kids, BAD for Virginia,

I read through the proposed policy, this is bad bad bad. Virginia schools are failing Virginia students, parents and taxpayers when it comes to teaching reading, math and writing - why in the world do we need to interfere in the students' sexuality? If I want to indoctrinate my kids with an ideology, I can send them to a religious school or a private school - public schools should not be confusing them with the nonsense gender crap that is completely illogical and against biology.


Gender

I believe that it is wrong to foist sex and gender identity issues and unusual beliefs on students in school.  When children are born it is obvious whether they are boys or girls.   Some students may question their sex and want to change it.   That is a private matter, not a public education concern.  A school is to provide academic learning not gender identity.  Because one or two children/students feel uncomfortable with their gender does not mean that all students/children must endure their confusion.  Why inflict the deviance of one child on the entire class?  It is not right for the school to act as loco parentis.


I wholeheartedly and fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth.


Strongly Support Protecting Trans Youth

Ignoring trans youth will never cause them to go away. They will always exist and deserve the same protections afforded to all people. It only takes a few *simple* steps to make their lives 100% better.


Fully Support

I fully support protecting transgender and non-binary students.


Transgender support in our schools

Writing to briefly voice our family’s advocacy for guidelines and legislation to offer full support of the transgender community in our schools. Transgender students and staff deserve protection of their dignity and rights for the sake of their mental and physical well being.


Strongly Opposed


Support

Dear Virginia Department of Education: Thank you for developing these model policies to support the education of all students, especially those who are transgender. I write in support of these policies as a mom, former PTA and County Council PTA president, and family friend of two children who have transitioned successfully with the support of their families and educators. A former teacher of mine explained that respect is “treating people the way THEY wish to be treated, not the way YOU want to treat them.” I think about the way school administrators showed respect for one of our family friends when he was transitioning. He was an advanced academic student on the autism spectrum. Once he made the decision to transition, lack of support from his educators would have had grave consequences. Thankfully he attended a high school whose principal showed respect and worked with our friend to determine what he needed so that he could focus on his education. These model policies support all students because they guide school divisions and their employees in keeping the focus on education. Following these policies helps equip principals, teachers and staff with the guidance and resources needed to provide equitable education. A side effect is that in following these policies, educators will eliminate potential for unwanted attention for students who are transgender, and the distractions to other students that would result. I do hope that school divisions expand on the model policy for professional development and include more than their mental health professionals in ongoing training opportunities. As we strive to support the variety of people who identify as LGBTQ+ our understanding and ability to identify emerging issues deepens. Training helps build confidence among our professionals and would surely be appreciated by classroom teachers. Many people, for a variety of reasons, struggle with the reality that some people do not identify with the gender assigned at birth. Many of these people are vocal, and their collective opposition to equitable education for transgender students often shares the sharply negative tones of our national discourse. And so I cheer your efforts to keep educators’ focus on providing equitable education, in compliance with Virginia law. The model policies in themselves are informative and will help educate the thousands of people reading them, and the public servants charged with enacting them. Thank you for your work. Jane Miscavage Vienna, Virginia


I strongly oppose this policy.

I sympathize with those who experience same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria but this policy is not the answer. It is a false compassion that is harmful and destructive to the individual and families because it promulgates lies about human sexuslity.. We must speak the truth about human sexuality with charity and clarity. Promulgating lies is never charitable and compassionate.


Stop manipulating Kids

In no way, shape or form is this ok. Pre K?! Kids hardly understand basic reality and you wish to push policies marred in what a person feels is right? The science doesn't support Transgenderism and neither should schools.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly disagree with the majority of this proposal to change any existing statutes in favor of the proposed transgender related policies!!


Strongly opposed

I believe this bill is ridiculous and it's a slap in God's face..furthermore it opens up more opportunities for rape etc.


Trans rights are human rights!

I am a fairfax county resident and went to school here. I think trans students should be able to have all the protections cis students do


Strongly opposed

i am opposed to this bill. It is the parents job, not the school’s or government’s, to teach their child about such things.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I strongly oppose this legislation.


I Oppose

Children and young and still maturing.  They are confused and don't really know who they are.  Bullying should not be tolerated for anyone. I  do not think schools are the place to blur the lines.


TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!

It is the duty of the state of Virginia to protect trans students and citizens. Trans rights are human rights. No person should made to feel discriminated against based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.


LGBTQ school law

I absolutely do not agree with turning public education into such a mockery. Sexual preference/education needs to be taught in the home and save reading, writing, math for the classroom. No matter where a person stands as far supporting or opposing gender neutrality, it is not a topic that should be woven into the K-12 curriculum. And as far as withholding any information from a child's parent...that is absolutely ridiculous! If a child is having trouble with gender Identity, the parents need to know so they can provide whatever help their child needs. This bill is absolutely 100% wrong! Our children deserve so much more!!! Teach them what will help be a productive member of society and assist them in college and leave sexual identity/orientation out!!!


Strongly oppose

Strongly oppose


In STRONG SUPPORT of trans lives

Without this guidance trans kids will continue to suffer at the hands of those who know better. I wish this were around when I was going to school here.


I fully support trans students rights

I fully support any measures put into place to support and protect trans students in our schools. Trans rights are human rights.


Strongy oppose

I strongly oppose this bill.


100% OPPOSED

This is not ok.


Support Trans students

Affirming children's identities, affirming the diversity within Virginia schools, is beneficial to the entire community. This guidance sends a clear message to all students: you belong! You are valid! You can expect respect and affirmation.


Strongly Oppose

This is entirely objectionable and disgusting. Please do not pass this bill. “Male and Female He created them”.


Support Trans students!

We need to be doing a better job of supporting these students. Respect their identity, respect how they choose to dress, respect their privacy, and respect their autonomy! Enforce pronoun usage. Have protections for these children so they are not exploited by the adults meant to protect them or by the students who may harass them.


Protect children please!

Please don’t pass the Bill on transgender in our schools.  This is the worst bill imaginable.   Our children need to be protected from such evil.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!!!!!!!

This contradicts science, strips parental rights, and forces people to have their children accept  a forced ideology.  This also opens Pandora's box and Legal liability for schools, school boards, individual teachers and teachers unions and the state government itself after the first incident of potential Sexual Abuse (intended or accidental) or even Rape when Children are allowed to determine bathroom and locker room use without guidance of adults who are there to protect ALL students! Parents and Legal Guardians make these decisions NOT school systems which are there to Serve and educate Not Mandate a different set of rules! Legally this will go to the Supreme Court and should if a school system can overstep boundaries like this!!


We must support each and every student, I fully support!!!

We must support each and every student that attends public school, ensuring them the same rights and protections as each and every other students. All students deserve to be treated fairly while being ensured that the environment they are learning in is a safe and confident space. I fully support all legislation that protects EACH and EVERY student, especially those that need it most.


STRONGLY AGREE

As a teacher of many students, both trans and not, I want what is best for our children. If passed, this legislation will ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ students across the state. It will not negatively affect non-trans students in any way. However, if this is not passed, so many trans students will continue to be at risk of bullying, health issues (mental and physical), and possibly worse as a result of not receiving the support they need to thrive in schools. TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!


No such thing as transgender

This proposed legislation is an assault on truth itself. I say this from a purely ethical and secular perspective, not a religious one. There is no such thing as transgenderism; there is only gender dysphoria. If a teenager is experiencing gender dysphoria, this proposed legislation will serve only to give that teenager permission to indulge the disorder. There is male and female, nothing in between. The proposed legislation will only serve to distort the nature of the human person. Transgenderism is a lie. Virginia should stand up for the truth, not lies. I strongly oppose this legislation.


Support

This will protect children. It is needed.


Rudy Almanzor, President. Hampton Roads Pride

Support

As President of the leading LGBTQ advocacy organization in Hampton Roads, I am proud to see the commitment of the Virginia Department of Education to ensure a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment for all students. I would have loved to have seen this level of acceptance while a teenager in Virginia Beach Public Schools. It is truly heart warming that the key guiding principle of is that all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment. By creating inclusive learning environments, transgender and non-binary young Virginians will be able to freely pursue their educational potential.


Strongly support trans rights and will vote accordingly

I base my beliefs on science, but as science can be invoked by both sides this will not settled until we first resolve the substantive social questions. Whether or not it’s believed that gender and sex are two different things is not a matter for public debate and therefore all comments and opinions expressed in this town hall to that fact are besides the point. Accommodations are made in schools for many reasons that go beyond those covered by a protected legal status. An IEP can be created for a gifted child who has trouble sitting still or for child to take a short break when feeling overwhelmed. If the majority of society, or even just a very loud minority, decide this is coddling and not helpful to children in general we don’t remove the IEP. We do what’s right for the individual child rather than some esoteric societal “I don’t know if it’s true but my gut tells me so and I was raised that way” belief. For those who argue that accommodating trans kids needs is catering to a small group at the expense of the majority, then they are missing the point of why we have any protected legal statuses and anti-discrimination laws. It is noble for the strong to defend the week and it is patriotic for the majority to defend the rights of any minority.


Absolutely Oppose

This will undermine core family values. Do not allow lies and propaganda to surpass real truth. This will demoralize all students!


In support of transgender children and their right to an education

This guidance will be a critical step in ensuring that transgender children have equal access to education. As the aunt of two young children living in Virginia, my hope is that if they come out as transgender, their schools will be as supportive as their aunt. Protecting children from bullying and harassment, protecting their privacy and confidentiality, and allowing them to fully participate in school activities are all critical. I am looking forward to seeing these protections implemented to protect transgender children and ensure that they too can receive an education.


Stop Calling Opposition Bigotry

Strongly oppose this digusting bill.


OPPOSED

I am a mother and a teacher. This shakes me to my core. If we do this what is to say that predators won't simply say they are transgender to have access to bathrooms and locker rooms? Will these children then be showering at school with people who have the opposite sex organs as them? I do not care what people identify with and I do not mind using different pronouns (although sometimes it is hard when they go back and forth from week to week). I do mind for how this can open things up for predators. I do worry about how much easier this could cause students to be violated. On a different level, how does this not infringe on the first amendment? PLEASE REJECT THIS BILL.


Strongly oppose

We don't need to teach our kids that this is ok. You are who God made you, not what you think you are. Your DNA tells you who you are.


Support Students, support anti-discrimination, and support bullying prevention

I support the development of guidance for schools in supporting transgender students. While all students need support, it’s undeniable that transgender students need extra support. Policies should support anti-discrimination laws and practices and support for anti-


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

100 percent Standing to Oppose


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

“I strongly oppose these policies. I follow science.”


Strongly oppose

Please reject! Children will be placed in situations where they can be more easily victimized. Please REJECT!


Support Our Students

We must protect all of our students, particularly trans youth, seeking what we all want for our kids - healthy, safe learning environment free from hate and fear. I support the model in that it provides a template for protecting the dignity and ability to learn safely for trans students.


Strongly Support

As a parent of two children within the public school system, I strongly support this resolution.


100% Absolutely Oppose

100%absolutely oppose. The ideas and language proposed are absolutely disgusting and disturbing for our children.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Strongly support. Disgusted by anyone who would not support better policies and support for trans students.


SUPPORT TRANS KIDS

Trans people are PEOPLE; trans children are just as deserving of love, respect, and safety as anyone else. The protection of trans kids is a matter of life and death for many of them; the risk of violence and suicide for trans youth is too damn high to ignore. Creating inclusive policies to benefit trans people does SO much benefit, and at no actual detriment to anyone else. Affirming trans identities will make ignorant people uncomfortable, but will not cause harm. Denying trans individuals protections, however, causes legitimate harm to them. PLEASE SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS.


I support this policy

I support this policy.


Informed Mother/ Self Thinker/ advocate for all children

Opposition is not bigotry... those who think so have not read the entire policy.

What about the rights of sexually abused children that now have opposite gender in the restroom and locker room. LAWSUITS!!!!! VA public education will end up having to let go of employees and teachers when the attendance significantly drops, if this passes as currently written. I think most people agree Transgenders need  to be treated equally in terms of bullying and harassement... I think most are fine with their choice of clothing (as long as it follows current school rules)- the main issues are the restrooms and locker rooms and TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE that parents would not want their children EXPOSED to body parts of opposite gender and vice versa! How could ANY PARENT with any ethics support this? AND how can any parent support the school system not notifying them about their own child. This is a dangerous path... what else will they keep from parents in the future. VDOE needs to rethink and go to the table and update this policy to remove much of the current policy- develop uni-sex restrooms and locker rooms, if you feel that is necessary. VDOE job is to support EDUCATION - not be a part of BIG GOVERNMENT!


Strongly Oppose

I believe very strongly that this does far more harm than good. This truly poses a risk to girls especially since a biological boy is generally able to overpower the female sex. Without being able to question the validity of how a young person truly identifies and which sex they are attracted to, how can you offer protection to those who want natural privacy and safety? School age kids, especially middle schoolers are extremely susceptible and going through so many emotional and biological changes naturally, that they are very easily confused. Would not want my child to be pushed in a certain direction based solely on any awkward changes that are very natural in the development of their biological sex.


Support & protect trans kids!

support & protect trans kids in schools!


Strongly Support

I strongly support the model policy.


Strongly support

It is so important for us to be able to protect our children, meaning all of them. Trans youth are at a higher risk for victimization, bullying, suicide. The protection of said students weighs heavily on schools. Trans rights are human rights.


STRONGLY SUPPORT!

The fact that so many people are against this is terrifying for our future children. This would be an amazing step for transgender students and the LGBTQ community! It is a step towards creating a world that does not judge people based on their appearance and personal identity that does nothing to harm others and only can benefit the person who it is affecting. Bigotry will no longer be tolerated!


What about students with ill willed intension entering bathroom and locker room? with no ques. asked

This policy is ludicrous and truly harmful. Current policy can endanger children! Be prepared for lawsuits.


100% Strongly Oppose!!

100% Strongly Oppose!!


I do not support this

I do not support these new policies.  Specifically I think that we need to have single use bathrooms.  I think it presents a danger to transgender and non transgender students to have anyone of any gender to be able to walk in and out of any bathroom. As a mother of two daughters I want them to feel safe and comfortable using the bathroom. Further I disagree with the idea that staff and admin can keep information from parents.  The school should be a support to parents and families and help them navigate the issues of gender and offer resources, not be the overarching final word on the issue and hide the issue from parents.  As a parent I want to be able to be there for my child and help my child navigate their questions and issues within the confines of our family belief structure.  I also think that with the fluidity of language it is unfair to discriminate against teachers and students if they use the wrong pronoun.


No way!

Stop pushing pseudo-science on our kids and brainwashing them! Enough with the emasculation of our kids. Get back to education not social engineering.


Strongly opposed

Good day, While the treatment of all students should be in keeping with making sure the environment is safe for learning, we absolutely cannot support changes in school and education policy that would remove gender protections (especially related to bathroom facilities and sports programs).   There is an answer, but this is not it. Please do not,  under any circumstances, adopt these policies which are harmful to our children overall while we seek to help those struggling with their gender identity. Thank you, Anna


Absolutely not!

This is not for the schools to decide. Schools should be investigating the parents for child abuse. Trans-kids are being pushed to believe they can change themselves and all their mental health issues will magically disappear if only they prevent puberty, take tons of hormones, and ultimately have surgery to change who they are. Sounds like a mental illness to me. Stop with the social engineering.


There are only two sexes - Male and Female

Boys in girls sports is WRONG. Boys in girls bathrooms/locker rooms is WRONG. Schools supporting this mental illness is WRONG! Get them the help they desperately need. Investigate the parents who seek the attention their child gives them. Become a trans at 18! No trans in schools. It's not ok.


I Strongly Support

I strongly support this proposal. Trans people are people and we should love and support them the same as we do all others. They are our neighbors and friends and friends of friends and family. They deserve the same rights and respect as we all do.  Thank you.


Strongly against

I strongly disagree with this. I think it opens us a door for rape and assault . I don't want my child learn this. It is not what is taught in my home. That kind of stuff be keep in the home not in the school.  If this comes about I will be looking into home schooling


Strongly Oppose

I’m voicing my opposition to the transgender policy. This policy will affect the majority of students who are not transgender. The students in elementary school and secondary school are too young to understand the concept of transgenderism. Let the parents tell their own children what this is. It should not be the schools responsibility. I disagree that the Virginia Department of Education require all K-12 public schools to adopt a policy that essentially mandates promotion of gender confusion to school kids.


YES

Absolutely. Trans rights are human rights.


Strongly Oppose

STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS BILL. STOP PLAYING GOD AND LET OUR CHILDREN BE CHILDREN.


Strongly Agree

Well written document


Cannot support

I would ask all these legislators how they would feel about their daughters privacy while in a rest room a female locker room when a Male dressed in woman's clothes enters. There will be imposters who would abuse this and possibly cause harm to your daughter.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!!!!!

This proposal is entirely immoral.  I can't wait to vote you people out of office.


Trans and non binary students

Transgender and non-binary students need our support!  Virginia must be a place for all youth to thrive in our schools!  I fully support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth.


Do not support

Please, please don't put this through. I do not agree with any of these especially this one Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! Nothing should be done without the parent knowing, children do not belong to the schools or government they belong to their parents. It is the parent responsible to raise, guide, love and nurture their child however they see fit. Please stop stepping over boundaries that belong to the parents!


In support

Children deserve protection


Fully support


In Support of the Model Policies

I am a parent of a preschool-age daughter, and expect to continue raising her in Virginia and having her attend Virginia public schools. I support the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I want my daughter to attend schools where all students are afforded safety, equality, and respect. Whatever my child's orientation and gender identity turn out to be, she will be enriched by attending schools where all genders and orientations are welcome. Study after study (and the lived experience of the trans and nonbinary people in my own life) confirm that schools are vital. When they provide a safe and supportive environment, students who are trans/NB are able to thrive and help elevate everyone around them as well. But when schools are a site of bullying and discrimination, especially under official sanction, it is not just the education of those students that is harmed, but their long-term mental health. Schools where discrimination is sanctioned and bullying tolerated breed harm not just the victims themselves but to society at large when those attitudes inevitably spill out of the school itself. I am proud that Virginia is taking steps to protect trans and nonbinary students, and strongly support these policies being enacted. The beneficiaries will not just be trans and nonbinary students themselves, but all of us.


In support


Sewing confusion, pushing agendas on our children

This is abusive; taking advantage of children, alienating from parents and pressing an agenda on innocent children. It's a man-made, dreamed up concept and I for one am tired of having it shoved down my throat. I am sympathetic to those who struggle with gender dysmorphia but it does NOT necessitate instituting policies on 99.9% of the population who believe in biological males and females.


In support

Transgender and non-binary students need our support!  Virginia must be a place for all youth to thrive in our schools!  I fully support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth. School is hard enough.  Help these kids!


I support

Discrimination is against tge law.  Help these children.  Transgender and non-binary students need our support!  Virginia must be a place for all youth to thrive in our schools!  I fully support the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth.


Oppose

Thank you for attempting to address the needs of the transgender community. I am opposed to this proposition because of the broad wording that makes no allowance for those who are NOT transgender and who would be losing their rights to privacy for example in the bathroom etc.  I am opposing this because of the broad wording that makes no allowance for the rights of parents to be made aware of what's going on with children under the age of 16. Let's support love and compassion but protect the rights of ALL children not just the minority. I feel like in an effort to protect them minority you've gone way overboard and stripped the majority of their rights. IT IS ALSO PERVERSE FOR GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SCHOOL OFFICIALS TO COUNCIL CHILDREN TO QUESTION THE WAY THEY WERE BORN. SOME WILL GO DOWN THAT ROAD NO MATTER WHAT WE DO. GOOD COUNSEL GIVEN AT A YOUNG AGE CAN SAVE MANY PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE. YOUNG CHILDREN WHO ARE GENDER CONFUSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY TRANSGENDER : THEY ARE simply CONFUSED. THEY MAY NEED COUNSELING.  LET'S ENCOURAGE COUNSELING BUT NOT PRESUME TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO SEEK A TRANSGENDER AGENDA. Again let's think about the rights of ALL children: the majority of which are not gender confused.


In support

Just let them live their lives comfortably and without fear.


Opposed

We need to respect parents' right to help their children understand who they are. Please don't confuse children by encouraging them to define their own sexuality. The proposed transgender policies are way over the top.


I am strongly in favor

I support people's right to be their true self. The trans people in our community deserve the respect and personal freedoms guaranteed by all people in this country, and our children especially are entitled to exist and grow in an environment that is not hostile or violent towards them. The misinformed cruelty shown towards our trans brothers and sisters in this world is not only pathetic but dangerous. We need to accept and protect the people, and even more so the children, of our marginalized communities. I know trans people, I work beside them everyday. They are normal people with the same wants and needs as every other person. They have families and children and friends and the unwillingness to allow them to live normally is absolutely pathetic.


With true love and respect for ALL of our children I am opposed to this policy

This policy is erroneous and misleading starting by the incorrect definition of gender. Children who do have confusion about their gender need all of our emotional, psychological and spiritual support but such policy will only be furthering the confusion in those children and not help them. No child should face bullying or harassment, but at the same time intending to blanket the school system which such policy is wrong. LCPS should seek credible input from all parents and educators with opposing views to draft a policy which takes their views into account as well while of course keeping in mind that ALL children deserve respect, love and support.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I am aghast at the blatant disrespect for parents and their involvement with their children. I cannot trust an organization, policy, or administration that shows such little regard for the actual well-being of all of our families and children. I am interested in all children feeling safe and protected, but I cannot advocate this.


Stop Usurping Parental Authority

I am against transgender curriculum and support of first amendment rights for LGBTQ individuals only. These matters are for families first and schools/governments second - stop usurping parental roles!


transgender policy for VA k-12 schools

I strongly oppose the proposed policy.  It limits religious freedom, curtails students' privacy in rest rooms and locker rooms, and deceives parents.


strongly opposed

strongly opposed!!


Strongly oppose transgender school policies

I strongly oppose the transgender guidelines for public schools. As a mother of 4 children ranging from 4-12, and as an LPC therapist, who practiced in VA for 10 years working with teens, I feel these transgender guidelines take it too far. While bullying is never acceptable, neither is alienating a parent from their child nor infringing on ones constitutional right of freedom of religion. It is wrong to take away a parents rights and responsibility to raise their own children until they are 18, as they see best fit. Based on science, children and teenagers brains are not fully developed, their reasoning skills and ability to be able to view decisions from various perspectives are still being developed and honed. It is both wrong and abusive to remove a parents God given authority in their own child’s life by implementing guidelines that would encourage secrets about gender identity kept from parents. Those secrets would potentially destroy a family for generations. Not to mention, a parents job is to guide their child. If their parents are kept in the dark, who is guiding these children/teens? Who? It is also unconstitutional to require students and/or teachers/staff/volunteers whose religion prohibits them from seeing transgender as biblical to denounce their own faith. We have the freedom to worship and requiring a student to go against their value system is a form of oppression so severe that it will create lasting consequences that we haven’t fully studied. What you are proposing is a slippery slope. Essentially, you are saying whatever a child wants to do with their body they should be allowed to do, in secret. And that their parents could be reported to CPS if they try to intervene. I guess that logic would apply to a severely depressed suicidal student? Or an anorexic or a bulimic student that wants to vomit up their school lunch every day, or a drug addicted student who wants to ingest any and every mood altering substance they can get their hands on, or a student who wants to cut themselves to relieve pain?? I understand that it is a helpless feeling to watch a child struggle to figure out who they are and to watch their parents make decisions that we disagree with, but your guidelines would be irresponsible and detrimental to a family and to a students long term health as well as open up the door to future alienation for parents in other circumstances. We do not have all the control nor are we meant to have all the control.  Students come from families and until they are adults, the parents have every right to know what is going on with their child. No secrets. As a therapist, I understand firsthand what it is like to witness a parent make bad decisions that poorly affect their child(ren). However, it is not my job or my responsibility to raise their child; my job is to listen, and walk alongside them. In conclusion, I strongly oppose these transgender guidelines. Students are not adults, yet, and should not be treated as such when making a gender decision.  Also, Students, teachers, staff and volunteers should have the freedom to not have their values or religion infringed upon. These are constitutional rights and the guidelines you are proposing violate them. Thank you for your time and consideration.


Strongly approve

Children who are exploring their sexuality have a higher percentage of suicide and attempted suicide. Making it easier for them to figure out who they want to be and providing them with safe spaces is critical in a very hard and uncertain time of their lives. I approve of keeping families from devastating loss, and I approve of this.


I strongly oppose!

This can’t be real. Regardless of how anyone tries to identify, you can’t deny that there are only two sexes. Allowing people to imagine themself as different in my opinion is supporting self-hatred. Embracing this mentality is actually denying them the help that they need. Furthermore children cannot possibly be subjected to this at such an early age. All it will do is create confusion. I have no problem with females playing male sports, but allowing them to take their shirts off is ridiculous! You are inviting perversion to wreak havoc! Our job as adults is to protect our children, help them. With these policies we are only subjecting them to more confusion, to perversion, and forcing an ideal on them that isn’t truth.


Strongly oppose Bill 145 and 161

Strongly oppose bill 145 and 161.


This law is vital

I am commenting to express my emphatic support for this new law. The including and support of transgender children is vital to their mental health and a school showing respect to trans kids sets and example for cis and trans kids as they grow into young adults. This legislation would substantially improve the lives of trans young people (and, as they grow up in more inclusive environments, all trans people). I strongly support its enaction.


100% SUPPORT for the Model Policies

Asking you to support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students. A supportive environment that treats them with respect will help students with learning and emotional health.


Strongly oppose

Not good for the future of our families.


No To "Gender Identity"... Stick with the Biological facts. Do not let boys in girls private spaces! Do not indocterinate my child with the LGBT agenda... that is not the schools job. Protect my child!


Strongly Support

These policies will have such a positive impact on students. I like that they're based on facts rather than preconceptions, and that they address the root issues rather than trying to bandaid things: by working to eliminate gendered constrictions on things like dress code and restrooms, they allow everyone, not only transgender students, more freedom to be themselves and take actions that will make them feel the most comfortable.


STRONGLY OPPOSED!!!!!

So wrong for you to think you are now the parents of my kids!!


Absolutely oppose this Bill. If passed, this will exploit and endanger innocent children.

I absolutely oppose this Bill. If passed it will endanger and exploit innocent young children.  We have sunken to an all time low level as human beings when we dare harm out children.  So we change bathroom and dressing room rules for the few gender confused, and involve children that have no idea what is going on. Haven’t we already taken society down the road to absolute destruction by disobeying the laws of God and nature. This is all to please a few. We remove the rights of the majority in order to please a minority. This is against our Constitution and the laws of the Creator. I implore you to vote against it. Then you will require teachers to keep secrets of their minor students from their parents. Did the United States just get renamed Germany of WWII era?  Please think long and hard about this. You might want to check a few history books of that timeframe and reconsider your actions. You are representing Virginians. You do NOT rule over us.


Strongly support

The proposed rules are basic protections to keep trans youth safe in our school systems. Many kids who identify as LGBTQ are subject to bullying, don't have a support network at home, and are statistically much more likely to attempt suicide or have suicidal ideations than their non-LGBTQ peers. Ensuring all children are treated equitably should be a basic tenet for our schools.


DO NOT support this bill please!

Do not support this bill please! There are sufficient anti-bully laws in place within Virginia. This bill would allow school personnel to deceive parents!? It would be used to advocate cross gender locker rooms, cross gender sports participation, unfair policies that will hurt and weaken our students and their families. This is an over-reach of government into a families right to privacy.


Strongly in support.

It’s time that we protect transgender students that are in school. It’s unfair to treat these students like their rights do not matter.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

I strongly oppose. How can you say that you are for equality, when clearly you are discriminating against biological females RIGHT IN THEIR FACES??? SHAME ON YOU!!! Girls have had a hard enough time to be able to be recognized and able to have their own teams, but now you want to stack the odds against them by letting biological males (who identify as females, but still have their male parts, which gives them the leading performance edge of testosterone) infiltrate to compete and possibly take the female's spot on the team. Feminists should be outraged and note that when you are up for election- you should be voted out. I am disgusted.


Unacceptable

this is absolutely in acceptable, I will not tolerate it it!!


TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

As stated in the title, trans rights are human rights. Virginia laws should not be limiting the rights of its marginalized people.


Support

As a former public school teacher and the aunt of a child who suffered greatly throughout his life at the hands of teachers and peers who did not understand him or refused to accept him for who he was, I believe schools must work tirelessly to create safe and inclusive environments for all youth as well as education for their parents on the effects of implicit bias.


Look at the Facts

I believe it to be imperative that we begin looking at the overwhelming amount of statistical data that backs this proposition. All too often, unfortunately, people tend to disregard anything that they are less than informed on. To make a decision that is best for every child is to first make a decision that gives every child a fair shot. In looking at the suicide rates among students most effected by this proposal, you will see that there are a staggering amount of cases. In comparing this to the statistical likelihood of the opinions that serve as fear tactics, you will see the actual truth. One is more likely to take their own life than to pose a threat to another student. I can't say for a fact that this has never happened. I can say for certain that excluding this group of individuals is much more detrimental than the "What-if" scenarios that I have seen. To continue to allow trans youth to fall to the wayside is no longer an option. Just because people don't agree with them doesn't make them disposable. It would be an absolute disservice to any student seeking support for these matters to allow school sanctioned bullying from children and parents alike to go any farther. These children may come to school everyday scared and hopeless, you have the power to change this. If we as a community continue to push for these students to be demonized then we will raise yet another generation that will continue this hate filled rhetoric. It is important to me that you read the comments from people in the psychiatric feild. Read the comments from scholars who know undoubtedly the damage that can be caused by allowing someone's opinion of things such as gender identity to become normal practice. This isn't a difference of opinion, this is right and wrong. This isn't endangering students, this is helping students long forgotten to flourish without becoming a statistic.


Oppose gender confusion in educating our children & everywhere

1. Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. 2. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! 3. 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. 4. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. 5. 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. 6. Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. 7. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. 8. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. 9. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” 10. The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies.


I strongly opposed to this policy

I strongly opposed to this policy


Strongly oppose to transgender changes

I am a nurse and have worked with students im high schools for over 20 yrs this change would be wrong and disturbing to the young and would take away control to Parents we need more acceptance and education about the problem.  The negatives certainly out-way the positives!


I strongly oppose this policy.

As a parent of children in Prince William County, Virginia, I strongly oppose the proposed transgender agenda. It is not the school system's job to enforce this radical agenda on families, and especially not on people's children, especially without their consent. To call yourselves educators and then to teach concepts that are contrary to science makes me to call unto question what exactly you consider your role to be in the formation of young minds. I am against my children being forced to share a bathroom with those who are of the opposite sex biologically and to have to potentially observe the body parts of the opposite sex. This goes against what we believe religiously about modesty and is a violation of our freedom to exercise out faith as protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.  The bathroom policy, the ability for biologically female individuals to go topless, etc, also puts children at greater risk for sexual assaults. To promote the denial of biological science in the name of tolerance shows that you are greatly breaking the boundaries as educators, and the idea that parents will not be informed or consulted also shows that you reject that they are the primary educators of their children. The school system needs to stick to teaching fact and not to teaching what is en vogue today.


Proposed Bill is a Pandora's Box Fraught With Negative Consequences

Fair treatment is one thing, but not at the indoctrination of everyone else. I am appalled that parent rights are being superceded by the forced agenda of the LGBTQ community. I am angry that I or others are forced to use a variety of pronouns and titles or risk being taken to court. I am dismayed that children are going to be confused by what is being proposed and "gently" urged to reconsider their own identity. I am concerned that only the like-minded were part of this "group think." I am certain that any one of us disagreeing with this proposal will be labeled bigoted  or small-minded or cruel. In special education placement deliberations, parents, teachers and others are required to look to the least restrictive environment. I believe a similar approach needs to be used to allow those not in the mainstream to have accommodations made that address their needs while not negatively impactng the education or values of the others. Schools should be welcoming to ALL students. I urge both sides of the aisle and this issue to consider this proposal as an over-reaching draconian response to the needs of a few.


New Guidance Policy

Strongly opposed to this policy change. Children are too young to be exposed to this type of behavior and action from adults who are supposed to be guiding and protecting them.


SUPPORT OUR TRANS YOUTH

Love wins, support people's autonomy and identity.


I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE

I support the draft guidance provided by the VOE.  This is long overdue.


I STRONGLY SUPPORT our Transgender Youth

As a school counselor, I affirm and support all our youth regardless of gender identity or gender expression. I urge you to support the guidance in this document in support of our transgender youth. They deserve no less than this. We can see in the actions of this past year and the past weeks where the dark road of intolerance leads us. This is not who we are as Virginians. This is not who we are as Americans. Respectfully, Ann Reavey


Support for VDOE's Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE in regards to providing support and protect the human rights of our transgender students. All students have the right to a safe and supportive learning environment that is free of harassment and discrimination. As a school psychologist living and working in Virginia, I stand by the National Association of School Psychologists statement that, “all persons, including children and adolescents who are diverse in their sexuality and gender identities, expression, and/or presentation, have the inherent human right to equal opportunity and a physically and psychologically safe environment within all institutions.” According to the CDC, although transgender students make up less than 2% of the student population across the nation, these students are at a significantly increased risk for being victims of bullying, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, self harm, and suicide. With approximately 56 million students in K-12 schools across the US that means that  approximately 1,120,000 students are being placed in a significant health risk without the protections and support provided by these policies. The CDC reports "Given that violence victimization is a documented risk factor for substance use and suicide risk, implementation of interventions focused on reducing the victimization of transgender adolescents might be a key strategy for improving overall health." Even if you do not understand transgender students and families, please understand that by voting against protecting their rights as students and citizens that you are placing them at an increased risk of health and safety.


I support these students.

This is something that students have been working to support for years.  I want all students to feel safe in schools.  Thank you for moving forward with this plan.


OPPOSE this psychosis!  Only 2 genders

Why do we enable this psychosis?  Instead of giving children truth, we feed then toxic poison.  Its child abuse!  There are only 2 biologic genders.  This is indisputable.  Believing there are more is delusional and perverted.  Its amoral and sadistic to tell children it is natural to believe something that is a lie.  You are ruining their lives!! (Psychosis is an abnormal condition of the mind that results in difficulties determining what is real and what is not real; symptoms may include delusions and hallucinations.) Anyone who pushes this child abuse must be cast out of society with gusto and prejudice.  We are coming for you just like you have continuously come for us.  You will be held accountable.


I STRONGLY support this policy for all my students

Our children and students are the next generation of leaders. They are brilliant and capable of learning about the realities of discrimination against transgender people. Their peers deserve to be supported and protected, no matter what. The most damaging psychological and physical effects are the ostracization and othering that continue to be applied to our most vulnerable students. We need to be strong and caring in the face of so much anger and hatred in our society.


I do not support this

Please do not make these changes, this is against the Bible.  God created male and female in his image. We are fearfully and wonderfully made as the Bible says.


VERY Strongly Support

I am an elementary school and middle school educator. I am also young and remember how the idea, that these types of issues can be ignored and resolve themselves, actually isolated friends of mine and made them feel like not a part of the community. My hope as a person and a teacher is that this lack of support comes to an end with this generation currently in our school systems. It is our responsibility as adults to protect the youth, even if some of us don't understand them.


Strongly support these students' right to be treated with dignity!

Transgender students are at an alarmingly high risk of attempting suicide and being harassed or assaulted. I strongly encourage Virginia schools in being proactive to protect these children.


I do NOT support this.

I strongly oppose schools having authority over children and usurping parental rights and authority. These rules and regulations are also so complicated and impossible to uphold and enforce.


I SUPPORT our transgender youth!

I believe that transgender youth deserve all of the support and protections available. They already have a difficult time and schools should be a place where they feel safe, secure, welcome, and protected. As a teacher, I feel not doing anything to help and support transgender youth goes against everything a school should stand for!


I STRONGLY SUPPORT OUR TRANSGENDER YOUTH!!

As a teacher and a parent I believe schools should be a place where ALL children feel safe, always. As human beings we need to be supportive to all children. They are the present and the future of our society. Feeling safe and loved should not be a privilege. We need to do better for our transgender youth. We must do better for our transgender youth.


No. Strongly oppose. This will cause so many issues and tragedies

this is not fair to the ones who do not feel comfortable with the opposite sex in their restroom. This is an open door for rape, teen sex, and other foul play. Please do not allow this to happen.


I STRONGLY support our transgender youth

Thank you for this very thoughtful policy. I have two children, 15 and 13, and they/we know a number of transyouth. Allowing people to outwardly live as the people they inwardly know themselves to be is a policy that helps many and only hurts those who are too scared to accept differences. I give my full support to your policy.


Jewish, Muslim, and Christian families oppose this.


OPPOSE

Your suggested policies lead to confusion, bullying and abuse to children and families.  You leave girls unprotected from predators and you vilify boys for being active or masculine.  AND you prevent parents from being able to parent.  This is ugly state control.


Defund Public Education

This is being pushed in elementary schools as well. They openly state they will not involve the parents should said child be coerced by them into thinking they are transgender. They teach a child that transgenderism is normal and good. It is definitively abnormal(to deviate from what is normal or usual). A six year old child being encouraged to think they are the opposite gender is not normal or usual. Their eventual goal is to create a new generation devoted solely to the government that will inform on their parents/guardians.  Parents can homeschool their children if possible, but they'll eventually take that too.


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

This is opposed by voters from all faiths, all Parents, and those that care about children.  Please do not pit parents and teachers against each other especially for the well being of children.  This is an evil idea.


“Transgender” children

I STRONGLY oppose this


NO. This is opposed by voters from all faiths, caring parents, and responsible adults.


Strongly opposed.

We are strongly opposed to the new model guidelines regarding transgender students. The proposed guidelines and recent legislative changes claim support from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as reason to adopt these changes. However the APA has historically, accurately, referred to transgender topics and gender confusion. They have only changed their definition to support how someone feels. Rather, they should have remained objective to mental illness and confusion rather than subjective feels, which are even more confusing during the adolescent ages. Requiring staff to allow bathroom and locker access based on subjective identity endangers the well-being of students. Further, these guidelines prevent staff from even inquiring about entering private facilities. This further is dangerous particularly for female students who will have their privacy violated. Please stop this process and readdress.


Strongly Opposed

We should not be pretending that the English language and the natural plumbing of a human being do not exist and are wrong. This is harmful for society, the intellect and psychology of students and parents and teachers and all facets of the culture.


Strongly Support and Applaud these efforts

Not only do I support and applaud the efforts of this committee, I also support and applaud the efforts of school divisions who have already implemented protections for our trans (and LGBTQ+) students. With the alarming suicide and bullying rate surrounding our trans-students, we should be coming together to find common ground in supporting these children and not increasing the harmfully bigoted rhetoric that further divides our students. We should be seeking knowledge to increase our humanity, not falling back on fears of the unknown or misunderstood. Our schools, public and private, are supposed to be safe spaces for all students, not just those who fit an idealized and blatantly fictionalized set of guidelines for how to be a man/woman in America.


Support

I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. As an educator & an ally, I have seen first hand how important it is for ALL students to feel safe in their learning environment. Students who identify as nonbinary or who are transgender are just as worthy of an education as any other student. I have both friends & students who identify in these ways & I have heard their stories. Many of transgender & nonbinary friends recount terrible stories of harassment & bullying they experienced in school. I've had students who I've seen being mistreated, made fun of, etc. & it is truly heartbreaking. It is critical that school systems step in to ensure protections are in place for these individuals. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Emi Scott


Strongly Oppose

have recently read that biological men (transgender women) will have full access to all restrooms in public schools and teachers will not be allowed to question their intent (even if they do not appear to be, nor have they ever disclosed being transgender). This means that your policy is endangering my two girls who attend Virginia public schools and they could be sexually molested or assaulted easily by an male (biological or otherwise) in what should be a safe space for them (restroom or locker room). While my hope is that this does not happen to any child, it seems inevitable that it will happen. Although. not to my children as we are dedicated (along with about 100 other families in my area) to remove our children from the Virginia public school system due to what we see as an immediate threat to their safety and well being. In addition your policies are putting parents and teachers at odds with each other and with their children. Your vision to empower and influence children to choose a transgender lifestyle is disturbing. While also endangering all children in the schools restrooms and locker rooms. While I am supportive of transgender and the entire LGTBQ community, I do not understand why  or how these policies protect them or help them, more likely expose them to more discordance with their families. You are likely to find yourselves embattled and sued over crimes that about to be committed on school property. We will no longer be part of the public school community due to safety risks you are imposing on our children. As far as school sports: You are putting the physical safety of our girls at risk. There is a biological difference in boys strength and power due to biological hormones that cannot be denied.  You cannot erase those differences no matter how you might want to do so.  You are trampling on my girl children's rights to have sports that are safe and fair (in a competitive sense) by allowing biological boys to play in women's sports.  Girl athletes work very hard at their sports and their efforts should not be erased due to the states desire to play gender identity politics.  Biological girls also have rights and should have protections afforded to them.


Oppose

Oppose


STRONGLY oppose

This is child abuse. Do you realize the amount of sexual assault and harassment that will occur due to these new policies? If you allow boys to go into girls restrooms/locker rooms (and vice versa) with no questions asked, you better be prepared for the fall out. Where is the MeToo movement in all of this? Also, if parents aren't on board, you're going to call CPS? Do parents realize that you are going to be targeting and attacking families that aren't puppets in all of this? This is entirely unacceptable.


strongly oppose

Please let humans be the gender of their birth.  Don't attempt to change nature.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Policy is long overdue.


Concerned citizen for all youth and family units

STRONGLY OPPOSE

These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, families, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. “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) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing. This is unacceptable and is a private family issue, not a public education decision. “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. Abuse at home is unacceptable for all children but the education system should not determine abuse/neglect on student “gender identity” alone. VDOE’s proposed definition of gender identity maintains that it is fluid, as would be an educator’s view of an unsupportive versus abusive home situation.


Strongly opposed.

School Children need to be nurtured and taught right from wrong.  This bill is against all that is right and holy.


Trans students: This is necessary

As an educator, I have taught children who have transitioned during the school year. It is evident to me that it is necessary to offer support for our students and training for teachers. We cannot afford to lose another adolescent or adult to depression or worse yet suicide because we did not recognize or SEE them as they truly are... a human worthy of respect and love.


I strongly support protections for transgender students. Trans students are at risk of facing mental health issues and bullying due in part to the lack of protections and the discrimination they face in our schools on a daily basis. Virginia schools should be inclusive and safe for ALL students, regardless of gender identity. We must support the rights of our students.


Vehemently oppose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't females have a right to decency ? Don't males have a right to decency? Great that you want to expand rights and privileges but it should not be at the expense of others loosing their rights to being treated decent. You guys have lost your minds.


Support transgender students

I support the rights and equality of transgender students in and out of school.


Transgender use of bathrooms and requirements of non gender pronouns

I oppose opening all bathrooms up to all genders. All children need privacy. Make separate bathrooms for transgender kids to use. I also oppose requiring students and faculty to use non gender pronouns under the threat of penalties. If Ben asks to be called Betty fine, but to be punished if you use the pronoun him instead of them, they, those, it, etc is too much.


Strongly oppose!  Christian School looking better every day!

The job of public school is to teach FACTS!  Not the opinion or opinions of teachers or officials.  Especially when it comes to my child.  If a teacher has concerns it is their job to relay that concern to the parent or legal guardian and let them decide how to handle it.  They should in no way try to influence a childs gender.  This is absolutely disgusting.


Strongly SUPPORT! This is a fantastic step for Virginia

This Model Policy is an incredible and important step for Virginia. It's providing much needed regulation and support for Transgender students. I wish this Policy had been in place back when I was in school, but I'm so excited to see that future students will be granted the respect they deserve


Support

Former VA resident. I emphatically support the guidance.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

As a teacher for 13 years, I feel this guidance will help provide an inclusive and safe environment for all students, especially LGBT youth. As a parent, I support it because  I want my son and all of his friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone.


I fully support an inclusive non-discrimination policy for transgender students

I am in full support of an inclusive non-discrimination policy. Why should only some people be free from discrimination? Children have the right to be educated in a safe environment - physically safe and emotionally safe. They should be able to show up in their schools and be fully who they are. The world is not black and white. Humans are complex and multi-dimensional.


Educating people as a whole human being

As an educator, I believe that our behaviour is the best example we can give our students. If they see we respect them, as they are, in turn, we can guide them to respect each other. They are also entitled to grow and figure out who they are and who they want to be in a hospitable atmosphere, within a tolerant spirit in their community. They shouldn't fear mockery or isolation for being honest about themselves, so working together, as a community, to provide everybody with the necessary tools for understanting and inclusion is a goal to achieve. I cellebrate that the government takes a step forward in such matters by passing a law. It's the first step towards equality in society, that takes time, but hopefully, we can walk together to it.


Support

I support any policy aimed at improving the integration of LGBT + people or people with disabilities and which encourages freedom and diversity. Congratulations to you! Love from France.


Strongly oppose

Parents are the primary educator of children, n not the state. I strongly oppose any legislation that permits children to do anything without parental consent. I strongly oppose any legislation that allows the state to teach anything to children that the parents can not opt out of. Perhaps your time would better served pouring your resources into getting children back into school and teaching them in the middle of an ongoing pandemic. Focusing on this instead when children are struggling to learn basic academics is negligent and shows a lack of interest for children in Fairfax County. Perhaps time would be better served focusing on what is ailing more Fairfax County children currently and not a small number - poverty due to a struggling economy, lack of a learning environment, mental health issues due to lack of peer interactions, etc.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Our kids are going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. For a transgender person this is magnified immensely. They need to feel supported and safe in the place that they spend the majority of their school week. People's biases and fears must not stop the county from doing the right thing for our children.


Strongly Oppose

I would like to voice my opposition to the proposed guidelines on several grounds. First, public schools are encroaching on the role of the parent. As parents, it is our responsibility to expose (or not expose) our children to social and cultural topics. Public schools have already over stepped their role in other areas such as the FLE program. Any attempt of the public schools to introduce topics not directly related to education of FACTS should be considered social engineering and immediately stopped. Parents are the ONLY acceptable source of information regarding social and cultural topics. Second, the policy assumes that the student questioning their gender is the ONLY individual affected by the school environment. What about students that are NOT questioning their gender identity? Does their view not matter? Are their religious beliefs and those of their family not also factors that should be considered? The policy proposal is extremely one sided. Perhaps we also need a document entitled "Model Policies for the Treatment of Conservative and Traditional Students in Virginia’s Public Schools." In that document, we should explore the psychological damage caused by children when they see someone in the bathroom that doesn't have the same body parts they do. I strongly oppose this policy and ask that the policy NOT be adopted in whole or in part.


Because God Strongly Opposes

Since Genesis 5:2, Matt. 19:4, and Mark 10:6 state that "God made them Male and Female," no truly God-fearing person could ever violate God's design for mankind and support transgenderism.  It is so sad to hear a girl say that she wants to be treated as a boy or vice versa no matter what the mirror on the wall and science says.  It is even sadder to hear others say that these same girls and boys should be encouraged to retain their disillusionment.  It is almost inconceivable that a school would require everyone else to be complicit in this "lie of the ages" and accept the proposed transgender mandates. Most school officials are doing this simply to be politically correct which is not a good reason if they were to be honest with themselves.  However there are some that are really wanting to show love to these unfortunate students.  My answer to them is "love is not love if it sacrifices the truth" and don't let the devil deceive you into thinking otherwise.


Why does my daughter have to feel uncomfortable for someone’s son to feel comfortable

I could care less if you want to be a girl or boy. I do not judge what someone wants to do with their life. But to force kids to use the same bathroom at the same time is the dumbest thing I have ever heard of.   Be who you want to be but don’t infringe on my daughter’s rights to change laws that will cause more issues for a confused kid.


I OBJECT TO THIS INFRINGEMENT OF PARENTAL RIGHTS & WITH NO ACCOUNTING - LONG TERM BENEFITS TO CHILDR

THIS SPEAKS ABOUT CONTROL OF SPEECH BY A SMALL GROUP WHO LACK A THOUGH BACKGROUD OF REAL AMERICAN HISTORY.  TO PROPOSE SUCH AN ABHORRENT  POLICY CHANGE SPEAKS TO THE LACK OF CONCERN FOR PARENTAL RIGHTS WITHOUT PROVIDING ANY COMPELLING SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE OF LONG-TERM BENEFITS TO CHILDREN OR SOCIEITY. IT ALSO MAKES A MOCKERY OF FIRST ADMEMDANT RIGHTS. THE AUTHORS OF THIS DRAFT APPEAR TO THINK THAT THE GOVERNMENT KNOWS WHAT IS BETTER FOR THEIR CHILDREN THAN THE PARENTS. THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF GOVERNMENT-OVER-REACH.


Love the Child, Oppose coddling gender dysphoria

This is not about supporting or not supporting kids. This is not about whether you're religious or not. This is about taking a minute part of the population, struggling with gender dysphoria, and upending the entire way we do school to appease them. We know that trans people have higher rates of suicide and many of them want to revert back to their born gender when they are of age. Schools have no business taking a side or participating in this. People often say "my trans kid isn't trying to look at your daughter in the locker room".. Well the soccer coach may not be trying to look either, but it would also be inappropriate for him to be there. Young girls and boys have a right NOT to be subjected to this in public school. Please reject this measure.


Please support transgender youth!

Love is love. People are people. Please protect our youth.


Strongly Oppose

I vehemently oppose this with the below as only SOME of my reasons. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity.


Oppose.

I oppose this, especially where it talks about eliminating or reducing gender related sporting events as much as possible.


Fully support

I have seen first hand how the lack of a transgender student policy leaves not just children at a loss for belonging, but it also leaves supportive school teachers and administrators at a loss for how to proceed. This needed VA law will help school officials know what best practice IS as they attempt to support every student. Kudos to Virginia for assuring that every trans child throughout the state has the chance to attend a public school that understands they are there and should be included. This is how to work toward ensuring that VA's P-12 graduates are as academic successful as they can be.


Strongly oppose - gender differences matter in sports!

I strongly oppose these proposed policies, which ignore the scientific realities of the physical differences between biological males and females. They would threaten my daughter's all-girls' school and would disadvantage biological female athletes to the point where many might find it hopeless to compete for titles and scholarships.  The idea of allowing biological males who still possess male genitals into locker rooms and bathrooms with girls is frightening to me and to many others. The fact that parents may not be aware of their children's gender dysphoria while the schools are affirming it for children of any age is an affront to parental rights.  In addition, there are so many Pandora's boxes being opened by the wide-reaching new definitions of harassment and hate speech. It is completely absurd to ignore science and real biological differences in the name of equality, and it makes no sense to say on one hand that those who are gay are born that way and cannot change, and on the other that a person born male can be a female or one born female can be a male if they so declare, and that their gender identity can change from day to day or week to week.


Strongly Oppose

Please focus on education and not the irreversible damage from this new clinical phenomenon largely affecting our adolescent females. This is a reckless social experiment that targets the most vulnerable among us.


Please Support This Vital Policy.

I fully support this essential policy. It is vital that we support ALL students.


All children should have the same rights.

No child, for any reason, should face discrimination.  School systems have the responsibility to ensure this.


I strongly support this vital policy.

I fully support this policy, we have a duty to ALL students.


Strongly Oppose

I am against discrimination of students in any way, but I do not feel that this situation is an either/or. My daughters and nieces should not feel scared or intimidated in any way when they use the restroom. A family or unisex bathroom to be made available as an option, why is that not still available? All children need to feel safe, and this provides the best opportunity for that.


Support!

Students need to be able to dress according to their identity or expression thereof, and they need to be able to safely access building facilities to suit their needs.


Support

I am in full support of policies that will provide education, support, and protection for all students!


I am against any changes to the voter regulations. Election day is just that!!

I strongly oppose this action. Let the teachers teach their classes I strongly oppose this overreach of the educational department. Let the teachers teach their classroom materials nad the parents Strongly oppose.


Please support this guidance

This Guidance Document has my full support. Please take this important step to protect all students. Opposers who fear teachers will be reprimanded for misusing pronouns or that their children will learn a different morality than their family's misunderstand. The guidelines set forth are mainly that schools should prevent discrimination and harassment/bullying. Parents can still teach their children a binary understanding of gender if that is their prerogative, but don't let that stop the schools from protecting the most vulnerable of our youth.


I am strongly oppose this in our educational system. Teachers teach and let parents support their ch

I strongly oppose this action. Let the teachers teach their classes and the parents raise their own children and offer guidance. I strongly oppose this overreach of the educational department. Let the teachers teach their classroom materials nad the parents Strongly oppose.


Strongly Support/ School Administrator, Science Teacher

Schools have two jobs, to protect the health and safety of students (first and foremost) and to educate. Any new policy needs to be in support of these priorities. As someone who has worked with youth and children for the past 15 years in the classroom, and as a school administrator, it is readily apparent that supporting a person's identity/expression/sense of self is central to safety (mental and physical health) and education (school attendance, performance, and learning). It's also apparent that restricting identity is harmful to youth development and counter to basic human rights. Anecdotally, I have had many, many experiences with children and families where confirming and reaffirming gender identity and expression is the difference between life and great harm or even death. In one case a teacher reported to a family that their student was changing clothes and dressing M-F when they arrived at school. The family was not supportive to the point of physically assaulting the child when they learned about the clothing switch. Cases like this are not few and far between. Schools are safe spaces and need to remain so in order to protect the lives of children-where else do children go when their family and, often, spiritual lives reject who they are-sometimes to the point of physical harm? It is vital that we create a school culture that supports diversity and inclusion instead of teaching children to reject each other based on their inherent identities. Lastly, the positive impact of diverse gender-affirming practices in schools is statistically significant. Higher matriculation rates, test scores, attrition, and attendance correlate with inclusive practices. Higher attrition and matriculation directly correlates with better mental and physical health throughout life. Currently, LGBTQ youth account for 40% of the youth homeless population and only 10% of the total population. Everything in our power as citizens and educators needs to be done to fix this. We are responsible for the safety, well being, and education above anything else


Proposed Misguided School Transgender Indoctrination Policies

Strongly oppose the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.


We love transgender children but they are suffering from gender dysphoria, focus on helping them.

Instead of entertaining their mental illness, please focus and getting them help. as it stands I oppose this current proposal


Strongly Oppose!

Based on the tenets that are put forth in the Bible, we are strongly opposed to this initiative.  God's Holy Word clearly states that people are made male and female. This is an unchangeable truth.


VDOE marriage to LBGTQ agenda in the schools

I oppose this move to undermine the rights of parents to promote a sexualized agenda in our schools.  Not only does this further confuse children who are emotionally, physically and spiritually developing, but it is a clear attempt to further break down families; and brainwash/mislead children.  How about the VDOE focus on improving the metrics of core subjects first?  These proposed implementations pit school officials against parents by allowing children to reassign their developing personas in school.  It also tears down any safety and security among children by further isolating individuals due to either an entitlement mentality to walk into any bathroom/locker room they want OR by forcing students to fear in communal sacred spaces.  Schools would no longer be institutions of academia. Where would these changes end?...I guess sports would be affected too.  These policies are just bomb drops on vulnerable populations and do nothing to protect or improve students.  Tax payer dollars should not be used to roll out LBGTQs warped and harmful policies.


Strongly Support

The guidelines in this document support the safety, emotional health, and autonomy of all students. I strongly support this policy guidance and hope that it will be adopted by the state. My children are cisgender and they are not harmed in any way by nondiscrimination policies that make school a better place for their transgender peers.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose!   Please consider how much stress educators already have and now having to constantly deal with the extra things this law will create will be even more of a distraction in the classroom and take away from what students are really there to learn about. Besides, this should not even be a consideration.  If the Good Lord wanted us to all be the same sex or choose our sex he would have not made us all differently. Please oppose!


In Favor

All students deserve safety and protection, and transgender students specifically (and unfortunately) need these sorts of stated guidelines because they are much more likely to be bullied, harassed, and harmed than their peers. I strongly support this set of guidelines both as a parent of a child in the VA PS system and as a human being.


Strongly Oppose!!

I very strongly oppose the proposed transgender policies.  The role of parents in public education should not be disregarded.  You're catering to some, and what about the others?  It's fine that they feel uncomfortable, threatened, traumatized?  That's not right.


Strongly Support

Transgender children require some extra support and care that has been lacking and denied in the past. These rules and guidelines are not onerous and amount to basic human decency for fellow students and teachers.


Stefanie Vestal, Fairfax County Public Schools

SUPPORT Model Policies

As a 7th grade teacher, a member of the LGBTQ+ Community, and the liaison for the LGBTQ+ Support and Advocacy Group at my school I can not support these policies strongly enough.  Students learn from their environments and we need to make sure that school environments are inclusive and safe spaces for all students.  Teachers and staff need to be trained to create welcoming spaces and discourage inappropriate and disrespectful behavior.  Administrations need to set policies in place that are conducive to teachers and students reporting bullying or unsafe spaces.  Students need to be held accountable for respecting all people and being kind to all humans.


OPPOSE

This creates a huge opening for sexual abuse, indecency, and goes against protecting the rights of females and males to safe environments. The fact that parents don't have to be informed of what is going on in THEIR child's life and that the school doesn't have a responsibility to inform them is NOT their decision. Their job is to teach education (science, math, history); let the parents do their job to teach their own kids everything else. As a mom of a daughter, this terrifies me to think the position that she will be put in at school in restrooms and locker rooms.


Opposed

I am opposed to these new guidelines.


oppose-- esp. multi-stall bathroom access

I strongly oppose the proposed change to bathroom access-- “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) There will need to be single-stall, hallway-accessed, open-gendered bathrooms (like the current staff bathrooms-- any gender can use). In the current set-up in most schools, it is not safe for students of self-identifying alternate genders to be in the multi-stall, unmonitored bathrooms.


Undue Attention

Your policies will only encourage these children to identify themselves primarily by their sexual feelings. Not only is this a poor way to characterize their lives, it fails to help them focus on other facets of life that truly builds character. Please don't do them this disservice.


Strongly support an environment where all children should feel safe

This is long overdue! I want to raise children in an environment where they learn to value the lives of every person around them. Restricting children from LBGTQ+ education leaves a huge gap in reality for our children. Every kid has the right to feel safe at school....and that cannot happen if appropriate education is left out.