Strongly oppose the transgender policy

I request that every effort is made to oppose this policy action. This policy would take away authority of the educators and staff while causing additional social conflict along the students. Currently educators are burdened with the number of students per class and this would be an additional consideration.  Students could leverage this policy to put the educator on the defensive with potential legal ramifications while trying to manage the classroom.  The draft policy mentions dignity and respect of the children.  However, the same policy would erode the same respect that should be given for the educators.  Secondary effects would disrupt dress codes and extracurricular activities. The student population would be adversely affected as well.  A comment from a supporter of the draft policy mentions” don’t let anyone invalid who you are”.  If sexual identification is allowed, which contradicts physical traits, nothing would prohibit other absolutes to be challenged; someone could identify as having the correct solution to a math problem when the teacher knows the answer as absolute, someone could identify as the valedictorian without the academic success, someone could identify as a basketball player without being on the team, a student with a 2.0 grade point average could identify as ‘advanced/gifted”, a student could identify as a teacher and disrupt the educational period.  Anyone could identify as “mentally handicapped/special needs”. This would inhibit the assistance and help that those students need to get a basic Kindergarten through High school education.   All absolutes, both physical and intellectual standards would be destroyed.  Educational institutions would be isolated from being able to apply metrics and guidelines for a successful school.  The school system would crumble at the expense of misguided energy. You must stop this misleading policy.  Your action to disapprove the policy will support the teacher/student relationship and empower the parents with their child’s education.


This document is incredible! Yes!

I can't imagine how much better my life would be if such inclusive and supportive policies as these had been the standard when I was young. Adopting these guidelines would not only mean a better life for current students, but a brighter future for them as well. I am thrilled to see this kind of considerate language, showing respect and promising dignity to these kids. Truly amazing, thank you for this!


STRONGLY OPPOSE

This would be detrimental for any child no matter what orientation.


Vehemently opposed

I am vehemently opposed to this draft mandate. While I believe all children should be able to go to school in a harassment free environment, I fail to see how this policy would help. I believe the mandate is unconstitutional and drastically infringes on the rights of the majority of students in our schools.


Protect Trans Youth

Fully support


Strongly Object

As a concerned parent and resident of Virginia, I have reviewed the VDOE draft policy on transgender students in our public school. I have several concerns about this potential policy. However, for the sake of space, I will only mention a few here. First of all it is the parent's responsibility for the upbringing of their children. Under the guidelines of this proposed policy, the parent's will not be notified when their child is interrogated for allegedly violating the new policy, nor will they be given the opportunity to intervene on their child's behalf. In fact it appears that all of the proposed policy is being permitted without the parent's permission. This is usurping the parent's authority. Secondly, allowing males and females to share restroom, locker room, and shower facilities could potentially put our students at a greater advantage of sexual harassment, misconduct, and potentially rape. I request that should this policy go forward, that an adequate number of single person bath, shower, and locker areas be available for all students regardless of gender identification. Finally I would hope that this proposal would be rescinded as the majority of students in our public schools would not benefit from this immoral action.


Opposition to the Virginia Department of Education Proposed Transgender Policy

I currently have 6 grandchildren in Virginia Public Schools. I strongly oppose the proposed Transgender Policy that is currently before the Virginia Department of Education. This policy not only usurps parental rights and responsibilities with regard to their children, it also allows for immature children to make irrational life style decisions based on popularity and possible unsolicited teacher and peer influence. It is not the Board of Education's, nor the State of Virginia's job to decide gender determination of the children under their charge to educate. These policies go beyond the scope and mission of the Department of Education. Should this policy be approved as written, I intend to sue the Virginia Department of Education and anyone involved with the passing and implementation of such a policy, up to and including the Governor of the State.


Strongly Support. How are y'all against anti-discrimination policy?

Our schools can no longer stand by and let the pretend/perceived fears of hate mongering homophobes and transphobes perpetuate the real dangers and discriminations faced by LGBT+ students in Virginia. Schools should be places of equitable education for every student. You do not accomplish that by granting ignorant students, teachers, and parents the right to discriminate against others.


Strongly support

I strongly support using the Virginia Department of Education's guidance on creating inclusive learning environments for transgender and non-binary youth.


Strongly oppose

Do not pass this. If gender is based on an individual's word alone, rather than objective, observable fact, then gender is meaningless. This is folly of the highest order.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

I strongly support the rights of trans youth. All children should be accepted throughout their development, regardless of sex or gender identity. it is the duty of schools and communities to foster safe and nourishing environments.


FULLY SUPPORT. PROTECT TRANS KIDS

All children deserve love, safety and acceptance, trans kids are absolutely no different. School is a place to learn and grow as yourself and everyone has a right to their space and identity and expression.


Guidance document

Strongly oppose!


Strong Support!!

Strong support policies that provide a safe environment for kids to learn and develop without fear of persecution for their gender identity or sexual orientation. You shouldn’t be an educator if you aren’t first and foremost focused on providing the safest space for a kid to develop.


Strongly support

Trans students should be able to go to school and be supported, just like every student.  Not every county provides the same level of treatment to LGBTQ students.  Hopefully setting a new standard would not only set a higher standard than there is available currently, but will provide a standard in counties where none is set currently.


Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

I wish to go on record as opposing the proposed policies for the treatment of transgender students.  I have several reasons for this, three of which I will set forth here. Girls’ locker rooms and restrooms: When I was a middle school student, I hated to change clothes even in front of other girls. I cannot conceive of how I would have felt if I had had to undress in front of a boy!  Non-transgender boys could simply pretend to be transgender in order to enter girls’ restrooms and locker rooms for nefarious purposes.  This compromises the girls’ safety.  The potential for rape and abuse is a distinct possibility here. Overnight field trips: Again, non-transgender boys could pretend to be transgender in order to share a room with a girl, even against her will.  What parent of a girl would want this? Girls’ sports: Non-transgender boys could pretend to be transgender in order to compete against girls and thereby win competitions because of their faster speed or stronger bodies.  Girls could no longer be assured of fair competition in sports. In all these cases, it is the girls who would suffer.  Normally, non-transgender girls do not desire to enter boys’ restrooms or locker rooms—perish the thought! Where is the feminist ideal of fair treatment for girls, for protection from rape and abuse at the hands of predatory males? As a mother, grandmother, retired school employee, and feminist, AND LIFELONG DEMOCRAT, I wish to register my opposition to these policies.


Transgender policy

For the sake of all children and parents I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy.


Transgender policy

This policy could be the difference between a child wanting to live and not wanting to live. Let children focus on being their authentic selves. I strongly support this.


Opposed

Opposed on the basis of not contributing to gender confusion in our children, and wanting to preserve parental responsibility (not DOE) when it comes to sex education (including gender associations).


Kristi VanAudenhove, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance

Support for guidance that promotes the health and well-being of transgender youth.

The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance is dedicated to a future in which all of us thrive, where everyone is safe and respected and whole. This guidance , developed with the input of diverse leaders across Virginia, moves us forward toward that future. Ensuring that schools are prepared not only to offer an equal education to transgender youth, but also prepared to promote healthy attitudes about people of all genders, is vital to making our schools safe and respectful places for all people. The Action Alliance fully supports this guidance.


Strongly Oppose

XX XY keep separate. Create other safe places for the LGBTQxyz crowd


I strongly oppose

You are so quick to point out that we must support this but by supporting this you take away from the rights of children that believe in their biological sexes...You put them at risk by allowing boys in girls rooms or vice versus...whenever they want.   this is a destructive policy


Strongly Opposed

This is an egregious intrusion into the family by a government that has no right to be there. Parental authority cannot be usurped at the whim of an oppressive government which believes (falsely) that it knows what is best for everyone. Everything about this policy is divisive from creating enmity between parent and child to fostering an antagonistic relationship between school officials and parents. This is by design I'm sure, as creating chaos out of order is the objective of "progressive" politicians and their policies.


YES!

This is much needed. Trans kids need more protection and this is good progress.


Strongly support.

I strongly support this policy. It is important to not only protect trans youth, but also promote tolerance and understanding.


Strongly oppose

Please stand together and oppose this bill. There is no room so this in our schools. Boys should play boy sports and girls should play girl sports. Boys do not belong in girl locker rooms. How are you going to protect the students? This is just a mess!


Fully Support

As a mother of a non-binary child in the Arlington Public School District, I fully support this model policy.


Support for Transgender/non-binary students

I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I am a high school teacher and value each and every one of my students. I believe that ALL students should be protected and supported, no matter their identity. Our schools should be safe and welcoming to all students. Data shows that our LGBTQ+ students are a vulnerable population and we should be doing everything we can to help them feel heard and valued. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Amanda Tolson


Fully support, Trans rights are human rights

Fully support!


I do not support

This is against the Bible teachings. Genesis 1:27


No!

this is seriously a joke. You can’t even provide electronics for all the children but suddenly we have the funding to build all these new bathrooms and locker rooms? Pwc is really just a horrible disgusting county to reside in now. I am so ready to leave and am counting down the days to move to a county that is more focused on education and not appeasing every new fad. They are kids they have no clue who they are let alone what gender they want to associate with because the YouTube and tictoks they watch. Again, this is a JOKE!


Fully Support

Transgender (and LQBTQ+) youth are three times more likely to commit suicide and have suicidal thoughts than a heterosexual teenager. This is due in part by societal pressure and the conformity they have to impose on themselves to avoid being discriminated against. There needs to be protection in place for transgender youth so that they can express themselves as who they truly are. If being transgender was a choice, many would rather life their life as their assigned sex at birth (uncomfortable in their skin, longing to be who they want to be) over dealing with the hate and discrimination they would face being transgender. And that is sad. It is not a choice, so treat them just as how anyone would treat a cisgender individual. This is not about your religion, this is not about a made notion you have that transgender people are predators, this is about them... and making the world a better place for people to live one step at a time.


I STRONGLY OPPOSE (mother of 2 teens)

I strongly oppose these changes. Teenagers (and I have 2 currently) are far too young to be able to fully understand the consequences they will experience by making these changes to their lives and their bodies. These guidelines put teachers and administrators in very precarious positions which are determined by the whims of hormonal teenagers. It seems unfair and unwise for all involved.  It is not the school's place to help teenagers through this kind of confusion -- it is the family's responsibility. Please do not do this. There are so many other ways to counsel teens through this, rather than elevating it to this kind of place of importance over other things. Our sexuality is not the sum total of our identity -- it is only a part of who we are. And with all the confusion that adolescents ALREADY have about what role sex plays in life, shouldn't we help them understand this, rather than throw gas on the fire of misunderstandings and the glorified place sexuality has in our culture? Please do not do this. These need to be removed: “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) “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) “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) “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) “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12) “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18) “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) “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)


Support. Look up "intersex". It's Biology.

Before we understood them better,  our society called them hermaphrodites. With further advancement in the science of Biology, our society has more evidence that those with XXY chromosomes exist.  There are limitless variations of this type of deviation from the "norm" (for lack of a better word). That is why we say "assigned at birth" for those that want to transition.  Because in a less tolerant and more ignorant world,  the parents could choose what sex the child was assigned. And a lot of those times very inhumane and barbaric surgeries were done on infants who could not speak for themselves.  So in summation,  if you're just a bigot: accept it, understand it, and embrace it. But don't cite anything scientific bc you sound dumb.


Oppose- Protect family rights

Parents are the primary people in a child's life. They are their primary influencers, providers, teachers, and the people who love them. A parent must be provided the freedom to make the right decision for their child and to protect their child. A school is NOT the institution to teach transgender. School is for academics. Homes are for values and more. Please do not remove the rights of parents.


This guidance does NOT have to do with love or freedom

Many people are commenting that we need to support and love transgender people. We absolutely need to love all and we need to provide resources for all but removing the rights of parents, removing the protection of a home and a parent's voice in this manner is a REMOVAL OF FREEDOM. I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS.


Guidance Document

Boys are boys and Girls are girls, period.  Quit trying to change what God has created.  I refuse to let my tax dollars go to pacify your idiotic liberal agenda.


Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

Strongly oppose


draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students

I oppose these policies.


Vigorously disagree with this draft

Draft policy accommodating transgender students imposed on state school divisions violates Constitution First Amendment rights, is poorly written, violates parental responsibilities, endangers student health and welfare and adds unfunded requirements on struggling schools. Virginia's parents and students will have fundamentally different transgender views depending on ethnicity, religion, culture, and education and are free to express their opinion.  Failure to use a student's "preferred pronoun", which can change from day today, can be considered discriminatory under this draft policy.  Poorly written draft language raises First Amendment issues and encourages unfounded discrimination charges. (Draft Policy p. 10, Recommended Standard p. 10, 12, Definitions p.6) Draft VDOE policy violates parenting legal responsibilities preventing a parent's full transparency into their students activities, school environment, friends, and safety.  Parents have a right to know what their children are doing in school.  (Draft Policy p. 12, Recommended Standard p. 12, p 13) Students are not mature.  Bullying, teasing, up-skirting, inappropriate use of Smartphones, silly and disruptive behavior, etc. are difficult to supervise in gender-neutral facilities without invasive CCTV systems, staff supervision or an open communal soace that removes comfort and privacy.  Failure to recognize gender neutral privacy and safety issues for children is irresponsible. (Draft Policy p. 18) United Kingdom experiments promoting gender neutral bathrooms resulted in girl's privacy being invaded, with many girls avoiding using school facilities resulting in increased urinary tract infections.  At what point does Virginia ignore a girl's need for privacy and the historical role that sexual harassment and sexual assault have influenced women's rights and history?  (Draft Policy p. 18) Draft policy encourages students to make gender change and sexual identity decisions without informing their parents.  Draft encourages students to make critical psychological and health decisions when students do not have the knowledge, maturity, or understanding of their decision's long-term effects.  This, when students cannot consent to sexual activity, cannot legally consume alcohol, are not considered mature enough to vote, may not be old enough to legally drive and must be supervised while taking parent approved doctor prescribed medications in school. (Recommended Standard p. 13) Draft policy demolishes effective communications between parents and teacher.  Subjective language in this poorly written draft is open for abuse and misinterpretation.  Teachers are prevented from having a free and open discussion with parents.  Parents cannot engage with teachers without the real fear of being reported to Child Protective Services. (Recommended Standard p. 10, p. 12, p. 13) Poorly written draft policy permits abuse and creates "gender neutral" sports attire issues  such as female topless swimming. (Draft Policy p. 16) Issue of biological males competing in female sports was not adequately addressed.  Issue must be included and be unambiguous to ensure fairness to female athletes. VDOE intends to impose liberal transgender policies that affect some fraction less than 2% of Virginia's student population at a time when VDOE priorities, focus and resources should be to ensure all state students are educated when schools are locked down due to Covid 19 pandemic concerns, ensue that students with disabilities are provided the best possible education, and school safety and security is improved state-wide.  VDOE must better implement effective state-led strategies improving academically under performing schools. VDOE can and should do better. It must recognize the needs of all students, recognize the need for local solutions to individual student issues while ensuring privacy and safety for an established and objective majority - females, especially the little ones.


Transgender Policy

Please do not enact this policy!  God created us male and female and to suggest otherwise to young children will only serve to confuse them and they are facing too much right now.  Thank you.


Support Trans Kids

We MUST support our transgender students!!!!!


Schools Teach - Families Parent

I strongly believe the school systems sole responsibility is to teach fundamental concepts.  Religion, Politics, etc. should all be left OUT of the school system for parents to teach at home. Specific Concerns: Freedom of Speech - it is violating my child's freedom of speech to require them to use certain words & pronouns.  This is separate from "not" allowing my child to use certain language at school (foul language, etc) Parental Knowledge - Parents of minors under 18 have a right to ANY and ALL information regarding their child AND the right to dictate what guidance their child receives.  Parents have the right to know how and by whom dressing rooms are being used.  If the schools can't adhere to this then create all single use locker rooms and single use bathrooms. Sports - When a biological male out swims or out runs my biological daughter is it fair that she is now at a disadvantage for winning, rankings, scholarships, etc. It is SCIENCE that males are born and biologically stronger and faster. Religious Exemption - Again, separation of church & state.  My family & child should be permitted to be religiously exempt from ANYTHING we or our religion chooses.


Disagree with proposed policy in the strongest possible terms

I would like to go on record with my strongest possible opposition to the proposed policy.  Overall, this is an overreach by the government to impose ideologies that are harmful to children and families, and contrary to natural law. The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. From the beginning of time, parents have been entrusted with bringing children into the world, and making decisions for their children until they are legal adults.  The proposal is an infringement of parental First Amendment rights to raise and care for their children. We feel compassion for children and adults experiencing mental health conditions such as gender dysphoria.  The solution is to get them the mental health help and counseling they need, and not to promote irreversible bodily mutilation. Thank you.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose this radical agenda.  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.


s

I support!! Don’t be s


Oppose policies to accommodate and affirm transgender identities

I oppose public school policies that would affirm or accommodate transgender identities for students.  Such identities are part of a family decision-making process and should not be usurped by a public education system.   A public education system  does not know what is right for each student and should not act as if it does.  A public education system should use the majority as its norm, not a minority. Linda Greenberg


Trans youth

I SUPPORT


VA School Transgender Policies

A friend showed me the draft guidance documents and I have to say I found them rather distressing and extreme, like way over the line.  It seems like in the effort to make things more receptive for students struggling with their identity, gay, transgender or whatever, you are seriously running the risk of depriving other children of a safe environment to be who they are -- not struggling with identity.  My real concern is that a child who is shy, who is scared, who truly believes differently, that their freedom will be lost.  May I suggest that rather than forcing modest children to share bathrooms with someone who is transgender, that you have a neutral bathroom?  Male, Female, and Neutral? Not all kids or teens understand fluidity and they may not be ready to figure it out.  They deserve to be safe at school as they figure out their own issues that may or may not have anything to do with their gender. I understand that a child/teen who is dealing with gender issues needs a safe space to confront that and process it, and I hope you do provide counseling and guidance and a safe space for them to talk.  But it should not be imposed on other children.  And if someone doesn't understand fluid pronouns, I do not think they should be punished for harassment. I really do think it's possible to provide a safe space for kids who are trying to figure things out while at the same time keeping the space safe for kids who either don't understand or perhaps don't agree.  For me, my hope is that all children, all teens, all people know that they are special and unique in the eyes of God.  I just don't believe you have to force one person's truth or struggle on all other people.  I think we all have a lot to learn about embracing and accepting people of all shapes and sizes and creeds and genders, whoever they are and wherever they are in life.


Thank you for your support of students who are LGBT

Dear colleagues, Thank you for your work in support of Virginia public schools. I also sincerely appreciate your efforts to make sure that Virginia's schools are places where all students are able to thrive and reach their full potential, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Sincerely, A. Renee Staton, Ph.D., LPC


Totally Disagree With This Draft

For fear of being called a plagiarist, I 100% echo the comments of Ray Owen Embree (whom I don't personally know).  His remarks perfectly reflect how I feel, too. Of note, I find it interesting that many of the commenters in favor of this draft don't explain their opinions with truths or morale standards, but rather revert to calling opponents names to  justify their position.  Shameful lack of civility!


Transgender Policies for Loudoun County Schools

In a nutshell, all of the policies proposed for transgender introduction I oppose in the strongest possible terms. For obvious reasons, every proposal is harmful for children at every age, in the elementary, middle and high school. They also takes away parental rights which are the most egregious proposals.


STRONGLY DISAPROVE

Please do not adopt the model policies regarding transgender students or force them upon our school systems!  For the protection of ALL students, sex appropriate bathrooms and locker rooms should be adhered to.  Teenage years are a very emotional time for our students, but to encourage this behavior is very dangerous.  Each sex should be taught to celebrate the uniqueness in which they were BORN rather than trying to change to something that is unnatural. Encouraging this behavior will only produce a generation of adults that are confused and hopeless.  Nothing good will come from these polices.  I do not want my children or grandchildren indoctrinated with such unnatural teachings.  The school is not the place to address this issue. Please vote NO to squelch these policies!


STRONGLY APPROVE

It is important to protect the lives of Trans students. It isn’t made up. It isn’t fake. They are humans— real people. Children of God. They deserve protection and support. School is suppose to be a safe and tolerant place. Not a place that denies the child and suppresses who they are. Not to mention suicide rates in trans teens will drop immensely with Nationwide protection such as this. Shame on the Shenandoah valley if this does not pass.


Elizabeth Lener, Burgundy Farm Country Day School

Support

As an assistant head of a pre k - 8 school I want to strongly support this guidance document.


Strongly Oppose

I strongly oppose the state having any right to parent our children, help them decide the gender in which they identify, or put other children in compromising situations such as using the restroom.  I do not understand why the safety of all children would be compromised because one, two, or a few may choose to identify as someone else.  This is incomprehensible.


STRONGLY OPPOSE

IT IS NOT THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL.  THOSE ARE FAMILY CHOICES.  OUR SCHOOLS SHOULD TEACH STUDENTS NOT PARENT.


Has my support completely

as someone just recently out of the school system I think this is a huge step in the right direction. These students are in real danger and need help tailored specifically to their struggle.


Strongly oppose proposed transgender policies in schools

Strongly oppose proposed policy for schools on transgender - especially finding #4 offensive and #8 ludicrous.


Strongly support

Transgender students should feel safe and comfortable in school I don’t know how anyone would be against that.


Protect trans youth

i see a lot of scared parents in the comments, and I can understand being worried, middle school is always a scary time, but I am begging you to not potentially make it worse for your child. If they are scared to tell you their trans, ask yourself if there is a reason, if you have given them a reason to think you may not support them. if you are arguing of science, I beg you to do research (I beg all of you that this term scares to do some real scientific research) as it is more than just people who experience ‘being trans’. It happens in other species too, but for them they are not burdened with high brain function and a community that may mock and hurt. Trans people are not new either, being open about it is, and that is wonderful, as it means trans people may get help and be proud of who they are. For those arguing with bible versus, I’d like to one, mention separation of church and state, and two remind you that the golden rule has always been love thy neighbor. How can you say you adhere to that when you can’t even love your child for who they are? God said he created us in his imagine, and that means every aspect, including the changes we make to feel more at peace within ourselves. I have trans friends, some who’s parents are the reason they are happy and feel supportive and have always been confident in themselves, and I have trans friends who do not speak to their families for what they did and said to them when they came out.


support!

Let people feel safe with who they want to be! Do not deny or invalidate their beings.


Support

I support this fully!


Support trans kids

It’s imperative to support trans kids. The high suicide rate is a strong metric that trans kids need to be supported to help them develop into healthy, productive members of our society.


Treat them how they want to be treated, as humans.

Support transgender kids, let them explore themselves and find inner peace. No one undertakes transitioning lightly. Know that if they are asking to be someone else, they've thought about it.


Transgender Policies in Schools

Strongly Oppose!


Strongly support LGBTQ+ kids’ rights!

Trans people are people. It is extremely important for kids to be able to express themselves and feel comfortable in school, where they spend most of their time. Without support from schools, they will become depressed. Statistics from the American Academy of Pediatrics show that more than half of transgender males have attempted suicide in their lives, and 29.9% of trans females have done the same. 41.8% of non-binary people had also attempted suicide. Youth and adolescence is already a difficult time, and facing gender dysphoria only adds onto the stress. Please help these students going through a troubling and a confusing time in their lives.


trans rights are human rights

LGBTQ+ rights are important especially for young people to feel accepted and supported in their own communities


We strongly oppose these policies. They should NOT be a part of our children's schools.

We strongly disagree with these policies.  These ideals should NOT be a part of our children's schools. We can teach love and acceptance without pushing an agenda with such radical ideas on our children. Parents need to be able to be parents,  teachers need to be able to be teachers and children need to learn that we love them but that the world does not revolve around them. They need to learn respect for themselves and others not to be allowed to see how far or crazy they can act. They are the children, we are the adults, we need to act like it.


This is suicide prevention

Hello, as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I know that misgendering someone and bullying and lack of support lead to the disturbingly high suicide rate among transgender and nonbinary and other nongenderconforming individuals. Taking steps towards understanding those who are not cisgender will go a long way towards enhancing their human rights, keeping them safe, making a supportive environment they might not get in other spaces, and teaching us cisgender people about gender in a way we cannot "get" on our own.


Support

I completely support this and I think it will be helpful for transgender students to feel welcomed and safe at school.


Terrible Policy!  All kinds of issues...

The bottom line is there are only two sexes; male and female. I have no issue if an adult decides to change their sex or identify differently--but a school policy that affirms children who are still developing is dangerous to their health and well-being. How can you justify not informing a parent about THEIR child making life-changing decisions---ridiculous, and dangerous.  And then if a parent encourages their child to embrace their biological sex, then they're at risk of being reported for child abuse?  Seriously?  Also, if a family decides to raise their children as transgender, that's their personal decision---but don't punish other students/faculty for not conforming to their "preferred pronouns."  And on top of that, the school doesn't have to notify me if my child allegedly violates these policies?!!! How will you prevent students from changing their "gender identity" to exploit a situation (example teen-age boy saying he's a girl so he can shower with the girl's swim team)? The definition is completely subjective.  How are faculty and students supposed to know on any given day which 'gender' a student identifies with?  And why are you not going to tell me that a biological male is in the locker room with my high school daughter?  This sounds like a law suit waiting to happen. Dress code---so you're telling me a female who identifies as a male can go topless at a swim meet?  Do you think that might be distracting?  Or males wearing skirts?  Seriously? I'm really disappointed with this policy!


Support

I strongly support this as a parent and teacher. It is needed to keep our children safe and to protect their mental health.


STRONG SUPPORT

STRONG SUPPORT- It is crucial to trans people, especially trans youth who are just now discovering their identities, to have the support from these guidelines in a space that doesn’t limit or make them feel ashamed for exploring their gender identity. as a transgender person who came out while still in the public school system, I wish I had better support from the school/faculty when it came to my preferences and identification, and how harassment from other students was handled


I agree with this.

All the parents here voicing their opinions on what a kid wants to be referred as or whatnot have no place to. It’s not their body/feelings and have no idea what a trans person goes through- and yes- IT CAN HAPPEN AT A YOUNG AGE. None of it is a parent forcing their child into being trans. Not at all. I say yes to this.


This is not tolerance, but the removal of everyone's rights...including parents of trans kids

Oppose this! Parents have the right to know when the school and WHAT the school is discussing with their children regardless of their identification. Teachers and all Americans have the right to disagree and not be disciplined for their disagreements. This is America and speech and opinions are protected by the Constitution. That is something the author's of this bill do not understand. If you want to be transgendered then that is your business. Do not force people to discriminate and treat them differently than everyone else because that is exactly what you are doing. My kids will never attend public education if this bill is passed and my tax dollars will go somewhere else. Period.


STRONGLY SUPPORT

This decision is not a matter of political opinion, or of religious persecution. By supporting we are protecting everyone’s right to basic human decency is this nation. Wether you agree or not, by providing these resources you will help those more at risk for suicide, homelessness, and mental illness (youth of the LGBTQIA* community). This is how we are doing our part to protect our youth. We need exposure for our youth now, not only for members of the community but for allies, and those on the fence. To show that we are nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to fear, nothing out of the ordinary. But most importantly: to show our youth that CHANGE IS POSSIBLE. We are here for them. They are heard and valid and loved. If not at home, then at school. We can make their time away from home a little easier. We are creating an atmosphere for diversity and acceptance, and that trumps personal comfort levels of individuals any day of the week. Our children have to go to school- let’s make it a time that they can enjoy, feel welcomed in, and remember for being a nurturing environment.


Oppose oppose oppose

i strongly disapprove of this bill.


support

support support support!!


Vote of  No Confidence

I believe this document to be influenced by bad science and intended to promote radical social engineering that will have serious and gravely detrimental effects on the very fabric of our society!


No to Transgenderism

Transgenderism is wrong in the sight of God because He created everyone either as a male or female..  God will not tolerate such changes and punish those who do


NO, I do not support anyone discussing transgenderism with my child.

Horrible policy. Discussions should be done at home by parents.


Strongly OPPOSE, OPPOSE, OPPOSE!

We all want our students to have a safe learning environment, but these policies go too far in usurping parental rights and imposing harmful ideologies on our children. The proposed VDE regulations are  an illegal intrusion on a child's privacy and self identity. It is one thing to protect students from bullying, but it is another to redesign the school system and the english language to accommodate transgender youth which are less than 1% of the population. Praying for our schools.


Strongly Oppose

Parents love and care for their children from the moment they are born, so why on earth would it be okay to not allow parents to know that their child is going through something on such a large emotional scale. This is just another way to take away parent rights and is deeply disrespectful to families who are working hard to teach Christian values to their children. There is also always going to be a safety risk when a biological male (who identifies as a female) is "allowed" to be in a girls restroom or locker room and vice versa. Who is looking out for the kids who stay true to their God-given biological sex and simply want to use the restroom or locker room without fear or discomfort?? Let's not create more problems under the guise of not offending someone....let's be smart and put families first ALWAYS!


About the proposed transgender policy for Virginia schools, I am 1,000% against it.

There is this proposal to totally change and accept transgender students as normal. These children are still in formation and too young to decide about such an important issue. Wait until they are 18 years old before deciding something of such importance. If it is all that important to them, let them pay for all treatments, surgeries, etc. to make the change.  I am the mother of three, grandmother of four. I would never have let my children make such a momentous decision at a young age. When they are old enough to vote is a beginning. And do not make everyone else accept them as normal for making such a change. In America these days it seems the greatest sin is the sin of "intolerance" and if I don't accept whatever you decide, something is wrong with me. Why can't you accept my ideas and ideals as being as valid as yours? This whole transgender phenomenon is a recent development. Let's not rush to embrace it.


NO, I do not support anyone discussing transgenderism with students. Only parents!


Strongly Oppose


I Oppose Transgender Policies by DOE

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)


Vehemently oppose. No one can possibly teach, learn or guide under such circumstances.

This will only serve to promote confusion on a massive scsle. No one can possibly teach well, learn well, or guide well under such circumstances.


Strongly oppose!

This is not healthy to confuse or traumatize children.   Parents should always be part of all decisions.  This will totally hurt children and teens, mainly girls.   Bathrooms and sports....really sad that we're now planning to go backwards.   Nullifying Title IX.


Support and Educate

Having a gay child in high school who was bullied, I completely support this initiative. Every child deserves respect, dignity, and the right to an education in a safe space; not just certain children. If children could be educated about ways we are different and how those differences make us great, we could gain some tolerance. Thinking of Jane Elliot's "Blue eye/Brown Eyes" anti-racism exercise from the 60's; something simple like that can help children understand at an early age that it doesn't feel good to be discriminated against for any reason and we should all learn to be a little more empathetic.


How dare you, Virginia!

I am appalled at the policy being considered by the Virginia department of education regarding gender identity of students. A student's gender is God-given and, if there is any confusion regarding that, it is up to his/her parents to work that out. How dare the state try to insert itself into such matters! It is the state's job to protect its school children, yet this policy serves only to put them in harm's way. I beg you to reverse this policy immediately.


Transgender policy

I am very concerned about the proposed government mandated promotion of gender confusion. Our children don’t need anymore instruction on human sexuality that leads to more and more confusion and chaos. This is a most cruel form of child abuse!


Transgender policy

I am against this policy. Taking the rights of privacy from girls and boys to dress and use restroom facilities where  safety and modesty are important is vagrant  disregaurd for their welfare. Keeping information from parents is inexecusable such as not letting parents know when a boy who wants to be a girl is in the same restroom as their daughter and this daughter is traumatized. Help these students who are gender confused but do not put the saftey and mental health of 99.999 percent of children on the back burner. And think of the additional stress for the teachers, parents and administrators. Schools are in pandemic mode and stress is already high enough without adding to it these irresponsible policies. This is a big no from me.


Strongly Oppose This Idiocy & Assault on Parental Rights

None of these proposed policies consider the safety needs of girls who do not want to be in stages of undress in the presence of biological males (and vice versa).  They show a total lack of common sense as to how boys (especially teens) will use this just to see girls in stages of undress.  They are insanely idiotic.  An innocent child could be harassed by school personnel for using the "wrong" pronoun if a bully chooses to claim a different gender identity than he appears.  It is outrageous to claim the right to discipline such a child, or any child for any reason, without notifying the parents.  And it is absolutely immoral for a school to usurp the role of parents in guiding their own children concerning ANY issue involving the child.  What a communist thing to do!!!   Report parents for being concerned about their child's mental health!  Evil!!!  What a sad situation we are in to have people with no common sense, and no sense of the welfare of ALL students, proposing policies for our schools.  These policies would be cause for a mass exodus from public schools.


Trans policy

As a retired teacher, I support this policy...all students should be respected.


Transgender Policy in the Schools

All discussions pertaining to sexuality start and finish in the home. Allowing biological boys in the same restroom and/or locker room is inappropriate. Most biological girls already feel awkward changing in front of their peers. Adding biological boys into the mix will further damage the situation. Further, one cannot guarantee that a perverted or horny high school boy is not falsley claiming a transgender title to inappropriately interact with a biological female. Please start using common sense to protect our children.


No to transgender policy

I do not agree with the transgender policy being proposed  as a parent of school aged children, this policy puts my children at risk for the reasons below: 1. 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. 2. 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. I believe that this policy will remove my parental rights and will not allow me to protect my child.


VDOE Trans Policy doesn't protect anyone

This draft policy is in no way shape or form about PROTECTING trans kids. Rather, it is all about ramming down the public's throat an ideology that is devoid of anything remotely approaching scientific truth.  For example, it refers to one's gender that is assigned at birth.  Wonder what that is based on?  Visual observation of 100% clear evidence of their gender.  Is that not scientific enough? Did critically thinking adults draft this policy?  You're going to let a 17 yo male walk into a girl's locker room?  How about a 17 yo girl running shirtless through town for cross country practice along with all the guys who are shirtless?  Any chance that these scenarios could increase the risk of sexual assault? “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.” Will you tell the parents that suicide prevention education is also provided? After all, the suicide rate among trans kids is above that of heterosexual kids. This is a disaster in the making and children will suffer horribly - you just don't care.


NO! Throw OutI am sure this is like shouting into the wind. privacy and safety,  modesty This Bill

No. Ridiculous that you would decieve patents, lie to children and disregard the feelings and mental health, as well as safety of 99.999 percent of students. So according to the policies when in their restrooms children will see the privates of the opposite sex getting ready for gym or whatever and just deal with it. And then you don't tell the parents? And then the child who saw this can be punished if they say anything that would hurt the gender conflicted person? Am I not stating truth? According to your policies I am. Help those very, very few children who are conflicted, but do not make everyone elses world revolve around them. And do not teach children that they are gender conflicted. You are robbing them of their greatness and who they are intended to be, and treading where you have no right. Corona has turned everything upside down, do not add this mess of a policy. No!


Strongly Oppose Proposed Transgender Picy

I strongly disapprove of the proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. The best interest of each student is of utmost importance and cannot be achieved in isolation of parents. The school system should have no legal right to put themself in the tile of a parent. The government has no right to supersede the rights and responsibilities of parents.


Completely oppose these transgender bills

Completely oppose these bills


I Oppose the Transgender Policies

I oppose these proposed transgender pol. It is absurd to allow this kind of action and decision making by minors. Parent involvement should not be restricted or hindered if a child is making such statements or using certain facilities. This can be easily abused and become harmful to other children. Parents should be notified of any changes or instances. Also, those with religious convictions should have the right to not go along with such said policies if their religion does not agree. They should not lose their job if they fail to comply with these outlandish recommendations proposed.


Strongly support. Protect trans rights!

To whom it may concern, My name is Maria Sigmon, and I am the president of the Anti-Defamation League chapter of Unity Reed High School. I fully support the adoption of House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161 because I believe that they are an effective means of protecting trans rights and serve to fully support transgender students. This bill will literally save lives as trans people are shown to take their own lives at vastly higher rates, so creating a system where they can be called by their pronouns, use public facilities that align best with their gender identity, and learn in an anti-bullying environment will be very beneficial. Not passing the bills would legitimize a culture of bias and discrimination. Trans rights are human rights, and they must be upheld as such. I understand that parents have concerns with the adoption of these bills. While I firmly believe that these concerns come from a place of genuine love and care for their children, I do not believe that the merits of the claims I have seen regarding the bills are valid. First, these bills are not an infringement on parents' or religious rights. Teaching students about transgenderism is giving them public and scientific information, so completely blocking the bills over individuals' religious views is a violation of church-state separation. Second, calling students by their pronouns is not discrimination against those who refuse to act decently and use the correct pronouns. Third, there is absolutely NO EVIDENCE to support the notion that allowing trans women to use the same facilities as cisgender women poses any danger to anyone. The passing of these bills is crucial to extending human rights to the transgender people in our school communities. I would advise listening to us students on this issue, as we overwhelmingly want to learn and thrive in an environment of inclusivity and acceptance. Our transgender classmates will greatly benefit from the adoption of House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161. Sincerely, Maria Sigmon


Transgender police

As a parent I totally disagree with every policy that have been submitted here for review. There is nothing about this policy that makes any sense you’re opening up our children to several different types of sexual and physical abuse with these policies. And you will be held responsible!


Opposed to Transgender Policies

No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex.


Strongly oppose

These policies will create all kinds of very bad situations. It will create confusion at the younger levels and older students will use it to their advantage to do unspeakable things in bathrooms and locker rooms. This is putting everyone at risk of much worse things than someone not getting called their preferred pronoun.


Oppose VDOE Transgender Policies

The new policies on Transgender do not protect our children, but will only harm them.  Students will be allowed to use whatever bathroom or changing room they want without parents knowing.  The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will also 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. These policies also take away our rights as parents to encourage our children to embrace God given sex. The policies are also hypocritical, and 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. Basically these policies are saying, you must accept everyone, but if you don't accept the way I think, you are wrong and I ban you. Ridiculousness!


Strongly Support this transgender students guidance document

I wholeheartedly support this guidance, with a goal of protecting the civil rights of transgender students. In my professional career, I worked on civil rights issues for close to 4 years, and this is a civil rights issue dear to my heart. We must support and empower transgender students. A note: I am a parent of three students who graduated from FCPS within the last 6 years. All of them deeply care about the rights of transgender students, and two of them worked actively with advocacy groups. I admire them for their commitment. Thank you. Brian Walch, Fairfax, VA.


Strongly Oppose "Gender identity" Guidelines

I am strongly opposed to all "Gender identity" Guidelines that are being proposed by the VDOE.  This is nothing other than agenda-driven and, most significantly, seriously damaging to the psyches and bodies of vulnerable children and adolescents.


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

As I read through all of these laws and policies that have been passed over the years to supposedly protect our children and in this policy they have been listed for the purpose of legitimizing the overreach of this latest policy, I am greatly saddened.  It appears to me  the main objective over the years has been to slowly remove the God given authority away from the parents and give it to the schools.  Instead of opening conversation and trying to encourage better relations in families you are embittering them.  Relationships are key in all of life.  This policy is filled with deception and needs to be rejected along with many of the other policies that block parents from engaging in their child’s life. Schools need to offer suggestions and provide information, but leave the final decision to the parents.  After-all brain formation is not complete until 25.  Why does everyone want to define a child’s life so early on.   Stop treating them like adults and forcing them to make adult decisions so early in life. Let them be children!!!! And stop trying to control people!


trans gender policy changes

I am strongly opposed to all "Gender identity" Guidelines that are being proposed by the VDOE. As a teacher, I stopped  the bullying by giving the child extra attention and showing the class that here was a valuable person--the bullied student.  Teenage years  are difficult  and the kids need their parents totally involved in their maturing process.  The school should not keep secrets from parents.  Children should not be encouraged to believe that their biological sex is a "mistake."


Support

I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Jacob Davis


Transgender policy

yr proposal is insane. This transgender business,,gender dysphoria, is listed as a mental disorder by the American Society of Pediatricians. It is perverse, imposing a radical ideology against the entire history of humanity. Further children obviously are bereft of the maturity to make gender decisions they’ll have to live with the rest of their lives. And you have no right whatsoever to undermine parental authority, an act of tyrannical we see in Red China, the most monstrous tyranny in history with Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia and other communist states. You are trying to impose a totalitarian social revolution in Virginia. Who the hell do you bureaucrats think you are?


AGREE!!!

i’d rather not have kids killing themselves just because you didn’t call them by their preferred pronouns. just get over yourself and let trans people live.


STRONGLY OPPOSED

I am in total opposition  and 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 NOT good science.


Oppose

! do not approve of their proposed guidelines. They are based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. I strongly oppose the policy of secrecy from parents and legal guardians. Inevitably, implementation will be in the hands of radical staff members; the huge majority of sensible teachers who really care for the children, will naturally want no part in it.


Proposed Transgender Policy Is Predatory, Abusive, and Anti-Scientific

I strongly oppose the proposed transgender policy under consideration for Virginia schools. This policy is anti-scientific, promoting the harmful myth that gender is fluid when each human is scientifically born male or female, in the image of our Creator, unchangeable down to the core of our very chromosomes no matter what hormonal or surgical procedures some choose to undergo. To allow a male identifying as a female to have access to female restrooms and locker rooms, or vice versa, is a state-sponsored abusive and predatory environment. No tax-paying parent should have to subject their innocent child to this unsafe environment and indoctrination in exchange for public education. No hard-working teacher should be forced to propagate this anti-scientific construct in their classroom and school at the risk of losing their career. The disregard for religious freedom in this policy is unconstitutional. You must vote against this policy. Matthew 18:6.


Oppose

From the beginning of time, gender has been categorized as two biological sexes; male and female. We are born with genitals for one or the other, and to consider changing, dismembering, or ignoring those physical attributes is entirely misguided. Additionally, for the state to insert itself on matters it does not and cannot control, namely science, is appalling and atrocious. What natural law gave the government the right to teach its citizens anything but the truth of our God-given bodies? If children have questions concerning the bodies they live in, it is up to parents & guardians to explain the interworkings of their ward, NOT the state.


These policies will save lives.

These policies will save lives.


Strong Support for Trans Guidance in Schools

As a trans man who was educated in the virginia public school system, I must express my full hearted support of the trans inclusive policies set forth by this guidance. My adolescence was threatened by the intolerance for gender expressions perpetuated by the school system. The lack of trans visibility and general education for all students meant that bullying of gender varent students like myself often went unchecked. By the time I reached middle school I was depressed and suicidal. Thanks to a few open friends and faculty I made it through and am now thriving many years later. But sadly that is not the case for everyone. Many Trans and gender non-conforming individuals do not have that lifeline or support system. Schools are ment to nurture and foster the development of all it's students. Specific guidelines for how to best support a marginalized group can only help those in need. It poses no threat to those outside the marginalized group, but only asks them to learn about something they may not yet understand. I hope you see the moral necessity for clear inclusive policies for transgender youth, and the positive impact this will have on a threatened group of kids in the Virginia school system. Thank you sincerely, Curtis M.


Enforce Policies to Keep Trans Students Safe and Comfortable at School

I approve of legislation to keep trans students safe and comfortable at learning facilities


Opposition to Trans School Policies

There is no more fundamental right inherent to the family and our culture than the right of parents to instruct their children, particularly in areas as sensitive as sex, gender, and interpersonal relationships.  For school administrations to try to exclude parents from discussions and decisions in this area is a serious usurpation of parental rights and must cease.


I oppose the vdoe transgender policies

I oppose the policies about transgrnger that are suggested in these pages. Children should be taught to love and respect themselves,  their parents, their teachers and others. They need to be loved for who they are. Once they become adults they can choose what lifestyle they want to live. Children shouldn't be able to choose "what" they are on any given day. Growing up is hard why add nonsense choices at such a young age.


Oppose Transgender School Policy

I oppose transgender policy education being taught to children at school.  Period. Children should be nurtured, not confused.  They should be able to grow as they were created and meant to be. The government has no authority to override the authority of parents in this type of "concept." Period. Who do proponents of this they think they are to override God?  He created each person and made him or her male or female. Period.  God help our state and our nation.


Oppose

Parents send their children to school for an education.  Not to have their sexuality explored.  That is not the state's job.  Stay away from the private life of my children. In medical terms, the sex of a child is determined at birth.  Any confusing sexual parts are taken care of by parents and their chosen doctor.  Period.  So the motivation of this proposal is _not_ medically based.  The motivation of this proposal must be something else.


No to Transgender policy

It is a terrible policy that takes away a parent right over their child.  It also fails to take into consideration the multitudes of biological females who do not want to have to be in the same bathroom or locker room as a transgender female with Male genitalia.  It seems the few have more rights than the many.  Additionally it puts biological females at a disadvantage in sports and is unfair.


No boys in my daughter's bathroom!

The wording makes it sounds as though no proof is required to be presented by a student that they are transgender. Even if they provided "proof" of gender dysphoria from a psychologist, that still shall not be reason to allow students to enter bathrooms designated for the opposite biological sex. In theory, a senior high school boy walking down the hallway could suddenly decide that he just swapped sexes since he's gender fluid and walk right into the girl's bathroom. Absolutely insane! This is why there are conspiracy theories about leftists diddling little kids, they're always pushing creepy boundaries with children.


Please stop pushing the LGBT agenda on our school children!

The period for public consultation on the Virginia Dept. of Education's new guidance on gender confused students ends on February 3rd. As your constituent, I'm asking you to protest against this policy, which seeks to force the state's public school students to positively affirm those suffering from the disorder of gender dysphoria. Equally as appalling, this draft guidance also seeks to undermine parents' authority to educate their children in the area of sexual mores. If imposed, this guidance will force students and parents who object to this offensive intrusion into this sensitive area, to either protest loudly and constantly, and, or pull their children out of Virginia's public schools. Accommodation may be able to be made for students suffering from the gender dysphoria disorder, but brainwashing all students and staff, and proposing to spy on and turn-in parent to CPS, is not only wrong-headed, it is an assault on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy, and religion. This is a dangerous draft policy. Thank you for taking action to do everything in your power to protest against this appalling draft guidance.


Schools teaching lgbtqa garbage

I strongly oppose!


God Help Us

Why don't you politicians stop trying to cram this ridiculous agenda down our throats, and do something constructive for our state. How about working on something that would help our way of life, and not distorting it with this fad called transgenderism. You cannot change a person's sex, no matter how badly you want to. Stop wasting your time in office over abnormal desires, and work on making Virginia great again.


LBGTQ Agenda in Va. Schools

My whole family opposes the LGBTQ agenda for Virginia schools! This totally goes against our Pro-Life values, our one man and one women marriages,  and our religion altogether.


Transgender Agenda

Categorically oppose the violation of children’s innocence, of parental rights, of freedom of religion and philosophy, and the indoctrination of our children


Stop Making Abnormal Normal

I don't know why you feel that promoting such a small piece of society is more important than the rest of society.  Stop singling out transgender, and other alphabetic orders, and making such a small portion of society more important than promoting the joy of being a regular/normal/non-alphabetic kid.


We strongly oppose this

We believe this undermines the role of parents in the raising of their children and attacks the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy and religion, and are extremely opposed


NO "Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools!"

I oppose the draft guidance ' Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools ' because of its appalling promotion of a sexualized agenda and its attempt to undermine the right of parents to educate their children in matters of sexual mores . This seeks to force the state's public school students to positively affirm those suffering from the disorder of gender dysphoria. Equally as appalling, this draft guidance also seeks to undermine parents' authority to educate their children in the area of sexual mores. If imposed, this guidance will force students and parents who object to this offensive intrusion into this sensitive area, to either protest loudly and constantly, and, or pull their children out of Virginia's public schools. Accommodation may be able to be made for students suffering from the gender dysphoria disorder, but brainwashing all students and staff , and proposing to spy on and turn-in parent to CPS , is not only wrong-headed, it is an assault on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy, and religion. This is a dangerous draft policy.


No! Not good for the health of individuals, families or the country!

This is not something that should be forced upon our children.  Teach what has been known for thousands of years.  There are male and female members of the human race.  The sexual part of the human makeup was created for reproduction of the species, not for the sexual pleasure, although the pleasure is an enticement to lead married individuals to reproduce.  Sexual attraction is part of the human reproductive system. The LGBT movement is part of the movement of Relativism and does not change the fact that just because someone might be attracted to  their own sex or an animal or a plant, etc, makes it right to engage and applaud that choice, any more than choosing to kill someone. There are absolute rights and wrongs.  We must love all people regardless of their orientations, but we need to teach the right  vs wrong actions that the LGBT community pushes on society.


Schools now harm children

If you wonder why more and more people are withdrawing their children from public schools, it is because of the rise in propaganda and the eschewing of proper values. Proper values are personal responsibility, diligence, respect for all others and for life, honesty, and respect for opposing views.


I oppose this Vehemently !!!

I oppose the draft guidance ' Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools ' because of its appalling promotion of a sexualized agenda and its attempt to undermine the right of parents to educate their children in matters of sexual moral values . Do everything you can to prevent the introduction of this agenda into Virginia's public schools. Yours faithfully, Pamela Schmidt Scott Schittl and the whole Team at LifeSite


Policy regarding transgender idiologies for VA Beach schools

This is Totally UNACCEPTABLE and REPULSIVE to me.  Please let these sweet children keep their Innocence.  Why don't you teach cursive handwriting, manners, real history and Patriotism for our Country.  Our Founding Fathers would not recognize the USA today!


Strongly Oppose

Strongly Oppose I am strongly opposed to the proposed Transgender guidelines, which gives the school administrators and educators authority to further indoctrinate children.  Using a school restroom or locker room should not be a feared experience for girls or boys.  Forcing children to have to use shared spaces for  bathroom toilet and locker room changing with the opposite sex is unnecessary, problematic and abusive. Common sense has been lost on the Virginia school system leadership.  God has determined our sex and if there is a question, it should be attended to by the child's parents and family, not the school system.


I oppose

Completely Godless!


LBGQ information distribution in Va public schools.

I vehemently oppose the inclusion of LBGQ instruction in Virginia public schools on the grounds that this is not the mission nor right of public school to distribute this indoctrination which is disguised as public information. Judith W. Felty, former teacher and administrator.


New education agenda

I 100% can NOT support this focus. Not having parents involved in their children’s schooling and having an agenda that focuses on LGBQT being the norm is not okay with me. I will not have those ideologies taught to my children.


Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) draft LBGT proposal

I strenuously object to the VDOE draft LBGT proposal.   This proposal clearly violates our 1st amendment rights by prioritizing LBGT rights and ignoring those who hold differing religious or personal beliefs.  This policy is a harbinger for sexual assault and should be eliminated.


Controlled sexual orientation

It seems that many people are being forced to submit without choice. Opposed to forced views of the few on the many.   Damage may occur by forced confusion of young children.


Why must government take the right to parent?

And our right to raise our children as we see fit. And the right of a family not to have their children taught what to think instead of how to think. We pay so much for things we don’t need. We don’t need Communism 101 in elementary school.


Absolutely not!

This is yet another draconian tactic to establish a totalitarian rule which forces one set of views, terms, and beliefs on the populace against the will of the people.


Please Return to Science for Transgender Issue

I strongly oppose the guidelines that would require teachers to use a student's preferred pronoun. It deeply disturbs me that VDOE seems to be abandoning science and ignoring alarming trends regarding teen suicide when formulating these policies. Educators have long stood as a valuable resource to students; do not abandon that tradition and pursue policies that will actually place children at greater risk.


Strongly Opposed

Please note that I am strongly opposed to the Transgender Mandates for public schools. These matters are best left to the children and their parents to explore and decide on a proper course of action.


radical transgender ideology

Get back to teaching the 3 R's Leave the moral guidance to the parents.


I oppose

Please stop confusing our children, and do not promote sexualized agenda. Let parents educate their children with the truth.


New Virginia school policy pushing LGBT agenda on students

As a parent, grandparent, and former public and private school teacher, I oppose this policy  with every cell of my being!  Parents are given by God the right and responsibility to "train up their children in the way they should go."  Sending one's children to school for instruction in math, language, etc. should not mean that one is giving over the right to instruct in very personal lifestyle choices.  Nor should it mean that a child using a restroom is vulnerable to being exposed to or accosted by another child of the opposite gender.  Even to propose such an atrocity tells me that our government leaders have given leave of their senses!  Rest assured that God will hold them accountable.


Opposed Transgender education.  It's the Parents task

I oppose this bill.


I oppose of this nonsense!

I oppose of this nonsense of pushing LGQBT ideologies on our children. I do not know a single person who would approve of something so disgraceful and distasteful. I will homeschool my children before I enter them into a school district that encourages this!


Some concerns

While we understand the need to implement policies that prevent abuse and discrimination against transgender students, we do have two major concerns with the model policies recommended in the document. One, parents are the primary caretakers of their children and are the ones most responsible for safeguarding and protecting them. Therefore, a child’s “privacy” does not supersede the parents’ right to know what is happening with their child. Only in cases of documented neglect or abuse should another authority (e.g., a school or school district) step in, with an official governmental (e.g., Child Protective Services) and/or law enforcement (e.g., police) agency, and supersede the parents’ rights and responsibilities.  Leaving parents of the transgender child out of the equation leads to lies, hurt and damage for the entire family. In our elementary school, a child came out as transgender, and the school only involved the counselors and the students. You can imagine the questions that all of these children brought home. As a parent, it would have been nice to know and be prepared to walk my child through this important and confusing issue. Two, as parents of two teenage daughters, we must protect them from any potential embarrassment, harassment, or abuse from those of the opposite biological sex, regardless of gender identity. To allow anyone into a female locker room, particularly without the ability to question their gender, opens the potential for abuse (physical, mental, emotional) from those who would take advantage of this policy as an opportunity to damage others including transgender individuals. Therefore, changes should be made to this policy or anything similar to prevent this from happening. Thank you for your time and consideration of these comments and your work on these important issues.


Policy on Transgender Ideology

Immediately cease and desist the attempts to indoctrinate our youth on this malignant, misguided corruption of science and nature.  Absolutely not acceptable.  We do not support your radical agenda.  The only response necessary is an immediate cessation of this activity.


radical transgender teaching

I oppose such invasive and morally wrong ideology. Parents should be raising their children and not the state.


Please oppose this dangerous proposal!

Please oppose the draft guidance ' Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools.' This proposed policy to promote radical transgender ideology undermines the role of parents and is an attack on the freedoms of conscience, expression, privacy and religion, and it needs to be opposed. It is dangerous because of its appalling promotion of a sexualized agenda and its attempt to undermine the right and role of parents to educate their children in matters of sexual mores. Please do everything you can to prevent the introduction of this agenda into Virginia's public schools.


Abandon NOW VADOE‘s model policies for transgender students

The VADOE‘s model policies for the treatment of transgender students is an egregious overstep, so much so that it is difficult to even see it as well intentioned. Parents are the ultimate authority in raising their children to be functional and productive adults. Schools are trusted with students’ education, not indoctrination. This policy is a stunning betrayal of both parents’ and students’ rights and will diminish the public school system of Virginia both immediately and increasingly so for the foreseeable future.


Oppose this proposal

This proposal is not inline with majority of Virginia or US families.  LESS than 0.3% of people identify as transgender. Read that again! Less than 0.3%. Why would this be given a platform in Virginia classrooms?? There are so many aspects of education that fill the hours of the school day, especially with the catch up that’s going to happen because of school closures. THIS does not fall under the umbrella of family not school and that is where it needs to stay. Please oppose this getting a seat in the classroom when less than 0.3% of children will be questioning their gender.


Will the rights of self-identifying Muslims and Christians also be protected to the same extent?

I understand the desire to foster a inclusive environment for students. That's a laudable goal but I wonder if students who self identify as Muslim or Christian will be afford the same rights.  In other words, they believe in the tenants of their self identified faith. And, that God created man and women in his image (referring to a Christian self identifier) and that there are only men and women as created by God. We'll they be forced to deny the tenants of their religious identity?  Will they be forced to violate the essence of their being? Are teachers allowed to provide religious ministry or education to students if they self identify as Christians? If not, why are we making exceptions for others?


New Policy

Totally opposed! Ungodly!


VA Dept of Education

I cannot believe that the Dept of Education would choose to enact regulations that are opposed to parental beliefs. Schools gave a duty to protect students privacy.  These harmful points of view can cause irreparable damage to our children.  Our children who are suffering already from the education or lack of education since March 2020. Our children deserve privacy, which they will not have if these policies are enacted. Our children deserve better education, not this regulated non education agenda.


Oppose: Deception of Parents is against every Child Safety Rule

This guidebook is not only misguided but dangerous to our youth.  It is inappropriate for teachers and school staff to become involved in a child’s personal life and sexuality.  We have long been taught as parents that no other adult should be asking about our kids intimate development and that any suspicion of secretiveness or deception should be a red flag.  Are we abandoning this protection for our children?  Are we giving school staff free reign to advise our kids on matters of utmost importance without the consent or involvement with the parent?  Who is a teacher that has spent a few months with our children(hopefully too busy educating to discuss personal issues?)  to involve themselves in life altering decisions above the parent? One final thought.  We know that early treatment for “gender dysphoria” includes hormone therapy, which when administered in childhood prohibits natural reproductive development, therefore effectively sterilizing a child for a lifetime.  Do we not think that something so critical and life altering should be left to parents and medical professionals without the influence of teachers who have no lifelong investment in our child? Shame on anyone who would pass this or encourage this kind of corruption in our school system.  We are asking you to educate, not parent our children.


Transgender Mandates

Strongly oppose! This should be a parents decision and involvement.   Someone is guiding a child with no knowledge of the entire mental state the child is in and what is driving the situation.  This will break families apart with the secrecy of not involving the parents with decisions made for their child.  This is going on before a child's brain is totally formed.  I can't even believe this is proposed.


Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students

I am in favor of your efforts to make sure that Virginia's schools are places where all students are able to thrive and reach their full potential, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. This means that there needs to be a supportive environment for all students, including transgender students, so that they can grow and thrive alongside their peers.


Against

This is why public education has become a household joke.  I forsee homeschooling, charter schools, and private schools becoming more popular with this ludicrous idea.


POOR TEACHERS.  Opposed!!

FFT: A child (and we are speaking of CHILDREN here, not grown adults whose brains can make an informed decision) can change his or her identity at will and it will be HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION if a teacher can’t keep up with which child is him or her or it or “ze” on any given day? Strongly Oppose.  Teachers have it hard enough. Additionally, You really think it’s a fantastic idea to let ANY kids, male or female, into locker rooms of the opposite sex? And teachers are not even allowed to stop and question a student? You don’t think middle school boys aren’t going to waltz into girls locker rooms? You don’t think your girls are going to feel violated when that happens?  You’re going to let girls go topless in the pool because they’re a boy that day and you, as a parent, are not even allowed to know that someone is indecently exposing themselves to your child? Give this a modicum of foresight at the mental and emotional pain something like THIS will cause. How many teenage girls will get raped because a teacher is not even allowed to question a high school boy (or boyS) about entering a girls locker room. Not even touching on the brainwashing of confusion into the next generation.  In DC, 11 year olds may now get an irreversible sex change operation without their parents KNOWLEDGE, let alone consent. What 11yo is capable of making such a decision?  How many college freshman even know what they want to major in? And they think it’s healthy for a MIDDLE SCHOOLER to make decisions about their own health?  My 11 year olds would stay up late every night, skip school and eat candy until their teeth fell out were they given free reign.  BECAUSE THEY CANT SEE THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THEIR ACTIONS. So we parents must train and protect them until their brains are developed.  It’s science. Who is behind insanity such as this?


Strongly opposed

Strongly opposed


Strongly Oppose Draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students!

It appears that once legislators and VA Dept. of Education bureaucrats get into office or into their tenured state educator employee positions, that all common sense learned from decades of living in the real world go out the window.  Are you people seriously insane?  What is wrong with you? This policy is dangerous and has no business in publicly funded education or in civil society, period! Multiple issues with these proposed "model policies" exist.  They are seriously problematic.  For instance, schools are not the place for youth that are "confused" about their God-given, biological gender to be allowed to violate the rights of other students.  As a father to two young girls, I would never want any boy, adolescent male, or male adult to be anywhere near my girls, especially in a sacred, private place like a dressing room or locker room!  WHY DO ANY OF YOU THINK THAT IS A GOOD IDEA IN OUR SCHOOLS???!! WOULD YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN EXPOSED TO THIS DEVIANT BEHAVIOR???? Numerous examples abound of men "identifying" as women attempting to change in women's locker rooms in places such as YMCA, and the women and girls were terrified for their privacy, and rightly so! a recent example is of a Seattle man "identifying" as a woman and changing at a woman's YMCA locker room gym in the past 4-5 years exist.  Just Google it.  These kind of stories you can't make up. It's so convenient that the radical progressives in this country like yourselves pushing these dangerous and nonsensical policies all vehemently complain and scream about their "right to choose," "my body, my rights," and other "Constitutional rights" related to privacy and abortion whenever those are even questioned or in jeopardy of being challenged or changed, but when it comes to parents demanding that those same rights to personal privacy be protected for their children in school bathrooms and locker rooms, conveniently you are silent, and a parent's rights to know about what is going on in their children's schools are ignored.  Hmm, I wonder why that is? It is the penultimate example in hypocrisy. Gender dysphoria is a DSM-5 listed mental disorder that has no business being administered to or promoted in schools.  Would a school not tell a parent that a child at school is exhibiting schizophrenic or dual personality characteristics?  Of course they would  tell them - they would tell them immediately!!  But under this insane policy, if a student at school professes to be something they are clearly not (boy thinks he's a girl, girl thinks he's a boy), as parents and citizens we are supposed to just accept that we have no rights or say in the matter, and have no right to be informed?  This policy is madness!! There are universal truths in life, and one of the truths we know as humans is that men and boys cannot be women and girls, and vice versa. Gender is not a social construct.  I am not a man today and a woman tomorrow, no matter what any nonsensical education policy says or what any misguided woke educator may believe.  I am not a Russian princess simply because now I wear a dress, wear makeup, and call myself "Ivana" when my real name is Ivan and I am a man. The real issue is not the will or rights of individual students with gender dysphoria or others who are disaffected, but the issue lies with the will of those behind it to assert power over entities resisting fundamental transformation.  Dr. Paul McHugh, the former psychiatrist in chief of Johns Hopkins Hospital and a Distinguished Service Professor, has stated transgenderism is a mental disorder that merits treatment.  People who promote transgenderism and claiming schools should be "safe spaces" for these individuals are promoting a mental disorder and are actually doing these students a grave disservice by refusing to let their parents know their children are expressing this behavior.  Studies from Vanderbilt University and London's Portman Clinic of children have shown that for children who had expressed transgender feelings, over 75 to 80% of those children over time spontaneously lost those feelings.  No one in a position of authority in education should seriously be advocating for these nonsensical and ill-advised policies as the Department of Education is.  As taxpayers in Virginia funding our public schools, no taxpayer should be forced to pay for policies that violate parent's rights and continue to engender a fantasy world where boys can be girls and girls can be boys.  Like the rock band The Kinks said in the song Lola, "Girls will be boys and boys will be girls, It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world."  We must NOT accept the DOE's attempt to redefine the context of our world through this misguided and dangerous policy by creating a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world.


Transgender Mandates

Strongly oppose! This should be a parents decision and involvement. Someone is guiding a child with no knowledge of the entire mental state the child is in and what is driving the situation.  This will break families apart with the secrecy of not involving the parents with decisions made for their child.  This is going on before a child's brain is totally formed.  I can not believe this is proposed.


Social contagion is not science

Let us empathize, care for, and treat young people who experience gender dysphoria but not deny biological reality or encourage socially contagious fallacies which have the potential to wreak permanent psychological and physical damage to the vulnerable.


Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students.

To whom it may concern, I am writing in support of the Model Policies on the Treatment of Transgender Students, because I believe all students should have equal access to education where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I am personally connected to the issue of equal and just treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. I, myself identify as a cisgender, bisexual male. Before I came out, both to my parents and the public I was as “normal” as can be. I was treated equally. I am now in ninth grade at Woodberry Forest School, a all-boys boarding school in Virginia. After I cam out, I started to feel more alone, more separated from everyone. It disheartens me to see the studies and polls from transgender individuals that they are treated the same way. No one should have to be secluded from their peers, especially not for their gender or lack thereof. We have a student here who identifies as transgender. She is a wonderful person and I am so lucky to have her in my life. Unfortunately, even in our small school she receives hate. She even had to switch roommates because her former one was uncomfortable living with her. This unfair treatment and mindset of distaste is exactly what needs to be remedied especially in public schools. Students should be taught specifically about transgender people and why they should be treated equally and not treated with disrespect. They are our equals, their equals and they should have no different treatment from their cisgender peers. GLSEN's 2019 National School Climate Survey shows that transgender and nonbinary students feel less safe at school and miss school more often because of feeling unsafe compared to their cisgender peers. Transgender and nonbinary students also report higher rates of victimization and discrimination than their peers, especially regarding respect for their names and pronouns and access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Transgender and nonbinary students should feel safe and included in their learning communities. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in their school, which is a place where they are supposed to be able to learn and be a part of a community that accepts them for who they are. Schools teach students how to succeed but they also teach students how to treat each other. This proposed rule will make Virginia schools a better place to learn for transgender and nonbinary students, which creates a better learning environment for all.  Thank you for your commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming schools for all Virginia students. Sincerely, Jon M. Bolena


These Policies Will Traumatize Children.

Children will be scared by other children of the opposite sex who identify as a gender other than their appearance entering bathrooms and locker rooms. Children will be permanently harmed by unnecessary reporting to the Children's Protective Service because parents want to  be able to give helpful guidance and support to their children on transgender issues. If these policies go into effect a large majority of children and parents will be uncomfortable with public schools and not want to be in the public school system.