Support 100%

Transgender rights are human rights.


Full support

All students, regardless of sex or gender, deserve to have their wants and needs met. All students deserve to feel accepted for who they are.


Some girls will be terrified by boys entering their bathrooms and locker rooms.

Allowing boys to enter girls bathrooms and locker rooms at will with no explanations will be damaging to girls self esteem and cause many to be afraid. this requires girls to undress in from of boys, It is hard enough for children especially middle school and high school kids to deal with body issues. This will complicate the issues for the majority of kids. making special facilities for those identifying as Transgender is better. They are already calling themselves out as different. They will be provide for. Do not damage the safety and mental well bein of the other children.


OPPOSE: Proposed transgender policies are discriminatory

RE: VDOE Proposed Transgender Policies ... OPPOSED First, it is the primary responsibility of educators to teach our children. The goal is academic success and preparation for a productive future in society. It is not to initiate and promote social agendas not held by the people of Virginia, nor to indoctrinate students to the social beliefs of one group. With all the issues facing Virginia schools today, including poor academic performance, these proposed policies seem out of sync with the parents and taxpayers of the state. Focus on academics is far more essential. Second, VDOE serves at the behest of parents, not to undermine them and cut them out of their legal rights and responsibilities to rear their children. These proposals promote taking action without the knowledge and permission of parents when implementing, counseling and disciplining students (e.g., Draft Policy, Page 12). Third, teachers and students should have accommodation or the ability to opt out when religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Fourth, it is not the role of school administrators, counselors or teachers to encourage a student to explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity. This issue is the responsibility of the parents alone (e.g., Recommended Standard, Page 12). Fifth, these policies violate the privacy and safety of all students, as biological males and females would be empowered to use restrooms and changing facilities at their discretion, without question and with no prior notification of students and parents (e.g., Draft Policy, Pages 12 & 18). Sixth, VDOE does not control the laws of free speech and parental responsibility. In no way should VDOE be able to implement rules, procedures and actions without the involvement of parents. These proposed policies cannot supersede the laws of Virginia and the United States. Please reject these proposed policies. Thank you.


Transgender school program

I am very opposed to this, transgender should be a family discussion! And also to teach this to K-6 is ridiculous,  they do not need to be confused THIS IS A FAMILY MATTER


Absolutely oppose

If it’s not broke don’t try to fix it! This is too much really! Not ok! At all!


Oppose; Stick to your core function: educate children

To whom it may concern, I am a registered consistent voter, parent of school-aged children, and active in my community.  I strongly oppose this measure. This is an enormous distraction from the core function and mission of our Board of Education. Virginia BOE's mission is: "The mission of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction, in cooperation with their partners, is to develop policies and provide leadership that improve student achievement and prepare students to succeed in postsecondary education and the workplace, and to become engaged and enlightened citizens." Virginia already has, and has the ability to bolster, policies to protect children from bullying.  Matters dealing specifically with sexuality should be reserved for the privacy of one's home. At school, our children should be squarely focused on preparing themselves for further education and the workforce.  Matters of sexuality, religion, faith, family-lifestyle, and the like should be reserved for individual families to address. Thank you for your time and service. Warm regards, Callie Loudoun County, VA


VADOE guidelines re Transgender students

I am in support of the VADOE Guidelines for non-discrimination for transgender youth. To ignore this bill would be to sanction discrimination.  Community members that have school-aged children have the right to know that their child will be safe at school, no matter if they are black, muslim, jewish,  gay or transgender.  ALL CHILDREN NEED TO BE PROTTCTED FROM DISCRIMINATION.


Strongly Oppose

Parents have the right to raise their children in the religious fashion of their choosing. It is called religious freedom and is protected by our constitution.  Encouraging children to explore gender identity is promoting confusion to healthy children. Body dismorphia has been diagnosed as a mental health issue by John Hopkins. Promoting Transgender issues does not help the child become healthy.


Oppose

I oppose this draft guidance document.


Transgender

Allowing our young children who would not make healthy food choices, to chose on a daily basis without the support and knowledge of their parents what gender they want to identify as is dangerous. Our Creator gives our children us as gifts at birth and they are created at birth to be the sex, male or female, He has created them to be. Voted in for this would cause great harm to our children as well the teachers working them. Sincerely, Randi Brown


STRONGLY DISAGREE

I FEAR THAT IF THIS IS PASSED IT WILL HURT MORE CHILDREN. MORE CHILDREN WILL BECOME A VICTIM TO RAPE, OR ANY TYPE OF UNWANTED SEXUAL BEHAVIOR. MORE CHILDREN WILL BE HARMED IN THIS PASSING.


you people have lost your mind

It is beyond belief that the school and state would extort a family and a child into believing that there is more than one sex. Two genders is all that exist! Any other form of gender or thinking that you are a black male but want to identify as a white frog mailbox is absurd. How can you expect people taccept the forcing of someone else's choice to be different, and embrace it whole heartedly and then threaten to use child services on the family that does not conceed with your satanic agenda. This is not about a child and a choice, it's about forcing a idealogy on people that do not want anything to do with it.  But yet if you disagree you are a criminal and elgible for child removal. You people are going to off the right group of people and will have to deal with the result of your'e own decisions


DISAGREE

THIS IS HORRIBLE. WE NEED TO BE ONE NATION UNDER GOD AGAING, THE PLEDGE NEEDS TO BE SAID INTHE MORNINGS AGAIN IN SCHOOLS. PUT PRAYER AND GOD BACK IN SCHOOLS. AMERICA IS NOT AMERICA ANYMORE. IF YOU DONT LIKE IT GET OUT!!


Support!

I fully support legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans and gender expansive youth in Virginia. Trans youth, across the country, are at higher risks of experiencing harassment, sexual violence, and dating violence, and we must all do better in creating communities that strive to end that violence and prevent it from happening again in the future. Trans youth deserve to learn in environments that are respectful, caring, supportive.


Strongly SUPPORT!

I very strongly support legislation to promote non discrimination for transgender students. Prejudice against transgender students not only has no definitive backing, but almost always leads to bullying and depression associated with an unsafe school environment


Absolutely Support

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


Transgender student protection

I don't know exactly all the politics on this, that said, Virginia has always prided itself on the best schools in the nation, like GMU, UVA, but some of the best kids come from the best high schools, a lot of them in Virginia.  To further keep that going, I believe Virginia needs to make it safe for Transgender students to learn. I believe anything subpar in safe education for Transgender students would be a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title 9.


ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!

DO NOT SUPPORT!


These policies are violence against children

They don't have the right to do this violence against children, so if they are going to be violent against the children why shouldn't we be violent back? Not advocating for anything, just saying.


Strongly oppose!!

Absolutely ridiculous. This is a private and individual situation! It’s unsafe for both transgender and non transgender people in so many different scenarios! I think there should be a third changing and restroom option in every public building.


OPPOSE

OPPOSE


Strongly Support

I strongly support this effort to provide safety to our transgendered youth.


Fully support rights of transgender youth

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


Fully Support

I fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of transgender youth. Transgender students are more likely to experience harassment, bullying, and violence in school due to their gender identity. The policies outlined here will ensure that students at all Virginia schools will have the opportunity to learn and thrive in safer, more inclusive environments. Reject the hateful anti-trans rhetoric proposed by those in opposition.


M. Greg Green, Transgender Awareness Alliance

Support

This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth. We can't change their home life, but we can make sure they are safe and welcomed at their school and don’t have to hide or live in fear. Students can get through the day just focusing on classes and graduation!  I support this guidance because I want a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone.


Strongly support

This comment pertains to inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth in Virginia. I find it outrageous that anyone would oppose this. Young people have enough to deal with without discrimination based on who they are or their gender or sexual preference. All students should be accepted for who they are and their perceptions of self. Only acceptance will enable them to grow and succeed as valued and valuable members of society.


Support!

I support this needed change. Keep up the good work.


I do not agree with this. Strongly oppose this

I do not agree with this. I do not support this in schools. I am strongly against this


Strongly Oppose

We strongly oppose as this can lead to an increase in sexual related crimes.


Supporting Trans Students Saves Lives

Trans rights are human rights.  Denying Trans students necessary protections is denying them their human rights.  Statistics show that Trans youth who are not supported are at a much higher risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Failure to support Trans students would be abandoning our moral and ethical directive to protect our youth.


Stop elevating transgender to a special class.  It will only hurt females and males that would have to dress with these people.  Please do not subject the chiro this insanity!


Support!!

It is essential to take steps to support trans youth and this is a step in the right direction!!


While helping one child you are hurting many others

I am not in support of this bill.  While transgender students need to be treated fairly, it is not right to unfairly treat all other children.  Just because a boy that thinks he is a girl wants to use the girls bathroom and locker room does not make it right for my daughter to be exposed to the opposite sex biology at any age.  Nor should my son be exposed to female biology.  These are impressionable children at any age and exposing non-trans children to the other sexes biology because a boy want to use the girl's bathroom or locker room or a girl wants to use the boys bathroom or locker room is no excuse to do this.  We need to protect all children not just trans gender children.  This type of exposure is reckless, damaging and dangerous for non trans kids.


Strongly Oppose

This policy proposal denies parents the right to raise their children in a manner they see appropriate.  For the Government to tell a child what is acceptable behavior and to punish behavior and values inconsistent with this policy is a form on thought control that is outside the purview of the role of government.  Please reject this policy and reinforce parental rights.


CONCERNED you are harming the whole for the .01%

STRONGLY OPPOSE

There is zero wisdom in enforcing laws and making massive adjustments to accommodate about .01% of children in our society.  Additionally, there is actual HARM in doing this.  Please get informed. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20191007/Hundreds-of-trans-people-regret-changing-their-gender-says-trans-activist.aspx


100% SUPPORT

i think this is very important for all students to be accepted the same and feel comfortable in the school they attend!


Support

I fully support transgender youth.


I strongly support the health and well-being of trans students.

I strongly support the health and well-being of trans students in Virginia.


Support.

It it imperative that all children recieve the support,  care, and tools they need to thrive in this world. Shame on those who disagree.


Transgender Bill

This is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!! These very decisions are what is taking this country farther and farther from GOD!! I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS BILL!! I will most definitely remove my children from public schools in the event that this bill is passed!!


Fully support!

All students deserve to be safe from harassment in their school, regardless of gender. Trans kids are valid!


100% support

As a mother whose children have gone to Richmond city schools I wholeheartedly support this! Children need a safe space to be themselves and express themselves however they identify.


PROTECT TRANS YOUTH

Trans people are people deserving of a life of love and peace. Trans students are entitled to their identity, livelihood, and happiness. Any act of discrimination, ostracism, or bullying should be swiftly acknowledged and handled in the best interest of the student’s health and well being. Comprehensive sex ed needs to be taught. If your school isn’t safe for Black trans students, your school is not a loving learning environment. The golden rule doesn’t only apply to Caucasian cishet people. God is watching you act like fools defending your idea that trans kids don’t deserve a safe learning environment...we’re talking about human rights here. Your trans/queerphobic opinion is irrelevant. How many more children/people have to commit suicide or be murdered for you to value all human life? Protect trans youth at all costs!


THIS IS APPALLING

They are children. Stop pushing your own distorted view of the world on them.


I Strongly Oppose!

I STRONGY OPPOSE!


As a teacher, I strongly recommend anything that will treat transgender students safely

Students need the ability to express themselves freely without hate or bullying from their peers, especially in public mandated school systems. As a straight person it’s important to remember this was not a choice and it’s not for them. It is only our job to support and love those around us.


I strongly support protecting transgender children’s rights in schools. Shame on those who oppose.

FULL SUPPORT FOR TRANSGENDER STUDENTS IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS. IT IS ABHORRENT THAT THERE SHOULD BE A DEBATE ABOUT A CHILDS LEGITIMACY AS A HUMAN.


I do not understand how we have sank so low.

I fully believe by heading down this path, it will be one we can not return from. I believe in the Bible.  I believe what God has said in His word. He made man in His image, He made them male AND female. To be born a female, or male and say God made a mistake is a slap in the face. You will also set your teachers up for failure. If a child says one day I'm a boy and the next I'm a girl... How can a teacher not fail?  How many of our children will be molested because a male enters a female locker room?  How can you protect them?


VDOE transgender policy

I strongly oppose this policy, as these matters are best left in the hands of the students’ family. These policies would completely undermine parental rights. Parents are better able than school administrators and teachers to determine what is best for their own child. Parents have a vested interest in their child. This undermining of parental authority should not be up for debate in the state legislature.


VA mom strongly opposed!

I opposed 100%!


Transgender Policy- I STRONGLY OPPOSE

This policy is dangerous to our children and is overreach by the Board of Education. I do not believe anyone should be discriminated against including: Individuals who are not comfortable sharing the bathroom with individuals of the opposite biological sex. Individuals who have strong religious beliefs that would be undermined by such policies. BOARD OF EDUCATION- FOCUS ON EDUCATION.


100% STRONGLY SUPPORT!

Transgender students deserve nothing but to be treated equally as other students. It is very sad that fair and equal treatment and rights to any type of student is questioned. I hope the right decision is made.


OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE

My family and I have been Virginia residents for over 20 years. It is a real shame that the state of VA would allow women’s rights to be demolished by these transgender policies. All the women that worked hard to reach freedoms and goals for their own gender will be completely removed. Now men/boys can freely join in on what women so strongly fought for to create and pursue AS WOMEN. As a Virginia voter, if these policies are passed, be rest assured I will make sure those who are running the Virginia state government will be voted out and I will do everything in my power to make sure this happens.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

Gender and anatomy are not separate and there is no science that says otherwise.  You are not what you "feel" you are.  You can't choose your age, race, or gender. What about all the students who feel uncomfortable being in the bathroom or locker room with someone of the opposite sex?


Support for trans students

The school systems should need to understand how they can support their trans students.


Fully support!

Fully support


Fully support !!!

I fully support trans kids rights. Those are human rights, period. Trans kids are nit just a percentage, they NEED to be protected.


Opposed, this endangers students.

Allowing Transgender males into women’s sports is unfair because they have a different biology than women. This will make it very difficult for any cisgender woman to succeed in a sport that she participates in. Allowing Transgender males into women’s bathrooms endangers women to insincere “transgender” males. This is an attack on basic biology and female students.


Transgender policy

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


Transgender policy

I support treating transgender students with dignity and respect. FCPS should create inclusive environments for all students. Hate has no home in FCPS!


strong oppose

This is wrong on so many levels.  Opposite sex students should not be using the same bathrooms/locker rooms...that's asking for trouble.  Why confuse the children that believe they are the sex that God created them to be?  Why cater to the handful that wants this policy and cram it down the throats of those who oppose.


Protect transgender students

I fully support the protection of the health and well-being of transgender students in Virginia public schools. All children should be nurtured and encouraged to be their true selves and no student should be abused or tormented to maintain the comfort of bigots who sit at home worrying about whether or not a child should wear a dress or shorts. School should be a safe place for everyone, especially those marginalized by the world outside the school.


Strongly support!

I strongly support the VA Public School proposed legislation for the inclusion of transgender students! Thank you!


Shame on all of you that are pushing this immoral agenda. Especially teache

Loving trans people is telling them the truth!! Not sacrificing innocent kids. We want our tax $ bac

Don't fall their lies. This is to push pedophilia. Help them overcome and stop playing pretend! Thanks!


oppose

Support equal rights, however strongly oppose when it is at the cost of someone else's rights.


Opposition to Virginia's "Transgender" Policy

I am completely opposed to using any gender designations or policies that are contrary to the genetic ones. Additionally, allowing anyone to use whatever bathroom that comports to a  "choice of gender" identity is plainly ridiculous. How about using the overly generous tax dollars you receive to bring education in Virginia back to the exemplary standard it used to have and to salvaging the last five months of our children's wasted year of "education"?


FULLY SUPPORT!!SHAME ON THOSE WHO OPPOSE!!!

transgender students deserve a right to have protection and support in schools. ABSOLUTELY NO ONE should be shamed for their who they are, regardless of sexuality or gender. shame on those who oppose, you should know better.


Guidance policies toward transgenders in public schools.

I l strongly disagree with these new guidelines.  Parents should know what their children are being taught.  I do not want my tax dollars used to distort the minds of our children.  School and teachers should be teaching reading, writing and Arithmetic.  Not social issues.  Please do not pass this policy.


transgender school polices

I STRONGLY disagree with this boys and girls are different and should not be in the same bathroom or locker room. There is only 2 genders stop pushing your agenda on little kids.


Oppose

This policy seeks to deny cis-gender students the same considerations being given to trans-gender students.  Cis-gender students also desire safe and private places for changing clothes and using the restroom.  Schools must seek options that afford both types of students these considerations.


100 FULLY SUPPORT TRANS LIVES MATTER

Transgender students deserve the same kind of quality care and teaching. Why introduce more bigotry into a world that's already conditioned with so much hate? Let school and education be a place where trans students can feel comfortable learning in. Trans rights are humans rights, and their lives are valuable and important every single day.


Oppose

I can’t believe that we are even talking about this. Vehemently oppose!


Strongly support!!!!

I fully support human right for all children. It’s our moral duty to create a safe space for self expression for EVERY child. It’s really a no brainer in 2021!


Support!

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


Fully support transgender youth in our schools

Transgender youth are valid and should receive the same rights, protections, and opportunities as all students in our communities. It is disgusting that discrimination of any student is open for discussion in our communities. I fully support the guiding document and hope that it ensures the protection of our children from bullying and harm.


Fully support

I fully support any and all people having the right to choose who they are based on how they feel. All should be protected, regardless of the opinions of others.


Strongly Oppose ..... Daniel 9:3-7

How could we do this to our innocent children?


Oppose

Trans rights are human rights and we need to come beyond this


Support

I strongly support the guidance to protect transgender students at school.  It is imperative that our public schools take a clear stand to say that our transgender students have dignity and are worthy of these protections.  Thank you.


Saying no to transgender bathrooms in schools

This is so wrong in so many ways, boys need to have separate restrooms from girls and as far as that you cannot tell me these kids know what they want at this age you are asking for trouble letting boys who think they want to be a girl go in a girls bathroom and suddenly they get aroused and boom they make moves on a innocent girl come on people think before you go making crazy decisions


Transgender

You people are absolutely Sick letting young boys and girls use the same bathroom. And you people scared to put your name up why don't you grow a Set.


I strongly oppose these measures!!

Although I feel great empathy for children grappling with sexual identity, the measures proposed are ill advised and could have a negative impact on ALL children and faculty alike. To suggest that gender is fluid is ludicrous and does not support science. There are meaningful, biological differences between males and females, which cannot be redefined just because someone doesn’t identify as such. And it is certainly not the role of the school or faculty to teach, advise, or force children to believe their man made definition of gender. It is the role of parents and families, not schools or the state to provide a child’s moral compass. Furthermore, these policies puts educators and students in compromised situation to support philosophies and ideologies they oppose. I am particularly concerned that parents would not be notified if their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly “violating” these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf.  This is particularly problematic when a child can change their identified gender at any time. How could classmates or educators be expected to keep track of the current gender status of each classmate. I am particularly concerned with the impact this could have in girls bathrooms and locker rooms. These policies put girls in danger as well as disrupt needed privacy. I do not support those policies, but instead suggest adding additional unisex bathrooms to address that issue. These policies would also be devastating to  girls sports. Girls will be negatively impacted if boys are allowed to participate on girls teams and could steal opportunities that female athletes have worked hard fir years to achieve. There are countless other ways that these proposed policies destroy school cultures and the well being of 99 percent of the population to mollify the loud voices of the one. There are better ways to address transgender issues. Please vote against these measures—Protect ALL children!!


*Vigorously* Oppose

This is an extremely radical proposal that infringes on the First Amendment rights of teachers and students who possess religious (and secular) views that stand in conflict with the goals of this policy. This policy harms children who not in a position to make such decisions; their brains are still developing. Parents must be allowed to be involved in their children's lives and choices. I am vigorously opposed to this absurd policy, which flies in the face of reality, robs parents of their right to be involved in raising their own children, and infringes on the rights of citizens. Do not allow this.


Protect all children

Need to consider all children needs..   Oppose when it at another child's well-being.


Strongly Oppose Proposed "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students"

Please do not enact the policies proposed in the "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document." I strongly oppose this proposal, and I exhort you to please reject it. There are several egregious problems with this proposal: This is a grave violation of students' rights, including their Constitutional right to privacy and free speech. This proposal goes to extraordinary lengths to protect the emotions of students claiming to be transgender who wish to use bathrooms of their choice. But it fails to make any attempts to protect the emotional well-being or SAFETY of students who are not comfortable with someone who looks and seems to really be a male but wants to use the girls' bathroom or showers. What about those male students who will simply use this policy to gain access to girls' showers. And you are going to punish parents for objecting to this? Shame on you. It also punishes students for not going along with the speech code that this proposal forces on them, punishing them for expressing their own opinions and making their own conclusions about these issues. That is not education; it is indoctrination. Parents have an unalienable right to determine how to educate their children, including instructing them on human sexuality. It is a grave injustice on the part of the government or schools to threaten to punish parents for disagreeing with the schools' indoctrination. Threatening to remove a child from a parent's home for disagreeing with this transgender ideology is in itself an act worthy of impeachment. It is a scientific fact that every human being is either male or female. In fact, every cell of the human body has the chromosome code stamped on it as either male or female. The transgender ideology is really a denial of reality. And you are trying to force everyone to go along with this lie. This is an example of absolute tyranny. You are trying to force everyone--students and parents--to comply with this indoctrination program, even though it is a scientific fact that this ideology is false. This proposal ignores the beliefs of the vast majority of parents and students, who do not wish to be indoctrinated in this agenda. This proposal will make Virginia's schools a very stressful place for the vast majority or students. Taxpayers pay for public schools. We would like the children where we live to be provided a solid education. It is a waste of taxpayer dollars to use schools as a training ground for a political ideology--especially one, like this, which is not shared by the majority of people. But even if it were shared by a majority, it is still not the role of schools to indoctrinate children. Focus on math, reading, writing, science, and other real subjects that students need to know. For these reasons and more, please reject the proposals put forth in this shameful, unjust document, which in the final analysis would subject our students to harassment and violate their Constitutional rights to privacy and free speech, as well as the rights of parents. Thank you.


Full Support for Transgender Students

I'M IN FULL SUPPORT FOR TRANSGENDER STUDENTS IN ALL SCHOOLS. IT'S UNBELIEVABLE THAT THERE HAS TO BE AN ACTUAL DEBATE ABOUT A CHILD'S LEGITIMACY AS A HUMAN BEING.


Promote the health and elk

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


Support

I fully support the protection of the health and well-being of transgender students in Virginia public schools.


Support transgender rights

Transgender rights are human rights


FULL SUPPORT


Strongly oppose

This is absolutely unacceptable, if this passes I will not be sending my child to school.


Support

I support the protection of trans kids in school. They are the ones being threatened. All they want to do is have a safe place to learn and be treated just like everyone else in their class. It’s simple.


Support- all students deserve a safe school environment

Every student deserves the right to be treated fairly and a safe, welcoming school environment. Trans students deserve the same protection and nurturing and their vision-


transgender rights

I strongly support transgender rights.


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

Oppose 100 percent.  Genes contain the DNA to determine the sex of newborn.  The mothers blood sample determine the fetal sex.


I fully support!

I fully support protecting trans and non binary youth in Virginia schools.


Strongly opposed

opposed


Trans Kids Are Kids!

I am a Fairfax County resident of 25 years. I strongly support this. School is not a place to pass judgement, it is a place to learn without hostility and unnecessary obstacles. Trans children are children, and trans children's right are children's rights. Please allow trans children the dignity that cis children are naturally given.


Support all children's safety is priority #1

The schools efforts should always prioritize safety for all students at minimum


Strongly support!

Trans rights are human rights. There should be no prejudice against any person based on gender. No matter the gender, chosen or assigned at birth.


? Gender in school.

Oppose!


Emphatic Support for Transgender Rights

I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise, the callous, self-righteous tone of those speaking out against adopting these new standards. I do find it wildly disappointing that they all seem to show an incredible pattern of ignorance and a gross misunderstanding of what they are speaking out against. To see so many people put their “beliefs” and opinions before the lives and safety of children just to continue to live in their little bubble is truly infuriating. To not adopt these new rules and standards is to openly admit that you are content with the continued abuse, violence, ostracizing and overall torment that students who are transgender or gender nonconforming face everyday.


Strongly opposed! The idiocracy has to stop! This effects the kids living by their God given gender!

This hurts the kids that are living by their God given genders and should not have to feel uncomfortable in school, bathroom or locker room. The majorities still have rights! Trans kids need to learn to navigate their lives just as a person with disability or any other differences would have to. This is opening the door for more sexual harassment, rapes, fights etc. Do not allow this! Do not make the MAJORITY of kids feel uncomfortable to accommodate a few. Stop making gender a thing that can just be changed on a whim, stop shaming those who do not believe in this. There is no neutrality when it comes to gender,  I am a WOMAN, I can have a baby, I have a menstrual cycle and I have God given breasts,  all of the things a boy doesn't have and I will not allow my daughters to be made uncomfortable because some boy may lie to sneak a peak. Use some common sense!


Strongly support

I strongly support protections for vulnerable trans and non-binary students in Virginia. Legislation such as this can literally be a life-saver for kids and teens at risk of violence, bullying, and suicide. I have trans and non-binary friends, family, and loved ones, and I want them to feel safe and supported. Our local school system has recently adopted strong guidelines to support trans and non-binary youth, and I hope to see all VA students supported in this way. A tolerant and supportive school environment is beneficial to ALL students, regardless of their gender identity.


Support protection of children from bullying but strongly oppose this policy.


FULL support

full support, we should be teaching our students with love and compassion and in ACCEPTING environments. let them grow freely into who they will become--mind body and spirit.


I fully support legislation to promote the well-being of trans youth


I fully support

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


Support trans and non binary youth

I urge you to vote to support the rights of transgender and non binary students. As a person with a relative who is transgender I know first hand how challenging and uncertain every day life can be for him and other trans youth. To have consistency, support and understanding in our schools is vital to their welfare and mental well being. If you have concerns, please educate yourself by talking to trans youth so you understand fully their situation. Thank you for your support!


Trans students need support

I’m a mom to a trans kid and speak from experience when I say that trans students need all the support they can get as they try to go through a very difficult time. They have all of the stress and anxiety of cis kids and teens with a major medical condition that affects both their physical and mental well-being on top of it. If they are luckily they have the support of their families, if not then they are managing a complex issue while also having to hide a core piece of their identity. School should be a safe place for all students to experiment and find the path that is right for them. Trans kids need that more than anyone to become happy and healthy adults.


I fully support!

I fully support Trans rights!


I fully support legislation respecting trans rights.

I fully support legislation protecting trans rights.


Oppose

Strongly oppose


Strongly Oppose

Strongly oppose


Strongly support

I strongly support ALL trans students in VA schools!!!


OPPOSE

I oppose. Schools should not be able to take a parent's responsibility. It is not the school's duty to decide what decisions a child can make without their parent. Parents and families are the foundation of society. From the document: "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, and schools should address this on a case-by-case basis. If a student is not ready or able to safely share with their family about their transgender status, this should be respected."


VDOE Transgender Guidance Draft

I strongly oppose this document for several reasons.  The school should stick to education of subjects and not push liberal ideologies on students or parents.  Schools should not help students “explore” their sexual identity.  That should cause serious concerns for the safety of students.  While all students should respect the differences of others in society, this document should stop at that.  The point is non-discrimination, period.  For any reason.  The rest is usual government overreach.  Thank-you for allowing me comment.


Concerned father about Transgender school policy

I am father of a Daughter. who goes to 2nd grade. I dint want her to go through this BS. Stop where you are, other wise we all will see consequence like NOAH'S time. History never lied. thanks for understanding.


VDOE Transgender Guidance Draft opposes


Strongly oppose Transgender Litigation in VA schools

As a mother of two school-aged boys, this litigation is disturbing to me.  God made man and then woman.  I realize with Transgender the person does not identify with their assigned sex however that doesn't make it a reality.  A man's chromosomes cannot be engineered into female chromosomes.  Research shows that only .7 percent of teens 13-17 identify with transgender.  For most people sex and gender align therefore I ask you how is it fair that school systems impose these guidelines on the majority?   I am very open with my boys and we have discussed this litigation; neither of them would feel comfortable with the opposite sex in the restrooms or locker rooms with them.  My oldest son said it would be a distraction for a girl to have her shirt off while playing sports.  I have always tried to instill kindness into both of my boys.  I teach them to be kind no matter what someone looks like, how they act, or even if they treat them wrong (we never know what someone's life is like at home or what they are dealing with).  Parents know their children better than anyone else.  It is a parents job to help their children to figure out who they are and who they want to be.  If a child is struggling with gender then its the parents job to help them by loving them through it.  It is NOT the school's job "to help a child to explore, facilitate, and make decisions regarding their gender" especially without the parent's knowledge.  I believe that all children need to be taught and treated with kindness by teachers and their peers.  I do not believe that this litigation will help empower transgender; I believe it will create a bigger divide.  This also violates the 1st Amendment - freedom of religion and freedom of speech.  Please do not pass this litigation.


Road to Ruin for Arlington Public Education We are Arlington parents and 30-year residents of this County. We have considered Arlington’s ability to nurture our youth by providing a public education grades K-12 at no cost, and in pursuit of academic levels robust in comparison with the top levels that this nation has to offer anywhere, to be an occasion for pride. We regret to say that this pride has been overshadowed with dismay over what we perceive to be an aggressive social engineering agenda being imposed now by the proposed expansion and implementation of “model” policies for the treatment of transgender students in the public schools. It is apparent that there is an agenda behind these policies that is being driven not by legitimate academic goals, nor by any imperative to respond to any commonly expressed interests of county residents, but only by the wishes of a small minority of insiders and innovators who would impose policies on an entire community’s school system without having to validate them against the common values of the community. The agenda that these policies represent would, in our opinion, tend to be disruptive if implemented, and would be a disservice to students and non-students alike. While public education outside the home is a value and right, there still is an essential role for parents and families in the development of their children that should not be cavalierly undermined, as these policies appear to do. Minor students are under the tutelage of their homes of origin until legally and financially liberated. Schools should not be elevated to a substitute for parents’ roles; nor should the school system be used as an experimental laboratory for the unharnessing of youth who have experienced gender dysphoria from the norms represented by their families of origin, to see what will happen next. These policies, as we see it, presuppose that there will be adversarial relationships at times between parents and teachers.  Naturally, there will be.  This has always been the case. Then, in the case of the self-identified cases of transgender students, the policies would give the upper hand to school administration in determining the treatment in all the potentially disruptive settings that may occur, such as dressing, naming, and accommodating in bathrooms and other school facilities. This is madness. Youth who are in the throes of a gender dysphoria -- whatever the circumstances, whether by choice, by nature, or by outside intervention; whether mild, convinced, or questioning; whether home-supported or home-conflicted – should of course remain eligible for a quality Virginia public education, which can only be accomplished in an atmosphere of healthy respect, compassion for any anxiety or depression, and opportunity for reference to health care professionals for any acute needs. Wouldn’t this be the norm under existing Virginia public school policies, with any potentially disruptive health condition or behavior?  Without singling out Transgender as a recognized category deserving of special protection, current policies in Virginia can surely accommodate troubled students on a case-by-case basis. The overlaying of these policies is unnecessary and unwelcome, as is the introduction of special educational curricula and training materials for teachers and administrators. We would urge that you suspend imposition of these ill-advised and very disruptive policies.


OPPOSE - THIS WILL LEAD TO SEX IN SCHOOLS

I fully support transgender rights, however I’m concerned this will develop a loophole in which anyone can disguise themselves as trans, in order to have sex with their fellow peers on school property. That is illegal by law and considered statutory rape


This is not about transgender right, this is about destroying women's rights. Shame on VDOE

I don’t know how anyone would approve of this policy unless they are extremely ignorant.


The degradation of education

This is exactly the reason we will continue sending our child to a private Christian school.  It is a shame that part of.our tax dollars go to support the trans agenda.


Fully support

I fully support VA passing guidelines and policies to support transgender children. All children have the right to an education, and the safety, encouragement, and exploration that school can provide. Transgender children deserve to have their identities recognized. I want children to grow and flourish in environments that recognize and celebrate differences and diversity.


Fully support

It is in my personal and professional opinion that we have a responsibility to treat all students fairly, with dignity, respect, and as unique individuals. School should be a safe space for students to express themselves and feel secure, validated, and understood. This includes equitable and fair treatment when it comes to pronouns, student records, privacy, restrooms, locker rooms, PE, sports, dress code, and gender based activities. It is of the utmost importance that students are able to feel safe physically, emotionally, and socially, free of discrimination and bullying. We should be able to have these conversations with all students in bringing visibility to trans human rights as we in schools respect and honor people’s differences.


Educators Support Our Transgender Students

I have been an educator for over 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with students from a variety of religious, races, cultures and sexual identities.  Not one time, has a trans gender student wanted anything more than to simply be accepted for who they are. The students, in classes with them, on teams with them and in the halls with them aren’t the ones complaining. The ability for transgender youth to have more of a voice is additionally educating their peers that they are not a threat and are simply children trying to be their best self. All teens struggle to find their identity as they grow, why would we not support those who have stated it? Our job is to support, nurture and educate all of students. This should be a non-issue.


NOT SUPPORT new transgender policy

DO NOT SUPPORT!


Strongly Support - Trans Rights are Human Rights

Every Transgender citizen deserves to be treated with respect and integrity. Every Trans youth should be given the opportunity to succeed and thrive without fear of discrimination. Every Trans student should be given the same rights afforded to every other student in the Commonwealth. And every educator should be given the proper evidence-based training and tools to support every student, no matter their gender, orientation, or identification. Strongly support!


I do not support the eradication of all distinctions of the sexes in regard to public school guides

I understand the intent to grant the right to equality to the homosexual community. However, in  a free society the rights of any one  group cannot wipe out entirely the freedoms of other groups who must have the ability to dissent in the public forum . I believe that since the public schools are supported by all the people of Virginia , there has to be guidelines in place that support some distinctions of the sexes. In light of the Me Too movement , anti -bullying laws and lawsuits that defend the right to be free of sexual harassment and intimidation , we would be wise to not ignore some distinctions. To do so is to be completely insensitive to the very real and important guidelines that can help protect young people whether at school or a job or when they enter the adult world. Respectfully, I ask you to vote down the bills that eradicate all sexual distinctions between male and female. Please allow the freedom to have privacy in locker rooms and bathrooms for all citizens in Virginia. Thank you for your consideration.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

Our government and school system have no right to circumvent a parent(s) on issues of sexuality.  This should not be a conversation held within schools without consent of a parent.  Sure, allow kids to use whatever pronoun they use. BUT sex is biological and not a feeling. Children are also not able to legally consent to anything (marriage, voting, smoking, etc) prior to being 18 so why should  we allow our children to make a life altering decision such as this prior to adulthood????????  The path our schools are going down at this moment is shameful.


strongly opposed

Strongly opposed


Strongly Oppose

The extreme politicization of transgender issues does not belong in our schools. I do not want my grandchildren to be indoctrinated with challenges to their God-given gender.


Trans Child Guidance

I support the guidance. I don't understand how protecting trans kids is even up for debate; why wouldn't you want to protect children? It's 2021 and you can choose to be hateful, but your choice to be narrow-minded should not endanger anyone, ESPECIALLY a child.


Trans

I strongly disagree with this!!!!!!!!


Fervently Oppose!

No child should be bullied, singled out, treated poorly, etc, for any reason. That goes without saying. However, this policy goes way beyond protecting children and instead actively promotes gender confusion, something that is deeply harmful to a child's psyche and potentially physical body. Young children are not mentally, emotionally, or physically mature enough to proclaim they're "trapped in the wrong body" and so if a child makes that claim, the right response should be to go to the parents right away and let them address it. Public schools should have no authority to encourage and promote gender confusion to developing children. By doing so, they'll be making it 'cool' and creating an avenue for children who don't fit in to find some sort of community or way to fit in that will potentially carry negative repercussions for them the rest of their lives. Stop the child abuse and political BS. Focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic, and leave the social experiments at home!!


Trans policies encourage all students to become successful, engaged, and enlightened citizens

The treatment of transgender students is an important element of Virginia's education goals of having policies and leadership that improve student achievement and prepare students to succeed in postsecondary education and the workplace, and to become engaged and enlightened citizens. We know that supporting student physical, emotional, and social well-being contributes to positive educational and social outcomes.  To do anything else encourages the opposite -- impeding trans students' ability to focus on academic and extra-curricular participation, causing confusion and uncertainty for all students, and allowing/condoning mistreatment by classmates and teachers.  These policies are in line with physical and psychiatric science/medicine best practice approaches to supporting people experiencing gender dysphoria that include reinforcing self-identification, and exploration of and integration of individualized identity in a safe environment. These policies in no way negate school behavior expectations and rules.


I do not agree with this at all,

I do not agree with this. I do not care if anyone is gay, transgender what ever they chose. But allowing males to go into a female locker room or bathroom is putting these young girls at risk for rape. Who is to say if the male is truly transgender or just wants to be a pervert and look at all the young girls.  And the same goes for if a girl goes in the guys locker room, will she not be subjected to inappropriate comments and gestures. Not many teen boys is comfortable changing infront a girl, atleast not in middle school.


I totally do NOT support this nonsense.

We are harming our children by teaching them they can make up whatever gender they want. NO! You are born a girl or a boy, stop confusing our children. It is child abuse to teach this in school. The science does not even make sense. I will always speak out for truth and to protect our children.


Strongly Disagree

I believe we should not be forced to tolerate anything that goes against the laws and teachings of God or biblical beliefs. My son is a boy and I don't want him being confused. If I'm Black, but identify as White, does that change the color of my skin based off how I feel? While I believe in respecting all people, I don't want my son learning and participating in things not of the Lord.


Oppose! Parental rights r being railroaded by school authorities who are usurping parent’s guidance.

School authorities are usurping the rights of parents to guide THEIR children. They are becoming the authority of how children think, act/react and choose. Free speech, free thinking (whether you see an issue the same way or not) is so important! Also, why would a policy like this need to be enacted? What transgender rights are being violated now?


Opposed

While I do NOT condone bullying or harassment of any person, I oppose this for other reasons. I do not feel that it is safe for transgender students to use bathrooms/locker rooms corresponding to their perceived gender. I do not agree that schools should be involved in helping students explore their sexuality or gender issues without the knowledge of parents.


Support Transgender kids

I believe we should support transgender kids and/or questioning kids. Transgender students should be able to feel comfortable in school because it is the place they go to almost every day. We shouldn't exclude them. They just want to be normal kids. To avoid the religion problem and pronouns, maybe instead of addressing students by their preferred pronouns, you can just address them by their preferred name. Anyone, no matter transgender or cisgender could change their name. To avoid the problem of other people being uncomfortable in locker rooms, you could let the transgender student use a private changing room. This would seem like a fair compromise. The science argument also isn't the best argument because there is a science to back up why transgender kids are the way they are. With a couple of compromises, I think this would be a great idea.


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. From working with transgender youth, it is clear how school can be a place where they're supported by staff and policies, or where they're bullied by those same staff (and students). Policies are a critical structure to both protect students and empowering staff to be supportive of transgender students. 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, Alexandra Rooke


ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!

These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. However you choose to identify when you are an adult is entirely up to you, but you are born a male or female with appropriate parts to that fact.  The bible says:  ...male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)  He created them male and female...(Genesis5:2)  [Jesus said,]"But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female,'" (Mark 10:6)  [Jesus said,] "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female.'" (Matthew 19:4)  No matter what you "choose" to identify with, you are anatomically either male or female.  No male should be allowed to use a female bathroom/locker room or changing room (that opens up all kinds of sexual misconduct/harrassment) nor should they be allowed to participate in girls/women's sports.  Our school systems/government should not be "teaching" our children what gender they are. GOD HAS ALREADY DECIDED THAT!!!


Strongly Disagree! Example: A boy pretends to identify as a girl in same room with your daughter? NO

I do not approve of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  We must teach our children to love others regardless.. However we cannot put them in harm's way... Example... Would you want your daughter alone in the same bathroom with a boy who pretended to identify as a girl??? NO!  We must use common sense here.  If there are kids who are truly suffering with transgender... We need to reach out to them in love and provide them with a free counselor.  Having two sexes may be confusing for them and they will probably need to have free counseling to help them in their life.


Strongly Support

I strongly support this movement for transgender students in schools - it is a difficult time in a person's life as they are trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. I myself saw many of my classmates at that time in my life depressed, lost, turning to drugs or other dangerous activities and cutting themselves from bullying even though we were in a well off area in one of the best high schools in Fairfax county. It is not the school system's job to force religious ideals or traditional ideals on kids who just want to explore their identity. Parents are free to think whatever they want, but to oppose a bill that advocates for anti bullying and support of students? That's advocating for the continued terrorizing of these kids who only need support. I strongly support this document because people should be allowed to think whatever they want but they should not be allowed to terrorize other people just because they are different. Schools need to stand up for these kids. The outdated and abrasive opinions by traditional parents who think "God made us this way" are harmful - they can teach that in their own home, but if their kid turns out to be transgender and needs support, at least they could get it from school. Additionally, a public school is not a place for enforcing religious beliefs. Let children learn in a safe environment regardless of how they are different. If they are not accepted at home they deserve to be accepted SOMEWHERE. This could save lives.


*PROTECT TRANS KIDS*

Strongly in favor of supporting this legislature! Trans rights are human rights and should be protected under the constitution. This matter is irrelevant to the teachings of your Bible or what your liver-spotted pastor has preached to you. Separation of church and state is the foundation in which our laws are built on and should continue to be built on. This is not a political matter, this is a mental health matter. Let's encourage our youths to be who they are freely and without fear of retribution while setting foot in Virginia's learning institutions!


Absolutely oppose

As a mom, I am ABSOLUTELY appalled.....this bill is requiring all school divisions in VA to teach what needs to be addressed at home, and ONLY at home! Children cannot even have sex Ed classes without opt in permission, yet schools will be required to adopt trans-gender policies. And even more appalling, is the fact that children can use whichever bathroom they prefer.....we are asking for disaster here!! This defies common sense. I will NEVER support any legislators who support this bill. Vote this bill down!


oppose

do not agree


Firmly support

Young people should feel safe and valued at school. It may be the only place where that can happen depending on their household circumstances. Supporting trans and gender non-conforming young people should not be challenging for educators and staff. Let's move Virginia forward!


No way, no way

This bill is absolutely ludicrous.


Support

I support this legislation.


I oppose.

I oppose.  I will always support good people, and support any child in need of said support. But I do not support forcing a lifestyle choice on EVERYONE. Especially children who probably aren't even fully aware of themselves yet. What we need is better role models, and to stop being ugly toward one another and trying to force beliefs and opinions down each other throats. We all have our own unique DNA and finger prints for a reason.


All policies with regard to to sexual identification

ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Apparently there is complete stupidity to the implications of having opposite sexes flitting around without discretion in restrooms/locker rooms. Do you honestly think students won't take advantage of the opportunities to go unguarded into facilities just to catch a glimpse of a naked or semi-nude classmate?!  WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!


Protect Trans Kids!

What does it say about the state of Virginia that the protection of any child is up for discussion?? Trans kids deserve equal protections and respect just like anyone else. The life expectancy of trans people is about half that of other people and the normalcy of not protecting trans children contributes to that horrible statistic.


Leave religion out of this

All the people here are screaming about these new policies being “indoctrination” yet the strict religious teachings that 99% of these bible humpers force on their kids would count as indoctrination. So sit down, shut up, and let the world be progressive


I support

Please support this legislation to allow our children to be who they are with support and non-discrimination laws in place. thank you


House Bill 145 Treatment of Transgender

I believe this Bill is an overreaction of the government into the lives of families.. It may even cross the lines of Church and State. It is imperative that we always teach or children to be tolerant and respectful even of those things they do not agree with or understand.. However, having school counselors keep vital information regarding a child’s development secret from  the parent/guardian is toxic and doesn’t help the child. Also, as a mother and a woman, I am concerned how this will affect our girls and their rights to privacy and safety.. Please reconsider this Bill.


Trans rights are human rights

Statistically trans people are more likely to attempt suicide and if you’d like to know why, I bet you can see by looking at some of these transphobic and uninformed comments on this thread. Trans people have been around since the beginning of time. Your bigotry and hatred for them will not stop them from existing. They are here and they will continue to be. Support them or get out of their way. Equality now.


Human Rights

Leave your judgment for God; you’re no holier spewing hate from your heart. The opposite actually, Christ is tolerance & forgiveness, with unending love for everyone, not just yourself & those that look like you. Trans lives are Human lives


Transgender! Strongly disagree!

Strongly disagree with this matter! This is forcing things on children and that dont need to be. It’s inappropriate and shouldn’t even be a thing. My kids will be home schooled if this is passed.


Strongly disagree

We strongly disagree with the proposed transgender policies and urged you to cease and desist. These proposed policies take away protection from my children and have extremely hurtful ramifications to my children. And it directly conflicts with our sincerely held religious beliefs. Again, we strongly disagree with this and you do not have our vote.


OPPOSE

There are other ways to “protect” the rights of the trans community than to impose these types of policies in schools in VA. This is infringing on the rights of all others. We have rights too, such as bathrooms where freaks & perverts are not allowed a free pass to hang out,


Fully Support

I fully support legislation to promote the health and well-being of trans youth. The proposed guidelines in this document will make our education system more equitable and will provide a better learning experience for trans and gender nonconforming youth. Creating a safe and welcoming environment is vital for promoting education, and I think these guidelines will help accomplish that goal.


NO!!!!! strongly disagree... not safe for our children

Horrible and sickening! Do not support this and our children do not need this. So many bad things could come out of this!!!


IN SUPPORT!

I am in complete support.


Support based on medical evidence

Support trans children! Please read the American Academy of Pediatrics' stance on the importance of gender affirmation, which includes but is not limited to gender affirming schools and communities , for the biopsychosocial development of trans youth. Link: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20182162 Creating a safer, more supportive, and evidence-based environment in schools will benefit all children.


Strongly support!

Trans rights are human rights and this bill is about PROTECTING CHILDREN. It’s not meant to teach or indoctrinate anything, it’s just establishing systems to protect marginalized youths. A lot of people seem to be confused about this and the amount of hateful rhetoric in these comments about a bill for PROTECTING CHILDREN is very unsettling.


Fully supported

I fully supported this measure. No child should be bullied or ostracize by other students OR teachers and staff. Let’s be on the right side of history for once VA


Strongly Support

I strongly support this matter. Trans rights are human rights and should be protected under the constitution. People are especially impressionable as children and how they are treated at school is very important to their development.


Re: Government vs. Parents - Vote No (against) “ Model Policies for the Treatment of Trans Students~

This is absolutely the worst thing to do for kids in school. Your medical panel in favor of this should be ashamed. A child’s identity is determined before birth, and evident in the womb. If you have a penis, you’re a male, a vagina, a female. It’s as simple as that! This radical change is not necessary. My Caucasian male son doesn’t get special treatment and consideration, and neither should this topic. You’re making something out of nothing. You are responsible for teaching academics, not equality, identity, and uncertainty. This is a horrible idea. Parents are responsible for teaching values and virtues, not a government paid person who wants to twist our children’s minds with this garbage. Are you going to pay all the psychology bills for the kids who are preyed upon by these workers and actually confuse the kids even more, and cause them to question their identity, themselves, and even their parents? You are not God. Stop playing God with the lives of others. The human brain does not fully develop until the mid twenties and some people even into their thirties. It seems like you’re trying to brainwash our kids into feeling a certain way about themselves. Kids know who and what they are. Public schools is not the place for psychology and mental counselling. You are starting a swell of opposition who will not tolerate your politics in school. This is more division in our state, and you’re are going to be guilty of all of the wrong that will happen. You can’t expect teachers and staff to be medical doctors and counselors. Are you going to prescribe medication too? You’re caving to peer pressure that activists with nothing better to do than strong arm you into doing this. Where will Virginia public schools be when the opposing parents pull their kids out of school, and even leave the state? You’ll no longer have the numbers of kids, and taxes to fund your experiments will dwindle. I for one am now being called to act. Thank you for showing me how vulnerable you are in not being able to combat this propaganda, yourself, and at your level. You are showing your weakness and inability to lead and manage. You’re in an elected position, and will need to fight to retain it. I’m disgusted and appalled.


Firmly Support - We cannot legislate bigotry into schools

There's been countless sociological studies about the impact of transgender inclusionary policy in schools which have consistently shown transgender students to be a vulnerable population and more prone to violence, bullying, and poor academic performance when there is anti-inclusionary policies and practices in place or a noted absence of inclusionary policies and practices. To promote student excellence and healthy behavioral habits among the student body, I firmly support and promote transgender student rights within Virginia schools.


FULLY SUPPORT TRANS KIDS//PROTECT ALL KIDS

These kids need support and to feel safe!! Let them be themselves without any judgment!!! THEY MATTER.


Support

I support this guidance. Trans kids have the right to feel safe and affirmed at school, just like every other child does, yet trans kids disproportionately suffer from bullying and harassment at school. This guidance is critical in ensuring that school districts, teachers, and administrators have the tools to support trans kids and keep them safe.


Transgender policy

While I think it is a persons right to identify the way they want, I oppose this policy. Having child services involved should not be part of the policy. I disagree with the bathroom usage. We are allowed religious exemptions for other this it should apply here. Ultimately you are taking away one persons right to satisfy another persons rights. Bullying is real for lots of reasons each school district should and all already have bullying policies. Transgender should fall under the already existing policies


Transgender Students

I fully support transgender students' right to free expression and protection from harassment, and I hope the trans children of Virginia will benefit from protections that can safeguard them against undue harm and allow them to fully integrate into their chosen gender with as little mistreatment as possible.


Strongly support

I fully support this legislation and support the wellbeing and health of transgender youth.


Support! Trans Lives Deserve A Safe Education Free From Harassment

I strongly support this legislation. It should be obvious that ALL students, no matter their orientation or identity, deserve respect, safety and care in their education. Harassment, discrimination or hate should not be tolerated on any grounds let alone someones literal identity.  Please pass this legislation. It is long overdue.


Stop playing the religion card

stop using christianity and religion as a defense for your bigotry and transphobia


NO WAY

This is just plain wrong, now the government it telling us, the parents, what the school systems will be teaching out children in terms of values & morals. No, no, no.....


Opposed!

I am opposed to this. This is indoctrination. Leave social issues to patents.


STRONGLY SUPPORT. Protect trans youth lives.

I strongly support this protection of trans human rights in VA!! Trans children must be able to exist freely without scrutiny or discrimination. A change like this would be a monumental push to a better future for trans lives in Virginia!


Strong support from the medical community

Writing in strong support. We have shown time and time again that models such as this one are essential for the protection, well-being and health of our patients.


As an educator, my job is to advocate for the community.

While encouraging students to embark on a journey of self discovery, I also teach them to think critically, be themselves, and to show respect to everyone they meet. How can we look the children in the face if we aren't holding true to our basic core principles!? TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!


Strongly Disagree and Oppose!

I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. This is sinful and wrong. God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve! I will not be sending my children to any public school if this is considered “ok”. The fact that this is being considered is disgusting and disappointing.


SUPPORT TRANS RIGHTS

Trans kids face unbelievable amounts of harassment from other kids, teachers, and even their own parents. Protect these kids and let them express their identity.


Protect, love, cherish our trans kids!!!

Our children are the responsibility of the dominion to love, cherish, care for, raise, and educate. ALL children. Trans kids included. Protect them, love them.


Oppose these measures/ Support No Bullying Policies

To be clear bullying and harassment of any student for any reason should be addressed and come with appropriate consequences. I do not support policies that force secular views upon those with opposing religious and ideological views. There is no scientific/psychological consensus concerning gender identity. Genetically speaking there are two distinct genders. Forcing someone to use a different pronoun to identify someone is illegal. It is a violation of our right to free speech. We can address the bullying/harassment without violating freedom of speech. Mandating the removal of confusion by the use  of certain pronouns does not remove the confusion that still exists. Also, we are doing harm  to our children by not addressing these identity issues in a more appropriate counseling session. Children should not be encouraged to make gender identity decisions in adolescence. Adults have enough difficulty understanding the issues. Parents should be responsible for educating their children in this area of their life not the school system. Our school system should be apolitical and educate our children not make decisions for them. By enacting these policies we are in fact making a decision for them and a political statement. Please stop trying to force our children into your ideological box. Racism is wrong. Bullying is wrong. Harassment is wrong. Limiting freedom of speech is wrong. If you really want to help, work in cooperation with the parents of the child who is struggling with their gender identity to get them the help they need or want. Not just counseling from one ideological perspective, but from all perspectives. The antidote to confusion is not less information, but more. That is the challenge of education. We must impart knowledge of all points of view without bias or we are inherently biased. You may not like my point of view, but that doesn't mean you get to dismiss it. The very freedom you purport is the very freedom you deny. We have a pronoun for that which has no identity, "it." No one wants to be called it. Everyone wants to know who they are, their identity. Unfortunately in a pluralistic society with no moral absolutes and no greater source for determining identity and other moral absolutes, we are left to the whim of the day. We are ok with society dictating our moral absolutes as long as they align with what we want from life. What happens when a corrupt society takes charge and there are no longer any moral absolutes. The laws of the land, which are governed by the society will become corrupt because the society determines what is right and wrong. These policies are indications of a much bigger problem in our society. We cannot force political and ideological views on everyone. Our nation is divided because no one from either side is willing to have open healthy debate in the public forum. If my faith can stand on its on merits in the public forum then my faith is blind and misplaced. I am willing to consider your ideas if you are willing to consider mine. We will never make progress without communication. People who are unwilling to debate are are afraid that their ideas are wrong and they can't live with the life they would have to enjoin if their ideas are wrong. Thank you for allowing me to vent.


Vote no

As a parent of a child who considers himself “bi,” this is just wrong!!!! It is NOT the schools, and DEFINITELY NOT the place of the state government to teach these morals & values.Yes, WE ALL have rights!! Vote no, absolutely no!


STRONGLY SUPPORT

I fully supported this measure. No child should be bullied or ostracize by other students OR teachers and staff. Let’s be on the right side of history for once VA


Absolutely no!

I strongly object to the guidelines proposed for schools on gender issues. 1)  to remove gender terms is offensive and biblically wrong. 2) taking the raising if children out of the hands of parents goes against our freedoms and the rights of parents to make choices for their minor children. 3) this is just one step away from indoctrination of children in a false and dangerous belief that they decide what God has already decided. 4) if I had school age children, I would be pulling them out of school.  I will do all I can to help those who do have children to understand the salacious nature of this policy.


Support

While I have no personal experience with transgender public school students, I have children and grandchildren and have myself graduated from the Virginia public school system. I think that a lot of the negative comments posted here are from those who are either afraid of the unknown or driven by hatred of anyone different from themselves. What I am sure of is that school, particularly middle and high school, can be a marathon for anyone who is bullied or seen as different or who doesn’t readily fit in. That must be a nightmare. I cannot imagine that transgender students will ever comprise a majority of any particular school, making the smaller number particularly open to harassment. I fully support this policy as well as any others that help marginalized students.


I support

Seeing some of these horrible comments about innocent human beings is so disheartening. I fully support transgender people having the basic rights that they deserve. Transgender students have been bullied consistently throughout the years. They deserve to be comfortable and accepted at school. I as a teacher want my students to be loved and respected for who they are at school.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

What is proposed is a gross overreach of the government to impose ideology that is NOT shared by all. Stripping control away from parents and giving it to educators and administrators on this sensitive subject is an incredibly slippery slope. We must not allow this in Virginia!


Trans rights are human rights

Honestly, reading this bill and reading the comments against it I thought it was pushing for some radical change when in reality it seems perfectly realistic and I am shocked that we do not already have legislation providing these very basic human rights and consideration to trans kids. Trans youth have very high rates of depression and suicide. Let us do everything we can to make their lives a little easier and show kindness and acceptance. Life is precious and we teach kids how to be good and kind adults when we show them compassion ourselves. Protect trans youth.


Support

I support any policy that seeks to protect our trans children/students. It is difficult for our children/students these days with so much increased conflict and hatred exhibited in our society. Study after study has shown that trans children/students are vulnerable and at a higher risk of suicide, self-harm, and persecution than other students. All children/students need our love and protection, including and especially our trans children/students. Do the best you can until you know better.  Then, when you know better, do better. - Maya Angelou


Teach the whole Truth not the agenda!!

It's a sorrow for a certain percentage of persons who struggle with their gender identity, but to impose that it is healthy on our school aged children is deceitful. Those who wish to offer psychological and emotional support to those who are confused by their gender identity are now considered hateful and uncompassionate, if they are encouraged to embrace the biological and anatomical truths of their bodies and persons. If transgender education will be taught -- include the whole picture of those who regret their decisions to have sex changes and wished that others had helped them with the truth. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20191007/Hundreds-of-trans-people-regret-changing-their-gender-says-trans-activist.aspx


STRONGLY OPPOSE - THIS IS CHILD ABUSE

As the mom of a child who suddenly identified as transgender at age 17, I find these policies promoting the changing of a child's sex to be deplorable. My child is mentally ill and 20 years ago would never have thought they could change their sex, but now that this path is being encouraged everywhere, kids with autism, anxiety, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphia, PTSD and many other mental illnesses are told they can escape their problems by magically changing their sex, and then their actual illness is never addressed. Parents have no say in the matter and schools are now taking over parenting, but they're not the ones up at night with our sick children, or in the hospital with them if one of these "treatments" for changing sex goes wrong - what is happening in this State?


I approved

Begin typing to enter your comments. You are limited to approximately 3000 words I approved


D

I fully support the rights of Trans, non binary, and gender non- confirming youth. They ought to be protected and allowed to identify as they are!


Transgenders are not human beings!

God created human beings as defined by two genders only: male and female. Anyone who is “transgender” or “genderfluid” does not follow the word of God and therefore is not considered a human lifeform. Non-human lifeforms are not integrated into society like humans, so tell me, why the are they being allowed into schools??? This whole legislation makes me lose faith in our government and I will not send my children back to public school if this passes


Protect trans/non-binary/gender non-conforming students!

I fully support the protections for trans/non-binary/gender non-conforming persons. As a gender non-conforming person myself, these protections could have helped me a lot when I was in school. No one should have to fear for their safety because of how they choose to identify, particularly children. It's really disgusting how people try to use their religion as a reason for why they don't support protections. Your religion doesn't extend into the areas of others' lives and ideologies. And what about separation of church and state? And how do pro-lifers justify their views when they're not actively fighting to protect the lives that already are here, even if they don't align with their own views?


OPPOSE.

I do not support this bill. I would rather support the curbing of overt harassment.


Yes to a gender affirmative school system!

I think the guidance document is a positive first step in ensuring the safety and positive learning environment for gender-marginalized students, whether they’re cis or transgender.


Protect trans children

trans people are human!! We should protect them and respect them.


Strongly oppose

strongly oppose


Oppose schools over parents

To suggest that a young child going through the confused state of puberty is somehow wiser than his or her parents concerning sexual identity is absurd. To further suggest a school system should interject their opinion or worse yet to contradict the parent’s wishes is abusive. Leave parenting to parents on this matter of sexual identity


Trans kids are LOVED!!

Trans kids are LOVED!!


Vote no on Transgender Legislation!

First and most importantly any legislation that cuts the parents out of the conversation should be rejected!!!  Parents have a right to know what is going on in the schools and most importantly what is going on with their own child!  A policy that says children who are under age can decide what gender they want to be addressed at school and having this done in secret without the parent's approval is absurd!  Parents must be informed of any goings on with their children.  It is not the schools place to take over making such important decisions. Secondly it is not appropriate for children of the opposite sex to be allowed in locker rooms or bathrooms.  We need to protect ALL students not just transgender students!!!


This is wrong, time to focus on anti-bullying measures

This measure infringes on my rights, and I have rights too. I do believe all children should be protected & given the right to decide.....however, in a PUBLIC setting, using MY tax dollars is not the place to mandate these policies!! To protect our children, we need anti-bullying policies!! This is where we need to focus our attention.


Strongly Approve

I strongly approve because no one deserves to be discriminated against for any reason. Transgender individuals and children should be protect under law in order for them to flourish in our society.


Strong support

Strong support from a pediatrician and child psychiatrist. Trans rights are human rights and it is our responsibility to provide safe, validating spaces for all children.


Strongly support!!

I’m a student, and I have many trans/non-binary friends and classmates. There is no form of harm going from trans students to via students in any way. The only harm is going to trans students from their cis counterparts. Did you know that not a single instance has been recorded where a cis person was assaulted in a bathroom by a trans person, but there have been many cases where the opposite has happened?? What needs to happen is we need to create a strong system of support and protection for trans students as they navigate the difficulties of not only school and adolescence, but also the difficult internal and external struggle of coming to terms with your identity and beginning to outwardly display it. I beg you all, have empathy. Have empathy to the teenagers who may live in a household that is emotionally and/or physically violent to them, and to whom a supportive school environment could quite literally be a matter of life and death. The suicide rate of trans kids with supportive families vs unsupportive families is magnitudes different. This matters.


Support: It Saves Lives

The importance of having support in schools for trans, non-binary, and gender conforming youth is critical for their development and their long term health. Being trans myself, I had the great privilege of going to a school with significant support for trans students, and I think without it I would be in a much worse place as an adult. I am tired of watching my trans peers go back and forth out of mental institutions because they don’t have access to a supportive community and accepting information provided about their identity. During the time of my initial transition, two trans friends of mine from my hometown killed themselves. I am heartbroken when I hear of trans youth in my city getting disowned from their parents, ending up in a homeless shelter, and turning to heroin from the pain of it. Having supportive and non-discriminatory spaces in schools and among school staff can make a world of difference and preventing years of unnecessary trauma and social exile. It has been shown in multiple studies that when trans people have support, their likelihood of suicide goes down significantly. Be there for your students, identity and beautiful differences and all that comes with it. Offer supportive information on what it means to transition and the complexity of personal identity and you’ll create an informed and responsible class of trans, non-binary, and GNC youth. I don’t see how not supporting students does anything but exile people and create a host of issues that are much harder to resolve in someone’s life


STRONGLY SUPPORT- Protect and support our transgender students

As a teacher, I strongly support this policy and believe trans rights are human rights. Trans students should be protected and supported in their expression of identity, and schools should have policies in place to ensure trans students feel safe and welcomed.


Transgender

Strongly oppose!


Strongly Support

All children deserve support, especially Trans youth. 100% support this policy


Do NOT support this bill!

I am totally opposed to this. This is a violation of parental rights, these are all things parents need to be teaching their kids at home.


The amount of vile and transphobic comments here deeply concerns me

I’ve seen it all in this town hall. It ranges from thinking transgender kids have mental illnesses to saying transgender kids should be mass executed! It’s absolutely disgusting and makes me feel scared for the future of transgenders in school. If this amount of people are coming out of the woodwork and willingly displaying their horrible beliefs, then it really goes to show why lgbtqia+ needs extra societal protection


Support

As a board member of the New Life Metropolitan Community Church of Hampton Roads whose members are of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, I support the guidance. Education is the greatest method to align one’s future with one’s goals and learn how to become a more contributing member of society, regardless of how one identifies. We can’t change how youth and young adults are treated in their homes, but we can keep them safe in their schools. They are our future, and are learning how to lead by the example we set for them. Thank you!


I strongly support the legislation

This is the desegregation of this age.


Strongly support

School should be a safe space for every student, and I support creating compassionate systems.


Strongly support our LGBTQ youth

I am pleased to see measures like this that are inclusive and supportive of our LGBTQ youth.


Strongly Oppose

I STRONGLY OPPOSE and DISAGREE with this legislation. Taking away any distinction between the genders is going directly against natural law and is only confusing and hurting our children. There is no scientific evidence showing that enabling gender dysphoria is healthy, in fact all the evidence shows that it is actually harmful to a child’s mental and physical health.


Protect Trans Lives!!

it is vital that everyone feels safe, welcomed, and seen in school. This includes trans youth!!. It is so important for trans students to feel supported in such an impressionable time in their lives!


Agree to equal rights but not this suggested implementation

I truly believe more needs to be done than simply have a conversation on inclusion and I understand our schools play such a large, influential role in our children's lives but I simply don't agree to the implementation this policy is suggesting. Our schools are to be a safe haven, a place of inclusion, and an institution for learning - FOR ALL. I don't understand how creating "inclusivity" for one then changes the field for another in a potentially worse scenario. I'm trying to set my fear of the unknown aside to be very neutral here. If my children were Transgender I would certainly want inclusiveness for them but in that I would want other children to feel safe in their environment as well. We can't take from one to give to another and call it equal. Should teachers, students, and communities treat Transgender without prejudice and judgement? Absolutely. Does that mean we allow a born "female" student into designated "male" quarters because she now identifies herself as "male"? I don't believe so, and vice versa. A born "male" student shouldn't be permitted into "female" facilities. I clearly see the conflict here for a Transgender person and where they feel they belong but I can't support the policy of full immersion like this. For clarity - I was born female and I identify as female. Thinking of my own experience of middle school through high school; locker rooms were awkward. For gym, for sports, all the above. The dressing out, showering, changing clothing in front of my "like-bodied" cohort was an awkward experience as it was and the thought of adding in the opposite sex, even if they do mentally identify as female, is a thought that honestly I am not comfortable with. I also don't agree with the inclusion of sports. In theory - yeah, it's a great idea. But in a real world scenario it isn't going to be fair or safe to everyone. Male sports and female sports have been separate for decades for reason and reasons I agree with. So how do we evolve? My suggestion - if it's for bathrooms or gym scenarios, it's providing more private bathrooms for one person use. If you have to label it, put the sign "Bathroom" on it. Male, Female, whoever wants to use it, can use it. If it's environment that needs to be worked on, I believe that's going to come down to the School Board and individual school's Principal to set the culture and expectations to be withheld and the counseling department to assist in support. I am unsure why and how the focus of our education system came to be solely on the gender, color, and sexual orientation of our children and it honestly baffles me that we have these conversations but I feel that if we are going to focus on the emotional support of our children more, then we need to be emphasizing the expectation of inclusion more with faculty and staff and setting the culture in our schools. A no tolerance policy needs to be withheld and if it is more about physical logistics then build more private restrooms. I understand that all students don't come with a supportive home or involved parents and that school is that safe space of love, nurture, and support for those specific situations. It should remain that way and I understand that is the thought behind a policy such as this but it also feels like we are creating too many loop holes that can create a very unsafe space for other students if not handled properly. I just ask that we think of ALL students when trying to change for one.


SUPPORT

I moved from Fauquier County Virginia in 2020 to my retirement home. As a former public school teacher in Culpeper County I want to state that I support protections for transgender students.  Virginia MUST be a place where ALL students can thrive and we MUST stop the hate!


Transgender kids

Why do these kids need protecting, are they endangered?  I dont think anything special needs to be put in place, treat them like everybody else, they are not a special case.


All our kids deserve to be safe and respected in their schools

As a pediatrician and a parent, I know how powerful it is for adults and institutions to provide safe, respectful and caring spaces for children and adolescents to live, learn, and grow into their best selves, with schools being an important part of growing up. Additionally,  scientific studies and on-the-ground experience tell us that children have better health outcomes when they are supported in living their authentic selves, including transgender and gender diverse children.  Schools have great opportunities to model how diverse persons can come together, learn from each other,  and create a stronger community. I can't imagine why anyone would argue to make schools a hostile and harmful environment for any child, including LGBTQ+ kids??? All our children deserve to have communities and schools create safe spaces to learn and grow.


Children should not have to defend their humanity based on their gender, sexual orientation, or any other facet of their identity. All deserve to learn and thrive in an environment of respect.


Support: House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161

Diversity is the key to growth. Our country cannot continue to thrive and grow if we do not start protecting our youth. Every child, teen, and adult has a right to a safe education, free of the stressors that they are already experiencing in social situations and at home. Our job as adults is to create a better world than the one we came into for the next generation, and we can start by creating and following through on policy that's inclusive.


DOE Transgender policy

I want to have a voice in this matter as a parent and grandparent of children in Virginia. I oppose the policy recommendation for DOE Transgender students in the public school system. My thoughts: 1.  This would be in direct violation of the cisgender students rights to privacy and protection.  In the developmental years sexual identity is sensitive.  There needs to be another solution offered that includes protecting and respecting all children according to their belief and choice about gender and sexuality as all are represented in the public school system.  This can only be done when the American way of diplomacy is active.  The goal should be simple, how do we protect all children within the system.  Anything short of this approach is hypocritical by nature and bias.  This policy proposed is bias and disrespectful of cisgender beliefs. 2.  Teachers need to be given the Amendment freedom of speech and religion.  They should not be stifled or allowed to push their agenda to students or fearful of retaliation from other faculty if they oppose the transgender policy. 3.  It is also bias to involve social services if a child's parents disagree with their developing transgender choice.  This is a sensitive issue and families need support and respect to work through raising their children in a loving, gentle environment.  This constraint is assuming that parents are negligent if they don't agree with a transgender approach to sexuality.  To be cisgender is to believe that our gender is given to us for procreation and healthy, loving relationship according to a Biblical world view.  This view should not be regarded as wrong or abusive simply to protect the rights of those who chose otherwise.  We cannot stop racist or discrimination by outlawing the right to live according to one's biological and religious choice.  No one should be harmed by another's choice.  Do no harm must be a driving goal shared by all.