Opposition to Proposed Transgender Education Policy

Dear Friends: I strongly oppose this proposed Transgender Education policy for many reasons.  Scientifically it is baseless as every human being either has two X chromosomes or an XY combination in every cell of their body.  Gender is obviously determined by genetics as well as physical morphology.  If we're going to follow the science, please be consistent. I also oppose it on scientific grounds that many studies have shown this type of social propaganda hurts students and can even lead to death by suicide.  In addition, to allow boys to use girls' restrooms is the most absurd suggestion ever put forth.  As a former teacher of 17 years in both the middle and high school grades, I can assure you that rapes and sexual assaults will skyrocket. I also oppose this on free speech grounds in that teachers who object to teaching such garbage will be either forced to do so or fired even as at least one VA teacher already has been for refusing to lie to a student by using the appropriate pronoun.  Really?  Are we that far off the tracks?  Apparently so.  I believe in respecting students and their rights regardless of their sexual orientation.  But teachers and parents also have rights that need to be protected. If a student is having questions regarding his or her gender, parents, counselors, pastors, etc are available.  It doesn't need to be force fed to every student in our schools paid for with my tax dollars.  Our students are already struggling academically in so many areas and need help in those subjects.  Let's use public education to help prepare them academically for the challenges they will face, not indoctrinate them socially.   Thank you for considering my submission.


Support

I fully support this guidance. It is important to protect our most vulnerable children.


Support

I am in full support of the guidance. Transgender youth in Virginia find themselves homeless at a disproportionately high rate due to the hateful environments they end up raised in, both in the family and in school. Having the school systems be a place of support could change kids' lives.


Don't teach our children that they are a mistake

Please carefully consider this decision. I have worked directly with young people for 15 years. I have no doubt this will HARM their self worth. We cannot teach children that what they were born as might not actually be what they are. It creates confusion in little minds, undermines their self-worth, and causes them to consider themselves some sort of mistake or (please excuses this term) freak. This sort of content does not belong in our schools or the minds of our children. We should not be seeking to "grow them up" faster, but rather preserve their innocent minds and teach them a meaningful and helpful education. Thank you for considering my opinions and for all your hard work. You don't have an easy job in this day and age.


Transgender policy not good for children

We do not need this law. Virginia already has a good anti-bullying law. Studies show that young children with gender confusion more often than not outgrow this confusion after going through puberty. Children are not knowledgeable or mature enough to choose to make irreversible changes to their bodies with drugs and surgery. Hormones are powerful drugs. They can cause osteoporosis and cancer. They cause irreversible changes in the body. They need the guidance of caring adults. Their parents should not be excluded from the decision making process. The parents should have the ultimate authority. They are liable for the health and safety of their children. This early prepubescent sexualization of our children amounts to grooming them for early sexual behavior. And telling them that gender is assigned at birth and has nothing to do with your physical body and your genes is ideological and anti-science. The homosexual lifestyle is not a healthy one. There are many cases of transgender regret. Suicide is higher among gender confused people and going through the surgical change does not fix the problem. Encouraging children to become transgenders is child abuse.


Fully Support the Transgender Student Policies

Transgender students need these protections.  My transgender child was verbally harassed at the school on a daily basis.  Neither the principal nor the student counselor stepped in despite our numerous requests.  We ended up having to transfer our child to a different school for safety reasons/concerns.  In addition, for almost three years I have been asking the school district to update my child's records based on legal documentation and they refuse. The Model Policies are very important and needed.  Schools across the state of Virginia must have a uniform understanding on how to treat and support Transgender students.


I strongly oppose this action.

Parents should be informed regarding their children. This kind of legislation is wrong and very detrimental to the health and well being of children and the family as a whole! Since when are children capable of making these kinds of decisions when they are still growing and developing? I strongly oppose this action!


I support the guidance

As a society, we owe all children an education free from discrimination and harassment. These guidelines are an important step to ensuring transgender students receive the same treatment as everyone else in a classroom and are essential to the learning experience. I fully support the policies as outlined.


Support

As an educator, I can attest to how important it is for all students to feel safe in school. Protect and support transgender students.


Protect Trans Youth!

ALL children - including trans youth - deserve the chance to thrive in school. I am a mental health worker and psychology doctoral student, and I strongly support the guidance document. Trans kids are at elevated risk for depression, anxiety, bullying, and suicide. Help these kids get the support they need to flourish - the same support and protections cis kids have had all along.


SUPPORT!!

Protect our children; they know themselves best.


Protect LGBTQ Youth

All humans are created equal and deserve to be treated as equals.


Protect Young Trans Lives

Transgender youth have some of the highest suicide rates of any demographic. As such, I strongly support these guidelines as a critical first step to ensure trans kids not only have access to critical resources for their unique circumstance, but as a stalwart against the rampant bullying and prejudice that they face in the school system.


Protect trans children and families

I can't believe we are still having this conversation - all children deserve protection, safety, empathy and the same kind of love you would give any child.  Be a leader, Virginia.  Protect these beautiful children.


Support! This policy will save lives. All students deserve a safe supportive classroom.


My Taxes Shouldn't Go To Institutionalizing Psychological and Sexual Abuse - Policies are twisted.

It is very clear that these policies are constituted of psychological abuse and involve the institutionalization of sexual abuse against minors. These are pedophile proposals.


Laila Cooper, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

Full support!

As a clinical psychologist who has worked and currently works extensively with transgender, non-binary, and other gender-expansive adolescents and adults, I extend my full, adament, and urgent support for these model policies. The greatest current threat to our youth is their mental health, especially following the impact of covid on schooling.  For transgender (term used here inclusively) youth, school can be one of the most dysphoria-provoking and traumatic environments.  The experiences many transgender youth have in school are often related to (and at times the exclusive catalyst of) decades of anxiety, depression, dysphoria, and posttraumatic stress disorder.  These experiences most certainly affect their educational experience, learning, and later attainment. It is of utmost importance and, in fact necessity, that if we wish to reduce the inequities in educational attainment, earning power, and career promise of transgender individuals (as well as their quality of life!) we must offer a guide for more protective and inclusive policies in our schools. As a parent of three FCPS students, it is absolutely fundamental to me that my children receive a good education.  This INCLUDES making friends and being exposed to a variety of other children from different ethnic and racial groups, religions, abilities, and certainly children of all different genders and sexual orientations.  My children have been taught to be inclusive and also to be aware of discrimination that may occur and combat it.  For all children's benefit we need comprehensive policies for their protection and to encourage their learning.


Transgender

Please do not place any special favors and call it a discrimination if another does not agree with your policy or belief on transgender.  God created only Male and Female, so there is only two genders and that needs to be the way it stays. One could not get away with feeling that they want to go 65 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and it be discrimination if a police officer stops one and gives them a ticket.  Nor can one kill another because that is what they feel like at the time and it be ok. The only rules and laws that should be in place are the ones established by God in is word, the Bible. Thank you,


Strongly support these model policies

We need to support and love all our children


Help kids who are confused - don't allow them to mutilate themselves, e.g. cut off penis or breasts

It is now understood that the average child, adolescent, teenager, young adult does not reach full "cognitive" maturity until about 21 years of age.  In order to help young people grappling with gender disphoria, it would be best to not give them puberty blockers or allow them to mutilate their bodies until they are at least 22 years of age.


Trangender Policies

Areas I have issues:
“Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6)
The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender to exploit many situations.

“School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13)identity” to exploit many situations. Will this mean that parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school? Will the schools report and government remove or jail parents that aren't affirming? That's giving power to an already over-reaching government.

“Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18)
“School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) As a parent & adult, this is scary and unacceptable. All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. This will be exploited with no way to reprimand. It will be humiliating for girls having to undress in front of another student that has different body parts. School staff should support the safety and welfare of all students, not just transgender. People with the same body parts should be together if they are undressing/changing clothes for gym/sports. We don't let young child go to Rated R movies with nudity why is it okay for this?


strongly support, with kindness for all

I didn't even know what transgender was until a few years ago, and certainly didn't understand. When my much loved child came out it certainly was an eye opener! My kid isn't doing this for attention (he would prefer to melt into the background and never be seen) and frequently wishes he could just have been born a boy so that his life would be easier. But he's a genuinely kind, good, brave kid, and he doesn't deserve to be afraid at school, and neither should other transgender kids. These policies are respectful and will save lives, and they are common sense and frankly good manners. We may not always understand others, but it is everyday courtesy to let people to use the names they choose, dress in clothes that have been deemed appropriate for all students, and have basic privacy over their own information. Ignoring these issues will not make them go away, and does not force anyone to change their beliefs, just allow others to the freedom to choose their own lives.


Protect our daughters' right to privacy! #METOO Strongly oppose this dangerous legislation!

There have got to be better ways to accommodate sexually confused children than these. It is dangerous and unconscionable to allow junior high and high school boys admission to any girls restroom or locker room at any time with no accountability. While your concern for the feelings of gender confused children are admirable, you are failing to consider the feelings of girls who have been, or are now silently suffering from ongoing sexual abuse or who are entrapped in trafficking. Allowing biological boys into their vulnerable spaces (such as restrooms and locker rooms) would cause great psychological and potentially physical harm to these girls. These reckless policies endanger our daughters. Remember #METOO! The school has no authority to keep gender identity issues that affect our children hidden from parents. These are OUR children and we must not be deceived and lied to about issues they face. The rights of gender confused children should not take precedence over the rights of girls/young women who are uncomfortable with biological males in their safe spaces. We can not place more burden on our already stressed and burdened teachers by threatening discrimination charges for not keeping up with ever changing pronouns for students. This legislation is unacceptable and dangerous.  Please re-think your proposed legislation. I STRONGLY OPPOSE this legislation!


Support

I am writing in support of the guidance.


Strongly oppose

Please consider the dignity and innocence of our children. They should be affirmed and supported in the way that God created them. Our children must not be further confused by policies that are neither based on reality, nor scientifically proven. Thank you for your consideration.


Strongly oppose

The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.


Protect our children.  Believe the science.  Stop the insanity.

I highly object to the ongoing attack on human life sciences and common sense.   Please do not support this ongoing attack.


Strongly Support this Guidance

I strongly support this guidance document. All students in the Commonwealth deserve an education system that is welcoming and affirming of their gender identity.


Strongly Oppose

All people deserve respect and compassion.  Teaching our children that 1+1=5, if they feel that it does, is neither respectful nor compassionate.  It is harmful.  How tragic that we would empower our schools to teach such things.


Transgender indoctrination

Strongly oppose this new legislation!


Transgender indoctrination

I strongly oppose this action.  Please return to sanity!


Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity MUST be taught in Sex Ed

The concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity MUST be taught in sexual education classes. Like many of the other comments clearly show, we cannot count on parents to teach their children these concepts. Transgender kids in unsupportive households face incredible hardship, especially understanding their own identities when they have had no exposure to people like themselves. Trans teens and children must be given the language to describe themselves and the tools to understand their identities. Cisgender kids who are raised in bigoted households are taught bigotry and hatred towards their transgender peers, and are not taught the truth about what being trans actually means. Every child needs to be told that being trans is normal, acceptable, and scientifically valid.


Fully Support

Trans students deserve protection like any other marginalized groups. They are systemically oppressed, they are bullied, and they are ostracized. To deny them equal protection is prejudiced and transphobic. It’s that simple. Allowing them equal protection will not change the daily lives of students who are not trans. In fact, it will enhance the school environment because the schools will be able to foster a safe space that supports any and all marginalized people. It will allow trans students the confidence to be themselves, and that confidence will likely have a strong impact on their academic performance. It’s difficult to do well in school when you are ostracized and told you don’t matter. Ask any other marginalized person. Let me reiterate, denying these protections and being against these protections is transphobic . If you actually care about students, you’ll understand that this will not harm them; it will only benefit them and their classmates.


Misguided; Oppose this policy

This policy will foment more confusion in young people who are looking for security and safe boundaries; the most personal and private aspect of a young person's life should not be fodder for public scrutiny on a daily basis at school.  Children and young people who are not confused about their identity will have confusion sown into their lives because of this policy. It should absolutely be opposed.


Strongly Oppose!

In short, The VDOE should be focusing on the basic subjects! We would like our children to learn the core subjects - Math, History, Science, Language Arts, Music, Art, Computer Skills, etc. It is not right for our children to be taught about social issues that go against their personal beliefs. There is no mention of exceptions or accomodations for students or staff who do not believe in these transgender pilicies. I am gravely concerned about the mental welfare of my children in the Virginia public school system. Let me be clear. As a woman of faith, a former teacher and a mother, if this passes ,i will not allow my children to attend public school. I believe you will see a large decrease in enrollment. Nearly 65% of the country is Christian. Christian parents strongly believe in the importance of teaching our children that faith comes first. Young minds are impressionable. Again, These proposed policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. I strongly urge the VDOE to not allow this. If the views of 65% of the population and the Christian faith have no place or voice in the public school system, then the wishes and accommodations for 0.3% of the transgender population should not either.


Support the well-being of trans youth in schools

I fully support this guidance to promote the health and well-being of trans youth, who are often subject to bullying by not only students, but adults in their academic lives-- teachers, administrators and school board members. They have a right to an education free of harassment and one that acknowledges their humanity.


Destroying the children

Absolutely NO.


Virginia Department of Education Transgender policies

This policy forces everyone to comply, for the sake of a few students that “identify” or “are” transgender, with no exceptions.  There are people:  parents, teachers, staff, students, who would not agree with these policies, based on their understanding/study of scientific biological facts, religious teachings from various groups, or just their natural understanding of their own physical gender driven by their biological codes assigned before birth.  These policies that place vulnerable youngsters at the mercy of others can lead to so many harmful situations, even rape, abuse, and false accusations against parents who try to protect their youngsters (and rightfully so).  There will be false accusations against innocent students who are in school to LEARN, not be attacked on a daily basis if they do not conform to all these new, ever-changing standards, such as pronouns that can change daily!  How can anyone function well in such a hostile environment?  These policies are determined to incriminate anyone who disagrees, and it is definitely NOT the job of the DOE to be incriminating anyone.  Thank you for listening.


TRANSGENDER SCHOOL POLICY

STRONGLY OPPOSE TRANSGENDER SCHOOL POLICY - Biblically there are only male & female. that's it!


Support Trans youth in public scools!

Trans youth need public school support!


GET TRANNIES OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS

GET TRANNIES OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS


Strong support of these model policies

I am in strong support of the model policy for transgender students, which allow for equitable treatment and education for all of our children. It is fair and legal and right.


Vehemently opposed

This policy is diametrically opposed to the US Constitution. The policy is not normal, not healthy, and is in no way beneficial to growing children. What a pile of hot garbage, this is shameful.


Support for transgender youth in VA public schools

Public schools are responsible not only for the education of the children and young adults in their care, but also for their physical and mental well-being. That includes protecting young people from bullying and providing them a safe space to be who they are. Transgender children and young adults need support from their schools, not discrimination or shame. Gender identity is not a moral choice, and should not be treated that way. I expect schools to respect and protect all their students.


Do not agree with the logistics.

While I believe in protections for this marginalized class, I do not agree about the way this effort is being phrased. Separate bathroom and changing areas for everyone's comfort and privacy is a much better option. Too many things can go egregiously wrong in the current proposition.  As for participation in athletics and such,  the sane types of measures could prove more useful. For everyone's safety, please reconsider and make better accommodations for all. Thank you.


Strongly Oppose

As a parent, tax payer, business owner and job creator in the Commonwealth, I am vehemently opposed to this policy of strong arming  transgender indoctrination of students and the forced acceptance of the LGBT agenda. This proposition directly violates the Constitution, as well as the religious beliefs of Christians and practicing Catholics. I will not adhere to this policy, and you seem to forget that our tax dollars pay for your worthless lives, I suggest you stop pushing our limits of tolerance of your shenanigans.


FULLY support trans rights! Every student deserves respect!

Every student, including trans students deserve to feel included and welcomed at their school. Policies need to adapt and change with the times to match today’s society.


Strongly Oppose. Defend God’s Creation of Male & Female!!!

I strongly oppose the transgender policies. It is evidence of what a broken, sinful world we live in. We need Jesus. He can redeem those struggling with gender confusion. I stand up for my Christian faith and God’s design, that He intentionally creates us MALE or FEMALE, in His image. There are only two sexes. His Word is TRUE. The school has no place to teach my children unbiblical messages about their gender. I am very concerned with these proposed policies. Sexual brokenness is real. Our God is bigger. A better life is found in Christ, not in these new policies.


Strongly Opposed

Please do not do this to our children. The proposed guidelines go against science, morality, common sense, conservative and even liberal principals. The propagation of a lie does not make it truth. Calling what is good evil and what is evil good, we are proposing persecution of the vast majority of students at the expense of lying to the very small minority. Where is the concern for Christian teachers and those whose conscience will not allow them to participate in this deceit? May God have mercy.


Please support this initiative!

i have watched so many transgender students struggle to make it through school, and that isn’t right. Everyone deserves the right to a education and the right to feel safe at school.


Fully Support!!!!

I fully support the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.  It is necessary to protect trans students and advance their well-being. Trans students are at an extreme risk of bullying, harassment, and prejudice. These policies will help alleviate this burden and protect these children from the senseless hate expressed by many people on this forum.


Protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of Trans students in VA schools!

As a state for those who love, the bullying, harassment, and isolation of trans students is both a moral and mental health failure that we should strive to correct. Teaching students to love and accept their classmates for their identity is not only a worthwhile goal to create more earnest and welcoming learning environments, but also a direct step towards creating more empowered and compassionate global citizens which should be the number one priority of every VA school. The education system as it is needs to support trans students far more than it currently does, and I support all efforts to do so wholeheartedly.


Strongly oppose this policy for our children and youth

I strongly oppose this dangerous policy of applying what impacts a minority of students onto all children and youth. It will cause great confusion on young, developing brains, and place a disproportionate emphasis on someone’s sex/gender instead of focusing on education. School is not the place to facilitate this agenda. This policy would give an exorbitant amount of control to school officials in shaping children’s values and beliefs that belong first in the family. This policy does not support or value family and parental guardianship. This policy also creates an unsafe environment for children physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Rather than supporting individual beliefs, it forces “ transgender ” ideology and policies onto all children without choice to participate or not. This dangerous policy will undoubtedly cause many families to question the safety of trusting and keeping our children in the public school system. Please protect our children, the integrity of public schools in Virginia, and our freedom to hold our own individual beliefs and values, and do not enact this policy. A concerned Virginia resident and mother, Felicia Aldinger


Mixed response

ALL children deserve a safe and comfortable learning environment. Guidelines that focus on preventing bullying, harassment, and discrimination make sense and should absolutely be supported. At the same time, I have serious concerns about wording in the proposed guidelines that would keep parents in the dark about a child's gender expression. Suspicion of abuse or neglect in such situations should be treated as they would in any other - by reporting them to social services. Absent those circumstances, however, parents have the right and responsibility to fulfill their role AS PARENTS in helping their children through their struggles and questions in life. Not informing parents that a child wishes to be called by another name, for example, flies in the face of parental rights. I also have concerns about this wording from the proposed guidelines: " School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” Transgender girls are surely no threat to other girls in a locker room or restroom. However, abuse of this policy by a male student who knows that he can't be questioned upon entering a girls' bathroom/locker room, though likely to be rare, could be extremely threatening and even physically dangerous. And finally, I think serious consideration must be given to the fairness of transgender girls competing in girls' sports. Female athletes are at a biological disadvantage with regard to speed and strength, and these guidelines which aim to protect the rights of transgender students may at the same time infringe upon the rights of female athletes who seek fair competition.


I strongly Oppose

I strongly disagree with this. “So God created man in His own image, in the image created he him; male and female created he them.” Gen. 1:27


Strongly opposed

I strongly oppose this being an issue that is strictly handled by the educational systems. The parents, as the primary educators of their children should be directly involved in this delicate issue. Children of all walks of life should be able to participate in school functions without the risk of segregation or harassment. By opening restrooms and locker rooms up to any child who chooses to identify a particular way for that particular day, also opens the door for cases of abuse and rape in any combination of gender orientation.


Oppose completely!

Our children must be protected!   Having shared bathrooms and locker rooms leaves children so vulnerable to predators!   Thus out weighs the needs of transgender equality.  The fact that gender identity can only be defined by each person, and can change possibly frequently, means there is no way to set guidelines to protect them, or any person.  Please do not allow this!


No

I say absolutely not. I can agree that people have a their own rights and a voice but our public school system should not be used as a platform to push these choices.  We must protect the rights and safety of every child and not just a group of them!!


Strongly Oppose

We strongly oppose the The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly. The public educational system should focus on delivering consistent, high-quality instruction to all students within our state.  Education centered on promoting a societal belief or dogma should not be part of the state's educational curricula or goals.  Please focus on getting our children back to school and teaching them skills and subjects which will help them succeed personally and professionally in life.  Do not dictate to our families what to believe.  Stop trying to weaken and destroy the nuclear family with radical policies contrary to the faith of many people of faith.


Unequivocally OPPOSE

This goes AGAINST the nuclear family and values I stand for. A KID and Transgender shouldn’t even be a thing. These kids don’t even know what they want for dinner!! And people think they can make a decision that WILL affect the rest of their life?? They are KIDS!! This is ridiculous and ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE!!


Strongly Opposed

As a Bible believing Christian I am strongly opposed to this. These policies are far from neutral and does not have EVERY child’s safety in mind.


Strongly oppose!!!!

I strongly oppose this as both a mother and a public educator. I could not support this for the safety of my personal children or children under my care in a classroom. I could not agree to teach things that go against my person beliefs OR undermine the authority of the family. The implementation of this would be detrimental to the safety of our children, the quality of our education system as it will be hard to replace the thousands of teachers that will have no choice but to resign, and the family unit. Add a third bathroom if deciding on which bathroom to use is an issue. Teachers can explain why we need a third. By allowing this to pass, more harm will come than good. There are other ways to solve this problem that will not cause MORE harm to our already fragile education system, or jeopardize the safety of our children.


Strongly Support

I strongly support all measures to ensure the protection of transgender children in Virginia schools. Having gone through school here without these protections, I can confidently say they are necessary. I know there are people we've lost who might be alive today if they had gotten the support and protection they deserved when they needed it most. Please do not subject vulnerable children to the experiences I and others had. We face traumatizing, degrading, even fatal discrimination when we live openly, and transgender and gender-nonconforming kids need clear and readily available resources from knowledgable, trustworthy staff to help them weather it. Our state has repeatedly failed to respond quickly enough to threats to our children's wellbeing, and young people have suffered and died because of it. Do not let this be another instance of inaction. We have the resources to uplift our students; we should not be content to watch them fall.


Strongly oppose

Strongly oppose


Full support of our students and these proposed policies

I am fully in support of updating our school policies to those proposed. They make the arguments much better than I could, but we need to show respect for all students and make sure we are not literally sacrificing them to some minor and temporary comfort of other students (or more likely, that of the parents).


Support

I support this measure.


Strongly Support

Trans students have just as much right to a safe and supportive learning environment as any student. Please support them and support this bill


Fully support Transgender Rights and equality

I fully support Transgender rights and equality for all students in VA schools!


Strongly support

Trans rights are human rights.


Fully support!

It is about time we are having these discussions. Just because we lack understanding doesn't mean transgender youth suffer daily. Education can be hard and we need to all work on understanding each other, and standing up for people's rights. I support the right of all individuals to pursue their life, liberty and happiness, especially in this moment I support transgender individuals


Please read the Bible

If you were actually proper followers of Christianity you would realize this goes against everything we stand for. “So God created man in His own image, in the image created he him; male and female created he them.” Gen. 1:27


Strongly oppose

strongly oppose this! Not okay with the fact that the parent doesn’t have to be informed in this at all. Also how will other children be protected from harm from ANYONE being able to go into the same bathroom. A bill or predator can say one thing just to be able to get in the same bathroom as the person that want to harm! This doesn’t make our kids safe makes parents want to keep their kids at home.


Oppose

?I strongly oppose these model PLLC iris. They allow officials to force people to use false pronouns, or face discipline.  No person should be forced to swear or affirm the monstrous falsehood that children can be born in the wrong body. For Christians, that’s a forced denial of  God's purposeful design of male and female -- that's a denial of God Himself! This is a radical violation of religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and freedom of speech. Secretly affirming and facilitating a child's gender "transition" while at school puts school administrators between a suffering child and his mother. This is designed to make children distrust and fear their parents. This is child abuse. Parents who don't "affirm" that their child is in the wrong body can be reported to Child Protective Services? This is beyond offensive


Strongly oppose.

strongly oppose.


Strong support for trans rights!

I strongly support trans rights both in and out of schools, and Virginia should set an example for the country by supporting trans youth as best as it can.


God says this is wrong.

The Word of God says that homosexuality is an abomination (Leviticus 18:22).  We are made in the image of God and in His likeness(Genesis 1:27).  Fearfully and wonderfully are we made (Psalm 139).  Men are men, women are women.  Each of us was made exactly what we are supposed to be.  God did not a mistake in making anyone.  Everything that the world is trying to teach our children is a lie.  It is SIN in the eyes of our holy God and creator.  The Bible says "for the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" Roman 6:23.  Death is what we have earned but God sent his son Jesus Christ to pay our fine, He died for us on the cross to pay for our sins.  Yours and mine.  All who advocate these activities are forgiven if only you except Jesus as your Lord and savior, by faith and REPENT,  turn from sin and follow the Lord Jesus Christ and you will receive eternal life and be righteous in the sight of a holy God, through what Jesus Christ as done.  This is not "hate speech".  This is the truth.  Jesus said I am the Way, the TRUTH and the LIFE (John 14:6)  We all have the choice in what believe but "as for me and my house we will serve the Lord" Joshua 24:15. We as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ do not condone  these activies and beliefs and will not support any such teachings in the public school setting.  If such measures are passed that advocate these teachings, then we will be compelled by the Word of God seek our educational needs elsewhere. Thank you, God bless and we will pray for you.


Transgender

I strongly oppose


Strongly oppose. It strips parental rights & religious freedoms; the very fabric of this nation. I strongly oppose this policy being recommended.  The policy violates parental rights, student rights, religious freedoms, encourages bullying of those who do not identify with transgender ideology, and allow for an uninviting and confusing learning environment. Parents are primarily and foremost responsible for the upbringing, education, and care of their children. This is a fundamental liberty and right along with religious freedom.  These are rights are upheld by the Constitution and Supreme and Virginia Courts.  This troubling policy 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. This policy provides absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student, teacher, parent, or legal guardian whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. Included in the policy are provisions that clearly violate these rights such as: “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) This will permit schools to help a student explore, facilitate, and make decisions about his or her sexual identity while at school without the permission of the child’s parents . “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13) Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school. This violates parental rights and religious freedoms. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Essentially schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. This puts young girls who are growing and changing at risk of sexual harassment and bullying. This would also eliminate privacy and the safety of students. This would allow students to act as a member of the opposite sex, use of bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex all without the knowledge of and permission of the student’s parents. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, nor will parents have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” [This is a clear violation of due process clause of the 5th amendment.] This violates parental rights and puts religious freedoms at risk.


fully support! trans rights are human rights!

I fully support because trans rights are human rights and trans students deserve to feel safe and accepted.


Dramatic, Extreme policy

The fact this even was drafted in this manner is, quite frankly, unbelievable. It is a dramatic response to a much broader core problem of bullying, no matter gender, race, physical appearance, mental capabilities, disablility, etc. I'm amazed that we are giving the "moral authority" to adults in a position of power over our children in an environment that is already full of peer pressures, confusion, important developmental milestones, etc. Yet, the parent cannot make the same decisions for their own child? It seems counseling and a stronger influence on anti-bullying culture and zero tolerance policies would go much farther. These decisions could potentially open dangerous doors for ALL of our children.


Why these transgender policies should be denied

This is absolutely appalling!!! It seems that Transgender and LGBTQ is being shoved down the throats of our young people and adults. I wouldn't want my daughter having to share a bathroom with a boy that says he's a girl or vice versa. We're supposed to be protecting our children, and that isn't protecting them. If I were the school board members of any school district, I wouldn't want to stand before God one day and explain these disgusting policies.


Transgenderism and homosexuality are abominations of God and have no place in our schools Please pick up a bible once and a while. It will guide you in the proper direction since obviously you were not raised correctly.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose what the state is trying to push into our school systems. Let our kids be kids.


Strongly oppose

Will only create greater confusion in the already confusing years of adolescence! Undermines the parental role!


Support

Totally support


Strongly oppose. It strips parental rights & religious freedoms.

I strongly oppose this policy being recommended.  The policy violates parental rights, student rights, religious freedoms. Parents are primarily and foremost responsible for the upbringing, education, and care of their children.


I strongly oppose this policy

I strongly oppose this model policy.  It does not represent my Christian values and is not supported by science or common sense.  We should not be attempting to force others to violate their own religious beliefs, and we should not be contributing to the illness of transgenderism.  Instead we should be helping the students to understand they need help through counseling and that they will outgrow their gender confusion.  This policy will produce dangerous situations for our female students in bathrooms and locker rooms and will end women's sports.  This is very bad policy and very dangerous.  Thanks for hearing my comments.


Fully Support

I fully support this. Virginia students need to know the facts so they understand that being trans is normal and valid. Just like sex education allows students to be comfortable with their sexualities and be vigilant against sexual abuse, being educated on the existence of trans people prevents ignorance and stigmatization that can be life-saving for trans youth. Many young trans people face hatred, bigotry, and discrimination in society at large and even in their own homes. Having an environment of understanding and acceptance at school could make all the difference, which in some instances is the difference between life and death. Please make this regulation a reality. Trans rights!


Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose this bill for numerous reasons...one of the biggest reasons being that this bill allows for sensitive, critical information to be knowingly kept from parents in certain cases. Since when is this okay?! Parents have a right to know what is happening with their child and be a part of the process. Parents know their children the best and need to be part of this process, whether they would disagree with their child being transgender or not. Also, the uncomfortableness that will ensue in many young girls, knowing that a boy could walk in the girl’s bathroom at any moment (namely a straight boy trying to get into the girl’s bathroom because now he knows he can and teachers can’t even stop him), is enough to make many girls not want to use the bathroom altogether. So then you’ll have a large majority nervous/uneasy about using the bathroom, instead of just that tiny minority of transgenders being nervous/uneasy to use the bathroom. Is this really a better solution? There must be a better way...like making a unisex bathroom, for ex.


There's better policies to debate on

Look, I get it, but its sad that we need a policy to express this. its sad that we feel the need to cater to a small group. I get that everybody needs to be treated fairly. I will show the same kindness to you as you do to me. whether your gay or not. However, I strongly disagree with this policy for our school system. I think everybody is protected (or at least should be protected by anti-discrimination acts and policies already) but this is unnecessary and pointless. if anything, this just looks like a bill that, "feels good to do" it doesn't do anything for anybody and it just makes a small group of people feel good. If anything really, I would prefer this be left to the individual schools and let them make policies at their own level regarding this issue. let them come up with their own rules and guidelines.


This saddens me

I cannot believe I am having to respond to such a ridiculous proposal for our “education system”. I will start with freedom to “explore sexuality” in school. Why is this even encouraged? School is a place to learn, make friends, and grow independence.  What is happening in the restrooms of our public schools????  There are frequent mentions of protection for our transgendered students, but there is not one sentence that describes the penalty for misuse of this new allowance. I’m fairly certain this will be abused by “curious” children who just want a glimpse into the opposite sex. Lastly, it states “ if parents attempt to affirm a student’s God-given birth sex, the school can contact Children’s Protective Services for neglect.”, which I should be happy that at least the policy maker(s) affirm there is a God, but how sad that we are at risk of losing our ability to parent our children and address the mental disorder they may have concerning who they are in this world, without having a fully developed brain. Our brains are fully matured at 32 years old, but sure, let’s allow impressionable children to make life changing decisions. Why not lower the drinking age? How about we let 12 year olds obtain a license. This is lunacy, this is infuriating, and this is an anti-Christ philosophy I will not subscribe or subject my children to.


These model policies are a violation of my religion

Me, as well as any other self respecting Christian should realize that these models policies stand in direct contrast to basic biology, science, and the word of God


Fully support

I fully support the adoption of policies that protect the safety and well-being of transgender students.


Strongly Support

Trans students deserve protection at school. Trans students are no different than other students and deserve an educational space where they can feel safe for being who they are.


Strongly Oppose

He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them “mankind” on the day when they were created. Genesis 5:2.


Strongly Support!

Trans rights are human rights. LGBTQ+ students deserve to feel safe and respected in schools.


No thank you!

I oppose this legislation. I believe this will ultimately be proven unconstitutional but I am not sure that we can wait that long. DO NOT enact this law. Children should have rights to their Christian views as well as parents. My children already face enough stressors without fearing the scrutiny of some over zealous administrator who thinks they are repressed when they simply believe in Biblical norms. My children are consistently kind to every type of person and do not offer judgment. Christ was kind to those “outcasts” but harsh with the whited sepulchers who offered traps to their followers rather than guidance and safety. People (including children) who have gender identity issues should be treated with kindness and understanding on a case by case basis WITHOUT foregoing the rights of other students to their basic safety and security. As the mother of three teenage girls, I would NOT feel comfortable with a teenage boy being allowed in their locker room even if he identified himself as a girl, biologically he remains a male and as such poses an avoidable risk to their safety. To enact this will be to trample upon the rights of myriad students to ensure that only a few “matter”. That should not be the purpose of Virginia education.


School

I strongly oppose. This is a matter that can be handled at home. This goes against mine and my family’s religion. This should not be shoved onto other people. This does not belong in the schools educational learning.


Oppose

It is antithetical to the principles of free speech to compel me or my children to use language in any way, much less to speak in such a way as to subvert obvious biological reality on every level. This is a meaningless gesture that will never hold up to challenge in the SCOTUS. If you as an organization spent half as much effort teaching kids to read and do math as you do trying to prove to... whom exactly?... how woke you are, 75% of Virginia public school alumni would be eligible for Ivy League admission on academic merits alone. My children are not your social experiment.


In support

In support


Against

We are pushing back against the credentialed experts who crafted this document.  5000 years of human history says there are two genders, male and female, that correspond to biological sex at birth.  Young folks who are confused or abused or seeking attention should be treated with kindness and compassion and directed to counseling.  Playing the game with the preferred pronouns is an attempt to normalize the abnormal. Do not adopt this guidance.  Throw the whole thing out.  Policies are already in place to address the needs of emotionally damaged children.


For the good of ALL our children, I oppose

I strongly oppose this legislation as I believe that it is rooted in false, pseudo science and it sets a very dangerous precedent in which the state has too much influence on the raising of our children and the family has too little.  Let me be clear: I do not support the bullying of any person for any reason. However, to deny biological fact and insist that all of society does the same does not equate to equality. It equates to collective ignorance. Beyond this (and more concerning), to assert that a child or a parent could be deemed abusive or guilty of harassment because they respectfully dissent from these views directly violates our society's foundation of free speech and the pursuit of personal and religious conviction. This is a place where the state's involvement sets a much more dangerous precedent for ALL than the state's silence. Thus, as my title suggests, for the love of ALL our children I strongly oppose this legislation.


strongly support, let’s do even more for trans students


Strongly Oppose

Follow the science.  XX chromosome equals female.  XY chromosome equals male.  Binary. God created each human in His image, irreplaceable, not repeatable, loved by Him.


Strongly Support

Transgender schoolchildren absolutely need protection in schools from bullies and transphobic administrators, among other things. They should be able to participate in school life as fully as other students.


Strongly support.

It's the 21st century.


Religion

Goes against our religion.


Strongly oppose

there are two sexes, male and female.  Any other information should be left for parents to teach.


Oppose for logical reasons; better legislation required

I oppose this measure. Virginia department of Education needs to provide much different legislation to provide for all students’ rights to be observed and protected.


Urgently Support

Passing this law should be a no brainer, as trans-students are no different than normal students. They should have the same liberties and chances in life.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

This is a violation of parental rights and religious freedoms.


Respect for individuals does not entail rejection of common sense, reason, or biology

I do not support a transgender policy of renouncing biology or rewriting language and redefining genders. We can respect and value individuals as well as exhibit kindness to those with whom we may not agree without rejecting common sense and foundational male/female biology. Redefining language and biology to fit transgender theories is unnecessary, and it is disrespectful and confusing to those who are not inclined or indoctrinated in the new transgender ideology. It is not the business of the state or school system to inculcate transgender ideas into the students, and it is also unreasonable to require teachers or other students to endure transgender behavior and terminology.


I STRONGLY OPPOSE

This is DEMONIC!!  I Strongly Oppose!!


strongly support

Strongly support


Completely oppose.

This goes against God’s word. God  made man and woman, we don’t get to choose. Also, children should be taught to be respectful of everyone. We should not create divides in order to be inclusive.


Full support for Transgender guidance

I fully support the transgender guidance. Education is the only way to build understanding and remove fear.


Strongly Oppose

This is a dangerous precedent to set for our children. Bullying is already a big problem in schools and now to allow students all access to any bathroom/locker room, there will be more problems that arise. Let's think creatively about bathrooms for the small amount of students who need something different and protect the majority.


in support

I fully support the legislation needed to promote the health and well-being of trans youth. As all children do, these kids deserve our protection and support!


Transgender Policies

Keep guys: him/his Keep girl: her/hers Don't confuse these poor children. The role of the Government is very different from a parent's.  Parents have the right to intervene and help with their children's  personal lives.  Let parent's work with their own children. Do not plague the school with confusing policies that harass staff & families and bring great harm to the educational focus that schools should have! This is where kids learn about math, science, history, reading/writing. Get back to the the basics.  Drop the pronoun changes, locker room arrangements , etc.  Don't bring greater stress and anxiety upon children that are already face day to day life challenges.  These proposed policies are not helping, they are greatly hurting. Let kids be kids and get a solid education.   Let them work out their private affairs with their parents and professionals outside of the educational system.


Support costs nothing: I say yes

I have no comments to say other than 'I wish I had had this when I was a young student'


Fully support!

I grew up in Northern Virginia and recently moved to California to start college- But as an LGBT+ Individual, I fully support this. Please protect LGBT+ kids. They deserve the world.


Strongly Oppose

Schools should be teaching the basic subjects and supporting student interests. They have no place in pushing ideology that undermines many family backgrounds, religious values, and overall well being of an impressionable CHILD. Shame on you VDOE for pushing this liberal agenda in our schools!! Totally unacceptable.


STRONGLY OPPOSE!

This is absolutely ridiculous! I strongly oppose this and do not want this to pass!


Strongly OPPOSE

These proposed policies would do nothing but hurt our children... both those struggling with their gender identity and those who are not. A "transgender" child does not have the right to infringe on the rights and privacy of other students, and will not be "helped" by doing so. Rather, these policies feed the lies that our biological sex can be changed. We are male or female in every cell of our body. Furthermore, these proposed policies egregiously violate parents' rights.  Please OPPOSE these destructive proposals.


strongly support! TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

I fully support this document and it’s work to support trans students of the community


Supporting LGBTQ+ Students

There is not a debate, question, or opinion on respecting a human child and protecting who they are. You either love your child/student or hate them. There should not be a debate on this issue, and if there is you should very much consider being on the only side. The right side of history, logic, compassion, love, and intelligence. The side that supports all children and provides the leadership and respect that us adults should be providing. The kind that will love a child no matter who they are, and help them flourish and discover who that person is in our education system. If you do not love a gay or a trans student, you just do not love any humans and thus should have no voice in the educational environment they grow up in. You lose your right to debate when you do not acknowledge universal truths. That student is still human and is entitled to all inalienable rights that each and everyone of us are. Those here who use religion as a means to justify hate, and seclusion really must not religious at all and thus have no argument. Do not let mob hate win, do not believe that there is a them and an us. That is false propaganda we should have learned to combat when it failed for Hitler and his Nazis over 70 years ago. Do not fall prey to loud majority of hate, they are dying off and will be remembered as ignorant at best and pure vile evil at worst. This is not a debate, it is a forgone conclusion. The future is accepting of all people. Ask yourself do you actually care about the future you will leave behind, or are you too afraid to say no the voice of hate and continue to allow it to hang on to it's last remaining breaths? Do not just ignore them, they have to be told no or they will never stop. Ignoring them is how we have gotten to where we are today. They actually think they have support from you, it's your turn to prove them wrong. For their sake, and the sake of our society's future.


This shouldn’t even be a debate. Obvious support.

All students should feel respected, safe, and supported at school, and that includes trans students. Limiting security for trans students will only increase risk for harm. Even holding this as a debate further harms students by allowing hateful rhetoric to be amplified. The Virginia Department of Education serves ALL students. Trans students are included in that. Do better.


Adamantly, strongly oppose.

Attn: Va school board I represent a majority of the South River School district in Rockbridge County when I say that I strongly oppose the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. While trying to be more inclusive the result will be further exclusion & division. This will result in greater confusion to all children/teens. This is not a school board or school staff members responsibility. This is a parental responsibility to guide the child & discuss these matters with possible professional guidance at that said family’s discretion. This will put other kids at risk, in potentially dangerous situations that could be detrimental. Are you willing to put others at risk on your watch? Is that something your conscious can live with? This will cause more stress on the already hormonal & stressful childhood/teenage years.  It is NOT another child’s or staff member’s responsibility to determine what another person identifies with on any given day. Others should NOT be held responsible or reprimanded for the sexual identity confusion of another person. God does NOT make mistakes! The gender you are born with is in FACT your gender identity. For those who like scientific FACTS, it is very simple. Females have an XX pair of sex chromosomes, and males, an XY pair. Simple facts. I 100% strongly oppose Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.


What Would Jesus Actually Do?

Trans people are people.  Trans children are people.  To invalidate their identities is to invalidate their humanity.  Schools are meant to be places where each individual feels safe and honored.  School policies are meant to protect ALL students regardless of their identity.  We are talking about children. I support this set of guidelines because they protect children.  No one, no matter how young, should be forced to hide who they are out of fear of hatred and retaliation.  For those who wish to use religion and the Bible as excuses to put children in harm's way, as a person of faith I invite you to use the words of Jesus himself as your guide.  He says in Matthew 22 to love your neighbor as yourself.  Is telling a child that they are not meant to be the way that they are love?  I don't think so.


Trans Policy

I strongly support policies that enable trans and all students to  thrive.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

Protecting trans kids is suicide prevention. KEEP CHURCH OUT OF STATE! OPPOSING THIS IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL!


STRONGLY APPROVE

We need to be rid of transphobic and hateful language in our schools. So many students feel unsafe due to the language used in their educational buildings and teachers need to be taught to be aware of what is the correct language.


Reject transgender policies

Please reject any policies that promote or push transgender issues within public schools. MANY people hold very important religious beliefs relating to this issue. We can respect all, but not promote. Please leave these issues that concern Freedom of Religion to the parents.


Trans Students Deserve Respect

All students, regardless of sexual orientation, sex, or gender identity, deserve respect and privacy. I strongly support this measure allowing transgender students to safely fully express their gender identity, and receive basic rights that have been hitherto denied to them.


VA Dept of Education Transgender policy

I STRONGLY OPPOSE YOUR insane efforts to confuse and bring mental and emotional harm to children.  What kind of "educators" would teach children their sexuality if fluid, and could be anything they think it might be.  You are sowing the seeds for a lifetime of emotional and mental confusion and distress.


Proposed Transgender policy

I am strongly opposed to the proposed transgender policy. This policy allows, indeed requires schools to deceive parents about their own children.  This is unconscionable.  Schools do not stand in a parental position to students.  It is your job to educate, not raise, present values or propagandize. This policy does not have the well being of children in mind.  It is a sop to the LGBTQ movement.  It encourages children to doubt their identity, leaving parents completely in the dark.  That is not your job! Parent s who would encourage their children to accept their (obvious) biological identity could be accused of child abuse.  This is completely unacceptable. This policy would allow biological males in private spaces with biological females and vice versa, again with no knowledge given to parents.  This takes no account of children who would be upset by this practice.  It leaves girls especially vulnerable to sexual abuse, harassment and intimidation. This policy requires the use of "preferred pronouns," and failure to use them would be considered discriminatory or harassment.  This puts teachers and staff  in the untenable position of either supporting a ridiculous policy which does harm to children or violating their own conscience. There is no way to know what the consequences of this policy might be on vulnerable children.  Yet you propose to implement it anyway.  That is reckless disregard for the children you are supposed to be educating.  Please do not do this.


if you don't support this you're a loser!! Protect and support trans kids!!!

This policy is so so so important for transgender kids. Trans rights are humans rights and trans kids deserve to feel safe expressing their gender identity in their environment. Why would you not care about trans kids? They are people too, are they not? Open your eyes and open your minds. To those that oppose, stop being bitter and being obsessive over children (who has no connection and nothing to do with you) and who they are. It's their lives. Not yours. Plus, you look odd caring so much about the business of youth. Are your own lives that boring that you feel the need to insert yourselves? Go and move out to a different state if this bugs you so much. Transphobes aren't welcome here anyways. It is also backed up by psychology that kids are able to understand their gender identity from a young age :)


I Oppose

I believe that children of different sexes should not be in the same bathroom or shower rooms.


Preserve civil rights!

We must honor the dignity and worth of all people. People should be free to make decisions about their lives and express their views without fearing they will be bullied, punished, ostracized, or muzzled. Unfortunately, THIS BILL WILL NOT ACHIEVE THIS. It does NOT support transgender students, because it destroys the kind of society that protects freedom; it thwarts anyone who dares to question and goes beyond requesting tolerance to forcing approval, regardless of your own views, beliefs, choices, questions, or objections. It is a totalitarian move to wipe out dissent so one perspective can dominate culture, law, and social norms. It tramples on the civil rights of anyone not spouting the party line. The issue isn’t whether trans students are allowed to be who they are, it’s whether Americans are allowed to co-exist in society with differing viewpoints and still respect and support each other. This bill is shrouded in the language of caring for mistreated people, but its true purpose is to enforce strategic and systematic punishment (loss of career, income, social standing, and more) on anyone who dissents. We are already seeing the terrifying effects of belittling and dehumanizing anyone who doesn’t share “approved progressive” views (Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple making it impossible for those with opposing perspectives to even have a voice in society). We cannot allow this to happen in a microcosm on our campuses as well. If trans students want their voice to be heard, they MUST allow opposing voices to be heard as well, otherwise they become guilty of the very thing they want to abolish and are the source of the intolerance they decry. This bill won’t even allow people to remain silent. Respectfully opting out of the conversation is no longer an option. This bill demands people positively affirm ideas they oppose and actively express support for policies they do not believe in. It makes hypocrites of the transgender community (who demand their civil rights are honored while trampling on the rights of others) and of those who disagree (by forcing them to affirm things they don’t believe). This bill makes hypocrites of us all. Instead of muting people who have opposing views, we should invite healthy conversation in communities and encourage students to ask robust questions, demand well-researched answers, think for themselves, and express their views--even and ESPECIALLY when they differ with other views. We must teach civility at an early age by supporting the free and frank exchange of ideas in every corner of our communities. When businesses, laws, governments, parties, and social groups punish those who disagree with them, we have lost a unique and precious treasure—a country where everyone has a voice. EVERYONE. I STRONGLY urge opposition to this bill to preserve freedom and protect EVERYONE’S civil rights.


STRONGLY SUPPORT! -An actual student of Biology, the Classics, and Common Sense

As a Biologist, it is ignorant to believe that gender and sex are the same thing.  No unbiased scientist [so a real scientist] can be transphobic.  There are innumerable sexes solely in the human species- XX, XY, XYY, XXY, X, XXX, and so many others.  You cannot care about women if you are transphobic- if you believe that the only thing that makes a woman a woman is her chromosomes or genitalia, then you are only identifying a woman by her genitalia. Women have suffered a social burden for one thousand years, and it is just that: social.  Gender has been complex for even longer.  The role of a woman, a man, or anyone in between, (as seen in the idea of a Two Spirited person) varies depending on the pre-colonial society. The origin of romance languages, Latin, and the society we framed our Democracy and ideals off of, had a complex understanding of gender.  The view of masculine ideas, feminine ideas, neutral ideas, and ideas that could have any and all gender resulted in the wonderful languages of Spanish, French, Portuguese, and so many more.  Not to mention that there are many individuals in the Ancient times who used different gendered adjectives that didn't agree with what they were assigned at birth! My point is, because gender is social and so complex and individualized, it is time that we recognize that people who don't fit in the Western-cookie-cut idea of gender are people, and that they are protected as individuals, and that their safety is preserved.  This guidance document is essential to the safety of our students, and if you think otherwise, I would kindly ask you to read a book WITHOUT trying to force your own ideas onto it.


Opening more doors than you can imagine

If counselors can counsel on it being 'ok', can't they give other options too?  Why does everything have to be ok? These students' brains are not developed yet.  They aren't old enough to vote.  Some aren't old enough to drive.  Yet if they want to change their entire life, it is ok to make that decision - without parent knowledge perhaps. Does the counseling include speaking to people who have changed and regret it as well as the "positive" that is stated? If a boy goes with the girls for Health class, then when will the boy learn about boy stuff that he should know about? I feel like a girl this week.  Hate my teacher.  Teacher didn't call me by my preferred pronoun.  Teacher in trouble. I feel like a boy this week.  Going to hang out in the boys bathroom, with my boyfriend. Teacher doing a fun quick game:  ok 'guys' on this side and 'girls' on this side.  Someone gets embarrassed.  Teacher gets in trouble for harassment.


Strong and Enthusiastic Support

As a queer person of colour who did their schooling in FCPS, this would be a huge step towards educational equity. Students deserve to feel safe and supported while learning, and be provided an opportunity to learn about people different about themselves. This would be a great model of teaching empathy and compassion in schools!


Support!! Thank you!

As a parent of a transgender teen, I of course fully support any policy for giving my child a safe and supportive education.   I challenge all the opposers to consider if their child were transgender.   I truly believe all the opposition stems from not being educated on the issue.  Despite "religious beliefs" which are also uneducated,  we have to look at the safety and welfare of these unique children who feel trapped in the wrong body.  Suicide is real.  My child has had suicidal thoughts as well as several anxiety/panic attacks at school in gym class.  He has also been bullied in the bathroom of his assigned gender to thr point where he stopped using the bathroom at school altogether. These policies only seek to respect and support these children who are at particular risk of mental harm through not being supportive or inclusive.   It saddens me to the core that people don't value the mental health of my child. I for one think there needs to be a major campaign for educating about transgenderism.


Please OPPOSE this!

Please oppose this statewide transgender school policy.


Support transgender kids

Support transgender kids. Show them respect and treat them with dignity.


Transgender issue

I disapprove of this radical push to eliminate differences between females and males and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren. I believe we are created by our Creator and all children should be loved and cared for, but this radical movement is against all our Creator intended for us as revealed in Scripture.


Support trans kids!

Trans kids deserve to be respected and protected everywhere especially at school! it’s not fair to limit the basic rights of any child. If you oppose because of religious purposes, you should be reminded that the school environment is not supposed to be influenced by religion. State and religion are supposed to be separated and you do not have the right to force other people to follow the rules of your own religion. Refusing to protect the rights of any minority group is a human rights violation and you are an awful person if you do not actively try to protect minorities, especially minority children. Protect our trans children!


SUPPORT

As the parent of a transgender teen, I STRONGLY support a change in policy.  Transgender people should NOT be discriminated against, and should be given the same basic rights as all others.  Without the proper support, these children will suffer greater anxiety, depression and risks of self-harm or suicide. There is a great need in our society for greater education when it comes to gender and sexuality issues.


Adamantly oppose

Oppose. Undue burden on teachers and stripping parental rights. Use the money for teachers raises during this pandemic, not burdensome, repressing policies!


SUPPORT Model Policy for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.

Over my lifetime (77 years next month), I have been blessed with opportunities to expand my understanding of human development and human nature, through both my formal education and my personal experience.  I was well into my adult life before I learned that one of my beloved high school teachers had suffered shame and humiliation from family members and local police, simply because he occasionally would be "caught" dressed as a woman.  It still breaks my heart to know he did not live to see the day when he would have found support from enlightened family members and friends. When I learned also that several high school friends had suffered enormously from the homophobic and transphobic culture in which we were raised, and that one had been suicidal, I felt morally compelled to re-examine all that I had been taught, or assumptions I had absorbed without examination.  That long and sometimes painful process enabled, finally, to reject the ignorance that had blinded me to the cruelty and injustice that prevented people I had known and cared about, from enjoying the respect and freedom they deserved.   In the early 1990s, I met and have remained friends with a number of transgender women, and recall fondly my acquaintance with several transgender men, all of whom found the courage and support to have lived proudly as members of the gender with which they identify.   I simply cannot imagine any of them having been forced to live otherwise. But I also came to understand the courage and the cost, as well as the joys and rewards,  of their respective decisions to live authentic lives.   My own life has been enriched by knowing them.  And it is clear to me that our community benefits from their talents and gifts.  I am convinced that NO ONE should be denied the opportunity to live authentically, and that those who would deny such an opportunity are misguided, to say the least. Knowing that there are many who will object to this Model Policy, and to the respect that it offers to ALL students, I can only hope that those with the power to implement the policy will do so with the courage and commitment that all human rights endeavors require.  And I will hope that in time, those who object will find, hopefully soon, that their misgivings were indeed unfounded. Thank you, Karen Solon


I LOVE THISSSS !

I think everyone should be able to express their sexuality without feeling judged, or unsafe. I , 100% support this.


Oppose

Girls have a right to have use bathrooms and locker rooms with only biological girls and the same for boys.  Forcing a girl to use a bathroom or locker room with a biological male is sexual abuse.  Same for forcing a boy to use a bathroom or locker room with a biological girl.


Onna McKlennon, School Bus Driver, Amherst County, Va.

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

I am a Transgender Woman who lives in Amherst County and who works for Amherst County Public Schools.  I transitioned male to female while employed as a school bus driver and I gratefully accepted the support of many of those around me.  I also received (and still receive) rejection by those who disagree with the decisions I have made and the steps I have taken.  Many others express no opinion and consider it my business (toleration is just as good as open support).  I have hopes that those who reject me will eventually also come to tolerate me.  I have spoken before the school board several times during public discussion of school board issues, in an effort to increase the board's knowledge of Transgender persons.  I have laid bare my experiences and opinions as well as studies offering insight into the stresses and struggles of Transgender students and their families.  I have great empathy toward Transgender students and fully support this comprehensive policy as written.  Nothing should be removed.  Local boards will be required to adopt policies as comprehensive as the state policy, and with this document as their guide, the results will be a school system where, with reasonable accommodations, all can live and learn in surroundings molded to protect everyone equally.


YES

SUPPORT AND PROTECT TRANS KIDS WHO DESERVE ALL THE LOVE AND CARE AS THEIR CIS COUNTERPARTS


NO! Absolutely no

This policy has no place in schools. Deceiving parents? Keeping information such as a boy who wants to be a girl is dressing in the girls locker room with your daughter? And if any student questions that they will be punished? And the poor teachers...what a heavy load to try and teach as it is and you want this load of rules to dominate everyone for a very, very, very few students? Help them but not by canceling the rights of 99.999 percent of students and having them walk in fear and insecurity. There are only two genders according to science and pushing this transgender message is misguiding and lying to a generation who is having their identity stolen.


I FULLY SUPPORT

Any person who is part of the LGBTQ+ community should not be treated in any way that is unfair.


Support

I wholeheartedly support the comprehensive set of policies that will protect transgender and nonbinary students from bullying in schools.  This is vital to students' safety and well-being and every student deserves an inclusive learning environment.


TEACHING ABOUT TRANSGENDER

STRONGLY DISAPPROVE


Trans rights are human rights

This is not a political issue. It’s a human rights issue. I STRONGLY support this policy.


Does Not Protect Children From Predators

According to this policy, a biological male can identify as female at will and spend time in the girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms. See a problem here?


Opposed.

on several layers I am opposed to this. We are created male and female. 2.   Ask any medical professional when a baby is born, it takes a half a second to say if a baby is male or female. 3.  By teaching this you are setting our children up for failure.  Life is hard enough with real choices to be made. 4.   If a family chooses to raise their child this way I still disagree but that is their Choice, just as it is mine not too. 5. 5. To teach our children to deceive their parents is teaching them to deceive their future boss, their future spouse and their future family.  Without allegiance to the family you can trust no one. American Phychological  Association has stated that gender confusion is not a healthy option. By passing this you would only be promoting more confusion in the lives of our children.


Free and equal education free from discrimination


Trans rights are human rights!!!

TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS!!!


Oppose - follow what the General Assembly prescibed and respect privacy and dignity of all students

The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity The proposed policies articulate views go far beyond what the general assembly has prescribed.


Free and equal education continued...

Children in the United States are guaranteed a free and equal education in the Constitution. Federal and state laws protect children from discrimination in public schools including discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity. I support this policy. This policy will facilitate the legal right of transgender children to an education free from discrimination.


Support for transgender student policy document

I would like to express my strong support for the proposed guidance document, "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia's Public Schools." The policies outlined in this document would promote an inclusive and respectful environment for transgender students in Virginia's public schools. In fact, several of the policy revisions, such as equitable dress codes and personal information protection, would benefit all students. Virginia's transgender students have a right to an education experience free from harassment and bullying, the same as cisgender students. The policies outlined in this guidance document not only ensure that the rights of transgender students are protected - they also promote a positive, inclusive learning environment. Thank you to the VDOE and the committee for your time developing a well researched and thoughtful policy document.


I strongly oppose this

The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed.  Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students.  I would further say that these model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children.


Oppose HB145 and SB 161

The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity.


Full support for policy that protects and supports transgender and gender noncomforming students

Thank you for putting forth policy that would protect students who are transgender and gender nonconforming. I attended Virginia public schools from kindergarten through high school graduation, and this policy would have made such a positive difference in the lives of my friends. I fully support policy that provides protection for students of all genders so that they can learn safely.


Proposed Transgender Policy

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. I am concerned for the safety of female students. I am concerned for students that in normal development have confusion about their sexuality will be guided down a path of lifetime suffering both physically and emotionally. And I am concerned for teachers who the state of Virginia is already having difficulty hiring. And I am concerned for parents who are having their rights taken away. These proposed guidelines are insane.


Concern for All Students

As a concerned Virginia citizen, I have reviewed the VDOE draft of the policy to fairly accommodate transgender students in our public schools. While I believe no student should be the object of negative criticism and ill-treatment, I do not think that positive discrimination benefits them, either. Some transgender students may not mind being partially or completely nude in front of binary students of their gender identity.  Many others will be more reticent to toilet, dress or shower in view of other students. To reduce emotional trauma for all students, I request that the policy require adequate numbers of single-person bath, shower and locker areas for use by transgender and binary students who desire privacy.  That is the kindest way to manage gender identity issues and the reduction of negative discrimination toward those students. Thank you.


Fully support all students, including transgender students

As a parent, I 100% support the guidance for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia Public Schools. This document helps provide direction for how transgender issues can be addressed in a way that is safe and supportive for all. It is critical for all students in Virginia to be treated with respect when they are in the school environment. Thank you.


Parent and RN, strongly oppose this agenda

I strongly oppose the policies being proposed. Enforcing gender ideology in our schools infringes upon a parent's rights in raising and educating their children regarding sex and gender identity. Furthermore, protecting the bodily privacy and dignity of students is an obligation schools must uphold.


Protect Everyone; Remember You are Government and Not an Advocacy Group

I write to urge that the model policies that you are developing pursuant to a legislative mandate be written in a manner to enable readers, but especially school boards, to trace to their source the assertions made. That request pertains equally to statements that purport to recite scientific facts, statements of law, and policy recommendations. I urge you to reconsider the inclusion of findings of advocacy organizations such as GLSEN. I also urge that you make it clear when a government agency is quoted, whether it is a Virginia, federal or some other government and the date of the quote. For example, assertions are attributed to an Office of Civil Rights without it being further identified or the date of the statement. The list of references recites a publication of such an office from 2001, but no date appears at the site of the quote. If dates were recited at the locations of specific quotes, readers may be on alert to check to see if there has been a change in science, law or policy in the intervening years. The subject addressed is a sensitive one and impacts not only sexual minority students, but their classmates and family members. I urge you to make recommendations that protect the privacy and modesty of both the students who are questioning their sex at birth as well as those who are not. Providing for the availability of individual one-room bathrooms and changing facilities protects the interests of all in privacy and modesty. In contradiction, however, the draft policy also gives priority to accommodating the interest of gender-fluid persons in using such facilities with others who do not share their gender at birth or anatomy. The failure to respect the privacy of the vast majority of students is the greatest failing of your recommendation. It is followed closely by your insistence that school personnel not question any student who decides at the time of entry into a bathroom or dressing room not selected previously. Numerous assertions are made about legal requirements in a very new and ill-defined area of the law without any concession of uncertainty. An official publication of the Commonwealth should clearly distinguish between established law, areas in which the applicable law is in dispute, and policy preferences. The failure of the current draft to do so suggests an intent to mislead local school boards into thinking it must do things that at present are matters in which local decisionmakers retain discretion. The current draft needs to be totally overhauled. It is an advocacy piece for one side of a very lively debate in our society. When it serves its purposes it describes gender identity as “innate” and when it does not, it is described as fluid or diverse. While urging that school personnel not force societal values on noncomforming students, It recommends that they intervene within families to promote support for gender transition. At times withholding of information from parents or colleges is advocated, while at others public discussion of very personal matters is promoted. Bullying should be punished and discouraged whatever its roots. But your message in that regard is muddled by treating as equivalent belittling of individuals and the use of pronouns that do not correspond to a student’s fleeting sense of gender identity. Capable faculty already face too much second guessing by administrators and parents to be subject to punishment or “reeducation” for not calling a student by a preferred pronoun such as “ze.” Are the recommended policies responding to actual problems found in your Department’s review of Virginia public schools? I submit that would be a more appropriate way to determine the scope of your report than your reliance on GLSEN or the California Safe Schools Coalition. I urge you to request from the General Assembly an extension of time for it to evaluate your product and only thereafter mandate that elected school boards have to adopt oolicies consistent with it. The legislation authorizing this project delegated an unconstitutional amount of discretion to this quasi-governmental group to bind elected school boards. It was premature to mandate that local school boards “adopt policies that are consistent with but may be more comprehensive than” the model policies before the contents of this document could be known.


VDOE Insanity

Someone in the VDOE has bumped their head(s) to even consider such insanity to be implemented in Virginia 's schools. I foresee lots of class action suits before this is settled.


Support

This measure protects, supports, and student identities. I strongly am in support of it.


Parent's Rights

Schools have no right to decide what a parent should or shouldn't know about their own child/ren! Did the school hold things back from your parents? Did your children keep secrets from you and the school knew about it, but did nothing to inform you? I make this personal because it is personal. Some parents may hand their children over to schools to "raise" them as society wishes, but I would be willing to bet that more patents want to maintain their rights and be a part of every decision their child makes until they are 18. Are you representing Republican values or Democrat. It seems the GOP is scared to stand up to the Democrats. Please tell me you are not a Democrat in Republican clothes. Stand up to these awful schools and help parents keep their rights! Thank you.


Strongly Oppose!

I strongly oppose this proposal which gives school administrators and educators authority to indoctrinate children without the parent's consent.  Once again, government is overstepping it's boundaries in assuming they have the right to control how our children are to be raised.  Another ploy to undermine Christian beliefs and another bad decision that will contribute to the deterioration of our education system! I would have to question the integrity and quite frankly, the mental stability, of those individuals that think it is okay for a young girl or boy to be exposed to a member of the opposite sex in a place where she/he should feel safe and secure.  A child should not have to fear using the restroom or locker room.  Even more ludicrous, is the idea that a school would have the authority to hold parents accountable for not supporting their child's gender decisions.  Gender is not a decision that we need to make. God has already done that for us!! Where has this nation's common sense gone?


Transgenderism

The public schools removed Bible study from the classroom 60 years ago by espousing freedom from religion when the Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Now our government wants to tell us and the children what gender they are. My advice is that if your child is in a public school get them out. If you are a teacher in the public school find another job.


I support transgender students and teachers.  They need policies to protect them from ignorance and malice.  Please protect them.


Transgender policies

I do not agree with the transgender policy. It places our children in dangerous situations and may confuse our kids as to their own identity!! What is this world coming too. We need God in our schools!!!!


Strongly oppose!

This is wrong!