[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89429
Title: strongly opposed to transgender education in the school system
Body:
Transgender education is not the responsibility of the school and the school system should not be involved.  The thought that a child's parents are not involved is extreme and reminds me of how Communism takes over the education of the youth.  I am opposed to Transgender education being a part of educational standards.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89430
Title: Absolute OPPOSITION! Transgender policy
Body:
This policy is totally deceptive and degrading to our majority of children.  I feel these issues are a private matter that should be handled discreetly by parents and professionals.  Why are private issues being broadcast all over the world and being used to change society.  Having worked in schools for 24 years, I know there were issues the Nurse and Parents worked out for certain problems of students ( as in a need for a restroom). what about privacy of the average student.  By making such an issue of transgender, you are confusing other children.  Parents advocating these issues are not helping their child.  As for one day I want to be a girl and the next a boy, that sounds ridiculous and confusing for a child.  I feel common sense has been taken out of all education processes and the hype of making the majority accept their unacceptable policies is in.  This sounds like a mental issue  for parents believing in this treatment and certainly for a child who goes thru many feelings. The idea of taking away parental input on their own child and not seeking a physciatrist is baffling to me..  This problem is why we have such professions.  I don't want my grandchildren exposed to such non-sense.  This is once again lowering standards and taking away rights of a parent and child.  If there are physical problems with a child, this is understandable, but a mindset of chaos and forcing others to agree is totally against our Constitutional right.  People are more accepting of issues when less attention is brought to the issues and you will NEVER change all minds as to acceptance of everyone.  Toleration is one thing, but absolute force thru policy is another.  I am disgusted with the Education process as a whole, these personal issues carry more weight than our children being taught to sign their name...in cursive writing.  Why not get back to education's real purpose, READING, WRITING and MATH( which is more simple to learn!). Go back to the classroom with real issues, the children learning from a competent teacher rather than a SCREEN!

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89431
Title: Protect our LGBTQ students!
Body:
When I was in high school in Virginia in the early 2000’s, there was nothing in terms of LGBTQ protections. Some brave students attempted to form a gay-straight alliance and were turned down. In a school of over two-thousand students, there was only one out gay student that I knew of. The constant bullying of anyone who didn’t fit typical gender norms was detrimental to my development and mental health, and I’m sure I am one of thousands who could say the same across the Commonwealth.  Do not make mistakes that will harm further generations of LGBTQ youth by shying away from these protections. Provide equal protection in our schools!

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89432
Title: Transgender Policies
Body:
These policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89433
Title: Definitions in the guidance are already outdated, inaccurate, incomplete and unsatisfactory.
Body:
I invite contact for any clarification, further discussion, or other inputs.  Thank you. First: Contrary to some opinions evidence supports that the effort to examine and model treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools is a worthwhile endeavor. Second: The draft’s design fails scientifically, ethically, and operationally by failing to address the reality that effective guidance to protect and support a vulnerable group in the school system must also address how the other groups (of all other students and their parents/guardians, of teachers and other employees, etc.) will be protected and supported and how the particular different individuals will be protected.   These failures threaten the rationality, morality, and stability of the draft guidance. Third: Among other places these failures are found immediately in the glossary and definitions of the draft terminology. For example: the definition of ‘gender’ necessarily requires distinction – definitionally – against a genetic description of ‘sex’, for example as the World Health Organization does: https://www.who.int/genomics/gender/en/#:~:text=(1)%20'Gender'%20describes,%2C%20health%20policy%2C%20and%20legislation .  A definition of ‘sex’ must also be included  since the term is used in many of the other definitions but is not here defined.  We find no where in the document discussion of the important scientific, biological terms regarding gender. Not including this important scientific information suggests that the model guidance is an ideological document intended to appease or indoctrinate rather than to support all members of schools’ communities. For example: there are no definitions of ‘detransitioning’ or ‘retransitioning’ which are being used by the most advanced SGM health agencies in the United States, including The National LGBT Health Education Center of the Fenway Institute a private world class agency in Boston and the San Francisco Health Network of the San Francisco Department of Public Health a world class public health agency: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Transgender_Health_Care_Detransitioning_and_Retransitioning.pdf Therefore, the model’s definition of ‘transgender’ is scientifically, ethically and operationally inaccurate and unsound and threatens the dignity, safety, and well being of each and every student and their parents/guardians. Not including this important clinical and health related information suggests that the model guidance is an ideological document intended to appease or to indoctrinate rather than to support all members of schools’ communities.   In fact at various points in the document indoctrination appears to step forward that bespoils the model guidance. Fourth: The document avoids, or poorly discusses, manifold ethical issues and concerns that are of paramount importance. For example: Of paramount importance in every ‘breath’ of the model guidance – on paper and in implementation – must be ethically sound judgement.  Ethically sound judgement requires consideration of all levels of experience of the guidance: how administrators, how teachers, how other workers, how students, and students in their manifold diversity, how parents/guardians, and others will experience the guidance.  There is no evidence in the document of these considerations. Another paramount issue for ethical inquiry is how the model guidance protects  - or does not protect - each and every student from coercion(s).  Coercion(s) to believe things about themselves or others that are harmful to themselves or others, and coercion(s) to behave in ways that are harmful to themselves or others.  Discriminatory practices are a form of coercion.  Bullying and other violence or threatened violence are a form of coercion.  There are many other forms of coercion, including repression of inquiry, oppression of speech, failure to protect divergent points of view, and failure to ascertain and to protect valid informed consent and processes for achieving valid informed consent.  Issues of coercion and consent at vexed and complicated at all times in health care systems, and should be, for the protection of human dignity and human rights.   Recently in the United Kingdom issues of legal and ethical consent processing resulted in a high court  ruling, discussed briefly in the British Medical Journal - https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m4699.full : Children under 16 cannot consent to the use of puberty blockers for gender dysphoria unless they can understand the immediate and long term consequences of the treatment, which is unlikely, the High Court in London has ruled. 1 Victoria Sharp, president of the Queen’s Bench Division, sitting with Lord Justice Lewis and Mrs Justice Lieven, said it was “highly unlikely” that a child aged 13 or under would be competent to give consent to the administration of puberty blockers. She said that the judges were “very doubtful” that a child aged 14 or 15 could understand and weigh the long term risks and consequences of the administration of puberty blockers. In the light of paramount ethical principles regarding ensuring non-coercion and ensuring valid consent the document’s many occasions of de-valuing, de-limiting, and at times dis-crediting/dis-enfranchising parents/guardians is ethically unsound, and may be legally unsound, not to mention objective harmful to some students.  In one prominent instance the guidance explicitly advises that schools may – or should -  lie to parents/guardians.  Establishing lying as a moral guide in the school system is unethical and presents the school system as a threat to community morality.  In another prominent instance the guidance invites the school system to act ‘in loco parentis’ regarding the student’s health and well being without consulting with the parents/guardians, and without social systems in place and ready to meet every need of the youth instead of the parents/guardians.  This is moral... [truncated]

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89434
Title: No, No, No, NO!!!
Body:
The proposed policies articulate views – such as the view that “Gender identity is considered an innate characteristic that most children declare by age five to six ” – that are far different from those of many parents. Through its blanket endorsement of views like these, the VDOE has gone far beyond the path the General Assembly prescribed. Schools have a duty to protect the bodily privacy and dignity of all students. No child should be forced to share showers, locker rooms, hotel rooms or other intimate settings with a member of the opposite biological sex. Many children would feel uncomfortable when they encounter a member of the opposite sex – particularly adults – in gendered facilities or when entering a shared hotel room as part of an overnight school activity. Children, particularly adolescents, can experience hypersensitive and traumatic reactions to these situations. Schools should not be accommodating the especially harmful view that youth is an appropriate time to be encouraging, in some cases, irreversible “gender transitions”. The model regulations infringe the First Amendment rights of parents to raise and care for their children. The Department’s proposed policies would pit children against their parents when it comes to important questions about sex and gender identity. These policies invite the sexual abuse of children and adults.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89435
Title: Chromosomes don't lie
Body:
You are born with either a Y-chromosome or an X-chromosome This is the only thing that determines what pronoun you are. Preferences do not change science.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89436
Title: Sexual Preferences are personal and optional.  Biology is not.
Body:
I have no problems with any individual's sexual behavior or preference, within the law.  Clothing, mannerisms and other such displays are all fine with me. However, as a free thinking rational person, I should not be forced to pretend that a boy is a girl.  One's actual gender is determined before birth, at the moment of conception.  And it remains this way until our very last breath on earth.  Some children near puberty switch back and forth with great sexual confusion.  However, no amount of surgery or behavior modification can ever change our gender because it is locked into every cell of our body, with a pair of exactly the same DNA chromosomes that we were born with. So let people express themselves however they wish, but do not force my daughter to share restrooms/showers with your son.  There must be a recognition that there are immutable biological differences that drive some policies, and privacy, and medical care, which cannot be trumped by a teenager's sexual preference.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89437
Title: Strongly Opposed
Body:
I strongly oppose on countless levels. What psychological science is being used to base these changes? The psychology behind gender is still being explored and a cursory search can find many different conclusions not only in the science, but in behavioral approach. Focus on teaching English, Math, Science and the other topics, and stop forcing this conversation on children as young as 4-5 years old. This is clearly an ideological move and does not actually care for the young who experience gender dysphoria. Use your time and our tax dollars to explore other teaching methods like those of Charlotte Mason who respect the individual as a mystery in their approach to education, not reduce their identity to merely their sexual and gender preferences.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89438
Title: Forcing teachers to accept and teach empirical falsefhoods
Body:
I do not approve of proposed guidelines that eradicate all distinctions between male and female in our schools. These proposals force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. Parents are stripped of their rights and our fundamental right as individuals to not have the state dictate what we believe is at risk. Stop these policies in their tracks!

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89439
Title: Transgender Policies
Body:
Strongly Oppose

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89440
Title: Transgender Policies: Strongly Opposed
Body:
Strongly Oppose

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89441
Title: biology is not optional
Body:
Sensitivity to this subject should not be ignored but SHOULD NOT be the norm and should not cause conformity and confusion for the majority. Biology is male and female. This matter has nothing to do with pushing religious practices; it has everything to do with sound science and order. Instituting these radical measures will only further confuse and divide our precious children's developing minds and social-self. When issues do arise within this area...they should be handled as special cases and on a case by case basis...NOT mandated legalities.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89442
Title: Transgender breakup of the family
Body:
This latest attempt by so called liberals is an affront to the American family and the laws of nature. I, as a grandfather, I do not want my grandson to be exposed to such idiotic ideas. The parents need to be the final arbiter in the discipline of our children. This entire proposal will be a crack in the door to total takeover by the state of our family. It will lead to all sorts of suits and instability of our society. It accomplishes nothing other than that. It contributes to pushing socialist philosophy which is anathema to Americans.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89443
Title: Protect LGBTQ Students
Body:
All students - regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, socioeconomic status, etc. - should feel safe and supported at school, free from discrimination and harassment. I fully support the initiative to protect our transgender students.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89444
Title: Re: Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary Scho
Body:
I have reviewed the proposal. I am competent to do so for several reasons: • I have graduate degrees in religious ethics (MA, UVA,1983), clinical ethics (MA, UVA,1994) and Public Health (MPH, UVA,2007 ) • I am professionally credentialed in health education (CHES, #16864) • I have more than four decades’ advocacy leadership, and organizational leadership, in issues of sexual and gender minority (SGM) health, including • served on advisory committee with Virginia Department of Health in issues of HIV/AIDS, SGM communities, 1994-2014, including participation in planning and research phases, assessment and implementation of findings of primary community based research with SGM communities • participated in planning and research phases, assessment and implementation of findings, for groundbreaking transgender health research in Virginia (2005 – 2011) • leadership roles with establishing education and advocacy committees, task forces and projects for SGM communities regarding human rights protections, anti-violence services, access to cultural competent services (with law enforcement agencies, with health care providers, with faith communities, with social services agencies, with schools, etc) • leadership roles with establishing SGM youth programs in the Charlottesville/surrounding counties area • leadership roles regarding SGM concerns with the University of Virginia • leadership roles with the Ethics Section of the American Public Health Association • attended and presented at many local regional, national and international meetings, conferences and sessions on issues of SGM values, issues, and concerns, and particularly in non-discrimination and violence prevention, human equitable access to services, and human rights protections And have had the privilege of receiving awards for this leadership • Serpentine Society (University of Virginia alumni organization), Outstanding Service Award, 2012 • Equality Virginia, Outstanding Virginian, 2012 (cited for work in health and human rights with LGBT and other Virginians) • University of Virginia Equal Opportunity Programs Champion, 2009 (cited for work with increasing attention to organizational diversity) My comments will be brief. I invite contact for any clarification, further discussion, or other inputs. Thank you. First: Contrary to some opinions evidence supports that the effort to examine and model treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools is a worthwhile endeavor. Second: The draft’s design fails scientifically, ethically, and operationally by failing to address the reality that effective guidance to protect and support a vulnerable group in the school system must also address how the other groups (of all other students and their parents/guardians, of teachers and other employees, etc.) will be protected and supported. These failures threaten the rationality, morality, and stability of the draft guidance. Third: Among other places these failures are found immediately in the glossary and definitions of the draft terminology. For example: the definition of ‘gender’ necessarily requires distinction – definitionally – against a genetic description of ‘sex’, for example as the World Health Organization does: https://www.who.int/genomics/gender/en/#:~:text=(1)%20'Gender'%20describes,%2C%20health%20policy%2C%20and%20legislation. A definition of ‘sex’ must also be included since the term is used in many of the other definitions but is not here defined. We find no where in the document discussion of the important scientific, biological terms regarding gender. Not including this important scientific information suggests that the model guidance is an ideological document intended to appease or indoctrinate rather than to support all members of schools’ communities. For example: there are no definitions of ‘detransitioning’ or ‘retransitioning’ which are being used by the most advanced SGM health agencies in the United States, including The National LGBT Health Education Center of the Fenway Institute a private world class agency in Boston and the San Francisco Health Network of the San Francisco Department of Public Health a world class public health agency: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Transgender_Health_Care_Detransitioning_and_Retransitioning.pdf Therefore, the model’s definition of ‘transgender’ is scientifically, ethically and operationally inaccurate and unsound and threatens the dignity, safety, and well being of each and every student and their parents/guardians. Not including this important clinical and health related information suggests that the model guidance is an ideological document intended to appease or to indoctrinate rather than to support all members of schools’ communities. In fact at various points in the document indoctrination appears to step forward that bespoils the model guidance. Fourth: The document avoids, or poorly discusses, manifold ethical issues and concerns that are of paramount importance. For example: Of paramount importance in every ‘breath’ of the model guidance – on paper and in implementation – must be ethically sound judgement. Ethically sound judgement requires consideration of all levels of experience of the guidance: how administrators, how teachers, how other workers, how students, and students in their manifold diversity, how parents/guardians, and others will experience the guidance. There is no evidence in the document of these considerations. Another paramount issue for ethical inquiry is how the model guidance protects - or does not protect - each and every student from coercion(s). Coercion(s) to believe things about themselves or others that are harmful to themselves or others, and coercion(s) to behave in ways that are harmful to themselves or others. Discriminatory practices are a form of coercion. Bullying and other violence or threatened violence are a form of coercion. There are many other forms of coercion, including r... [truncated]

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89445
Title: Strongly Support This Proposal
Body:
Hello, Thank you for this proposal. As a school counselor, I have witnessed the difference in outcomes for transgender students when they are supported and affirmed at school compared to when they are not. Equitable access to education is a right for all students, and these proposed changes will help ensure that students feel supported at school and thus motivated to attend and engage in learning. I particularly appreciate the proposal for school boards to develop a way for students' true gender (not necessarily the one assigned at birth) and chosen name to be displayed prominently in their records. When educators look up a student in the system, chosen name and true gender must be featured so as to avoid unintentionally misgendering and alienating the student. Educators who are resistant to calling students by their chosen name should be encouraged to view it similarly to students who use nicknames instead of their legal name: if nicknames are acceptable, then so are transgender students' chosen names. Refusal to comply with the student's request to be called by a name other than their legal name should be viewed as a malicious attempt to prohibit the student from obtaining an equitable education. I also appreciated the ideas around how to compromise with parents who do not want their student's gender identity to be affirmed. The example given in which educators compromise with parents by using the student's legal name and pronouns in communication with parents and using the student's chosen name and pronouns in the classroom and school milieu may be one way to support students while also working respectfully with parents who are not initially accepting of their student's identity. All in all, a lot needs to change on a policy level in order for Virginia schools to be equitable for all students. This proposal is one step in the right direction towards making that happen.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89446
Title: Memo Date 12/18 from Dr. Lane
Body:
I am a little confused by the memo sent out.  If school divisions have a policy on bullying and harassment why do we need a separate policy on "The treatment of Transgender Students"  The policies of bullying and harassment cover every student within a school setting. .  Also, VDOE is isolating non-transgender students with this new policy.. Non -transgender/LGBTQ  could be bullied  and harassed by transgender or any LGBTQ group. Where is the policy to protect this group.  Please explain what a sex-based dress code is(this term is not used in any school handbook to my knowledge). What is the difference between a school activity and a sport ? What stops transgender students from participating in VHSL sports.  By the VDOE's definition once a student declares to be a certain gender they have all the rights and privileges of that gender. If a boy claims to be a girl and dresses as a girl during the day and this girl wants to try out for basketball do they try out as a girl or as a boy or can they play for either team. VDOE is opening a door that they will have to defend on many points.  VDOE is setting up school divisions for potential lawsuits.   VDOE is designed by nature to first educate children.  Why does VDOE spend time on things that are universally covered under two words: bullying and harassment.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89447
Title: Transgender policy: do not pass this!!
Body:
This is a horrible policy! Do not let this pass! This will add to the demise of our children! They deserve better than this!

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89448
Title: All have the right to learn free from discrimination and harassment
Body:
Can't summarize my support more clearly than repeating "...all children have a right to learn, free from discrimination and harassment". Thank you!

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89449
Title: Strongly Support
Body:
Everyone should feel safe in school. Discrimination is wrong. We need to provide nurturing environments where all can grow and be true to who they are.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89450
Title: not science
Body:
This neglects basic biology.  "Gender" is a term used in language studies to make adjectives, verbs, adverbs, nouns and pronouns agree.  It is NOT a term to describe the sex of an individual, which is determined by the DNA in the nucleus of every cell in the human body.  No amount of chemical or surgical mutilation of the body can alter that.  It is superfluous to assume that anyone can choose their sex, male or female.  It is also damaging to lie to a human of any age that they can "choose" their sex. In addition, the two-pronged goal of Marxism is 1. Destroy the family unit. 2. Abolish private property.  This document falls under #1. Therefore, it should be dismissed and rejected. A person who is really confused(not faking it) by some feelings about their sex should be offered truthful, compassionate counseling about their situation.  "Fakers", so they can compete in athletic games against members of the opposite sex, should be told to compete against members of their own sex, period. Furthermore, this document displays an astounding lack of knowledge and understanding of human nature, of the sciences of biology, genetics, sociology, and psychology.  There is nothing good in any of these recommendations.  That it is even being considered is embarrassing to everyone with the slightest bit of humanity, intelligence, and rational thought. Reject it, reject it, reject it.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89451
Title: STRONGLY SUPPORT
Body:
The need to protect our youth regardless of race, sex, or gender is our ultimate priority when considering the educational spaces they are meant to occupy. It is crucial that we encourage the protection of students in policies in order to protect them from peers who may not yet understand them AS WELL AS adults and faculty who need formal requirements in order to hold them accountable. Bullying, harassment, and discrimination regarding one's identity are inexcusable and to deny these youth of protection of their personal privacy regarding confidentiality of information, school records, and dress code are all facets of empowering and encouraging youth to stay within the educational system. The lack of these BASIC rights is what leads to long-term, irreparable inequity in adulthood and should be avoided at all costs through the utmost protection of youth via protective and inclusive policy. ALSO, TO THOSE IN OPPOSITION: It is evident you did NOT read nor comprehend that these policies were REQUESTED via HOUSE and SENATE BILLS by the VA GA and that the guidelines address EVIDENCE-based practices and information. Your personal concerns regarding the "influence" of your own children are thus issues regarding the level of education in your own household. Perhaps consider taking a Gender Studies course at any University in which policies regarding Transgender/Non-Binary students are certainly more forthright than the BASIC rights proposed here for the youth.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.


[System]
You are an expert policy analyst classifying public comments submitted to the Virginia Town Hall
regulatory comment system. You will be given the text of a proposed regulation and a single
public comment. Return ONLY a JSON object — no other text.

Definitions:
- stance: the commenter's position on whether the regulation should be adopted.
  "support" = wants it approved (as-is or with changes);
  "oppose"  = wants it rejected or substantially weakened;
  "neutral" = takes no position, asks a question, or provides factual input only;
  "unknown" = too vague, off-topic, or uninterpretable to classify.
- tone: the emotional register of the writing, independent of stance.
  "positive" = affirming, hopeful, appreciative;
  "negative" = angry, fearful, alarmed, or contemptuous;
  "neutral"  = matter-of-fact, procedural, or informational;
  "mixed"    = contains both positive and negative emotional content;
  "unclear"  = tone cannot be determined (e.g., a one-word comment).
- stance_confidence: float 0.0-1.0, your confidence in the stance label.
- stance_rationale: 1-3 sentences explaining the key evidence; quote specific phrases where possible.
- tags: up to 5 short topic labels relevant to the comment's specific concerns (e.g.
  "parental rights", "student safety", "privacy", "religious freedom", "LGBTQ+ inclusion",
  "bullying prevention", "school sports", "bathroom access"). Empty array if none apply.

Return exactly these keys: stance, stance_confidence, stance_rationale, tone, tags.

[User]
## Proposed Regulation
Title: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools
Description: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students;  protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.

---

## Public Comment
Comment ID: 89452
Title: Support
Body:
I am a parent of three Albemarle County public school students and strongly support the adoption of this guidance for the treatment of transgender students. All youth need a safe and supportive educational space and I believe this document is a meaningful step towards that goal for Virginia.

---
Classify this comment per the instructions. Return only JSON.