10 Reasons Why We Must REJECT This Policy

Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10) Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “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) The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. “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) 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. “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) Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13) 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. “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) 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. “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) The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16) Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “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) 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. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs.


This is stupid

This is the dumbest thing ever


Policy guidelines on Transgender Students

As a parent, grandparent and educator, I want to severely object to the guidelines issued by the Commonwealth regarding transgender students. These policies directly and substantially undermine parental rights and responsibilities, granting the school personnel authority to bypass parents when dealing with their children on extremely personal and sensitive matters. Furthermore, these policies cater to the changing whims of students, making it impossible for educators to interpret and enforce these policies. Indeed, how can teachers do their jobs if they have to worry every day about being reported by an “offended” student. These policies fly in the face of biology, adult authority, and common sense. I urge you to remove this policy guidance, and allow districts, in collaboration with parents, to determine more measured and specific policies.


draft model of proposed transgender policy

I strongly object to and urge you NOT to move forward with this proposal!  It is clearly not in line with the Constitution of the United States Amendment 1. Miles Craig Akins 121 Warwick Hills Williamsburg, VA  23188


oppose transgender legislation

Please oppose the transgender legislation.  This is putting all educators at risk as well as our students.  Our education system is in turmoil without adding this legislation! Thanks


This goes against nature, God and every human being

Stop encouraging people to indulge their every, single whim. This proposal presents a danger to 'normal' parents who acknowledge the biological reality of their child being male or female and most certainly presents danger to (yes, the more-so) vulnerable females, whose private spaces are now being invaded by males. This is completely unacceptable


I support this document

I fully support this document and am grateful for the writers who worked so hard on it. It is a meaningful first step toward protecting the rights of transgender students in Virginia K-12 schools.


Schools Transgender Policy

I do not support this policy.


Transgender issues I am a retired teacher, having taught

I am a retired teacher having taught grades 5-14.  Young people change their direction during those many years...hating themselves, feeling insecure, on emotional rollercoasters.  To restrict them to an opinion one day when they will change a days, weeks or months later is ridiculous.  They need to get to know themselves, make new connections and new friends, and not be indoctrinated.  Teachers and counselors need to be good listeners, giving them good advice, but not restricting them to single opinions.  They are learning what it means to be male or female.  That takes some a long time.  Many into their twenties.


Transgender policies

The policies that are being considered I find extremely disturbing. I do not support them as they fly in the face of common decency, my faith and beliefs  of two genders, children’s emotional stability and guidance in matters of biological gender.  I believe that those of you pushing these policies are mentally ill.  Children deserve better


These policies can not work.

I strongly oppose these policies.  There is no way they will work.  These policies do not recognize the rights of all groups to live according to their beliefs.  School teachers and administrators cannot be expected to keep up with how each student feels about their bodies each day when that feeling can change from day to day.  the concept of male and female is a "natural law" that cannot be changed.  We have laws for a reason, so everyone can live together in harmony without one group having advantages that disadvantage other groups.  It's like changing other laws every day; how would we react to speed limits changing every day on the roads we use, and getting fined for breaking the law when we did not know it changed?  Wake up Virginia, use some common sense for a change and vote against these policies!


transgender policies

I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.


Do NOT Support this EVER

This violates God's Natural and Divine law.  It is immoral.  It HARMS those individuals who are suffering from this dementia.  This is a psychological problem that requires compassion but not JUMPING INTO BED with someone having delusional thoughts.  It's the equivalent of "going along" with someone thinking they are Napoleon Bonaparte.  There are only TWO GENDERS.  Stop your insanity.  Marxist school board members bought by wealthy liberal donors are killing our education and severely harming our children.  You ought to be VERY ASHAMED of yourselves for even bringing this up.  I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS NOR WILL I EVER SUPPORT THIS.  I WILL PROTEST WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BODY THIS INSANITY AND IMMORALITY.    NO! NO! NO! NO!


Save our schools

I don't think schools should be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations. My concern would be if I had a daughter and they were allowing boys in the the locker room and bathrooms of the school. You never know some kids who are not transgender will pretend to be to just get a look at a female. 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. 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. What is happening to my rights as a parent?  This is insane.  You wonder why public school enrollments are going down, this is why! here are so many chances for teachers, schools, and DOE being sued by the students, parents, or other family members by this vaguely worded "treatment of transgender students.". This policy would also violate the first amendment if a tea


My right to exist

All Americans are equal, well, at least we are supposed to all be equal.  Many of you in Richmond think otherwise these days.  I am a woman, and I have the right to exist in America.  This gender appropriation is morally corrupt, and I will not participate in it, ever.  To force our children to be exposed to the opposite sex in bathroom and locker room situations, to take away all Title 9 protections from females while telling them they do not have any rights is contemptible and flies in the face of all things Constitutional.  Shame on you.


DO NOT APPROVE

I would like to express my sincere disagreement with the VDOE policies to eradicate the distinction between males and females.  This is not a principle in line with science and should not be approved on any level.  Thank you for your consideration.


School Transgender Policy

I cannot suppose this policy for transgender students. It will create confusion and put teachers and administrators in a impossible positions.


Transgender

if you want to help people you don’t help them by going along with the delusion. We can not redefine who we are based off how we feel and expect everyone to go along with that. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” ??Genesis? ?1:27? ?KJV?? if you desire to encourage these young men and women, encourage them to be would God has made them to be.


I support the model policy

I support the model policy


VDOE Proposed Policies

As an earlier comment indicated, these proposed policies are an assault against God--who will ultimately demand an answer if they are enacted, His natural law--not the grievously misguided whims of human law--and every human being.


Remove this Extreme Policy that is Changing our Culture

The only reason for such extreme changes is NOT to promote equality, but to reorient our culture to a very distorted view of nature and cause a permanent change in the lives of all children to think a particular way.  This way of thinking, transgender encouragement, has no basis in science nor humanity.  Even if it were to be a "reasonable" concept, which it is NOT, why is our government insisting on forcing particular language and ultimately thinking upon the next generation?  How does forcing impressionable children to accept and encourage a transgender lifestyle make us more compassionate or equal?  It doesn't.  There must be some specific desire to change our culture to laud such an upside down way of thinking - our culture is not perfect, but this policy is going in the wrong direction.


Unholy and against the Holy Bible

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. This is unholy and against the Holy Bible.


Transgender guidelines

What about the rights of the students who identify as male or female?  While I do believe that there MAY be individuals who are exploring their sexuality, the greater population of students and teachers will surely find this objectionable.  You are allowing the “rights” of a few to take precedence over the rights of many.  The abyss just enlarges.


Entitlement before maturity

With the changing of these guidelines and boundaries,  by allowing kids to take ownership and act without parental consent, this move allows children to become adults before they are mature enough for the responsibility.  The law has governing boundaries on driving, alcohol,  tattoos,  insurance benefits, and dependency.  These are in place because the parent is to be in a shepherding role, a training role until maturity has been reached.  By undermining this, you are claiming to be the parent.  If this is so, then where were you in the middle of the night as they cried as an infant, or where were you when we had to go school shopping and pay for materials?  How about when death hit our family,  were you there to comfort and console?  No, because that is the privilege and right given to parents and families.  A move to change such regulations places entitlement in a child's hands who will still need to run to their caregiver, their guardian, their parents when the world fails them.  Back up! Go back to the core! Let families love and love well, even walking kids through hard things.


I OPPOSE this policy - Please reject it.

Please vote against this policy.   It it neither proper or helpful to allow children to make decisions like this, especially behind their parents' backs.  It is also not constitutional to prohibit parents from teaching their children religious belief - in this case that God created gender and wrote their gender in their DNA.  This is also a dangerous open door for pedophiles of all sorts and the removal of gender pronouns is not only ridiculous but is not even natural.


Madness

If a person is born with a vagina, SHE is a female.  If a person is born with a penis, HE is a male.  What the person "feels" like on any given day DOES NOT change these FACTS.  Please stop the madness, this garbage shouldn't even be in conversation and especially NOT in education guidelines.


Gender Dysphoria

Why would you want to do further damage to these confused students who already have mental challenges?  Legitimizing their confusion will only make matters worse.


Transgender

How about teachers stick to teaching and STOP worrying about what’s in students pants, between their legs or their sexual preferences!!! It’s no ones business. Class rooms are for teaching our children math, English, history... it is NOT to be used as a platform to express ones sexuality. Teachers have enough to deal with, you shouldn’t add this ludicrous policy to their plates too!! Exactly when are they suppose  to actually find the time to  teach! I hope you realize there are now hundreds of thousands  of kids that identify with different animal species (I’m not kidding look it up, Apparently all teenagers know about this) So my question is.., where does it end???  My children are told to keep their Christian views to themselves, they weren’t even allowed to label an art picture a “Christmas tree” because it might offend someone. Well I’M offended now! So where are MY rights?  You can no longer refer to the holiday this country has always celebrated ( the birth of Christ) as  Christmas break!!  ... Freedom of  religion is what this country was founded on .... not the ever changing trends of the transgenders!! If you allow this there will be no limits to the depth we will sink. Once again the SCHOOLS are not the time or place to debate whether your son or daughter feels like a girl or boy!  If this passes... I’ll be home schooling!


Strongly Disapprove of Transgender policy

I do not support the Transgender policies being put forth.


Do not approve VDOE Proposed Guidelines

As an educator, I do not approve of the VDOE proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.


Schools are not parents

These guidelines replace the judgement of parents with the judgements of school administrators.  The most / the most - VA should do is take a Libertarian position on the issue - allowing each family to do as they wish with respect to identity.    The idea that a school could be allowed and sanctioned by the state to choose a child’s wishes over the guidance of parents is a terrible precedent to even consider. With respect to access to facilities, biology not self identification needs to be determinant for minors. Furthermore, these guidelines run roughshod over the religious beliefs of any school employee who believes in biology as the way identity is determined in accordance with a designed order established by a creator.  Male and female is not as fluid as these guidelines allow for.


Dissaprove of this policy

This policy is very concerning, and in violation of individual rights and the rights of family. You are in essence forcing staff and students to agree with your politics with 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. You are also undermining parental authority, by lying or withholding information from parents about their own children. Please reconsider your position on an ever changing cultural and political ideology norm. Focus on what your role as educators, or you might find yourself with a mass exodus from the public school system.


This is child abuse

These children need mental help. We are encoded with DNA, and biology just is. Parents need to be held accountable for abusing their children by promoting self-mutilation, and medical providers need to be sued for malpractice (mental health is now a joke). Also, women should be outraged. 100 years of since women's suffrage, only to be replaced by men dressing as women. Stop reverse discrimination!


Freedom of Speech?

I do not feel that these policies reflect the freedoms and tolerance for everyone. By requiring others be subject to disciplinary action for their freedom of expression is unconstitutional. If we are advocating for tolerance, then it should be reflective of everyone's freedoms and not limiting for some. If someone wants to be referred to in a certain way, they can and should introduce themselves to people in that manner. Coersing people to use certain language


I support the draft guidance.

I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially LGBTQ youth. All students deserve a safe, accepting, and inclusive educational experience in Virginia public schools.


I STRONGLY OPPOSE THESE POLICIES

I STRONGLY OPPOSE THESE POLICIES WHICH ARE DANGEROUS, LUDICROUS AND STRAIGHT FROM THE PIT OF HELL. REPENT, LAWMAKERS OF VIRGINIA! YOU WILL BURN IN HELL FOR ETERNITY IF YOU DON'T REPENT. HELL IS FOREVER. REPENT. ALMIGHTY GOD DOES NOT CONDONE BRAINWASHING AND CREATING INSIDIOUS LIES TO CONFUSE THE MINDS OF INNOCENT CHILDREN. JESUS SAID IT IS BETTER FOR SOMEONE TO BE THROWN INTO THE SEA WITH A LARGE MILLSTONE THAN TO CAUSE ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES TO STUMBLE. WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO THE NEXT GENERATION???


God doesn’t make mistakes!

Totally against transgender policies in school.  I believe these kids need counseling not policies to support the craziness.  How can a child possibly make a decision in elementary or middle school that will effect their entire life?  Ask yourself if you thinking or worldview has changed since you were a kid?  What is wrong with you people????  Protect our children - they should be thinking about playing outside and riding bikes not sexuality!!!!


Transgender pronouns

Seeing as humans are born with a gender which does not transition from one to another or several or many of transition from one to another and back , common sense dictates the use of generally accepted pronouns such as have been used since the beginning of speech and language known to the individuals who are speaking and all their ancestors, it is disingenuous to allow, promote,  insist that generally accepted norms of speech and language be subject to ridiculous, ludicrous, and disingenuous uses for commonly understood terms such as he, she, and so on. Please do not support this lunacy of using male and female pronouns in such a manner as to subject common sense to impossibly devolved rules and regulations. Thank you.


Draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students

Do not approve proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions male and female and indoctrinate our school children


I disagree/disapprove and am disappointed in this policy. Where are we headed as a city, co nation?

While I am of the mind and heart that we must love all people, I am also challenged by our push to change laws and policies to force all of us to ignore our God given gender and be subject to address every person as they decide they want to be that day. It is a slippery slope. The family and humanity as a whole is moving further as further away from its intended creation and purpose. Our identity is not subject to a vote, even by us personally. We didn’t have anything to do with our gender when we were conceived. How do we get to determine what it becomes after we get here, unless we have become God?


Do not approve

This proposed legislation is very concerning.  I urge you to oppose it.  It supports one point of view at the expense of all others.  This will hurt our schools and students.


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. Education is your job, not indoctrination. Please stop those who are trying to pervert our children by manipulating their thought processes and "feelings" with dangerous and harmful rules that are nonsense.


Disapprove of Transgender school policy proposals

I disagree with the transgender policies and vehemently with those that specifically remove parents from the discussion.


Strongly Do Not Approve of Transgender Policies

The proposed transgender policies are not helpful to anybody. It will only create an environment where everyone lives in fear. All persons are entitled to respect and dignity because they are human, not because they identify with one ideology or another. These proposed policies only create fear and mistrust in our schools.  The only benefit that I can see is that it will drive more parents and children to private schools or home schooling, where they should be.


School transgender policies

I do not agree with these proposed policies.  Please do not approve


Transgender Students nonsense

I DO NOT agree with this preposterous policy. This is poison to a child's mind.


A Concerned Virginia Citizen

I am writing to protest the bizarre and harmful transgender policies now being considered.  A child is born male or female and this does not change because said child (or adult) wishes otherwise.  To act as if this were the case, that biological sex can be changed at a whim, is dangerous.  It is harmful to both the child and to society.  Please consider the consequences of your actions if you continue down this path. Sincerely, A Concerned Virginia Citizen


Transgender

I strongly oppose the proposed guidelines.  God created male and female.


Do not support, too much power to schools/government, dangerous precedent

These policy proposals give schools too much power. Not telling parents their child will be sharing a bathroom/locker room with someone of the opposite sex possibly putting many at risk, forcing teachers to report parents who the child says isn't supportive (child could lie), no mention of providing mental health help to the child or allowing parents to do what's best for their child...


NO, I DISAGREE FULLY

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. this is sick and disgusting. For those that choise this path that is their choice but to push this on our kids like this is sick and twisted.


I strongly disagree

This is up to the parents not educators and is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. It’s not up to the schools to educate kids and to punish the parents for disagreeing


Do not approve

I do not approve the proposed guidelines for schools.


Policies for the treatment of transgender students

I strongly disapprove of all policies. They are harmful to all students and destructive to families. These abusive policies instill fear in the students. Schools are educational and nurturing environments. These policies have no place in public schools or anywhere in America.


Transgender Legislation

I strongly urge you NOT to support the proposed new transgender guidelines. They would jeopardize the safety of children in dressing rooms and bathrooms, take away the rights of parents to guide their own children, and actually encourage children to explore "alternative lifestyles."  Forcing students and faculty to use non-gender pronouns also hampers free speech and helps to break down the God-given differences between males and females.


I do NOT support!

If you believe for one minute that any sane father or mother would be okay with their daughter(s) changing in a locker room/restroom with a biological male, you're out of your mind. If these laws go into effect, the only thing a young straight man has to do is claim he "feels" like a girl and then nothing can be done about his entry into any women's locker room he pleases. This is going to end up putting our young women at risk of (at the least) unwanted sexual attention and no right or grounds to complain about it at all. I ask you, "HOW IS THIS EMPOWERING FOR WOMEN?!" As a society, we tell all women (and rightly so) that if they are being taken advantage of, they need to stand up for themselves and reach out for help. How would this legislation help that? It wouldn't! There is absolutely nothing stopping a man who has ill intent from simply walking into a women's locker room and taking advantage of the situation. As a future father, I VEHEMENTLY oppose this legislation through and through. That's just how I feel about page 18. The rest of the legislation takes away a parent's ability to parent due to the fact that the state is allowed to hide all manner of conversations regarding sexual orientation from ever reaching the ear of the parent. Absolutely ridiculous.


Forced Speech

This is a complex issue and I certainly recognize that those who don't believe that their gender conforms with their sex must find navigating through school challenging. However, this response is not only ultimately damaging for them, but also a real abrogation of the rights of others. In no other situation do we allow minors to make an assertion and force adults to accept it without question. Adults have a responsibility to direct, guide and nurture  youth through difficult experiences. This proposal forces adults to be negligent in that duty. Further, despite citing the first amendment right of freedom of speech, no thought appears to be given to the very notion of forcing school staff to speak a certain way. Is there any other time we force people to use words they believe to be false? This proposal will only deepen divisions in our state and country and further alienate many people from the public school system. I wholeheartedly call on you to reject this guidance document.


Please not not approve this - horrible policy

This policy is offensive and is not intended to protect anyone from harassment but to actually harass and intimidate children and isolate them from their family values.


Transgender Policies

Dear Members of the Virginia Department of Education, It is appalling to me that you are suggesting transgender policies for the public schools of Virginia that are so disruptive and unenforceable. It appears that you believe that all students are perfect examples of humanity who never take advantage of a situation to create problems for others, particularly those in authority. Do you honestly believe that students will not say they have changed gender just to annoy a teacher or administrator from day to day? Do you really believe that teenage boys seeking a sexual thrill are not going to invade a girls' restroom or locker room just because they can by saying they are transgender? Do really want to create the scenario where a student who is unhappy with a grade or a criticism from a teacher can force the dismissal of a teacher on the basis that their gender has not been respected--with no substantiation? How many teachers' lives have been destroyed by unsubstantiated claims of "sexual harassment" in the past? What are you thinking when you suggest that all parents (other than yourselves of course) are a threat to the identity of their children? That parents should not be notified when a child is making a life changing, possibly life-threatening decision is ludicrous. If a child has a fever, a sore throat, or any number of other minor illnesses, teachers, school administrators are expected to notify the parents immediately. Why not here? Do you assume that most parents, outside the VDOE, do not love their children and want what is best for them in their lives? Children with legitimate identity issues need help, particularly psychological help, from as many sources as possible. Children who are taking advantage of a situation, such as these proposed policies, to create problems for others or just to pull a prank, should not be given opportunity to do so in the name of equality or social justice. There is no equality or justice in destroying lives of other people, on a teenage whim. Policies should be equitable to all--teachers, students and administrators. These proposals are not. If implemented they will create infinite discord in classrooms at all levels, but particularly at the middle and high school levels. Go back to the drawing board. Put yourself and your family in the middle of this situation and come up with policies that make sense and help more than hurt the children and families of Virginia.


VDOE draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students

This subject is not something that should be addressed by the state or the school system. Parents should be left to deal with this entirely as they are responsible for their children, not the state. The very idea that someone can be other than what they were born, male or female is ludicrous. This is another example of government overreach, and a loss of freedom, and it is based on a lie. Concentrate education on math, history, science, english and other such useful skills.


Violation of God Created order

These comments are targeted at the gender issue that should not be an issue we are discussing.  Crazy to think that we are... God has created two genders that we see in Genesis Male & Female.  To teach our children differently is to disregard the scripture and will lead to God bringing judgement on us as a commonwealth in an even greater way.  If an individual chooses to participate then let that judgment fall on them. But if we begin to legally agree or allow through governmental approval we will bring then judgment upon our state. Think logically.  Where will this leave humanity in 50 years when our children have had a sex change and can no longer produce offspring? This is where this is leading. Governmental approval without the parents consent for a sex change. Would you be here is you parents were allowed to have hormonal injections? Our children need to be taught truth from God's word.  This is the Truth that has lasted for generations.  Do your history and see what happened to Sodom & Gomorrah in the middle east.  It was destroyed - completely. I am not the best at communication via text, I hope that I have made a brief, but clear point. Thank you


Policy for Transgendered Students

I am opposed to these policies. First of all, any policy from the Department of "Education" that refers to "sex assigned at birth" needs to be put on hold until our "educators" can review basic biology. Sex is determined by chromosomes - not a doctor or mid-wife crying out "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!" Well before genitalia develops, the XX or XY chromosomes are already in place to determine the sex of the child. Obviously, this policy is not about biological sex but perceived gender. The language should still reflect science accurately where possible. Since gender by today's standards is prone to change at a moment's notice with no obvious outward signals, asking educators to address such a fluid issue is too much of a burden to place on anyone. I suggest we agree to acknowledge some children may feel differently from their appearance but while they are a child, stick with what is knowable and defined. We place age limits on many issues that require a minimum amount of experience and maturity. Let's decide gender "choices", at least within the confines of our schools, must wait until post high school. Is that fair? It's reasonable. Children learn to wait for a whole host of opportunities until an appropriate age or the completion of basic schooling. Meanwhile, let's educate our children and leave parents or counselors to address typical sexual or "gender" confusion and questions - not teachers! If these policies are approved, we will lose many good teachers who simply will not be able work within the scope of these requirements - not because they are hateful, but because it is an impossibility. I suggest we get back to figuring out the basic mission of the schools and work on addressing that.


Strongly disapprove of the Transgender draft policies being presented

I do not approve of the draft model policies on transgender being presented by the VDOE.  These radical ideas go against all of the norms of human history and would have been inconceivable if introduced even as little as a decade ago.  The confusion for our children precipitated by such policies will be devastating and ultimately history will show such policies if enacted, to be a huge divergence from any reasonable societal governance, contradicting social mores and norms of human development and leading beyond repair for many of our youth.


Transgender Policies

Please represent all of the population of Virginia as not everyone agrees with these policies. I'm in favor of caring for ALL in our state, no matter where they "land" on this topic.


Disapprove

It is angering that this is what the Virginia Assembly was working on while the rest of us were locked down due to the pandemic.  Truly using a crisis to government advantage.  This guidance document is very one sided and doesn't seem to explore other view points. The document seems to assume that: 1.) The state and strangers at school know what is better for children than their own parents and 2.)  That children make the best decisions.  I think most can agree that these assumptions are false.  These suggested policies do not take into consideration the feelings of males and females that are being subjected to the so called trans in their bathroom, locker room, or sports team.  I know being trans is fairly "trendy" right now.  Gender should not be a trend.  I think these agendas are forgetting how serious these types of decisions are.  Gender decisions can have life long consequences and should not be left up to a child and the state, which is kind of what these policies are suggesting.


Do Not Approve Proposed Transgender Guidelines

Please do not approve the proposed transgender guidelines! Students in elementary and secondary schools are children. They are growing and going through so many hormone changes and super-impressionable stages. By taking away more parental rights about what our young impressionable minds learn about and are exposed to leaves parents in the dark when their child comes home confused about things they should never be learning about at such young ages. The extremely small percentage of people that consider themselves transgender do not warrant any changes in our children's schools. We should always be on the lookout for bullying as no child should be bullied or brutally bullied as was my case. We need to remember that as children are growing and going through puberty they are and will be confused about themselves often. These feelings will not be solidified until they are in their twenties, not when they are 10! With the extremely small percentage of people with these feelings, we cannot bully the other 99.999 percent because one or two kids in a school feel this way. By allowing them to use the teacher's bathrooms the problem is solved. Now if the 30 percent of children that are bullied and feel like they have to do something, "or else", could get this much attention! Bullying in general has not been handled in any meaningful way! We cannot take away any parental rights, or interfere with their religious views. Every parent has the right to oversee every part of their child's education and their life choices until they are an adult!


I do NOT approve of these regulations.

In regards to the transgender policy, I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.


Illogical, unscientific, a set up for teacher abuse by trans students

This policy flies in the face of biblical truth and is, therefore, inherently unconstitutional.  “ So God created man ( people ) in His own image, in the image of God, He created him, male and female He created them.”  Genesis 1:27. ESV A teacher or student with a Judeo-Christian foundation will be subject to discriminatory behavior by those claiming to be "trans".  Male one day, female the next, neither the day after, both, who knows?   Students who are accused will not have the right to have their parents present to defend them.  This is discrimination.   Our society has been moving to eliminate discrimination by eliminating labels, such as oriental, colored, poor, disabled, retarded, etc. And this has been good.  Now, labels are all important if you are trans!  Illogical.  All people should be treated with respect.   In a society that constantly screams “ follow the science", and "I believe in science", when it comes to the 'trans' population, science is totally ignored.  Does anyone even remember basic biology?   This policy is rife with problems that will only cause more confusion, conflict, legal issues, and a further undermining of an already troubled education system.


Stay out of the family-Do Not Approve

Government has no right to force this into the family. This is extreme and ridiculous. Government needs to focus on more important issues.


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 do NOT support this

These regulations not only defy science, they also would not be good for the well-being of students. Discussions about student's feelings about their gender should be conducted with parents/guardians and their doctors, not teachers. Teachers should not be forced to violate their closely-held religious or personal convictions about LGBTQ+ issues, and espeically not without the knowledge of parents.


Disapproval of transgender policies.

I strongly disapprove of the direction that the VDOE is taking with the transgender.  These regulations are very dangerous on so many levels and are not realistic in any setting especially the classroom. Parents must raise their children not allow the State the control. PLEASE REVOKE THESE REGULATIONS.


Transgender Policies

This is perhaps the most ridiculous thing I have ever read.  These suggested regulations would be impossible to follow for anyone.  Not to mention they are ABSURD.  Why don't we just let the CHILDREN be in charge?!


DO NOT support

“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) 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 ALL students in states of undress. Now, you have moved to discriminate against ALL students as they would not be able to express being uncomfortable with changing in the same room as someone of the opposite gender. “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) 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. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action.  This is absurd.


DO NOT APPROVE transgener guidelines

I do not support the guidelines being proposed for transgender students. Please do not pass this!


I do NOT support

I will sue if a my sons are put into inappropriate situations. You can not and should not jeopardize the majority to support the .5%


Do not approve the transgender policy

I do not approve of the transgender policy.  It is unfair to everyone except the student.  The teachers will never know what gender the student is on any given day.  The teachers have enough to deal with on a daily basis and do not need the distraction of having the students decide what gender they want to be today.  Also, teachers are not being given the option of opting out of the policy even if it goes against their conscience. The bathrooms and shower areas should be restricted to the students that are biologically the gender they were born with.  Otherwise boys or girls could be deciding on a gender to be voyeuristic.  Students would have no privacy as they undress or shower or use the bathroom. Gender discussions should be done at home with the parents.  Students are still under the guidance of the parents they live with, and the school should not have the authority to undermine that.  Parents might not even be aware their child has a gender problem if this is allowed by the school.  Students might be unduly influenced to make gender decisions by their peers when they really had no inclinations to do it on their own. Giving the minority rights that take away rights from the majority do not seem to be in the best interest of equality.


Indoctrination

It is hard to believe that a Governor/Doctor spent all those years studying medicine and does not recognize the implication of this overt indoctrination. I spent many years in the military with transgenders and gay, as the govenrment used the military as an opportunity for experimentation.   I defended then and still defend the ability for them to freely participate like everyone else, but reject that being gay or transgender has anything to do with their qualification/s. I have participated in Training and Development as a career for 50 years; in the federal goverment, State Government, Business and Industry, and the local school system.  This blatent indoctrination will contribute nothing to developing a ready work force or a stronger nation. I am opposed to the government forcing me to act or not act in a certain way (allowing that it does not infringe upon other people's God-given, constitutional rights), particularly when they restrict my access to information. Ignoring physical differences and particularly the impact it will have on children is more than egregious.


100% Support as a parent and human being

I am a parent of three Albemarle County students and I fully support the proposed policies. As a parent of a non-binary child, this gives me hope that he will feel comfortable learning and growing at school. As a human being, this gives me hope that we will continue to move forward in a world that is less discriminating towards anyone.


Transgender policies

Absolutely DO NOT agree with the proposed recommendations for my children and/or grandchildren.


Do not approve

I do NOT approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.  I pay school taxes so my children can be educated in academics, not indoctrinated into young radicals.


definitely oppose this...very harmful for all..transgender issue

Oppose this transgender school policy which is totally immortal and totally not appropriate for the school or the government to meddle into.


Reverse Discrimination

VDOE's proposed transgender policies result in reverse discrimination toward those who identify by their birth gender and only furthers the confusion of those transgender individuals who cannot decide whether they are male or female or both or neither or..... whatever they want to be.  Sometimes a society MUST draw the line because you CANNOT satisfy every individual's 'whim' of the day.  Birth gender has been accepted as the norm by our society since its inception without significant issues.  I am sure there is a reasonable alternative without punishing the majority who accept the gender with which they are born with such ridiculous policies.


.How can professing educated people promote transgenderism?  Crazy!

How can we, professing educated adults, support this illness of gender dysphoria? Transgender is an illness.  The children, specifically ages 0-21, are not physically or cognitively capable of choosing their gender after conception.  Simply put... none of us can biologically change our gender.  It is naturally impossible and, if you really seek evidence, it is medically impossible. So, my question remains: How can we, supposedly educated adults, support this illness of gender dysphoria? Transgender is an illness.  The job of the education system is to educate students with ‘truth’ not deform their minds promoting their deformed ‘ideas’ or ‘obsessions’ (i.e. ‘I don’t want to be a girl/boy.’ ‘I am fat, ugly, stupid.  I am not valued so I’ll just commit suicide.’ etc). Is anorexia a supported ‘idea’ in the education of our children or is it presented as an ‘eating disorder’?  Note: It is a proven eating disorder caused by mental illness. Many more such proven examples can be presented to debunk the transgender agenda (i.e. drug abuse, alcoholism, pedophilia, etc.). We the People must return to the simple and teach the children intellectually not promote their ideas and/or the deformed ideas of cancel culture groups that could care less about the children and the family unit. This bill will only promote the illness and ultimate destruction and death of the children and their families suffering with its physical, mental, and emotional effects. Should you need evidence of studies to prove the above, do your homework.  You are the elected official put in office by “We the People”.... do your due diligence and defend the children and their families suffering with transgenderism.  Do not be negligent to deny it as an illness and get help to the children suffering with the promotion of their developmental ‘ideas’ which cause them harm. When we entertain ideas, do we not promote them? Kinda crazy to think that we as a society are even debating such a simple issue that, bluntly put, merely needs solid counseling from God fearing parents, families, teachers, counselors, politicians, etc.     PERIOD Prayers, Opal Morgan Colossians 3:23-24 Ephesians 6


Vehemently Disapprove of this policy

I cannot believe the corruption of values at VDOE has come to this.  Proponents of this policy need to be removed from the public trust as they have clearly demonstrated they are not fit to be near our children, let alone be in a position of influence of our education system. If common sense and a God-given conscience cannot make this clear to any thinking citizen, then listing each reason in specifics is a waste of time.  But for those who need reasons spelled out; please refer to The Family Foundation and their clear-headed list of concerns about this horrible expansion of immorality and social sickness.


Transgender policies

Forcing Educational systems to mandate speech is a violation of both the US and Virginia Constitutions.  These policies are inherently impossible to enforce or if enforced will violate an individuals due process rights.   Additionally, these policies will forcefully remove an individuals right to privacy.   Finally, the cost of litigation will be borne on the backs of taxpayers who are already burdened by excessive taxation.


Policies for the treatment of transgendered students

The proposed rules or standards for the treatment of transgendered students will open the flood gates of dissention, chaos, and lawsuits. The legitimate interests of all the parties have not been considered in the rush to attend one particular subset. For example, these policies ignore rights of freedom of thought and religion. They assert as fact that "gender identity is an innate part of a person's identity" but offer no evidence to the truth of this assertion. They propose isolating and excluding parents who may have information about the student unavailable to school personnel and such ignorance may result in harm to the student. The policies assume good motivation on the part of all claiming transgender status without considering that some may have salacious or other motivation in making such claims. On the other hand, the policies assume bad motivation of the part of anyone who has difficulty complying. Our habitual language doesn't change on a dime and use of the "wrong" pronoun is as likely to be a slip as to be intentional. Anxiety about being accused of harassment may cause some to avoid speaking to or about anyone transgendered, excluding them in order to protect oneself. These policies are like gasoline on the fires of the culture wars. They will also result in an exodus from the public schools to safer environs. Given the number of people who have left due to the COVID shutdowns, do the schools want to lose more?


MANY MORE WILL REMOVE THEIR KIDS FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

I am strongly opposed to the proposed guidelines for transgender students in our schools. These guidelines are tyrannical, unscientific, and morally wrong. Any boy could claim to be a girl and go into the girl's locker room. Students could sleep together on overnight outings and teachers would be unable to object or inform parents about it. It puts students at risk instead of protecting them. It is not based on real science, but is directly opposed to science. It does not reflect the majority views of our society. It forces people to use certain speech at risk of punishment, which is tyranny. Most importantly, it violates God's moral standards and encourages sexual perversion. People who are confused about their gender have a psychological disorder, and the rest of society should not be forced to participate in their confusion. They should be protected and treated with dignity as human beings, but these policies are not about protection. They are forcing a worldview that many of us do not agree with. You will continue to lose many students from the public school system if you push this agenda. You are hurting and not helping your students, families, and society as a whole. I oppose these guidelines.


NO

NO . I am so sadden to hear this is being considered.  As part of the Church, I apologize for allowing the world to create bandaids instead of healing and deliverance.  This is an issue the Church has yet to understand as well as the world.  First and foremost this is a sin issue, which means it's an reflection of an individual's decision being brought to light and instead of repentance, that individual is trying to force their views on others. God created sex to allow His creation to "produce after its kind." When anything is misused, it causes harm. I acknowledge since the fall of mankind, the things God has called good have been perverted. God's laws were created to protect us not control us. Many of these children are victims of abuse. A better idea is to help them heal and discover who they were created to be. Teach our children to except themselves as well as the fact we all are different.  No longer allow what we do - our actions and choices be the component in which we define ourselves. We are created and defined by God for His purpose.  When we fall short, He forgives and shows us a better way to ensure a blessed life as well as safety. Live a life of intentional forgiveness not bitterness. Teach the children the identity of God based upon His word, then they will understand who they are. God is love and desires good not evil to permeate our lives. For the sake of each child - yours included, VOTE NO!


Policies are not scientifically based-ridiculous

I strongly do not agree with these guidelines. I have a master's degree in biology and this is so completely radical that even radicals should be ashamed of it. It is not for the welfare of the individual, the family, or society to allow these policies to exist. From a scientific standpoint, this is absolutely crazy and whoever came up with this needs to check actual bone fide science to see that these policies will do more harm than good in every respect.


Transgenderism:  Why are we lying to our children?  Boys are boys and girls are girls.  Period.

It is not right to teach our children that they can be other than the way they are born.  You cannot change the truth into whatever you desire.  What is natural is natural and what is unnatural is at the least, a strange hybrid, and at the most, an outright abomination. It is not right to expect parents to allow their children to be used as experiments by the medical community, the psychologists, the atheists, and the pedophiles.  It is not right to subject children to the horrors of sexual exploitation in the name of education.  People don't have to be educated about how to have sex or what kind of sex to have.  A proper education would be to instruct children on how to protect their own body from unwanted demands or invasions.  A teen-aged child should hear about abstinence, not excess. Since we supposedly want everyone to be heard, why don't (or won't) you hear the voices of those who object to transgender policy making?


Do not support at any level

How is this considered a compromise when one side if forcing their agenda/rules/beliefs with complete disregard for the other's views or beliefs.  Since this is done with tax payer money in a public (meaning for the people) then this should be placed on a ballots and voted for.


NO

I do not agree with current proposed gender-identity policies.  We need to protect our children and allow them to grow up to freely discover for themselves who they were created to become.


Support

I support the draft guidance put forth by the VDOE.


None of your constituents want this. Will you actually listen?

Are you actually going to appease this tiny segment of the population with obviously mental issues when 99% of your constituents are opposed to it? You are putting school districts, teachers, and other students in a huge trick bag and setting everyone up for huge lawsuits when this handful of kids decide to change their pronouns from day to day. The fact that we are even having to discuss this nonsense is sickening.


Transgender polocies

If you continue with this change in policies you are creating a system that robs parents and students of their constitutional and religious rights. Parents will continue to move to home schooling and everyone will have lost their right to freedom of speech as they will not be allowed to disagree with a moral issue. Your agency doesn't have the authority to stop our rights by preventing our freedom of speech and freedom of religion so this will end up in the courts while the state cannot afford the costs of defending this illegal action. Honor and represent all the citizens of Virginia.


I do not approve

I do not approve of the guidelines for transgender students.


Transgenderism will destroy the school system

I am strongly opposed to adopting any such policy on transgenderism Genesis 1:27 reads, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Why is this basic human concept, male and female, up for debate?  This proposal will not leave it up to debate.  It will decide against the will of the people and parents and dictate what it is we are to believe and how we are to act.  It will tell parents what is acceptable.  It is no less than a trojan horse of immense proportion that goes beyond the schoolyard directly into our homes and threatens the way we raise our children. One example of the far reaching consequences of such policies would be 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. Not since the beginning of human existence has there been a threat to the understanding of human sexuality as male and female. You don't have to be a Christian to understand this truth. The fact that all people are either male or female is in harmony with natural law which every reasonable person accepts. The hypocracy of this effort to re-define human sexuality is in fact that it excludes the area of athletics. What? How on earth do you choose where you want to apply this policy and where you don't?  The implications are obvious.  But don't think it will stop at athletics.  If it all started in the bathrooms and locker rooms it will not stop until it has encompassed every facet of our children's lives, on and off the field and in and out of our schools and homes.  Something tells me they aren't learning about the dangers of Marxism is history class.


Transgender "Pro-Nouns"

What is the matter with you people?  You just keep getting even weirder.  What parent is OK with this "pronoun" nonsense?  You claim a belief in science - then practice it and acknowledge there are TWO genders.  There IS no "third" or any other gender whether you believe it or not. We do NOT need more thought police on the left.


Wholeheartedly Support

I've been a teacher for 10 years, a parent for 14 and I am proud to support this guidance. Though my own children do not identify as LGBTQ+, they have friends who do. It is of the utmost importance that all students are able to attend school safely and learn in an inclusive environment.  Most people can and WANT to do the right thing, but lack the knowledge, understanding or support to do so. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students, especially our LGBT youth.


Sure, don't tell parents

You continue your assault on families. There is no scientific basis as others have mentioned. I think the Harvard/MIT study regarding a "gay gene" bears this out. “It’s effectively impossible to predict an individual’s sexual behavior from their genome,” said Neale, the director of genetics in the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School (HMS)


Objections To Policies

I believe these policies place an undo burden upon teachers to comply with ever shifting goal posts. Teachers could be culpable for “perceived” discrimination, with many portions of these policies removing the parent from having knowledge of the child’s situation/mindset. I believe education starts at home, and to think parents would be removed from having the most intimate knowledge of their child would not protect the child, but rather create further divisions between parent and child. I cannot support these policies due to the administrative and daily burden it would create, as well as the ethical complication of removing the parent from parenting.


I DO NOT SUPPORT

I adamantly do not support this bill!


Stop this nonsense.

I do not support this waste of time and money.


I support these model policies.

I support the draft guidance supplied by VDOE. Both my children are public school students in Virginia. I am disheartened to see the number of vitriolic and hateful comments here, but I know I should not be. People fear what they do not understand, and the first step in understanding is creating a safe atmosphere for people to learn. It is impossible to learn more -- at school, or about our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters -- when 84% of any group reports feeling unsafe at school. Schools should be safe spaces for ALL students, full stop. I am a Christian, and Jesus makes himself very clear to me in Mark 12: 30-31. He does not say love my neighbor as myself as long as I'm comfortable with my neighbor, as long as my neighbor lives how I think they should, or even if I know my neighbor is living by His commandments (In fact, Jesus had something to say about judgement in Matthew, 7:1-3). He tells me to love my neighbor as myself. The same expectations I have for my own safety and acceptance apply to everyone. Virginia has a terrible and shameful legacy of segregation and discrimination within education, going so far as closing schools and denying children an education, because of bigotry and white supremacy. The damage that was done decades ago by school closure and racist textbooks and more still lingers, and we will be working to address it for decades more. The issues LGBTQ+ individuals face today are different but still have similarities. We should learn from our past to prevent future shameful and damaging discrimination, especially when it impacts children. Thank you for your attention, and I will be following the resolution of these model policies. Leanne Fox


Please no approve these without religious faith exemption for student, teachers, staff

These are beyond all reason, science and sanity. Our children don’t need more confusion, they need to learn and not be distracted by worthless policies like these. Please don’t allow them to be implemented- it will further reduce educational scores, and it is of an anti-Christ and anti-Biblical spirit. God forbid that this should become a hallmark of modern Virginia scholasticism.  NO Thank you!


Descent into Lunacy

On one hand I strongly disagree with these recommendations because they are contrary to science and common sense.  On the other hand as the "anointed geniuses" impose more of their lunacy on parents perhaps they will finally see the light and begin to withdraw their children and cause the collapse of the bloated government school system. The cowardice of the government officials during the pandemic of not allowing in-person schooling despite the recommendations of the CDC (the approved government science) began to open the eyes of many parents who now realize that these high-salaried officials care more about "the public school system" than children. To reiterate - these recommendations are contrary to science and common sense.


Opposed

I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. These guidelines put impossible requirements for teachers as students are able to change their identities daily. They also place students at risk as any boy can invade the private places of girls in locker rooms. These policies are absurd and dangerous.


I fully support this Guidance Document

I support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE.  My son has identified as bisexual.  He also has several gay and bisexual friends.  We have taught him to love everyone, he is fully supported at home, and he fully supports all of his friends.  We believe human rights means everyone should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their gender identity. Sadly, my son has seen the struggles his friends have gone through with name-calling and he even experienced blatant disrespect from a school counselor in elementary school. We must stand together to ensure everyone has the same safe education opportunities.  I support this draft guidance because I want my son and all of his friends to be in a school environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone.


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

Strongly oppose these policies! This is in the parent's area of responsibility and authority, not the school's nor the government's!


Incorrect Reference Material Used in Proposal

The proposed policy references the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) document "Revised Sexual Harassment Guidance: Harassment of Students by School Employees, Other Students, or Third Parties, Title IV"; however, according to the US Department of Education/OCR website this policy has been RESCINDED . Link guidance from US Dept of Education References to this guidance (page 10 of proposal) must be corrected and the content validated to ensure compliance with current publications.


I DO NOT APPROVE

This is absolutely insane.


Do not approve

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.  Please focus on educating our children in academic subjects, not indoctrinating them in radical progressive social policy.


Do NOT approve this policy

I whole heartedly disapprove this policy and it’s guidelines. You are hurting every child if this moves forward. Especially those suffering with gender confusion. Help them don’t hurt them.


Not in favor

I do not support this policy. That’s what hurt more children but it helps.


Proposed policies for the treatment of transgender students

I object to the proposed policies for the treatment of transgender students. These troubling policies 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. I speak for all parents to stand for and protect their children from these proposed troubling policies that I adamantly object to.


Transgender Policies in Schools

Hello, I just wanted to tell you that I do not approve of your proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school.  Ronald Ford


God's truth trumps all!

God created man and woman.  The truth!  God created family!  The truth!  Schools have no business teaching our kids about this nonsense.  Teach truthful history, science, math, reading.  Let the parents / family teach our kids about God's truth of sex, gender, .......


" transgender" policies

These policies are ridiculous and disturbing. For schools to exclude parents is completely WRONG ! These are the sorts of things that occurred in the Soviet Union. This is all part of the Left"s plan to destroy our country from within by destroying the family unit.


This is insane!

Boys are boys and girls are girls.  Teach them to be who they are biologically and stop the stupidity of teaching based on feelings.  This is insane!


NO

How about we acknowledge gender dysphoria as the legitimate, treatable psychological disorder it is, as is clearly indicated in the DMS-5?  I propose instead, as a society we encourage the adults in their lives get the kids the help they need, rather than further confuse and watch as they grow into suicidal tendencies, which we have an abundance of data to support.  It is outright abuse to allow minors who experience confusion as a result of our culture to continue to feel as if they don't belong in their bodies, and avoid treating them.  We would NEVER accept this for a child who identifies as fat and ugly, then let them continue on a destructive mental path toward anorexia or bulimia or other harmful patterns because their mind (mental disorder) tells them they are something only they see/identify as.  Stop this radical nonsense, and keep it OUT of our schools.


I Do Not Support

According to God, we are Male and female. There is no dispute and no gray area. I find it exremely disturbing that the stat of Virginia gets to decide that my children should be taught otherwise. We need to put God back in our schools where he belongs. Stop taking Jesus away from those of us that believe in him.


Policy Gone Wrong

This is insane.  It is political correctness gone to new depths of uselessness.  It is a detriment to students and teachers on so many levels.


Guidelines for treatment of transgender students

The proposed guidelines for treatment of transgender students are much too extreme. Guidelines such as these should, in my opinion be based on love and respect for others rather than dictatorial. They should not be a source of indoctrination for children as these would be. They should be based on tolerance and individual rights rather than radical theories. They should include provisions and policies that contain in that include guidelines definite distinctions between make and female. While respect and acceptance are important. This definite distinction should not be blurred. Causing this societal pillar to be blurred will cause society to crumble. Thank you for taking my comment.


Vile and outrageous

This is a vile and evil proposal and contrary to God’s laws. Children will be confused and harmed by this. Parents will be unjustly split away from their children. Nothing good can come if this!


Support!!

Thank you for supporting our transgender youth.


Transgender Policies

Physical biology is more than 99% consistent on what is female and male.  Very few genetic variations occur that make gender difficult to discern!  When policies depart from "science", we are teaching something irrational.  The best path forward is stick with the obvious biological difference and stop catering to people's personal choice or felt needs.  We can remain sensitive to people, without making sweeping policy change.


DISGUSTING

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. This is the most vile, disgusting, and ridiculous left wing propaganda ever.


Do not support this policy that denies basic biology and criminalizes those who stand for truth

As a mother, foster mother, adoptive mother of girls - I object strongly to policies that may place them in danger by allowing biological males into their bathrooms and dressing rooms - and that will deny them titles, trophies and scholarships through athletics by allowing biological males to compete in female sports and steal the top positions due to their biological differences.


Do not support

Please do not support this legislation. It is creating chaos and disorder among our already stressed schools. It is completely attacking social order and creating confusion where none exists. Parents are the authority here, not the school system.


transgender acceptance

As a christian this is absurb!!!  This is totally against the Word of God!! Our house and senate in VA. doesn;t have a clue to the danger this is and the worst part is they don't care. Let's all stand against this!!!


Do not approve

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 support the draft guidance provided by the VDOE. This guidance would allow all schools to be equipped with the policies and procedures they need to confidently provide a safe and inclusive educational experience for all students.


where is this country going?NO NO

There is the reason we are Male and female, How hard is this to figure this out. If you look at history Nations have fallen because of sexual morality also we are giving our kids more rights than we the parents. yes, I am a God-fearing man Jesus believer . This goes beyond or faith. What is wrong is wrong.


Support 100%

Thank you for this document.  Transgender students deserve the same protections and rights as everybody else, there should be no question about this.  If they feel safe and protected, they can learn, and every student is entitled to an education.  Hate has no place in our schools.


I do not approve

I do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.


I do not approve

If you are going to move forward with this policy, just eliminate girls' sports. Physical boys who cannot excel in boys' sports will choose to call themselves girls to excel there. Protect children in their restrooms and locker room. Children should not be forced to undress or go to the bathroom with people who were born of the opposite sex. Feel free to create single-occupancy restrooms, but then you will need to figure out how to keep sex and drugs out of them. This policy is ill-advised.


Completely and totally object to this misguided and harmful policy

This is an abrogation of the rights of parents and of your duty to provide a good education for our students. And as a reminder we pay for you to uphold this duty. These policies will lead to students and teachers being penalized by subjective and unenforceable rules that will only lead to confusion and create a toxic and litigious environment. Even before COVID the Virginia education statistics were declining. Maybe instead of focusing on how to appease your liberal friends you consider how to help Virginia students improve in the core areas of math and science. These policies are not rational and are not based on science. You are basically giving in to a minority hate mob at the expense of the children that you were put in place to protect.


Politically correct transgender policies

These policies are insane! Pure evil & heresy! I pray that parents will wake up, stand up & against these with every ounce of strength!


Irreversably damaging policy for our children and country

This is the most destructive policy I have ever seen and shows how power hungry, hateful and selfish our schools have become. This should not even be discussed.


100% against this! Please do not support!


Completely against this

My child should not be subject to these teachings, per the bible Man and Woman were created. If my child or other children choose to go against it, thats their decision. Just as God and religion are kept out of school, out of the pledge of allegiance, this should be kept out. if kids or parents need counseling, thats what doctors and psychologists are for. Our children have enough to deal with, adding this garbage is despicable. Leave them be!!!


Unnatural and harmful to normal child development

The proposed recommendations do not follow normal natural development. For those children who have questions about or wish to explore other sexual presentations, they should speak to their parents or designated medical or psychological provider. The school has no role in this issue and places itself in a position of litigation by concerned parents or loss of taxpayer funding.


I approve

I'm glad school policy will no longer harass young people who are learning about who they are.


Transgender School Policy

I disagree with this policy. The wording sets up a situation where a predator can simply claim to be of the opposite sex to gain access to the opposite sex's bathroom or locker room and no employee is allowed to question it. It has a grave opportunity to create more harm than good with the current wording.


Forces gender ideology on those who disagre with it and fails to protect students and parents

This proposed policy's demands impose gender ideology on students, parents, and teachers. It forces them to say what they think is not true (insisting that they call a male she/her etc.). In trying to advance the "rights" of the LGBTIQ+ community, these policies would trample the actual rights of the vast majority of students, parents, teachers and staff, as well as put youth at risk for moral, psychological, emotional, and physical harm.


I do not approve

I do not approve


Transgender Policy

I do not approve of these proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.


Support This Policy In Virginia and Everywhere

The model policy is a step in the correct direction in supporting transgender students in Virginia. Those who oppose supporting a vulnerable population's needs are feeding hate, ignorance and irrationality. This policy makes school more manageable for a trans student and does nothing to impact other students' ability to learn and grow in the same environment. This is a no-brainer. Of course schools should be following these guidelines.


I do not approve of your proposed policy.


Transgender Rights at the expense of everyone’s rights

These policies propose to protect those transitioning apparently at all cost without consideration to religious liberty or anyone else’s first amendment right. This document cites the first amendment as cause for allowing transgender people to be open and have freedoms to use their assigned restroom and even change their identity without their parents consent or even knowledge. However, these policies also make it so that it is not allowed to say anything negative about these policies within the school. Furthermore they allow for these young children to transition without the parents’ knowledge which possibly could seriously damage this young child with the schools consent in the name of freedom. These policies go against the protection of all children and seek to harm many for the appearance of tolerance.


Transgender policies

While students are failing in classes due to the lack of actual education, the VDOE is spending its' time on this nonsense. Our tax dollars at work.


I support this guidance

I support the draft guidance provided from VDOE. As a new mother, I am looking ahead to a bright future. A future that will make school an inclusive, safe space for all children. This guidance will provide a safe environment for LBGQ+ students. It will make school be a place for children to grow and learn, and not be discriminated against. As all schools should be.


Support

I support this policy, because it is the morally correct choice, and reflects the needs of the students it aims to protect.


Concern Parent and Teacher

Unnatural and harmful to normal child development


100% Support - this policy will save many lives

As a high school counselor, I have worked with many transgender students in my career. Some have very supportive and empowering families, others feel unsafe in their homes and with their parents. While we can't make everyone be a good parent, school should be a safe place for ALL students. None can be successful and perform as expected if they don't have a trusted adult on their side or feel protected. It breaks my heart to work with children who fear every word they say at home and every email they send, monitored by parents, will be used against them. This policy will make our trans kid feel seen and affirmed, as cis kids are on a daily basis. To anyone who feels this policy violates your beliefs or rights, please know it doesn't affect YOU. Not everyone in this state practices Christianity, and they should not be held to your personal standards. The first amendment makes an excellent read--you should check it out. Please also educate yourself on the difference between gender and sexuality.


DO NOT APPROVE!

Do not approve of this proposed measure-- virtually 100% of it.


I support this. The hateful and ignorant comments here show it’s desperately needed.

I whole heartedly support this proposal. the amount of ignorance and hate in these comments only shows how much these protections are necessary.


DO NOT SUPPORT

gender confusion should not be met with codependency! A child born with their gender is what their gender is. I cannot believe we are even having to tell you people this. This is EXACTLY why my child will be attending private school.


I do not approve

I do not approve of any of this


100% DISAPPROVAL

This policy proposal bends biological and normative/societal 'sense' in favor of a less than 1% minority.  Now that alone may trigger you to act affirmatively but please use your God-given sense and vote DOWN these wrong-headed, dangerous policies for the good of the normal, and majority of Virginians.


Opposed to proposed draft model policies for Transgender students

I am against the Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools for the following reasons: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! 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. 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. 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. The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” 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. There are many more reasons to oppose the proposed Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools. These policies are detrimental to our educational system and will only add more problems then what they hope to solve. Please do not support these policies!


I OPPOSE THIS STATE-PRESCRIBED MANIPULATION OF SEMIOTICS IN SCHOOLS

A mind is a terrible thing to waste, especially on this counterfeit educational agenda.  As bad money drives good money out of circulation, this bad idea likewise serves only to deprive students of appreciation for truth, beauty, and goodness, which real education inspires.  There is no greater purpose to this agenda than to drive true education out.  This is why it comes cloaked in glittering but illogical cliches about "equality and justice," themselves pinched counterfeits of the great Theological and Cardinal Virtues.  With advanced studies in literature at UVA and other national institutions, I am terribly familiar with the purpose of the ideologies--critical theory and critical discourse analysis (CDA)--that hatched this proposal as well as the hobbled minds that propose it.  State manipulation of grammar is one step toward the intentional indoctrination and manipulation of perceptions and consequently of behavior contrived for recruiting the young to a vision of misery.  It is thus a form of indoctrination and ideological propaganda annihilating the family to target the children.  It serves only the arbitrary whims and revenue streams of postmodern autocrats and wannabes.  It's oppression "ur-myth" has long been discredited.  Imposing this fallacy on the young is an abuse that will require ever harsher punitive laws to banish goodness, truth, and beauty to the ideological gulags where those who have most to gain from them will have the least opportunity to do so.  Just say no to this bad idea.


Transgender policy

I do not approve of the proposed guidelines regarding transgender use of restrooms. All females and especially children need to feel safe when using the restroom. It is possible for a male to claim to be transgender in order to enter a female restroom. It could also be unsafe for a female transgender to use the boys’ restroom. Separate but equal is much safer for all.


I have read it and I am fine with it.

Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools All Virginia school boards I have reviewed the 20-page guidance document.  It includes helpful definitions and applicable laws.  It explains what is at stake by using specific statistics.  It encourages school boards to continue important efforts to improve safety, privacy, and access to education of children.  The guidelines could be a helpful starting point for schools boards beginning to think about this issue and how best to comply with existing law. I encourage everyone here to participate in local elections and to engage in conversations with local school board members.  This document is meant to be a model, or merely suggestion.  It is not the actual policy that will go into effect in their local schools.  Your school board must comply with the law, but it does not have to adopt this document as written.  They can, of course, provide greater protection than the law requires, but not less.


Oppose....This severely hurts the ones that it is intended to help.  The irony is undeniable.

This severely hurts the ones that it is intended to help. The irony is undeniable.  About 80% of children who question their gender will be fine with their biological gender once they enter puberty.  Even Bruce Jenner regrets what he did to his body.  What is the real agenda here?  Why is society putting children through needless pain?


I’m for it.

I’m all for it.  These children need all the help and sympathy we can give them.


Disapprove

Disapprove


Oppose VDOE Proposed Guidelines

This policy sets students, teachers, and staff up for failure as this policy is highly subjective.  This policy falls outside of the mission of the Public School System.  These matters are handled at home and are private and personal.  This policy seeks to take control away from parents.


Transgender issues...

I am very upset that we/Virginia R allowing children who R confused about there sexual identity regulate our states laws! !! Just because a child (or an adult) makes a claim/statement about his/her sex DOESN'T make it true !!! They MAY FEEL that they R a different sex then that in truth they R, BUT that DOESN'T change the fact of what they R !!! And the schools need 2 involve the parent of these children 2 inform them of the seriousness of the situation. Also the state needs 2 provide counseling 2 these children 2 help them realize that they can't let there feelings & emotions overcome what is real !!!!??????  MIKE


100% oppose this

Unbelievable that this is being introduced into our school system. Protection from bullying can be done individually by each school, their administrators, and teachers. Further, it can be avoided by teaching values in the HOME.  I predict a mass exodus from public schools in Virginia if this is adopted.


draft of treatment of transgender

I do not approve of these proposed guidelines regarding the treatment of transgener students based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children.


Strongly Disapprove of Proposed "Transgender" Policies

There are only two genders. Male and female. Individuals who are confused about their gender need counseling and therapy. Requiring teachers, administrators, and other students to facilitate the so called "transgendered" person's delusion and confusion will cause further harm to their mental state. Lastly, violating the rights of the parents by failing to inform them about important information regarding their child's mental health should not even be considered.


Gobbledegook

The science is clear. Sex is determined at conception, either male or female. It is never “assigned at birth”.  Mental illness, including gender dysphoria, should be dealt with on an individual basis not by attempting to change language and/or culture.


Let's support our students in any way we can

I support this effort to recognize and affirm whatever decisions students make about their own gender identity. If this keeps one student from suicidal feelings, it is worth it.


VDOE  Disapprove 100%

100%  Disapprove


Transgender rights

I support laws or regulations that provide freedom for transgender people to live their best lives.  Until the rights of this minority are solidified, we are all at risk.  Those who are ignorant of what transgender means, and those who through prejudice and fear are willing to continue to restrict children and adults who are transgender, should not be allowed decide the laws.


BIOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL CONSIDERATIONS OF OTHERS AS WELL

No student should be harassed or bullied for any reason and all should be respected and educated regardless  of whether I agree with their choices.  However, their "rights" should not supersede the rights of those who recognize and adhere to biology.  For instance, I should not have to share my bathroom with someone who was a man at birth.  I think this issue has gone too far---as much of society has.  It has also put an undue burden on educators and school systems.  I have no problem working with or teaching those who have made lifestyle choices I disagree with. I do have a problem when I as an educator now have to fear a lawsuit because I forget to call Sally, John, this year.  You must also be careful to respect the spiritual rights of those who know that God created male and female.  We can accept, teach, and love those who may think differently.  We also need to understand that really caring for our young people does not mean we accept every belief and way of thinking.  We care about them enough to correct them and lead them in the right direction.


This policy tramples on the People's rights. State's right do not extend to forcing gender ideology on those who disagree with it. This proposed policy demands & imposes gender ideology on students, parents, and teachers. If a student wants to be part of the LGBTIQ community that is their freedom, but not everyone has to believe as they do. Each school should have the freedom to decide how to handle a student who wants to change their gender identity moment by moment or simply to benefit their circumstances. Whereas parents should have the right to name their own children or change their names EACH SCHOOL should be able to adopt their own dress code without being forced to have everyone dress in a gender neutral manner. The state is to have minimal control over the people. This policy is also unconstitutional and does not support freedom of speech by forcing every teacher/peer to say what they think is not true (insisting that they call a male she/her etc.).  In trying to advance the "rights" of the LGBTIQ+ community, these policies would trample the actual rights of all students, parents, teachers, and staff, as well as put these youth in an incredible position of power instead of needing to listen to a teacher/staff. Consider instead, supporting the LGBTIQ kid by encouraging teachers/students to not make unkind remarks when a biological boy wants to dress like a girl for the day or the other way around. DO NOT TRAMPLE ON EVERYONE ELSE's RIGHTS!